<PAGE>
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-9817
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated June 13, 1997)
U.S. $1,750,000,000
SEARS ROEBUCK ACCEPTANCE CORP.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES SERIES IV
DUE AT LEAST 9 MONTHS FROM DATE OF ISSUE
---------------
Sears Roebuck Acceptance Corp. ("SRAC") may offer from time to time up to
U.S. $1,750,000,000 aggregate initial public offering price or its equivalent
in foreign currencies (based on the applicable exchange rate at the time of
offering), of its Medium-Term Notes Series IV due at least 9 months from the
date of issue, as selected by the purchaser and agreed to by SRAC. The Notes
may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in such foreign currencies as may be
designated by SRAC at the time of offering. The specific currencies, interest
rates (including whether fixed or floating) and maturity dates of the Notes
will be set forth in Pricing Supplements to this Prospectus Supplement.
Purchasers of the Notes are required to pay for them in the currency
specified in the Pricing Supplement by delivery of the requisite amount of the
Specified Currency to an Agent, unless other arrangements have been made.
Principal of and interest on the Notes are generally payable by SRAC in the
Specified Currency. See "Currency Exchange and Other Information" and
"Description of Notes."
Except as described herein, interest on Fixed Rate Notes will be payable
February 15 and August 15 of each year (or on either of such dates or on such
other dates as specified therein and in the applicable Pricing Supplement) and
at maturity. Interest on Floating Rate Notes will be payable on the dates
specified therein and in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
The Notes will not be redeemable prior to their Maturity Date unless either
a Redemption Commencement Date or one or more Stated Redemption Dates are
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement. See "Description of Notes--
Redemption."
The Notes will be issued only in a minimum denomination of U.S. $1,000 or
the approximate equivalent thereof in the Specified Currency and (except as
otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement) will initially be
Book-Entry Notes represented by one or more Global Notes registered in the
name of the depository's nominee as described herein. An interest in a Global
Note will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through,
records maintained by the depository and its participants. Notes will be
issued in fully registered, certificated form to owners of beneficial
interests therein or their nominees, rather than to the depository's nominee,
only as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, or under the limited
circumstances described herein. See "Description of Notes--General" and
"Description of Notes--Book-Entry Notes."
---------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS OR ANY SUPPLEMENT
THERETO. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE(1) AGENTS' COMMISSIONS(2)(3) PROCEEDS TO SRAC(1)(2)(3)(4)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PER NOTE................ 100% .125%-.750% 99.250%-99.875%
TOTAL(5)................ $1,750,000,000 $2,187,500-$13,125,000 $1,736,875,000-$1,747,812,500
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Notes
will be issued at 100% of their principal amount.
(2) SRAC will pay to Goldman, Sachs & Co., Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated or
Salomon Brothers Inc (the "Agents") a commission of from .125% to .750%
(or such other rate as may from time to time be negotiated between such
Agent and SRAC), depending on maturity, of the principal amount of any
Note sold through such Agent. SRAC has agreed to indemnify each Agent
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended.
(3) In addition to offers made by Agents, it is anticipated that SRAC will
offer Notes directly to certain institutional investors in jurisdictions
in which SRAC and its employees may be registered or qualified to do so or
in transactions in which they are exempt from such registration or
qualification. For sales made directly by SRAC, no commissions will be
payable and the proceeds to SRAC will be the initial public offering
price.
(4) Before deducting estimated expenses of $880,000 payable by SRAC, including
$25,000 of estimated expenses of the Agents to be reimbursed by SRAC.
(5) Or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies or currency units.
---------------
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
SALOMON BROTHERS INC
SEARS ROEBUCK ACCEPTANCE CORP.
June 13, 1997
<PAGE>
The Agents have agreed to use their reasonable efforts to solicit offers to
purchase Notes from time to time on behalf of SRAC. Notes may be sold to each
of the Agents, as principal, at discounts equal to the commissions applicable
to sales by Agents of Notes or, if so indicated in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, at negotiated discounts, for resale in negotiated transactions, at
fixed public offering prices or at varying prices related to prevailing prices
determined at the time of resale. The Agents may act as agents for sales of
Notes, or may offer the Notes they have purchased as principals, to or through
dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation from the Agents. SRAC
reserves the right to sell the Notes directly on its own behalf, and it is
anticipated that SRAC will offer the Notes directly to certain institutional
investors. SRAC also reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the
offering contemplated hereby without notice. No termination date for the
offering of the Notes has been established. SRAC or the soliciting Agent may
reject any order. See "Plan of Distribution."
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, ANY ACCOMPANYING
PRICING SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED. NEITHER THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, ANY ACCOMPANYING PRICING
SUPPLEMENT NOR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS CONSTITUTES AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED
SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, ANY ACCOMPANYING PRICING SUPPLEMENT OR
THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF SRAC SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
Certain persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the Notes.
Specifically, the Agents may over-allot in connection with the offering, may
bid for, and purchase, the Notes in the open market and may impose penalty
bids. In addition, the Agents may engage in passive market making. For a
description of these activities, see "Plan of Distribution."
----------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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PAGE
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
<S> <C>
Interim Financial Information.............................................. S-3
Currency Exchange and Other Information.................................... S-4
Description of Notes....................................................... S-4
Foreign Currency Risks..................................................... S-15
United States Tax Considerations........................................... S-16
Plan of Distribution....................................................... S-22
Legal Opinion.............................................................. S-23
PROSPECTUS
Available Information...................................................... 3
Reports to Holders of Debt Securities...................................... 3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............................ 3
Sears Roebuck Acceptance Corp.............................................. 4
Use of Proceeds............................................................ 4
Summary Financial Information.............................................. 5
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges......................................... 6
Description of Debt Securities............................................. 6
Plan of Distribution....................................................... 10
Legal Opinion.............................................................. 10
Experts.................................................................... 10
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE>
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth certain summary financial information of
Sears Roebuck Acceptance Corp. (the "Company" or "SRAC") for the three-month
periods ended March 29, 1997 and March 30, 1996. The summary information is
unaudited, but in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only
of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the results of
operations of the Company have been included. The operating results for the
three-month period ended March 29, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of
results to be expected for the full year. The summary information should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements incorporated in the
Prospectus by reference.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
(UNAUDITED)
-------------------
MARCH 29, MARCH 30,
1997 1996
--------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN
MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Operating Results
Total revenues............ $ 208 $ 149
Interest and related
expenses................. 166 117
Total expenses............ 167 118
Income taxes.............. 14 11
Net income................ 27 20
Financial Position
Assets
Notes of Sears.......... $12,525 $8,824
Customer receivable
balances purchased from
Sears.................. 79 69
Total assets............ 12,713 9,338
Liabilities
Commercial paper........ $ 3,625 $4,381
Agreements with bank
trust departments...... 92 124
Intermediate-term loans. 715 870
Medium-term notes....... 4,822 1,894
Discrete underwritten
debt................... 1,603 748
Total liabilities....... 11,000 8,073
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
investment in the Company
Capital stock (including
capital in excess of
par value)............. $ 385 $ 35
Retained income......... 1,328 1,230
Other Pertinent Data
Contractual Credit
Facilities (quarter-end). $ 5,000 $5,720
</TABLE>
During the first quarter of 1997, the Company's revenues increased 40% to
$208 million from $149 million in the comparable 1996 period. The increase in
revenue is attributable to a $3.2 billion or 34% increase in SRAC's average
earning assets compared to the first quarter of 1996 in response to Sears
funding requirements.
The Company's interest and related expenses increased 42% to $166 million
from $117 million for the first quarter of 1996 due to an increase in average
outstanding long-term debt. The Company's cost of short-term funds averaged
5.47% compared to 5.57% for the same period in 1996. The Company's short-term
borrowings averaged $3.9 billion compared to $4.8 billion for the first
quarter of 1996. The Company's long-term debt averaged $6.9 billion compared
to $3.2 billion in the first quarter of 1996.
The Company's net income of $27 million for the first quarter of 1997
reflects an increase of 35% over the comparable 1996 period amount of $20
million. The Company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 1.25 for the
first quarter of 1997 compared to 1.26 for the comparable 1996 period.
On May 16, 1997, the Company issued $300 million of its 6.95% Notes due May
15, 2002.
S-3
<PAGE>
CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND OTHER INFORMATION
Purchasers are required to pay for the Medium-Term Notes Series IV (the
"Notes") in the currency specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement (the
"Specified Currency"). Currently, there are limited facilities in the United
States for conversion of U.S. dollars into foreign currencies, and vice versa.
However, since December 31, 1989, the Federal Reserve Board no longer objects
to the establishment by U.S. banks of non-U.S. dollar denominated checking or
savings account facilities in the United States. Principal and interest
payments in respect of the Notes will be made in the Specified Currency unless
such Specified Currency is unavailable due to circumstances beyond the control
of SRAC. See "Foreign Currency Risks" and "Description of Notes."
References herein to "U.S. dollars" or "U.S. $" or "$" are to the currency
of the United States of America.
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
The following description, which sets forth the particular terms of the
Notes offered hereby (referred to in the Prospectus as the "Offered Debt
Securities"), except to the extent otherwise specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, supplements the description of the general terms and
provisions of Debt Securities set forth in the Prospectus, to which
description reference is hereby made. The applicable Pricing Supplement may
specify different or additional terms.
GENERAL
The Notes are to be issued under an Indenture (the "Indenture"), dated as of
May 15, 1995, between SRAC and The Chase Manhattan Bank.
The authorized denominations of Notes denominated in U.S. dollars will be
U.S. $1,000 and any larger amount in integral multiples of $1,000. The
authorized denominations of Notes denominated in a Specified Currency other
than U.S. dollars will be the equivalent, as determined by the Market Exchange
Rate (as defined below) on the Business Day (as defined below) immediately
preceding the date on which SRAC accepts an offer to purchase such Notes, of
U.S. $1,000 (rounded to an integral multiple of 1,000 units of such Specified
Currency) and any larger amount in integral multiples of 1,000 units. The
Market Exchange Rate on a given date for a given Specified Currency is the
noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers for such
Specified Currency as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York; provided, however, that in the case of European Currency
Units, Market Exchange Rate shall mean the rate of exchange determined by the
Council of European Communities (or any successor thereto) as published on
such date or the most recently available date in the Official Journal of the
European Communities (or any successor publication).
The Maturity Date (as defined below) of the Notes will be at least nine
months from the date of issue, each as selected by the purchaser and agreed to
by SRAC. The Notes will constitute a single series of Debt Securities under
the Indenture, which is unlimited in aggregate principal amount. The aggregate
amount of Notes that may be offered hereunder will be reduced by the aggregate
initial public offering price of any other Debt Securities issued by SRAC
pursuant to the Registration Statement that includes the accompanying
Prospectus.
The Notes are issuable in registered form only, without coupons, as Book-
Entry Notes initially represented by one or more global notes (each a "Global
Note") registered in the name of Cede & Co. ("Cede"), as the nominee of The
Depository Trust Company ("DTC," and, together with any successor depository
selected by SRAC, the "Depository"), except that Notes in fully registered,
certificated form ("Certificated Notes") will be issued to, and registered in
the names of, owners of beneficial interests therein or their nominees if so
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement or under the limited
circumstances described under "Book-Entry Notes." All Book-Entry Notes having
the same terms, including, but not limited to, Interest Payment Dates,
interest rate, Maturity Date, and redemption or repayment provisions may be
represented by a single Global Note. A beneficial interest in a Global Note
will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records
maintained by the Depository and its participants. Payments of principal and
interest on Book-Entry Notes will be made by the Trustee to the Depository.
See "--Book-Entry Notes."
S-4
<PAGE>
Unless previously redeemed or repaid, a Note will mature on the date (the
"Maturity Date") that is specified on the face thereof and in the applicable
Pricing Supplement.
The Notes will be unsecured obligations of SRAC and will be identical except
for currency denomination, interest rate, Interest Payment Dates, Maturity
Date, issue date and applicable redemption or repayment provisions. The Notes
will not be subject to any sinking fund.
Notes will be sold in individual issues of Notes having such interest rates
or interest rate formulas, Maturity Dates and dates of original issuance as
shall be selected by the initial purchasers and agreed to by SRAC. Each Note
will bear interest at a fixed rate or at a rate determined by reference to one
or more of the Commercial Paper Rate, the Prime Rate, LIBOR, the Treasury
Rate, the CD Rate, the CMT Rate or the Federal Funds Rate, or such other
interest rate formula as is set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement, as
adjusted by the Spread or Spread Multiplier, if any, applicable to such Note
(as such terms are defined below). See "Description of Notes--Interest Rate."
The term "Business Day" as used herein means each Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (a) that is not a legal holiday for banking
institutions in any of the City of Wilmington, Delaware, the City of Chicago,
Illinois, the City of New York, New York or the city in which the principal
corporate trust office of the Trustee is located, and (b) with respect to
Notes denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars, any such
day that is not a legal holiday for banking institutions in any of the City of
Wilmington, Delaware, the City of Chicago, Illinois, the City of New York, New
York, or the principal financial center of the country of the Specified
Currency (which in the case of European Currency Units will be Brussels), and
(c) with respect to LIBOR Notes, that is a day on which dealings in deposits
in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market and that is not
a legal holiday for banking institutions in any of the City of Wilmington,
Delaware, the City of Chicago, Illinois or the City of New York, New York.
INTEREST RATE
Each Note will bear interest from and including its date of issue or from
and including the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest on such
Note has been paid or duly provided for at the fixed rate per annum, or at the
rate per annum determined pursuant to the interest rate formula, stated
therein and in the applicable Pricing Supplement until the principal thereof
is paid or made available for payment in accordance with the terms thereof.
Interest will be payable on each Interest Payment Date and at maturity as
specified below under "Payment of Principal and Interest."
Each Note will bear interest at either (a) a fixed rate (a "Fixed Rate
Note") or (b) a variable rate (a "Floating Rate Note") determined by reference
to the specified Interest Rate Basis (as defined below), which will be
adjusted by adding or subtracting any applicable Spread or multiplying by any
applicable Spread Multiplier. A Floating Rate Note may also have either or
both of the following: (a) a maximum numerical interest rate limitation, or
ceiling, on the rate of interest which may accrue during any interest period
(a "Maximum Rate"); and (b) a minimum numerical interest rate limitation, or
floor, on the rate of interest which may accrue during any interest period (a
"Minimum Rate"). The "Spread" is the number of basis points, if any, specified
in the applicable Pricing Supplement as being applicable to the interest rate
for such Floating Rate Note and the "Spread Multiplier" is the percentage, if
any, specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as being applicable to the
interest rate for such Floating Rate Note. "Market Day" means (a) with respect
to any Note, any day which is not a legal holiday for banking institutions in
the City of New York, and (b) with respect to any LIBOR Note, any such day on
which dealings in deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London
interbank market. "Index Maturity" means, with respect to a Floating Rate
Note, the period to maturity of the instrument or obligation on which the
interest rate formula is based, as specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement,
The Chase Manhattan Bank will be the calculation agent (the "Calculation
Agent") with respect to Floating Rate Notes.
The applicable Pricing Supplement relating to a Fixed Rate Note will
designate a fixed rate of interest per annum payable on such Fixed Rate Note.
The applicable Pricing Supplement relating to a Floating Rate Note will
designate an interest rate basis (the "Interest Rate Basis") for such Floating
Rate Note. The Interest Rate Basis for each Floating Rate Note will be one or
more of: (a) the
S-5
<PAGE>
Commercial Paper Rate, in which case such Floating Rate Note will be a
Commercial Paper Rate Note; (b) the Prime Rate, in which case such Floating
Rate Note will be a Prime Rate Note; (c) LIBOR, in which case such Floating
Rate Note will be a LIBOR Note; (d) the Treasury Rate, in which case such
Floating Rate Note will be a Treasury Rate Note; (e) the CD Rate, in which
case such Floating Rate Note will be a CD Rate Note; (f) the CMT Rate, in
which case such Floating Rate Note will be a CMT Rate Note; (g) the Federal
Funds Rate, in which case such Floating Rate Note will be a Federal Funds Rate
Note; or (h) such other interest rate formula as is set forth in such Pricing
Supplement. The applicable Pricing Supplement for a Floating Rate Note will
specify the Interest Rate Basis and, if applicable, the Calculation Agent, the
Index Maturity, the Spread, the Spread Multiplier, the Maximum Rate, the
Minimum Rate, the Interest Payment Dates, the Regular Record Dates, the
Interest Determination Dates (including the date as of which the Initial
Interest Rate is set (the "Initial Interest Determination Date")) and the
Interest Reset Dates with respect to such Note.
The initial rate of interest (the "Initial Interest Rate") on each Floating
Rate Note will be set on the Initial Interest Determination Date and reset
daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually (each an
"Interest Reset Date"), as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Except for the Initial Interest Determination Date, the Interest Reset Date
will be, in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset daily, each Market
Day; in the case of Floating Rate Notes (other than Treasury Rate Notes) which
reset weekly, the Wednesday of each week; in the case of Treasury Rate Notes
which reset weekly, the Tuesday of each week; in the case of Floating Rate
Notes which reset monthly, the third Wednesday of each month; in the case of
Floating Rate Notes which reset quarterly, the third Wednesday of February,
May, August and November; in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset semi-
annually, the third Wednesday of two months of each year as specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement; and in the case of Floating Rate Notes which
reset annually, the third Wednesday of one month of each year as specified in
the applicable Pricing Supplement. If any Interest Reset Date for any Floating
Rate Note would otherwise be a day that is not a Market Day with respect to
such Floating Rate Note, the Interest Reset Date for such Floating Rate Note
shall be postponed to the next day that is a Market Day with respect to such
Floating Rate Note, except that in the case of a LIBOR Note, if such Market
Day is in the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Reset Date shall
be the immediately preceding Market Day.
The Interest Determination Date pertaining to an Interest Reset Date for a
Commercial Paper Rate Note (the "Commercial Paper Interest Determination
Date"), for a Prime Rate Note (the "Prime Interest Determination Date"), for a
LIBOR Note (the "LIBOR Interest Determination Date"), for a CD Rate Note (the
"CD Interest Determination Date"), for a CMT Rate Note (the "CMT Interest
Determination Date") and for a Federal Funds Rate Note (the "Federal Funds
Interest Determination Date") will be the second Market Day preceding such
Interest Reset Date, except in the case of the Initial Interest Determination
Date. The Interest Determination Date pertaining to an Interest Reset Date for
a Treasury Rate Note (the "Treasury Interest Determination Date") will be the
day of the week in which such Interest Reset Date falls on which Treasury
bills would normally be auctioned, except in the case of the Initial Interest
Determination Date. Treasury bills are usually sold at auction on the Monday
of each week, unless that day is a legal holiday, in which case the auction is
usually held on the following Tuesday, except that such auction may be held on
the preceding Friday. If, as the result of a legal holiday, an auction is so
held on the preceding Friday, such Friday will be the Treasury Interest
Determination Date pertaining to the Interest Reset Date occurring in the next
succeeding week, except in the case of the Initial Interest Determination
Date. If an auction date shall fall on any Interest Reset Date for a Treasury
Rate Note, then such Interest Reset Date shall instead be the first Market Day
immediately following such auction date, except in the case of the Initial
Interest Determination Date.
All percentages resulting from any calculations referred to in this
Prospectus Supplement will be rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next
higher one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point (e.g., 9.876541% (or
.09876541) being rounded to 9.87655% or (.0987655)), and all U.S. dollar
amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the
nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upwards).
Upon the request of the Holder of any Floating Rate Note, the Calculation
Agent will provide the interest rate then in effect, and, if determined, the
interest rate that will become effective on the next
S-6
<PAGE>
Interest Reset Date with respect to such Floating Rate Note. The Calculation
Agent's determination of any interest rate will be final and binding in the
absence of manifest error.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the
"Calculation Date," if applicable, pertaining to any Interest Determination
Date will be the earlier of (i) the tenth calendar day after such Interest
Determination Date, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding
Business Day, except in the case of the Initial Interest Determination Date,
for which the Calculation Date will be the Initial Interest Determination Date
as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement or (ii) the Business Day
immediately preceding the applicable Interest Payment Date, Maturity Date or
Redemption Date.
Interest rates will be determined by the Calculation Agent as follows:
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATE NOTES
Commercial Paper Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates
(calculated with reference to the Commercial Paper Rate and the Spread or
Spread Multiplier, if any), and will be payable on the dates, specified on the
face of such Commercial Paper Rate Notes and in the applicable Pricing
Supplement.
"Commercial Paper Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Reset Date, the
Money Market Yield (calculated as described below) of the per annum rate
(quoted on a bank discount basis) for the relevant Commercial Paper Interest
Determination Date for commercial paper having the specified Index Maturity as
published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in
"Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest Rates" or any successor
publication of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
("H.15(519)") under the heading "Commercial Paper," or such other heading
representing commercial paper of non-financial issuers whose bond rating is
"AA," or the equivalent, from a nationally recognized statistical rating
agency. In the event that such rate is not published prior to 9:00 A.M., New
York City time, on the relevant Calculation Date, then the Commercial Paper
Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date shall be the Money Market Yield
of such rate on such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date for
commercial paper having the specified Index Maturity as published by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its daily statistical release, "Composite
3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities" or any successor
publication published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("Composite
Quotations") under the heading "Commercial Paper." If by 3:00 P.M., New York
City time, on such Calculation Date such rate is not yet published in either
H.15(519) or Composite Quotations, the Commercial Paper Rate with respect to
such Interest Reset Date shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and
shall be the Money Market Yield of the arithmetic mean of the offered per
annum rates (quoted on a bank discount basis), as of 11:00 A.M., New York City
time, on such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date, of three leading
dealers of commercial paper in the City of New York selected by the
Calculation Agent for commercial paper of the specified Index Maturity placed
for an industrial issuer whose bond rating is "AA," or the equivalent, from a
nationally recognized statistical rating agency; provided, however, that if
fewer than three dealers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are
quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Commercial Paper Rate with respect
to such Interest Reset Date will be the Commercial Paper Rate in effect on
such Commercial Paper Interest Determination Date.
"Money Market Yield" means the rate for which is quoted on a bank discount
basis, a yield (expressed as a percentage) calculated in accordance with the
following formula:
D X 360
Money Market Yield = ------------- X 100
360 - (D X M)
where "D" refers to the per annum rate for a security, quoted on a bank
discount basis and expressed as a decimal; and "M" refers to the number of
days in the period for which accrued interest is being calculated.
PRIME RATE NOTES
Prime Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with
reference to the Prime Rate and the Spread or Spread Multiplier, if any) and
will be payable on the dates specified on the face of such Prime Rate Notes
and in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
S-7
<PAGE>
"Prime Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Reset Date, the rate set
forth for the relevant Prime Interest Determination Date in H.15(519) under
the heading "Bank Prime Loan". In the event that such rate is not published
prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the relevant Calculation Date, then
the Prime Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be the arithmetic
mean of the rates of interest publicly announced by each bank that appears on
the display designated as page "USPRIME1" on the Reuter Monitor Money Rates
Service (or such other page as may replace the USPRIME1 page on that service
for the purpose of displaying prime rates or base lending rates of major
United States banks) ("Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page") as such bank's prime
rate or base lending rate as in effect for such Prime Interest Determination
Date as quoted on the Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page on such Prime Interest
Determination Date. If fewer than four such rates appear on the Reuters Screen
USPRIME1 Page on such Prime Interest Determination Date, the Prime Rate with
respect to such Interest Reset Date will be the arithmetic mean of the prime
rates or base lending rates (quoted on the basis of the actual number of days
in the year divided by a 360-day year) as of the close of business on such
Prime Interest Determination Date by three major banks in the City of New York
selected by the Calculation Agent; provided, however, that if fewer than three
banks selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned
in this sentence, the Prime Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date will
be the Prime Rate in effect on such Prime Interest Determination Date.
LIBOR NOTES
LIBOR Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with
reference to LIBOR and the Spread or Spread Multiplier, if any) and will be
payable on the dates specified on the face of such LIBOR Notes and in the
applicable Pricing Supplement.
"LIBOR" with respect to any Interest Reset Date will be determined by the
Calculation Agent in accordance with the following provisions:
(i) On the relevant LIBOR Interest Determination Date, LIBOR will be the
rate for deposits in U.S. dollars having the specified Index Maturity,
commencing on the second Market Day immediately following such LIBOR
Interest Determination Date (or, in the case of the Initial Interest
Determination Date, on such Initial Interest Determination Date), that
appears on the display designated as page "3750" on the Dow Jones Telerate
Service (or such other page as may replace 3750 on that service for the
purposes of displaying London interbank offered rates of major banks)
("Telerate Page 3750") as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on such LIBOR
Interest Determination Date. If such rate does not appear on Telerate Page
3750, LIBOR with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be determined as
described in (ii) below.
(ii) With respect to a LIBOR Interest Determination Date on which no such
rate appears on the Telerate Page 3750 as described in (i) above, LIBOR
will be determined on the basis of the rates at approximately 11:00 A.M.,
London time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date at which deposits in
U.S. dollars having the specified Index Maturity are offered to prime banks
in the London interbank market by four major banks in the London interbank
market selected by the Calculation Agent commencing on the second Market
Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest Determination Date (or, in
the case of the Initial Interest Determination Date, on such Initial
Interest Determination Date), and in a principal amount equal to an amount
of not less than U.S. $1,000,000 that in the Calculation Agent's judgment
is representative for a single transaction in such market at such time (a
"Representative Amount"). The Calculation Agent will request the principal
London office of each of such banks to provide a quotation of its rate. If
at least two such quotations are provided, LIBOR with respect to such
Interest Reset Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If
fewer than two quotations are provided, LIBOR with respect to such Interest
Reset Date will be the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted at approximately
11:00 A.M., New York City time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date
by three major banks in the City of New York, selected by the Calculation
Agent, for loans in U.S. dollars to leading European banks having the
specified Index Maturity commencing on the Interest Reset Date and in a
Representative Amount; provided, however, that if fewer than three banks
selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned in
this sentence, LIBOR with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be the
LIBOR in effect on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date.
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TREASURY RATE NOTES
Treasury Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated
with reference to the Treasury Rate and the Spread or Spread Multiplier, if
any) and will be payable on the dates specified on the face of such Treasury
Rate Notes and in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Reset Date, the rate for
the auction on the relevant Treasury Interest Determination Date of direct
obligations of the United States ("Treasury bills") having the specified Index
Maturity as published in H.15(519) under the heading "U.S. Government
Securities/Treasury Bills/Auction Average (Investment)" or, if not so
published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the relevant Calculation Date,
the auction average rate (expressed as a bond equivalent, on the basis of a
year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) for such
auction as otherwise announced by the United States Department of the
Treasury. In the event that the results of such auction of Treasury bills
having the specified Index Maturity are not published or reported as provided
above by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such Calculation Date, or if no
such auction is held during such week, then the Treasury Rate shall be the
rate set forth in H.15(519) for the relevant Treasury Interest Determination
Date for the specified Index Maturity under the heading "U.S. Government
Securities/Treasury Bills/Secondary Market." In the event such rate is not so
published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the relevant Calculation Date
the Treasury Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date shall be calculated
by the Calculation Agent and shall be a yield to maturity (expressed as a bond
equivalent, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and
applied on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid
rates as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such Treasury
Interest Determination Date, of three primary United States government
securities dealers in the City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent
for the issue of Treasury bills with a remaining maturity closest to the
specified Index Maturity; provided, however, that if fewer than three dealers
selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned in
this sentence, the Treasury Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date will
be the Treasury Rate in effect on such Treasury Interest Determination Date.
CD RATE NOTES
CD Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with
reference to the CD Rate and the Spread or Spread Multiplier, if any) and will
be payable on the dates specified on the face of such CD Rate Notes and in the
applicable Pricing Supplement.
"CD Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Reset Date, the rate for the
relevant CD Interest Determination Date for negotiable certificates of deposit
having the specified Index Maturity as published in H.15(519) under the
heading "CDs (Secondary Market)." In the event that such rate is not published
prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the relevant Calculation Date, then
the CD Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate on such
CD Interest Determination Date for negotiable certificates of deposit having
the specified Index Maturity as published in Composite Quotations under the
heading "Certificates of Deposit." If by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on
such Calculation Date such rate is not published in either H.15(519) or
Composite Quotations, the CD Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date
shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the arithmetic mean
of the secondary market offered rates, as of 10:00 A.M., New York City time,
on such CD Interest Determination Date, of three leading nonbank dealers of
negotiable U.S. dollar certificates of deposit in the City of New York
selected by the Calculation Agent for negotiable certificates of deposit of
major United States money market banks with a remaining maturity closest to
the specified Index Maturity in a denomination of U.S. $5,000,000; provided,
however, that if fewer than three dealers selected as aforesaid by the
Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the CD Rate with
respect to such Interest Reset Date will be the CD Rate in effect on such CD
Interest Determination Date.
CMT RATE NOTES
CMT Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rate (calculated with
reference to the CMT Rate and the Spread or Spread Multiplier, if any) and
will be payable on the dates specified on the face of such CMT Rate Notes and
in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
"CMT Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Reset Date, the rate for the
relevant CMT Interest Determination Date displayed on the Designated CMT
Telerate Page (as defined below) under the
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caption ". . . Treasury Constant Maturities . . . Federal Reserve Board
Release H.15 . . . Mondays Approximately 3:45 P.M.," under the column for the
Designated CMT Maturity Index (as defined below) for (i) if the Designated CMT
Telerate Page is 7055, the rate on such CMT Interest Determination Date and
(ii) if the Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7052, the week, or the month, as
applicable, ended immediately preceding the week in which the related CMT
Interest Determination Date occurs. If such rate is no longer displayed on the
relevant page, or if not displayed by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the
relevant Calculation Date, then the CMT Rate for such CMT Interest
Determination Date will be such treasury constant maturity rate for the
Designated CMT Maturity Index as published in the relevant H.15(519). If such
rate is no longer published, or if not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City
time, on the relevant Calculation Date, then the CMT Rate for such CMT
Interest Determination Date will be such treasury constant maturity rate for
the Designated CMT Maturity Index (or other United States Treasury rate for
the Designated CMT Maturity Index) for the CMT Interest Determination Date
with respect to such Interest Reset Date as may then be published by either
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the United States
Department of the Treasury that the Calculation Agent determines to be
comparable to the rate formerly displayed on the Designated CMT Telerate Page
and published in the relevant H.15(519). If such information is not published
by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the relevant Calculation Date, then the
CMT Rate for the CMT Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity, based on the arithmetic
mean of the secondary market closing offer side prices as of approximately
3:30 P.M., New York City time, on the CMT Interest Determination Date
reported, according to their written records, by three leading primary United
States government securities dealers (each, a "Reference Dealer") in the City
of New York (which may include the Agents or their affiliates) selected by the
Calculation Agent (from five such Reference Dealers selected by the
Calculation Agent and eliminating the highest quotation (or, in the event of
equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of
equality, one of the lowest)), for the most recently issued direct noncallable
fixed rate obligations of the United States ("Treasury Notes") with an
original maturity of approximately the Designated CMT Maturity Index and a
remaining term to maturity of not less than such Designated CMT Maturity Index
minus one year. If three or four (and not five) of such Reference Dealers are
quoting as described above, then the CMT Rate will be based on the arithmetic
mean of the offer prices obtained and neither the highest nor the lowest of
such quotes will be eliminated. If the Calculation Agent cannot obtain three
such Treasury Note quotations, the CMT Rate for such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be a
yield to maturity based on the arithmetic mean of the secondary market offer
side prices as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on the CMT
Interest Determination Date of three Reference Dealers in the City of New York
(from five such Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent and
eliminating the highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the
highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the
lowest)), for Treasury Notes with an original maturity of the number of years
that is the next highest to the Designated CMT Maturity Index and a remaining
term to maturity closest to the Designated CMT Maturity Index and in an amount
of at least $100 million. If three or four (and not five) of such Reference
Dealers are quoting as described above, then the CMT Rate will be based on the
arithmetic mean of the offer prices obtained and neither the highest nor the
lowest of such quotes will be eliminated; provided however, that if fewer than
three Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent are quoting as
described herein, the CMT Rate will be the CMT Rate in effect on such CMT
Interest Determination Date. If two Treasury Notes with an original maturity
as described in the second preceding sentence have remaining terms to maturity
equally close to the Designated CMT Maturity Index, the quotes for the
Treasury Note with the shorter remaining term to maturity will be used.
"Designated CMT Telerate Page" means the display on the Dow Jones Telerate
Service on the page designated in the applicable Pricing Supplement (or any
other page as may replace such page on that service for the purpose of
displaying Treasury Constant Maturities as reported in H.15(519)), for the
purpose of displaying Treasury Constant Maturities as reported in H.15(519).
If no such page is specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the
Designated CMT Telerate Page shall be 7052 for the most recent week.
"Designated CMT Maturity Index" means the original period to maturity of the
U.S. Treasury securities (either 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20 or 30 years) specified
in the applicable Pricing Supplement with
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respect to which the CMT Rate will be calculated. If no such maturity is
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Designated CMT Maturity
Index shall be 2 years.
FEDERAL FUNDS RATE NOTES
Federal Funds Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates
(calculated with reference to the Federal Funds Rate and the Spread or Spread
Multiplier, if any), and will be payable on the dates, specified on the face
of such Federal Funds Rate Notes and in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
"Federal Funds Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Reset Date, the
rate on the relevant Federal Funds Interest Determination Date for Federal
Funds as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Federal Funds (Effective)."
In the event that such rate is not published prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City
time, on the relevant Calculation Date, then the Federal Funds Rate with
respect to such Interest Reset Date will be the rate on such Federal Funds
Interest Determination Date as published in Composite Quotations under the
heading "Federal Funds/Effective Rate." If by 3:00 P.M., New York City time,
on such Calculation Date such rate is not published in either H.15(519) or
Composite Quotations, the Federal Funds Rate with respect to such Interest
Reset Date shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the
arithmetic mean of the rates, as of 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on such
Federal Funds Interest Determination Date, for the last transaction in
overnight Federal Funds arranged by three leading brokers of Federal Funds
transactions in the City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent;
provided, however, that if fewer than three brokers selected as aforesaid by
the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Federal
Funds Rate with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be the Federal Funds
Rate in effect on such Federal Funds Interest Determination Date.
PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST
The principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes is payable by
SRAC in the Specified Currency. Interest payable on any Interest Payment Date
(other than Defaulted Interest) shall be payable to the person who is the
registered Holder at the close of business on the immediately preceding
Regular Record Date. Cede & Co. will initially be the registered Holder of the
Global Notes. See "--Book-Entry Notes." The "Regular Record Date" with respect
to any Floating Rate Note shall be the date 15 calendar days prior to each
Interest Payment Date, whether or not such date shall be a Business Day, and
the "Regular Record Date" with respect to any Fixed Rate Note shall be the
February 1 or August 1 next preceding any February 15 or August 15 Interest
Payment Date and the date 15 calendar days prior to any other Interest Payment
Date, regardless of whether such date shall be a Business Day. Interest
payable on a Redemption Date or Maturity Date (other than a Redemption Date or
Maturity Date occurring on an Interest Payment Date) will be paid to the same
person to whom the principal amount is payable. The first payment of interest
on any Note originally issued between a Regular Record Date and an Interest
Payment Date will be made on the Interest Payment Date following the next
succeeding Regular Record Date to the registered owner on such next succeeding
Regular Record Date.
Except as provided below, interest will be payable (i) in the case of Fixed
Rate Notes, on February 15 and August 15 of each year (or on either of such
dates or on such other dates as specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement); (ii) in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset daily, weekly
or monthly, on the third Wednesday of each month or on the third Wednesday of
February, May, August and November of each year (as indicated in the
applicable Pricing Supplement); (iii) in the case of Floating Rate Notes which
reset quarterly, on the third Wednesday of February, May, August and November
of each year; (iv) in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset semi-
annually, on the third Wednesday of the two months of each year specified in
the applicable Pricing Supplement; (v) in the case of Floating Rate Notes
which reset annually, on the third Wednesday of the month specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement (each an "Interest Payment Date"); and (vi) in
each case, at maturity.
If any Interest Payment Date for any Fixed Rate Note falls on a day that is
not a Business Day, the interest payment shall be made on the next day that is
a Business Day, and no interest on such payment shall accrue for the period
from and after the Interest Payment Date.
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If an Interest Payment Date with respect to any Floating Rate Note would
otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day with respect to such Note,
such Interest Payment Date will be the next succeeding Business Day (or, in
the case of a LIBOR Note, if such day falls in the next calendar month, the
next preceding Business Day).
If the Maturity Date of any Note falls on a day that is not a Business Day,
the payment of interest and principal may be made on the next succeeding
Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the Maturity Date,
and no interest on such payment shall accrue for the period from and after the
Maturity Date.
Payments of interest on any Fixed Rate Note or Floating Rate Note with
respect to any Interest Payment Date, Maturity Date or Redemption Date will
include interest accrued to but excluding such Interest Payment Date, Maturity
Date or Redemption Date, provided, however, that if the Interest Reset Dates
with respect to any Floating Rate Note are daily or weekly, interest payable
on such Floating Rate Note on any Interest Payment Date, other than interest
payable on the date on which principal on any such Floating Rate Note is
payable, will include interest accrued to but excluding the day following the
next preceding Regular Record Date.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement with respect
to a Floating Rate Note, accrued interest from the date of issue or from the
last date to which interest has been paid is calculated by multiplying the
face amount of such Floating Rate Note by an accrued interest factor. Such
accrued interest factor is computed by adding the interest factor calculated
for each day from the date of issue, or from the last date to which interest
has been paid, to but excluding the date for which accrued interest is being
calculated. The interest factor (expressed as a decimal) for each such day is
computed by dividing the interest rate (expressed as a decimal) applicable to
such date by 360, in the case of Commercial Paper Rate Notes, Prime Rate
Notes, LIBOR Notes, CD Rate Notes or Federal Funds Rate Notes, or by the
actual number of days in the year, in the case of Treasury Rate Notes and CMT
Rate Notes. The applicable interest rate on any Interest Reset Date will be
the interest rate as reset on such date. The applicable interest rate on any
other day will be the interest rate from the immediately preceding Interest
Reset Date (or, if none, the Initial Interest Rate). Interest on Fixed Rate
Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Payment of interest will be made by wire transfer to any Holder of
$10,000,000 or more in aggregate principal amount of Certificated Notes having
the same Interest Payment Date, and payments of principal will be made by wire
transfer to any Holder of $10,000,000 or more in aggregate principal amount of
Certificated Notes having the same Maturity Date or Redemption Date or
repayment, if the Holder thereof shall have designated in writing to the
Trustee an account with a bank located in the country issuing the Specified
Currency or such other country as shall be satisfactory to SRAC and the
Trustee. If any payment of interest is to be made by wire transfer, such
information must be received by the Trustee at its corporate trust office in
the City of New York on or prior to the Regular Record Date for an Interest
Payment Date. The Trustee will, subject to applicable laws and regulations and
until it receives notice to the contrary, make such payment to such Holder by
wire transfer to the designated account. If a payment of interest is not made
by wire transfer for any reason, payment will be made by check. Checks for
payment of interest on an Interest Payment Date will be mailed to the Holder
at the address of such Holder appearing on the Security Register on the
applicable Regular Record Date. See "Payment Currency" and "Important Currency
Exchange Information."
To receive payment upon redemption, repayment or at maturity of a U.S.
dollar denominated Certificated Note, a Holder must make presentation and
surrender of such Note on or before the Redemption Date or Maturity Date, as
applicable. Payment will be by check unless proper wire transfer instructions
are on file with the Trustee or are received at presentment. To receive
payment upon redemption, repayment or at maturity of a Note denominated in a
Foreign Currency, a Holder must make presentation and surrender not less than
two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date or Maturity Date, as
applicable. Upon presentation and surrender of a Note denominated in a Foreign
Currency at any time after the date two Business Days prior to the Redemption
Date or Maturity Date, as applicable, SRAC will pay the principal and interest
due upon redemption, repayment or at maturity (unless the Redemption Date or
Maturity Date is an Interest Payment Date) two Business Days after such
presentation and surrender.
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SRAC will pay any administrative costs imposed by banks in connection with
sending payments by wire transfer, but any tax, assessment or governmental
charge imposed upon payments will be borne by the Holders of the Notes in
respect of which payments are made.
For further information concerning payments of principal and interest on
Book-Entry Notes, see "--Book-Entry Notes."
REDEMPTION
The Notes will not be redeemable prior to their Stated Maturity Date unless
either (i) a date from and after which the Notes are redeemable at the option
of SRAC (a "Redemption Commencement Date"), or (ii) a date or dates on which
the Notes are redeemable at the option of SRAC, or repayable at the option of
the Holder, or both (each such date, a "Stated Redemption Date"), is specified
in the applicable Pricing Supplement. If the Notes are redeemable at the
option of SRAC or repayable at the option of the Holder, the price or prices
at which such redemption may occur (each, a "Redemption Price") will also be
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement. Any date on which Notes are
actually redeemed or repaid shall be a "Redemption Date."
If a Redemption Commencement Date is specified in a Pricing Supplement with
respect to any Notes, such Notes will be redeemable at the option of SRAC, in
whole or in part, at any time upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days'
notice, at the applicable Redemption Price, plus accrued and unpaid interest
to the Redemption Date. If one or more Stated Redemption Dates are specified
in a Pricing Supplement with respect to any Note, such Note will be redeemable
or repayable in whole or in part on each such Stated Redemption Date, and such
Pricing Supplement will specify the notice period during which the option to
redeem or to be repaid may be exercised, the methods by which a notice of
redemption or repayment may be delivered and whether the option to redeem or
to be repaid may be exercised by SRAC, the Holder of such Note or both.
Redemption or repayment of Global Notes (and notice thereof) shall be made in
accordance with applicable procedures of the depository.
PAYMENT CURRENCY
If the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note is payable in
a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars and such Specified Currency is
not available due to the imposition of exchange controls or other
circumstances beyond its control, SRAC will be entitled to satisfy its
obligations to Holders of the Notes by making such payment in U.S. dollars on
the basis of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate. Any payment
made under such circumstances in U.S. dollars where the required payment is in
a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars will not constitute a default
under the Indenture.
INDEXED NOTES
The Notes may be issued, from time to time, as Notes of which the principal
amount payable on a date at least nine months from the date of original issue
or on which the amount of interest payable on an Interest Payment Date will be
determined by reference to currencies, currency units, commodity prices,
financial or non-financial indices or other factors (the "Indexed Notes"), as
indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement. Holders of Indexed Notes may
receive a principal amount at maturity that is greater than or less than the
face amount of such Notes depending upon the fluctuation of the relative
value, rate or price of the specified index. Specific information pertaining
to the method for determining the principal amount payable at maturity or
amount of interest payable, a historical comparison of the relative value,
rate or price of the specified index and the face amount of the Indexed Note
and certain additional United States federal income tax considerations will be
described in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
BOOK-ENTRY NOTES
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that SRAC believes to be reliable, but SRAC
takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
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Book-Entry Notes will initially be represented by one or more Global Notes
registered in the name of the nominee of DTC except as set forth below. Book-
Entry Notes will be available for purchase in minimum denominations of $1,000
and any larger amount in integral multiples of $1,000 in book-entry form. SRAC
has been informed by DTC that DTC's nominee will be Cede & Co., as nominee of
DTC. Accordingly, Cede & Co. is expected to be the registered Holder of the
Global Notes. Unless and until Certificated Notes are issued under the limited
circumstances described herein, no person acquiring an interest in the Book-
Entry Notes (a "Book-Entry Note Owner") will be entitled to receive a
certificate representing such person's interest in the Book-Entry Notes, all
references herein or in the Prospectus to actions by Holders shall refer to
actions taken by DTC upon instructions from its Participants (as defined
below), and all references herein or in the Prospectus to payments to Holders
shall refer to payments to DTC or Cede & Co., as the registered Holder of the
Global Notes, for distribution to Book-Entry Note Owners in accordance with
DTC procedures.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds securities that its participants
("Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among
Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in
deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in
Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
securities certificates. Direct Participants include securities brokers and
dealers (including the Agents), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations
and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its Direct
Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock
Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access
to the DTC system is also available to others, such as securities brokers and
dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly
("Indirect Participants"). The Rules applicable to DTC and its Participants
are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Book-Entry Note Owners that are not Participants or Indirect Participants
but desire to purchase, sell or otherwise transfer ownership of, or other
interests in, Book-Entry Notes may do so only through Participants and
Indirect Participants. In addition, Book-Entry Note Owners will receive all
payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest from the Trustee through
Participants and, if applicable, Indirect Participants. Under a book-entry
format, Book-Entry Note Owners may experience some delay in their receipt of
payments, since such payments will be forwarded by the Trustee to Cede & Co.,
as nominee of DTC. DTC will forward such payments to its Participants which
thereafter will forward them to Indirect Participants or Book-Entry Note
Owners. It is anticipated that the only "Holder" will be Cede & Co., as
nominee of DTC. Book-Entry Note Owners will not be recognized by the Trustee
as Holders, as such term is used in the Indenture, and Book-Entry Note Owners
will only be permitted to exercise the rights of Holders indirectly through
DTC and its Participants.
Under the rules, regulations and procedures creating and affecting DTC and
its operations (the "Rules"), DTC is required to make book-entry transfers
among Participants on whose behalf it acts with respect to the Book-Entry
Notes and is required to receive and transmit payments of principal, premium,
if any, and interest on the Book-Entry Notes. Participants and Indirect
Participants with which Book-Entry Note Owners have accounts with respect to
the Book-Entry Notes similarly are required to make book-entry transfers and
receive and transmit such payments on behalf of their respective Book-Entry
Note Owners.
Because DTC can only act on behalf of Participants, which in turn act on
behalf of Indirect Participants and certain banks, the ability of a Book-Entry
Note Owner to pledge Book-Entry Notes to persons or entities that do not
participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such
Book-Entry Notes, may be limited due to the lack of a physical certificate for
such Book-Entry Notes.
DTC has advised SRAC that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a
Holder under the Indenture only at the direction of one or more Participants
to whose account with DTC the Book-Entry Notes are credited.
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Certificated Notes will be issued to Book-Entry Note Owners or their
nominees, rather than to DTC or its nominees, only if (i) SRAC advises the
Trustee in writing that DTC is no longer willing or able to discharge properly
its responsibilities as depository with respect to the Book-Entry Notes, and
the Trustee or SRAC is unable to locate a qualified successor, or (ii) SRAC,
at its option, elects to terminate the book-entry system through DTC.
Upon the occurrence of either of the events described in the immediately
preceding paragraph, DTC is required to notify all Participants of the
availability through DTC of Certificated Notes. Upon surrender by DTC of a
Global Note representing the Book-Entry Notes and instructions for re-
registration, the Trustee will issue the Book-Entry Notes in the form of
Certificated Notes, and thereafter the Trustee will recognize the registered
holders of such Certificated Notes as Holders under the Indenture.
MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT OF THE INDENTURE
For the purpose of determining whether the consent of Holders of the
requisite percentage of principal amount of Notes to a modification or
alteration of the Indenture has been obtained, the principal amount of Notes
denominated in a Foreign Currency will be the amount in U.S. dollars based
upon the Market Exchange Rate for such Foreign Currency on the latest date for
which such rate was established on or before the date for determining the
Holders entitled to perform such act. (Section 2.11). See "Description of Debt
Securities--Modification or Amendment of the Indenture" in the Prospectus.
FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS
Exchange Rates and Exchange Controls. An investment in securities
denominated in foreign currencies entails significant risks that are not
associated with investments denominated in U.S. dollars. Such risks ("Foreign
Currency Risks") include, without limitation, the possibility of significant
changes in rates of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the various foreign
currencies and the possibility of the imposition or modification of foreign
exchange controls by either the United States or foreign governments. Foreign
Currency Risks generally depend on economic and political events over which
SRAC has no control. In recent years, rates of exchange between the U.S.
dollar and certain foreign currencies have been highly volatile and such
volatility may be expected in the future. Fluctuations in any particular
exchange rate that have occurred in the past are not necessarily indicative,
however, of fluctuations in the rate that may occur during the term of any
Note. On a U.S. dollar basis, depreciation of the currency specified in a Note
against the U.S. dollar would result in a decrease in the effective yield of
such Note below its coupon rate and in certain circumstances could result in a
loss to the investor.
FACTORS PRODUCING FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS, INCLUDING RATES OF EXCHANGE,
CHANGE CONTINUOUSLY. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT CONTAINS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN
RISKS OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES THAT RESULT FROM THE NOTES BEING
DENOMINATED IN A FOREIGN CURRENCY. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR
OWN FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ADVISORS AS TO THE RISKS ENTAILED BY AN INVESTMENT IN
THE NOTES. THE NOTES, WHEN DENOMINATED IN OTHER THAN U.S. DOLLARS, ARE NOT AN
APPROPRIATE INVESTMENT FOR INVESTORS THAT ARE UNSOPHISTICATED WITH RESPECT TO
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS.
The information set forth in this Prospectus Supplement is directed to
prospective purchasers who are United States residents, and SRAC disclaims any
responsibility to advise prospective purchasers who are residents of countries
other than the United States with respect to any matters that may affect the
purchase, holding or receipt of payments of principal and interest on the
Notes. Such persons should consult their own financial and legal advisors with
regard to such matters.
Governments have imposed from time to time and may in the future impose
exchange controls, which could affect exchange rates, as well as the
availability of a Specified Currency at the time of
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payment of principal of or interest on a Note. Even if there were no actual
exchange controls, it is possible that the Specified Currency for any
particular Note would not be available at the time of such payments. In that
event, SRAC will make required payments in U.S. dollars on the basis of the
Market Exchange Rate on the date of such payment, or if such rate of exchange
is not then available, on the basis of the last available Market Exchange
Rate. See "Description of Notes--Payment Currency."
With respect to any Note denominated in other than U.S. dollars, the Pricing
Supplement will include information with respect to the applicable Specified
Currency (which supplement shall include information with respect to
applicable current foreign exchange controls, if any). The information therein
concerning rates of exchange is furnished as a matter of information only and
should not be regarded as indicative of the range of, or trends, in
fluctuations in currency exchange rates that may occur in the future.
Governing Law and Judgments. The Notes will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware. If an action based on the
Notes resulted in a judgment against SRAC in a court in the United States, it
is likely that the court would grant judgment relating to the Notes only in
U.S. dollars. It is not clear, however, whether, in granting such judgment,
the rate of conversion into U.S. dollars would be that in effect on the date
of default, the date the judgment was rendered, or some other date.
UNITED STATES TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary of the principal United States federal income tax
consequences of the ownership of Notes is based upon the opinion, set forth in
full below, of Baker & McKenzie, special United States tax counsel to SRAC.
For purposes of this discussion of United States Tax Considerations, with
respect to Book-Entry Notes, the term "Holder" refers only to Book-Entry Note
Owners, and with respect to Certificated Notes, the term "Holder" refers to
the registered Holder. The discussion deals only with Notes held as capital
assets and does not deal with special tax situations, such as dealers in
securities or currencies, Holders whose functional currency is not the United
States dollar, or persons holding Notes as a hedge against currency risks or
as part of a larger integrated financial transaction. Persons considering the
purchase of Notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the
application of United States federal income tax laws to their particular
situations and any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing
jurisdiction.
Notes may be issued under the Indenture providing for payments of principal
in amounts to be determined by reference to an index. Notes may also be issued
under the Indenture with a term of 12 months or less at issue prices of less
than their stated redemption price at maturity, giving rise to original issue
discount for federal income tax purposes. Notes may also be issued under the
Indenture which are denominated in more than one currency. Federal income tax
consequences and other special considerations applicable to any such Notes
will be described in the Pricing Supplement relating thereto. Certain Notes
bearing original issue discount and certain Floating Rate Notes, in either
case with a maturity date more than five years from the issue date, may
constitute "high yield original issue discount obligations" for federal income
tax purposes. The United States federal income and estate tax consequences for
Holders of Notes constituting high yield original issue discount obligations
will be discussed in the Pricing Supplements relating to any such Notes.
In the opinion of Baker & McKenzie, all Notes issued under the Indenture
will be properly characterized as indebtedness of SRAC, and SRAC will so
characterize all such Notes for all United States federal income tax purposes.
This characterization by SRAC will be binding on every Holder of a Note,
unless the Holder discloses its inconsistent characterization on such Holder's
federal income tax return. The Internal Revenue Service will not be bound by
the characterization of the Notes by SRAC and the Holders.
UNITED STATES HOLDERS
As used herein, "United States Holder" means a Holder of a Note who is, or
which is, a United States Person. A "United States Person" is (i) a citizen or
resident of the United States of America
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(including the States and the District of Columbia), its territories,
possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction, including the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the "United States"), (ii) a corporation or
partnership created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the
United States or of any State and (iii) an estate or trust, the income of
which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its
source.
Payments of Interest and Original Issue Discount. Stated interest on a Note
(whether in a foreign currency or U.S. dollars) will be taxable to a United
States Holder as ordinary interest income at the time it accrues or is paid in
accordance with the United States Holder's method of accounting for tax
purposes, subject to the discussion in the succeeding paragraphs.
If Notes are issued at a discount from their stated redemption price at
maturity equal to or more than one-fourth of one percent of the stated
redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of full years to
maturity, such Notes will be original issue discount obligations ("Original
Issue Discount Notes"). The difference between the issue price and the stated
redemption price at maturity of each such Original Issue Discount Note will
constitute original issue discount ("Original Issue Discount"). The stated
redemption price at maturity will include all payments other than interest
based on a fixed rate or, unless otherwise stated in a Pricing Supplement, a
floating rate, payable unconditionally at intervals of one year or less during
the entire term of the Original Issue Discount Notes ("Stated Interest").
Each initial Holder of an Original Issue Discount Note will be required to
include in gross income, in each taxable year during which the Original Issue
Discount Note is held, a portion of the Original Issue Discount calculated on
a yield to maturity basis in addition to Stated Interest, if any, paid on such
Note, regardless of the United States Holder's method of accounting for tax
purposes. A United States Holder should be aware that, because of the above
original issue discount rules, such Holder will be required to include
increasingly greater amounts of Original Issue Discount in gross income in
each successive accrual period in advance of the receipt of the cash
attributable to such Original Issue Discount income.
A United States Holder of an Original Issue Discount Note must include in
gross income the sum of the daily portions of Original Issue Discount with
respect to an Original Issue Discount Note for each day during the taxable
year such Holder holds such Note. The daily portion is determined by
allocating to each day of the accrual period a ratable portion of an amount
equal to the excess of (i) the Adjusted Issue Price (as defined below) of the
Original Issue Discount Note at the beginning of the accrual period multiplied
by the yield to maturity of such Note (determined by compounding at the close
of each accrual period and adjusted for the length of the accrual period) over
(ii) the amount payable as Stated Interest, if any, on such Note during such
accrual period. United States Holders may accrue Original Issue Discount using
accrual periods of any length, and such accrual periods may vary in length
over the term of the Original Issue Discount Note, provided that each accrual
period must be no longer than one year and each scheduled payment of principal
or interest must occur either on the final day of an accrual period or on the
first day of any accrual period.
The "Adjusted Issue Price" of an Original Issue Discount Note at the start
of any accrual period is the issue price of the Original Issue Discount Note
increased by the amount of Original Issue Discount accrued during all prior
accrual periods. A United States Holder of an Original Issue Discount Note
must include in income accrued Original Issue Discount regardless of whether
such Holder uses a cash receipts and disbursements method of tax accounting or
an accrual basis of tax accounting.
The face of each Original Issue Discount Note will set forth the issue date,
issue price, yield to maturity, amount of Original Issue Discount and any
other information required by Treasury regulations. SRAC will furnish to the
Internal Revenue Service the amount of Original Issue Discount, the issue date
and any additional information required by Treasury regulations. Holders,
including subsequent Holders, will be required to determine for themselves the
reportable amount of Original Issue Discount income for a year.
For a Holder who uses a cash receipts and disbursements basis of tax
accounting, if a receipt of payment of stated interest is denominated in a
foreign currency, the amount of interest income will be the U.S. dollar value
of the foreign currency payment amount translated at the spot rate on the
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payment date, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted to U.S.
dollars. For a Holder who uses an accrual basis of tax accounting, if an
accrual of interest is denominated in a foreign currency, the amount of
interest income will be the U.S. dollar value of the amount of interest
accrued in foreign currency translated at the appropriate accrual translation
rate. The "appropriate accrual translation rate" is the average spot rate in
effect during such accrual period or, at the Holder's election, the spot rate
on the last day of such accrual period (or on the day of receipt of such
interest if such day is within five days of the end of the applicable accrual
period). If the latter translation convention is elected, such convention will
apply with respect to all other debt instruments held by the Holder during or
after the taxable year for which the election is made. Upon receipt of the
interest payment in foreign currency or upon disposition of the Note, a Holder
will recognize currency gain or loss with respect to the accrued interest
equal to the difference between the Holder's accrued foreign currency interest
income translated at the appropriate accrual translation rate and the U.S.
dollar value of the foreign currency payment translated at the spot rate on
the payment date, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted to
U.S. dollars.
In the case of Original Issue Discount Notes, Treasury regulations provide
similar rules for both cash basis and accrual basis United States Holders for
calculating currency gain or loss with respect to accrued Original Issue
Discount. Original Issue Discount will accrue in the currency in which the
Note is denominated and will be translated into U.S. dollars at the
appropriate accrual translation rate. Upon receipt of the accrued Original
Issue Discount or the disposition of the Note, such a Holder will recognize
currency gain or loss with respect to the accrued Original Issue Discount
equal to the difference between the Holder's accrued Original Issue Discount
income translated at the appropriate accrual translation rate and the U.S.
dollar value of the foreign currency payment translated at the spot rate on
the payment date or the date of disposition.
Currency gain or loss recognized by a Holder upon receipt of a foreign
currency payment will be treated as ordinary income or loss. In accordance
with current Treasury regulations, currency gain or loss will not be treated
as interest income or expense.
If a United States Holder acquires a Note (including an Original Issue
Discount Note) other than upon original issue for an amount less than the
principal amount or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Note, less than
the Revised Issue Price (defined as the sum of the issue price of the Note and
the aggregate amount of Original Issue Discount includible in gross income for
all periods prior to the acquisition without regard to acquisition premium) of
such Original Issue Discount Note on the date of acquisition, the Note may be
considered to be a "market discount bond." As a result, a portion of the gain
on the sale or redemption of the Note (see "United States Tax Considerations--
United States Holders--Purchase, Sale and Redemption of Notes") equal to the
amount of market discount accrued with respect to the Note while it was held
by the United States Holder will be treated as interest income. In addition,
interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry a Note
that is a market discount bond, to the extent that it exceeds in any year the
interest (including Original Issue Discount) on the Note includible in the
United States Holder's income for that year, may not be fully deductible in
that year. The foregoing market discount rules will not apply if the United
States Holder elects to include in income in each taxable year the portion of
the market discount attributable to that year (accrued on either a straight
line or constant interest rate basis) with respect to all market discount
bonds acquired during or after the taxable year in which such election is
made. In the case of a Note denominated in a foreign currency, the amount of
market discount will be determined in units of foreign currency in which the
Note is denominated. Unless the Holder elects to include in income in each
taxable year such market discount, the resultant market discount is required
to be translated at the spot rate on the date of sale or redemption of the
Note. No part of such market discount is treated as currency gain or loss. If
the Holder elects to include in income in each taxable year such market
discount, the accrued market discount currently includible in income will be
translated at the average spot rate for the accrual period. Currency gain or
loss with respect to accrued market discount currently includible in income
will be determined in a manner similar to that for accrued Original Issue
Discount as discussed above.
If a United States Holder acquires a Note for an amount more than the
principal amount of the Note (or the stated redemption price at maturity of a
Note that is an Original Issue Discount Note), a Holder may elect to amortize
such bond premium on a yield to maturity basis. In the case of a Note
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denominated in a foreign currency, the amount of bond premium will be
determined in units of the foreign currency in which the Note is denominated.
If a Holder elects to amortize such bond premium, the amount of accrued bond
premium in units of foreign currency in each taxable year will reduce interest
income in units of foreign currency for such taxable year. Currency gain or
loss will be taken into account with respect to accrued bond premium in each
taxable year by treating the portion of premium amortized with respect to any
period as a return of principal (see "United States Tax Considerations--United
States Holders--Purchase, Sale and Redemption of Notes").
Proposed Treasury regulations have been issued that, if finalized in their
current form, would require a United States Holder that purchases a Note at a
premium to amortize such bond premium under a constant yield method. As
proposed, the new rules will be applicable to debt instruments issued on or
after 60 days after the regulations are published in final form. However, a
holder may elect to apply the new rules to all Notes held on or after the
first day of the taxable year that contains the day which is 60 days after the
regulations are published in final form.
If a United States Holder acquires an Original Issue Discount Note other
than upon original issue for an amount more than the Revised Issue Price of
such Note on the date of acquisition, but less than the redemption price of
such Note, such a Holder will be required to reduce each daily portion of
accrued Original Issue Discount by an allocable portion of such acquisition
premium. The allocable portion of such acquisition premium will be equal to
the daily portion of accrued Original Issue Discount multiplied by a fraction
(i) the numerator of which is the excess of the cost of the Original Issue
Discount Note incurred by such Holder over the Revised Issue Price of such
Note on the date of acquisition and (ii) the denominator of which is the
excess of the stated redemption price of the Original Issue Discount Note at
maturity over the Revised Issue Price of such Note on the date of acquisition.
In the case of an Original Issue Discount Note denominated in a foreign
currency, the amount of acquisition premium will be determined in units of
foreign currency in which the Note is denominated. The amount of the allocable
portion of acquisition premium in units of foreign currency in each taxable
year will reduce accrued Original Issue Discount in units of foreign currency
for such taxable year. Currency gain or loss will be taken into account with
respect to accrued acquisition premium in each taxable year by treating the
portion of acquisition premium amortized with respect to any period as a
return of principal (see "United States Tax Considerations--United States
Holders--Purchase, Sale and Redemption of Notes").
A Holder may elect to include in gross income its entire return on a Note
(i.e., the excess of all remaining payments to be received on the Note over
the amount paid for such Note by the Holder) based on the compounding of
interest at a constant rate. This election for a Note with amortizable bond
premium or market discount results in a deemed election to apply the same
accrual principles to all of the Holder's debt instruments with amortizable
bond premium or market discount. This election may be revoked only with the
consent of the IRS.
Purchase, Sale and Redemption of Notes. A United States Holder's tax basis
in a Note will be its U.S. dollar cost. Such Holder's original tax basis in a
Note will be increased by (i) the net amount of accrued Original Issue
Discount included in income and (ii) the amount of accrued market discount
included in income. Such Holder's tax basis in a Note will be decreased by (i)
the amount of accrued bond premium and (ii) payments other than Stated
Interest received by the Holder with respect to a Note. Although the issue has
not yet been directly addressed by Treasury regulations, in the case of a Note
denominated in a foreign currency, such Holder's original tax basis likely
will be increased by (i) the net amount of accrued Original Issue Discount
income in units of foreign currency translated at the appropriate accrual
translation rate in effect during such accrual period and (ii) the amount of
accrued market discount included in income in units of foreign currency
translated at the average spot rate in effect during such accrual period. Such
Holder's tax basis likely will be decreased by (i) payments treated as
receipts of accrued bond premium in units of foreign currency translated at
the spot rate on the date of acquisition; (ii) payments treated as receipts of
accrued Original Issue Discount translated at the appropriate accrual
translation rates, or accrued market discount translated at the average spot
rate, for the relevant accrual period; and (iii) payments treated as receipts
of principal translated at the spot rate on the date of acquisition. In
accordance with current Treasury regulations, payments in units of foreign
currency received on a Note by such a Holder will be treated first as a
receipt of Stated Interest, second as a receipt of Original Issue Discount to
the extent accrued, and finally as a receipt of principal.
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Subject to the discussion below and the discussion of Notes that are market
discount bonds (see "United States Tax Considerations--United States Holders--
Payments of Interest and Original Issue Discount"), upon the sale or
redemption of a Note, a United States Holder will recognize capital gain or
loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or
redemption of the Note and the tax basis of the Note. The amount realized on a
sale or redemption of a Note denominated in a foreign currency will be equal
to the sale proceeds or redemption price in units of foreign currency
translated at the spot rate on the date of sale or redemption. Except to the
extent described in the next paragraph or described in "United States Tax
Considerations--United States Holders--Payments of Interest and Original Issue
Discount," gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time
of the sale or redemption the Note has been held for more than one year.
Except to the extent described in the discussion of market discount bonds
(see "United States Tax Considerations--United States Holders--Payments of
Interest and Original Issue Discount"), the portion of the gain or loss
recognized by a United States Holder on the sale or redemption of a Note that
is attributable to changes in exchange rates will be treated as ordinary
income or loss. If a United States Holder acquires a Note denominated in a
foreign currency on or after the date of original issue, such Holder's
currency gain or loss with respect to principal will be calculated by
multiplying the principal amount in units of foreign currency by the change in
spot rates between the date such Holder acquired the Note and the date it was
sold or redeemed. For purposes of computing currency gain or loss, the
principal amount of a Note will be a Holder's purchase price for the Note in
units of foreign currency. The sum of any currency gain or loss with respect
to the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest (including accrued but
unpaid Original Issue Discount, if any) on a Note will be realized only to the
extent of the total gain or loss realized on the sale or redemption.
Exchange of Foreign Currency. Foreign currency received as interest on a
Note or on the sale or redemption of a Note will have a tax basis equal to its
U.S. dollar value (translated at the spot rate) at the time such interest is
received or at the time of sale or redemption of the Note. Foreign currency
purchased will generally have a tax basis equal to the U.S. dollar cost of
acquisition. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or other disposition of the
foreign currency (including its use to purchase Notes or its exchange for U.S.
dollars) will be ordinary income or loss.
FOREIGN HOLDERS
U.S. Withholding Tax. Under United States federal income tax laws now in
effect, and subject to the discussion of backup withholding which follows,
payments by SRAC or any paying agent thereof (in its capacity as such) of
principal of and interest (including payments of Original Issue Discount, if
any) on (and premium, if any, on) a Note to a Holder who is not a United
States Person will not be subject to United States federal withholding tax,
provided in the case of interest (including payments of Original Issue
Discount, if any) that (i) such Holder does not actually or constructively own
10 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock
of SRAC entitled to vote; (ii) such Holder is not a controlled foreign
corporation for United States tax purposes with respect to which SRAC is a
"related person" as defined in the Code; and (iii) (A) the beneficial owner of
the Note provides a signed written statement to SRAC or its agent, under
penalties of perjury, that certifies that it is not a United States Person and
provides its name and address, (B) a securities clearing organization, bank or
other financial institution that holds customers' securities in the ordinary
course of its trade or business (a "Financial Institution") and holds the Note
on behalf of the beneficial owner provides an intermediary certificate to SRAC
or its agent under penalties of perjury that such a statement 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, or
(C) a securities clearing organization that is the last intermediary in the
chain before SRAC or its agent (a "qualified clearing organization")
electronically provides an intermediary certificate to SRAC or its agent under
penalties of perjury that such a statement has been received from the
beneficial owner by it or by an intermediary that is a member of the qualified
clearing organization and agrees to furnish (or to cause the relevant member
intermediary to furnish) promptly upon the request of SRAC or the Internal
Revenue Service such statement. A statement described in this paragraph is
effective only with respect to interest payments made to the certifying Holder
after the issuance of the statement in the calendar year of its issuance and
the two immediately succeeding calendar years.
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U.S. Income Tax. Except for the possible imposition of United States
withholding tax (see "United States Tax Considerations--Foreign Holders--U.S.
Withholding Tax") and backup withholding tax (see "United States Tax
Considerations--Backup Withholding"), payments of principal of and interest
(including accrued Original Issue Discount, if any) on (and premium, if any,
on) a Note to a Holder who is not a United States Person will not be subject
to United States federal income tax, and gains from the sale, redemption or
other disposition of a Note will not be subject to United States federal
income tax, provided that:
(a) The Holder (or the fiduciary, settlor, or beneficiary of, or a person
holding a power over, such Holder, if such Holder is an estate or trust; or
a partner of such Holder, if such Holder is a partnership) shall not be or
have been engaged in a trade or business, or be or have been present in, or
have or have had a permanent establishment in the United States;
(b) There shall not have been a present or former connection between such
Holder (or between the fiduciary, settlor, or beneficiary of, or a person
holding a power over, such Holder, if such Holder is an estate or trust; or
a partner of such Holder, if such Holder is a partnership) and the United
States, including, without limitation, such Holder's status as a citizen or
former citizen thereof or resident or former resident thereof; and
(c) The Holder (or the fiduciary, settlor, or beneficiary of, or a person
holding a power over, such Holder, if such Holder is an estate or trust; or
a partner of such Holder, if such Holder is a partnership) is not and has
not been, for United States tax purposes, (i) a personal holding company,
(ii) a corporation that accumulates earnings to avoid United States federal
income tax, or (iii) a person treated as making an election the effect of
which is to make payments of principal of and interest (including accrued
Original Issue Discount, if any) on (and premium, if any, on) Notes subject
to United States federal income tax.
If a Holder who is not a United States Person is engaged in a trade or
business in the United States and interest (including accrued Original Issue
Discount, if any), gain or income in respect of a Note of such Holder is
effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business, the Holder,
although exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the preceding
paragraphs, may be subject to United States income tax on such interest
(including accrued Original Issue Discount, if any), gain or income at the
statutory rates provided for United States Persons after deduction of
deductible expenses allocable to such effectively connected interest, gain or
income. In addition, if such a Holder is a foreign corporation, it may be
subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected
earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items,
unless a lower rate applies under a United States income tax treaty with the
Holder's country of residence. For this purpose, interest (including accrued
Original Issue Discount, if any), gain or income in respect of a Note will be
included in earnings and profits subject to the branch tax if the interest
(including accrued Original Issue Discount, if any), gain or income is
effectively connected with the conduct of the United States trade or business
of the Holder.
U.S. Estate Tax. A Note held by an individual who at the time of death is
not a citizen or resident of the United States will generally not be subject
to United States federal estate tax if the individual does not actually or
constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock of SRAC and interest (including accrued Original Issue
Discount, if any) on the Note is not effectively connected with a United
States trade or business of the individual.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
A 31% "backup" withholding tax and information reporting requirements apply
to certain payments of principal of and interest (including payments of
Original Issue Discount, if any) on (and premium, if any, on) an obligation,
and to proceeds of the sale of an obligation before maturity, to certain
noncorporate United States Holders, if such Holders fail to provide correct
taxpayer identification numbers and other information or fail to comply with
certain other requirements. SRAC, its paying agent, or a broker, as the case
may be, will be required to withhold from any payment that is subject to
backup withholding, a tax equal to 31% of such payment unless the Holder
furnishes its taxpayer identification number in the manner prescribed in
applicable Treasury regulations and certain other conditions are met.
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In the case of payments of principal of and interest (including payments of
Original Issue Discount, if any) on (and premium, if any, on) Notes by SRAC or
paying agents of SRAC to Holders who are not United States Persons, temporary
Treasury regulations provide that backup withholding and information reporting
will not apply if the Holder has provided the required certification of its
non-United States status under penalties of perjury or has otherwise
established an exemption (provided that neither SRAC nor its paying agent has
actual knowledge that the Holder is a United States Person or the conditions
of any other exemption are not in fact satisfied). In addition, if payment is
collected by a foreign office of a custodian, nominee or other agent acting on
behalf of an owner of a Note, such custodian, nominee or other agent will not
be required to apply backup withholding to its payments to such owner.
However, in such case if the custodian, nominee or other agent is a United
States Person, a controlled foreign corporation for United States federal
income tax purposes, or a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income is
from a United States trade or business for a specified three-year period, such
custodian, nominee or other agent will be subject to certain information
reporting requirements with respect to such payment unless such custodian,
nominee or other agent has evidence in its records that the Holder is not a
United States Person and no actual knowledge that such evidence is false or
the Holder otherwise establishes an exemption or is an exempt recipient. An
exempt recipient includes a bank, corporation or Financial Institution.
Under current regulations, payments of the proceeds of the sale of a Note by
a Holder who is not a United States Person to or through a foreign office of a
broker will not be subject to backup withholding. Payments by foreign offices
of a broker that is a United States Person, a controlled foreign corporation
for United States federal income tax purposes or a foreign person 50% or more
of whose gross income is from a United States trade or business for a
specified three-year period are currently subject to certain information
reporting requirements, unless the payee is an exempt recipient or the broker
has evidence in its records that the payee is not a United States Person and
no actual knowledge that such evidence is false. Payments of the proceeds of a
sale to or through the United States office of a broker will be subject to
information reporting and backup withholding unless the payee certifies under
penalty of perjury that he is not a United States Person and provides his name
and address or the payee otherwise establishes an exemption.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
Holder will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such Holder's United
States federal income tax, provided that the required information is furnished
to the United States Internal Revenue Service.
The foregoing is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
regulations, rulings, administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions as
of the date hereof. Subsequent developments in these areas could have a
material effect on this opinion.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Notes are offered on a continuing basis by SRAC through the Agents, each
of which has agreed to use its reasonable efforts to solicit purchases of the
Notes. It is also anticipated that SRAC will offer Notes directly to brokers
or dealers, investment companies (or separate accounts), insurance companies,
banks, savings and loan associations, trust companies or similar institutions,
and trusts for which a bank, savings and loan association, trust company or
investment adviser is the trustee or authorized to make investment decisions.
SRAC will pay each Agent a commission ranging from .125% to .750% (or such
other rate as may from time to time be negotiated between such Agent and SRAC)
of the principal amount of Notes sold through such firm as Agent, depending on
maturity. SRAC has also agreed to reimburse the Agents for certain of their
expenses.
SRAC may also sell the Notes to any Agent, as principal, at negotiated
discounts for resale to investors or other purchasers. SRAC reserves the right
to sell Notes directly on its own behalf in those jurisdictions where it and
its employees may be registered or qualified to do so or in transactions in
which they are exempt from such registration or qualification. No commission
will be payable on any sales made directly by SRAC.
Each Agent may act as an agent for sales of Notes, or may offer the Notes
they have purchased as principal, to or through dealers and, unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, such dealers may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
S-22
<PAGE>
commissions from the Agents not in excess of 66 2/3% of the discount or
commission received by the Agent from SRAC.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, any Note
sold to an Agent as principal will be purchased by such Agent at a price equal
to 100% of the principal amount thereof less a percentage equal to the
commission applicable to an agency sale of a Note of identical maturity, and
may be resold by the Agent to investors and other purchasers from time to time
in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed
public offering price or at varying prices related to prevailing prices
determined at the time of sale or may be resold to or through certain dealers
as described above. After an initial public offering of Notes purchased by an
Agent as principal that are to be resold to investors and other purchasers on
a fixed public offering price basis, the offering and other selling terms may
be varied by such Agent. The applicable Pricing Supplement may set forth
further information with respect to distribution of the Notes.
In order to facilitate the offering of the Notes, the Agents may engage in
transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the
Notes. Specifically, the Agents may over-allot in connection with the
offering, creating a short position in the Notes for their own account. In
addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the Notes, the
Agents may bid for, and purchase, the Notes, in the open market. Finally, the
Agents may reclaim selling concessions allowed to any agent or a dealer for
distributing the Notes in the offering, if the Agents repurchase previously
distributed Notes in transactions to cover syndicate short positions.
SRAC will have the sole right to accept offers to purchase Notes and may
reject any proposed purchase of Notes. Each Agent will have the right, in its
discretion reasonably exercised, to reject any offer received by it. Payment
of the purchase price of Notes will be required to be made in immediately
available funds.
Each Agent may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). SRAC has agreed to
indemnify the Agents against certain liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act.
The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market.
The Agents have informed SRAC that they intend to make a market in the Notes,
but are under no obligation to do so and such market making may be
discontinued at any time. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of a
trading market for the Notes.
LEGAL OPINION
The legality of the Notes is being passed upon for the Company by Nancy K.
Bellis, an Assistant General Counsel of Sears.
S-23
<PAGE>
SEARS ROEBUCK ACCEPTANCE CORP.
DEBT SECURITIES
----------------
Sears Roebuck Acceptance Corp. ("SRAC") from time to time may offer up to
$1,964,185,000 aggregate initial offering price of its debt securities
consisting of debentures, notes and/or other unsecured evidences of
indebtedness (the "Debt Securities"). If so provided in the accompanying
Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities of any series may be represented in
whole or in part by one or more Global Securities ("Global Securities")
registered in the name of a depository's nominee and, if so represented,
beneficial interests in such Global Securities will be shown on, and transfers
thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the depository
and its participants. The Debt Securities may be offered as separate series in
amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in supplements to this
Prospectus. It is anticipated that SRAC will sell Debt Securities directly to
institutional investors and may sell Debt Securities to or through
underwriters, and also may sell Debt Securities directly to other purchasers
or through agents. See "Plan of Distribution." The accompanying Prospectus
Supplement or Prospectus Supplements (the "Prospectus Supplement") sets forth
the names of any underwriters or agents involved in the sale of the Debt
Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered, the
principal amounts, if any, to be purchased by underwriters and the
compensation, if any, of such underwriters or agents.
The terms of the Debt Securities, including, where applicable, the specific
designation, aggregate principal amount, denominations, maturity, premium, if
any, rate (which may be fixed or variable) and time of payment of interest, if
any, terms for redemption at the option of SRAC or the Holder, terms for
sinking fund payments, the initial public offering price, the names of, and
the principal amounts, if any, to be purchased by underwriters and the
compensation of such underwriters, deferred pricing arrangements, if any, and
the other terms in connection with the offering and sale of the Debt
Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered, are set
forth in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement.
As used herein, Debt Securities shall include securities denominated in U.S.
dollars or, at the option of SRAC if so specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, in any other currency or in composite currencies or in amounts
determined by reference to an index.
----------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECU-
RITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRE-
SENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
June 13, 1997
<PAGE>
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO
WHICH THEY RELATE OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY
SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO
MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE
HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR
THEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS
DATE.
----------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Available Information...................................................... 3
Reports to Holders of Debt Securities...................................... 3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............................ 3
Sears Roebuck Acceptance Corp.............................................. 4
Use of Proceeds............................................................ 4
Summary Financial Information.............................................. 5
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges......................................... 6
Description of Debt Securities............................................. 6
Plan of Distribution....................................................... 10
Legal Opinion.............................................................. 10
Experts.................................................................... 10
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
SRAC and Sears, Roebuck and Co. ("Sears"), SRAC's parent, are subject to the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act") and in accordance therewith file reports and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").
Sears also files proxy statements with the Commission. Such reports, proxy
statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities of the Commission, in Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549; 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048; and Suite 1400, Citicorp Center, 500 W. Madison Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511; and copies of such materials can be obtained from the
public reference section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission also maintains a
web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission
(http://www.sec.gov). Reports and other information concerning SRAC can also
be inspected at the office of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005. Reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning Sears can also be inspected at the offices of the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., the Chicago Stock Exchange Incorporated, 440 South
LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605, and the Pacific Stock Exchange, Inc.,
301 Pine Street, San Francisco, California 94104.
Additional information regarding SRAC, Sears and the Debt Securities is
contained in the Registration Statement and the exhibits relating thereto,
filed with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"). For further information pertaining to SRAC, Sears and the
Debt Securities, reference is made to the Registration Statement, and the
exhibits thereto, which may be inspected without charge at the office of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies
thereof may be obtained from the Commission at prescribed rates.
REPORTS TO HOLDERS OF DEBT SECURITIES
Holders of Debt Securities will receive annual reports containing
information, including financial information that has been audited and
reported on by independent public accountants, about SRAC.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996 filed
by SRAC and Sears, the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 29, 1997 filed by SRAC and Sears, and the Current Reports on Form 8-K
for January 7, January 23, April 10, June 3, June 5 and June 11, 1997 filed by
Sears and for February 25 and May 9, 1997 filed by SRAC with the Commission
pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are incorporated in and made part
of this Prospectus by reference.
All documents filed by SRAC or Sears with the Commission pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date
of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the Debt
Securities (other than those portions of such documents described in
paragraphs (i), (k) and (l) of Item 402 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the
Commission) shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
SRAC WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM A COPY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON THE WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF ANY SUCH PERSON, A
COPY OF ANY OR ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE (NOT
INCLUDING EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN SUCH DOCUMENTS). WRITTEN OR TELEPHONE REQUESTS
FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO SEARS ROEBUCK ACCEPTANCE CORP., 3711
KENNETT PIKE, GREENVILLE, DELAWARE 19807, ATTENTION: VICE PRESIDENT (302/888-
3100).
3
<PAGE>
SEARS ROEBUCK ACCEPTANCE CORP.
SRAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sears and was incorporated in 1956
under the laws of Delaware. Its general offices are located at 3711 Kennett
Pike, Greenville, Delaware 19807 (302/888-3100). SRAC raises funds primarily
from the direct placement of commercial paper with corporate and institutional
investors and through intermediate-term loans, discrete underwritten debt and
medium-term notes. SRAC uses borrowing proceeds to acquire short-term notes of
Sears and purchase outstanding customer receivable balances from Sears. Sears,
which is a multi-line retailer that conducts domestic and international
merchandising operations, uses the funds obtained from SRAC for general
funding purposes. SRAC, and not Sears, will be the sole obligor on the Debt
Securities.
SRAC's income is derived primarily from the earnings on its investment in
the notes and commercial receivable balances of Sears. The interest rate on
Sears notes is presently calculated so that SRAC maintains an earnings to
fixed charges ratio of at least 1.25. The yield on the investment in Sears
notes is related to SRAC's borrowing costs and, as a result, SRAC's earnings
fluctuate in response to movements in interest rates and changes in Sears
short-term borrowing requirements. Subject to the provisions of the Indenture
relating to the Debt Securities, SRAC will be required to maintain a ratio of
earnings to fixed charges (determined in accordance with Item 503(d) of
Regulation S-K promulgated by the Commission) of not less than 1.10 for any
fiscal quarter and cause Sears to maintain ownership of all voting stock of
SRAC as long as any Debt Securities are outstanding, and Sears has agreed to
pay SRAC such amounts as may be necessary for such purpose and to maintain
such ownership. See "Description of Debt Securities--Certain Restrictions."
At May 31, 1997, SRAC had nine employees.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to be received by SRAC from the sale of the Debt Securities
offered hereby will be added to its general funds and initially used to reduce
short-term indebtedness. As indicated under "Sears Roebuck Acceptance Corp.,"
SRAC's principal business is the purchase of short-term notes of Sears; also,
on occasion, SRAC purchases commercial receivable balances from Sears domestic
credit operations. SRAC expects to incur additional indebtedness, but the
amount and nature thereof have not yet been determined and will depend on
economic conditions and certain capital requirements of Sears. It is
anticipated that Sears and its subsidiaries will continue their practice of
short-term borrowing and will, from time to time, incur additional long-term
debt and engage in securitization programs in which interests in pools of
credit card receivables are sold in public or private transactions. Sears also
may, from time to time, issue equity securities.
4
<PAGE>
SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth certain summary financial information of SRAC
for the five fiscal years ended December 28, 1996. The summary information
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of SRAC and the
notes thereto incorporated herein by reference.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating Results
Total revenues....................... $ 689 $ 510 $ 283 $ 338 $ 697
Interest and related expenses........ 546 405 219 236 483
Total expenses....................... 548 407 221 277 532
Income taxes......................... 49 36 22 21 56
Net income........................... 92 67 40 40 108
Financial Position
Assets
Notes of Sears..................... $11,609 $8,397 $6,843 $3,404 $10,494
Commercial receivable balances
purchased from Sears.............. 76 81 82 88 963
Total assets....................... 12,004 8,635 7,031 4,146 12,415
Liabilities
Commercial paper................... $ 3,324 $4,451 $4,913 $2,475 $ 8,515
Agreements with bank trust
departments....................... 82 137 87 140 398
Intermediate-term loans............ 715 895 845 -- --
Medium-term notes.................. 4,834 1,384 -- -- --
Discrete underwritten debt......... 1,298 499 -- -- --
Loan agreements with Sears Overseas
Finance, N.V...................... -- -- -- 380 332
Total liabilities.................. 10,317 7,390 5,854 3,008 9,287
Sears, Roebuck and Co. investment in
SRAC
Capital stock (including capital in
excess of par value).............. $ 385 $ 35 $ 35 $ 35 $ 365
Retained income.................... 1,302 1,210 1,143 1,103 2,763
Debt as percentage of equity......... 608% 592% 496% 263% 296%
Other Pertinent Data
Commercial paper
Average daily outstandings......... $ 4,387 $4,963 $3,615 $3,812 $ 9,328
Agreements with bank trust
departments
Average daily outstandings......... 98 154 124 402 747
Contractual credit facilities (year-
end)................................ 5,000 5,720 5,132 4,200 10,812
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for SRAC for the three-month period
ended March 29, 1997 was 1.25 and for the years ended December 28, 1996,
December 30, 1995, and December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 was 1.26, 1.26, 1.29,
1.26 and 1.34, respectively. Earnings consist of net income plus fixed charges
and income taxes. Fixed charges consist of interest costs and amortization of
debt discount and expense; rental expense is insignificant with no effect on
the calculation. The interest rate paid by Sears to SRAC on its investment in
Sears notes is presently calculated to produce earnings sufficient to cover
SRAC's fixed charges at least 1.25 times.
The ratio of income to fixed charges for Sears and its consolidated
subsidiaries for the three-month period ended March 29, 1997 was 1.87 and for
the years ended December 28, 1996, December 30, 1995, and December 31, 1994
and 1993 was 2.40, 2.15, 2.06 and 1.66, respectively. For the year ended
December 31, 1992, earnings did not cover fixed charges by $2,870 million. In
the computation of the ratio of income to fixed charges for Sears and its
consolidated subsidiaries, income consists of income from continuing
operations less undistributed net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries plus
fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) and federal and state income
taxes. Fixed charges consist of interest costs plus the portion of operating
lease rentals which is estimated to represent the interest element in such
rentals.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following descriptions of the terms of the Debt Securities set forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities to which any
Prospectus Supplement may relate. The particular terms of the Debt Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement (the "Offered Debt Securities") and the
extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the Debt
Securities so offered will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to such Offered Debt Securities.
The Debt Securities are to be issued under one of the Indentures (each, an
"Indenture") referred to in the following sentence, a copy of the form of
which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. SRAC has
entered into an Indenture with The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as Trustee, and
may enter into Indentures with one or more other Trustees eligible to act as
Trustee (each, a "Trustee") under an Indenture pursuant to the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The particular Indenture
under which any series of Debt Securities is to be issued, and the identity of
the Trustee under such Indenture, will be identified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such series of Debt Securities. The following summaries
of certain provisions of the Debt Securities and the Indenture do not purport
to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to, all the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions
therein of certain terms. Whenever particular provisions or defined terms in
the Indenture are referred to herein, such provisions or defined terms are
incorporated by reference.
GENERAL
The Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations of SRAC.
The Indenture does not limit the amount of Debt Securities that may be
issued thereunder and provides that Debt Securities may be issued thereunder
from time to time in one or more series.
Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular
series of Offered Debt Securities offered thereby for the following terms of
the Offered Debt Securities: (i) the title of the Offered Debt Securities;
(ii) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the Offered Debt
Securities; (iii) the date or dates on which the Offered Debt Securities will
mature; (iv) the price (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal
amount thereof) at which the Offered Debt Securities will be issued; (v) the
rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum at which the Offered
Debt Securities will bear interest, if any; (vi) the date from which such
interest, if any, on the Offered Debt Securities will accrue, the dates on
which such interest, if any, will be payable, the date on which
6
<PAGE>
payment of such interest, if any, will commence and the Regular Record Dates
for such Interest Payment Dates, if any; (vii) the date or dates, if any,
after or on which and the price or prices at which the Offered Debt Securities
may, pursuant to any optional or mandatory redemption, conversion or exchange
provisions, be redeemed, converted or exchanged at the option of SRAC or of
the Holder thereof and the other detailed terms and provisions of such
optional or mandatory redemption; (viii) any subordination provisions; (ix)
the dates, if any, on which and the price or prices at which the Offered Debt
Securities will, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund provisions, or may,
pursuant to any optional sinking fund provisions, be redeemed by SRAC, and the
other detailed terms and provisions of such sinking fund; (x) if other than
the principal amount thereof, the amount of Offered Debt Securities which
shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof;
(xi) the terms of any warrants attached to the Offered Debt Securities; (xii)
the currency or currencies, including European Currency Units or other
composite currencies, in which Offered Debt Securities may be purchased and in
which principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Offered Debt
Securities will be payable; (xiii) any index used to determine the amount of
payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Offered
Debt Securities; (xiv) whether the Offered Debt Securities are issuable in
whole or in part as one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the name
of the Depository for such Global Security or Global Securities; (xv) the
place or places, if other than as set forth in the Indenture, where the
principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Offered Debt
Securities will be payable; and (xvi) any other terms relating to the Offered
Debt Securities not inconsistent with the Indenture but which may modify or
delete any provision of the Indenture insofar as it applies to such series;
provided that no term thereof shall be modified or deleted if imposed under
the Trust Indenture Act and that any modification or deletion of the rights,
duties or immunities of the Trustee shall have been consented to in writing by
the Trustee.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be payable, and the
Debt Securities (other than Debt Securities represented by Global Securities)
will be transferable, at the office or agency of SRAC maintained for such
purposes in the Borough of Manhattan of the City of New York, and at such
other places, if any, in the city in which the principal executive offices of
SRAC or the city in which the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee
are located, as SRAC may designate, which, except as otherwise specified in
the Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of Offered Debt
Securities, will initially include the principal corporate trust office of the
Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan of The City of New York and the principal
executive offices of SRAC in Greenville, Delaware. Unless other arrangements
are made, interest on the Debt Securities (other than Debt Securities
represented by Global Securities) will be paid by checks mailed to the Holders
at their registered addresses. (Sections 2.5, 3.1, 3.2) Information with
respect to payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on,
and transfers of beneficial interests in, Debt Securities represented by
Global Securities will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto.
If the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be payable in
a currency other than U.S. dollars, including European Currency Units or
another composite currency, and such currency is not available for payment due
to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the
control of SRAC, SRAC shall satisfy its payment obligations in U.S. dollars on
the basis of the Market Exchange Rate for such currency on the latest date for
which such rate was established on or before the date on which payment is due.
(Section 2.12)
Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto,
the Debt Securities will be issued only in fully registered form, without
coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof. No
service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of
the Offered Debt Securities, but SRAC may require payment of a sum sufficient
to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
(Sections 2.2, 2.5)
Debt Securities may be issued under the Indenture as Original Issue Discount
Securities to be offered and sold at a substantial discount below their stated
principal amount. Federal income tax consequences and other special
considerations applicable to any such Original Issue Discount
7
<PAGE>
Securities will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
"Original Issue Discount Security" means any security which provides for an
amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon the
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof upon the occurrence of a
default and the continuation thereof.
CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS
The Indenture provides that SRAC will maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
for any fiscal quarter of not less than 1.10 and that SRAC will cause Sears to
maintain ownership of all the voting stock of SRAC. "Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio" means SRAC's ratio of earnings to fixed charges determined in
accordance with Item 503(d) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Commission,
as in effect on the date of the Indenture. Pursuant to letter agreements
between SRAC and Sears (the "Fixed Charge Coverage and Ownership Agreement"),
Sears has agreed, for the benefit of holders of outstanding Debt Securities,
that, (i) as long as SRAC is so required to maintain such Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio, Sears will pay SRAC such amounts which, together with any
other earnings available therefor, are sufficient for SRAC to maintain such
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, and (ii) as long as SRAC is so required to cause
Sears to maintain ownership of SRAC, Sears will maintain such ownership. The
Indenture provides that SRAC (i) will cause Sears to observe and perform in
all material respects all covenants or agreements of Sears contained in the
Fixed Charge Coverage and Ownership Agreement and (ii) will not amend, waive,
terminate or otherwise modify any provision of the Fixed Charge Coverage and
Ownership Agreement. (Section 3.6)
DEFAULTS
The following are defaults with respect to any series of Debt Securities:
(a) failure to pay the principal amount (and premium, if any) on such series
when due and payable; (b) failure to pay any interest on such series when due,
continued for 30 days (unless the entire amount of such payment is deposited
by SRAC with the Trustee or with a paying agent prior to the expiration of 30
days); (c) failure to perform any other covenant of SRAC in the Indenture
(other than a covenant included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of any
series of Debt Securities other than that series), continued for 60 days after
written notice; (d) acceleration of $100,000,000 or more in principal amount
of indebtedness for borrowed money of SRAC (including acceleration with
respect to Debt Securities other than that series) or Sears under the terms of
the instrument under which such indebtedness is issued or secured (including
the Indenture), if such indebtedness shall not have been discharged or such
acceleration is not annulled within 30 days after written notice or prior to
the time principal owed on the outstanding Debt Securities of that series
shall be declared due and payable, except as a result of compliance with
applicable laws, orders or decrees; and (e) certain events of bankruptcy,
insolvency, or reorganization. In addition, a particular series of Debt
Securities may provide for additional events of default, as may be described
in the Prospectus Supplement. If a default shall occur and be continuing with
respect to any series of Debt Securities, the Trustee or the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of that series
may declare the principal amount of such series (or, if the Debt Securities of
that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the
principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) due and
payable immediately, which declaration may, in certain instances, be annulled
by the Holders of a majority of the principal amount of outstanding Debt
Securities of that series. In the case of such declaration, there would become
due and payable such principal amount plus any accrued interest or other
periodic payments. (Section 6.1)
No Holder of any Debt Security of any series will have any right to
institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy
thereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee
written notice of a default and unless also the Holders of a majority of the
principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities of that series shall have made
written request upon the Trustee, offering reasonable indemnity, to institute
such proceeding as Trustee, and the Trustee shall have
8
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neglected or refused to institute such proceeding within a reasonable time.
However, the right of any Holder of any Debt Security of that series to
enforce the payment of principal and interest on such Debt Security, on or
after the due dates expressed in such Debt Security, may not be impaired or
affected. (Section 6.7)
SRAC is required to furnish annually to the Trustee statements as to the
performance or fulfillment of its covenants, agreements or conditions in the
Indenture and as to the absence of default. (Section 3.4)
MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT OF THE INDENTURE
Modifications and alterations of the Indenture may be made by SRAC with the
consent of the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by the modification or
alteration, provided that no such change shall be made without the consent of
the Holders of each Debt Security then outstanding affected thereby which will
(a) permit the extension of the time of payment of any payment on any such
Debt Security, or a reduction in any such payment, or (b) reduce the above-
stated percentage of Holders of any series of Debt Securities whose consent is
required to modify or alter the Indenture. (Article XI)
DEFEASANCE
Unless otherwise provided for in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement,
SRAC may discharge the Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of any series
(except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of Debt
Securities of such series, replace mutilated, destroyed, lost and stolen Debt
Securities of such series, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for
payment in trust) upon the deposit with the Trustee or a paying agent, in
trust, of (1) money in an amount sufficient, or (2) U.S. Government
Obligations (if the Debt Securities are denominated in U.S. dollars) or
Eligible Obligations (if the Debt Securities are denominated in a Foreign
Currency) which through the payment of interest and principal in respect
thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount
sufficient, or (3) any combination thereof in an amount sufficient, to pay the
principal, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the Debt
Securities of such series on the dates such payments are due in accordance
with the terms of the Indenture and such Debt Securities. Such a trust may
only be established if, among other things, SRAC has received a ruling from
the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of recognized counsel who is not an
employee of SRAC, in either case to the effect that, among other things, the
Holders of the Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain
or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and
defeasance of the Indenture and will be subject to federal income tax on the
same amount and in the same manner and at the same times, as would have been
the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred. Notwithstanding such
deposit, the obligations of SRAC under the Indenture to pay interest and
principal shall remain in full force and effect until the Debt Securities of
such series have been paid in full. (Section 13.4)
If and when a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of
recognized counsel can be provided without reliance upon the continuation of
SRAC's obligations regarding the payment of interest and principal, then such
obligations of SRAC shall cease upon delivery to the Trustee of such ruling or
opinion and compliance with the other conditions precedent provided for in the
Indenture. (Section 13.4) Under present ruling positions of the Internal
Revenue Service, such a ruling is not obtainable.
REGARDING THE TRUSTEE
The Chase Manhattan Bank, which is a Trustee under an Indenture, performs
other services for SRAC.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
General. SRAC may sell Debt Securities to or through underwriters, and also
may sell Debt Securities directly to other purchasers or through agents. It is
anticipated that SRAC will offer Debt Securities directly to brokers or
dealers, investment companies, insurance companies, banks, savings and loan
associations, trust companies or similar institutions, and trusts for which a
bank, savings and loan association, trust company or investment adviser is the
trustee or authorized to make investment decisions.
The distribution of the Debt Securities may be effected from time to time in
one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The Prospectus Supplement
will describe the method of distribution of the Offered Debt Securities.
In connection with the sale of Debt Securities, underwriters may receive
compensation from SRAC or from purchasers of Debt Securities for whom they may
act as agents in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.
Underwriters may sell Debt Securities to or through dealers, and such dealers
may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions
from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act
as agent. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the
distribution of Debt Securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any
discounts, commissions or concessions received by them and any profit on the
resale of Debt Securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts
and commissions under the Act. Any such underwriter or agent will be
identified, and any such compensation will be described, in the Prospectus
Supplement.
Under agreements that may be entered into by SRAC, underwriters, dealers and
agents who participate in the distribution of Debt Securities may be entitled
to indemnification by SRAC against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act.
LEGAL OPINION
Unless otherwise specified in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, the
legality of the Debt Securities is being passed upon for SRAC by Nancy K.
Bellis, an Assistant General Counsel of Sears.
EXPERTS
The annual financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus
and the financial statements from which the Summary Financial Information
included in this Prospectus have been derived have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by
reference herein, and with respect to the Summary Financial Information has
been included as Exhibit 99 to the Registration Statement. Such financial
statements and Summary Financial Information have been incorporated by
reference and included herein, respectively, in reliance upon the reports of
such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to the unaudited interim financial information contained in the
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for Sears and SRAC, which are incorporated
herein by reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in
accordance with professional standards for a review of such information.
However, as stated in their reports included in the Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q for Sears and SRAC and incorporated by reference herein, they did not
audit and they did not express an opinion on such interim financial
information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their reports on such
information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review
procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are not subject to the liability
provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act for their reports on the
unaudited interim financial information because those reports are not
"reports" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or certified by
an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.
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U.S. $1,750,000,000
SEARS ROEBUCK
ACCEPTANCE CORP.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES SERIES IV
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
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GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
SALOMON BROTHERS INC
SEARS ROEBUCK ACCEPTANCE CORP.
