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PROSPECTUS Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-57235
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION
4,600,000 SHARES OF
7% CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
PAR VALUE $.01 AND LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE $50 PER SHARE
AND
33,093,525 SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE,
ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION
This Prospectus relates to the resale of 4,600,000 shares of 7% Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 and liquidation preference $50 per
share ("Preferred Stock"), of Chesapeake Energy Corporation, an Oklahoma
corporation ("Chesapeake" or the "Company"), issued to the initial purchasers of
the Preferred Stock (the "Initial Purchasers") in a private placement
consummated on April 22, 1998 and the resale of up to 33,093,525 shares of the
Company's Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"), which are
initially issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock by any holders of the
Preferred Stock that did not purchase the Preferred Stock under this Prospectus.
The Preferred Stock and such shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of
the Preferred Stock (collectively, the "Shares") may be offered from time to
time for the accounts of holders of Preferred Stock named herein or in
supplements to this Prospectus (the "Selling Shareholders"). See "Plan of
Distribution." Information concerning the Selling Shareholders may change from
time to time and will be set forth in supplements to this Prospectus.
Dividends on the Preferred Stock are cumulative from the date of issuance
and payable quarterly in cash, in arrears, commencing August 1, 1998. Each share
of Preferred Stock is convertible at the holder's option, exercisable at any
time unless previously redeemed, into fully paid and nonassessable shares of
Common Stock, at a conversion price of $6.95 of liquidation preference per share
plus accrued but unpaid dividends, if any (equivalent to an initial conversion
rate of approximately 7.1942 shares of Common Stock for each share of Preferred
Stock), subject to adjustment under certain conditions as described herein. See
"Description of Preferred Stock -- Dividends" and "-- Conversion Rights."
The Preferred Stock is redeemable at any time on or after May 1, 2001, in
whole or in part, at the option of the Company, initially at a price of $52.45
per share and thereafter at prices declining to $50 per share on or after May 1,
2008, plus in each case all accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date,
which redemption price may be paid in cash, by delivery of shares of Common
Stock or through a combination thereof. Upon any Change of Control (as defined
herein), each holder of Preferred Stock shall, in the event that the Market
Value (as defined herein) at such time is less than the Conversion Price, have a
one-time option to convert such holder's shares of Preferred Stock into fully
paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock, at an adjusted Conversion Price
equal to the greater of (x) the Market Value for the period ending on the Change
of Control Date (as defined herein) and (y) $3.66 (being 66 2/3% of the Market
Value for the period ended April 16, 1998). In lieu of issuing shares of Common
Stock for shares of Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion upon a Change of
Control, the Company may, at its option, make a cash payment equal to the Market
Value determined for the period ending on the Change of Control Date of the
Common Stock otherwise issuable. See "Description of Preferred Stock -- Optional
Redemption" and "-- Change of Control."
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SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 FOR A DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN RISKS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES.
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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. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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On July 27, 1998, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock (symbol
"CHK") on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") was $2.75 per share. The
Preferred Stock is eligible for trading in the Private Offerings, Resales and
Trading through Automated Linkages ("PORTAL") market.
All of the Preferred Stock was issued initially pursuant to an exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), provided by Section 4(2) thereof and, to the Company's
knowledge, was transferred to the Selling Shareholders pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act. Preferred Stock resold pursuant to this Prospectus
will no longer be eligible for trading in the PORTAL market.
The Selling Shareholders, acting as principals for their own account,
directly, through agents designated from time to time, or through brokers,
dealers, agents or underwriters also to be designated, may sell all or a portion
of the Shares which may be offered hereby by them from time to time on terms to
be determined at the time of sale. The aggregate proceeds to the Selling
Shareholders from the sale of Shares which may be offered hereby by the Selling
Shareholders will be the purchase price of such Shares less commissions, if any.
The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Shares. For
information concerning indemnification arrangements between the Company and the
Selling Shareholders, see "Plan of Distribution."
The Selling Shareholders and any brokers, dealers, agents or underwriters
that participate with the Selling Shareholders in the distribution of the Shares
may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, in
which event any commissions received by such broker-dealers, agents or
underwriters and any profit on the resale of the Shares purchased by them may be
deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.
PERSONS EFFECTING SALES OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD CAREFULLY
REVIEW THE RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE HEREOF AND THE MANNER OF SELLING DESCRIBED IN
"PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION."
The Company intends that the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
is a part will remain effective until April 22, 2000 or such earlier date as of
which the Registration Statement is no longer required for the transfer of the
Shares. The Company has agreed to bear certain expenses in connection with the
registration and sale of the Shares being offered by the Selling Shareholders.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS AUGUST 3, 1998
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement," which term shall include all amendments, exhibits, annexes and
schedules thereto) pursuant to the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, covering the Shares being offered hereby. This
Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration
Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Commission. Statements made or incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document
referred to are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such contract,
agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or
to any other report incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, reference is
made to the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and
each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the
Company may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the following regional offices of the Commission:
7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can also be obtained from the
Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary
Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Company's Common Stock
is listed on the NYSE. The Company's reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning the Company can be inspected and copied at the offices of
the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. Such material may also be
accessed electronically by means of the Commission's home page on the Internet
at http://www.sec.gov.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission (File No.
1-13726) pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference:
1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997
and Transition Report for the six months ended December 31, 1997;
2. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998;
3. Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 15 and 26, February 5
and 13, March 5, 20, 23, 25 and 26, April 17 and 22, May 20, 21, 22 and 26,
and July 2, 6, 9, 16 and 31, 1998; and
4. the description of the Company's Common Stock contained in its
registration statement on Form 8-B filed on December 12, 1996, the summary
of preferred stock purchase rights and description of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock contained in the Company's registration
statement on Form 8-A filed on July 16, 1998, and any amendment or report
filed for the purpose of updating such information.
All documents filed by the Company 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 described herein shall be deemed to be
incorporated in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of the
filing of such document. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for all purposes
to the extent that a statement contained in this Prospectus, or in any other
subsequently filed document which is also incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement
so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
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The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy
(without exhibits unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by
reference into such document) of any or all documents incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus. Requests for such copies should be directed to Janice A.
Dobbs, Corporate Secretary, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, 6100 North Western
Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118, by mail, and if by telephone, (405)
879-9212.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus includes and certain of the documents incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus include "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange
Act. All statements other than statements of historical facts included or
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus are forward-looking statements.
Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such
forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such
expectations will prove to have been correct. The Company cautions prospective
investors that actual results could differ materially from those expected by the
Company, depending on the outcome of certain factors, including, without
limitation, factors discussed under "Risk Factors" such as the Company's ability
to pay cash dividends on the Preferred Stock, concentration of unevaluated
leasehold in Louisiana, impairment of asset value, acquisition and integration
of operations risks, need to replace reserves, substantial capital requirements,
restrictions imposed by lenders, substantial indebtedness, patent and securities
litigation, fluctuations in the prices of oil and gas, hedging risks,
uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of oil and gas reserves and
projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures,
operating risks, the effects of governmental and environmental regulation,
competition, and liquidity and capital requirements. Readers are cautioned not
to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as
of the respective dates on which they are issued. The Company undertakes no
obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to forward-looking
statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof, including, without limitation, changes in the Company's business
strategy or planned capital expenditures, or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by and should be read in
conjunction with the more detailed information included elsewhere or
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. Prospective purchasers are urged
to read this Prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference.
Prospective purchasers should carefully consider the information set forth in
"Risk Factors" in evaluating an investment in the Shares. Unless the context
otherwise requires, all references in this Prospectus to "Chesapeake" or the
"Company" are to Chesapeake Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries. All
references in this Prospectus to fiscal years ended on or prior to June 30, 1997
are to the Company's fiscal year ended June 30. The Company has changed its
fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31 and has included and incorporated by
reference herein information for the transition period from July 1 to December
31, 1997.
THE COMPANY
Chesapeake Energy Corporation is an independent oil and gas company engaged
in the acquisition, development, production and exploration of oil and natural
gas in major onshore producing areas of the United States and Canada. The
Company's assets are concentrated in three core areas: the Mid-Continent
(consisting of Oklahoma, southwestern Kansas and the Texas Panhandle), the
Austin Chalk Trend in Texas and Louisiana, and western Canada. The Company's
principal executive offices are located at 6100 North Western Avenue, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73118 and its telephone number is (405) 848-8000.
On July 7, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management to
explore alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including a possible sale or
merger of the Company, based upon the Board's opinion that the recent market
prices of the Company's Common Stock indicate that the market is substantially
undervaluing the Company's assets and exploration potential. Also on July 7,
1998, Chesapeake's Board of Directors unanimously adopted a shareholder rights
plan designed to deter coercive takeover tactics and to prevent a change of
control from occurring without all shareholders receiving a fair price. See
"Description of Capital Stock."
THE OFFERING
SECURITIES OFFERED......... 4,600,000 shares of 7% Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock, together with such indeterminate
number of shares of Preferred Stock as may be
issuable in respect of such shares in connection
with stock splits, stock dividends and similar
transactions, and the shares of Common Stock into
which such Preferred Stock may be converted,
together with such indeterminate number of shares
of Common Stock which may be issuable in respect of
such shares in connection with stock splits, stock
dividends and similar transactions.
PREFERRED STOCK
DIVIDENDS.................. Cumulative annual dividends of $3.50 per share
payable quarterly in cash on each February 1, May
1, August 1 and November 1, commencing August 1,
1998, when, as and if declared by the Board of
Directors. Dividends on the Preferred Stock will
accrue and be cumulative from the date of issuance
thereof. See "Description of Preferred Stock --
Dividends."
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE..... $50 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
RANKING.................... The Preferred Stock ranks (i) senior to all of the
Company's Common Stock and to all other capital
stock of the Company unless the terms of such stock
expressly provide that it ranks senior to or on a
parity with the Preferred Stock; (ii) on a parity
with any capital stock of the Company the terms of
which expressly provide that it will rank on a
parity with the
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Preferred Stock; and (iii) junior to all capital
stock of the Company the terms of which expressly
provide that such stock will rank senior to the
Preferred Stock. As of the date of this Prospectus,
all outstanding capital stock of the Company ranks
junior to the Preferred Stock. See "Description of
Preferred Stock -- General."
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION........ The Preferred Stock may not be redeemed prior to
May 1, 2001. On or after May 1, 2001, the Preferred
Stock may be redeemed, at any time at the option of
the Company, in whole or in part, in cash, shares
of Common Stock or a combination thereof, initially
at the redemption price of $52.45 per share and
thereafter at prices declining to $50 per share on
or after May 1, 2008, plus, in each case, accrued
and unpaid dividends to the redemption date. See
"Description of Preferred Stock -- Optional
Redemption."
CONVERSION RIGHTS.......... Each share of Preferred Stock may be converted at
any time, at the option of the holder, unless
previously redeemed, into fully paid and
nonassessable shares of Common Stock, at a
conversion price of $6.95 of liquidation preference
per share of Common Stock plus accrued but unpaid
dividends, if any (equivalent to an initial
conversion rate of approximately 7.1942 shares of
Common Stock for each share of Preferred Stock,
plus cash in lieu of fractional shares). The
Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment upon the
occurrence of certain events. Shares of Preferred
Stock called for redemption will remain convertible
into shares of Common Stock up to and including
(but not after) the close of business on the date
fixed for redemption. See "Description of Preferred
Stock -- Conversion Rights."
CHANGE OF CONTROL.......... Upon any Change of Control, each holder of
Preferred Stock shall, in the event that the Market
Value at such time is less than the Conversion
Price, have a one-time option to convert such
holder's shares of Preferred Stock into shares of
Common Stock (plus cash in lieu of fractional
shares) at an adjusted conversion price equal to
the greater of (x) the average closing price of the
Common Stock on the NYSE (or such other national
securities exchange or automated quotation system
on which the Common Stock is then listed for
trading or quotation) for the five trading day
period (the "Market Value") ending on the date on
which a Change of Control event occurs (the "Change
of Control Date") and (y) $3.66 (being 66 2/3% of
the Market Value for the period ended April 16,
1998). In lieu of issuing the shares of Common
Stock issuable upon conversion in the event of a
Change of Control, the Company may, at its option,
make a cash payment equal to the Market Value as of
the Change of Control Date of the shares of Common
Stock otherwise issuable. See "Description of
Preferred Stock -- Change of Control."
VOTING RIGHTS.............. Except as required by law and the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation (including the
Certificate of Designation for the Preferred
Stock), the holders of Preferred Stock will have no
voting rights unless dividends payable on the
Preferred Stock are in arrears for six quarterly
periods, in which case the holders of the Preferred
Stock voting separately as a class with the shares
of any other preferred stock or preference
securities having similar voting rights will be
entitled at the next regular or special meeting of
stockholders of the Company to elect two directors
of the Company (such voting rights and the terms of
the directors so elected to continue until such
time as the dividend arrearage on the Preferred
Stock
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has been paid in full). The affirmative consent of
holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
Preferred Stock will be required for the issuance
of any class or series of stock (or security
convertible into stock) of the Company ranking pari
passu or senior to the Preferred Stock as to
dividends, liquidation rights or voting rights and
for amendments to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation that would affect adversely the
rights of holders of the Preferred Stock. See
"Description of Preferred Stock -- Voting Rights."
TAX CONSEQUENCES........... The Federal income tax consequences of acquiring
and holding the Preferred Stock and the shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such
Preferred Stock or in redemption therefor are
described in "Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Prospective investors are urged to consult their
own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of
acquiring, holding or disposing of the Preferred
Stock or the shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of such Preferred Stock or in redemption
therefor in light of their personal investment
circumstances, including consequences resulting
from the possibility that distributions on the
Preferred Stock may exceed the Company's current
and accumulated earnings and profits in which case
they would not be treated as dividends for tax
purposes.
BOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY AND
FORM....................... The Preferred Stock is represented by permanent
global certificates in definitive, fully registered
form deposited with a custodian for, and registered
in the name of, a nominee of The Depository Trust
Company ("DTC"). See "Description of Preferred
Stock -- Book-Entry; DTC."
COMMON STOCK
LISTING.................... The Common Stock is listed for trading on the NYSE.
TRADING SYMBOL............. "CHK"
OUTSTANDING BEFORE
OFFERING................... On July 24, 1998, 99,097,700 shares of Common Stock
were issued and outstanding and 12,044,024 shares
of Common Stock were issuable upon the exercise of
outstanding options. See "Description of Capital
Stock."
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the Preferred Stock or the Common Stock involves certain
risks that a potential investor should carefully evaluate prior to making such
an investment.
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RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth elsewhere or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, the following factors relating to the Company and
this offering should be considered when evaluating an investment in the Shares.
ABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO PAY CASH DIVIDENDS
Dividends on the Preferred Stock must be paid in cash. Under certain of the
Indentures governing the Company's outstanding senior notes (the "Indentures"),
the Company may pay cash dividends and make other distributions on or in respect
of its capital stock, including the Preferred Stock, only if certain financial
tests are met. Currently, the restrictions contained in the Indentures would
prohibit the Company from paying dividends under certain circumstances. The
Company currently anticipates that a future prolonged reduction in natural gas
prices and, to a lesser extent, oil prices could cause the Company to be unable
to incur additional indebtedness under one or more of such Indentures which, in
turn, would render the Company unable to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock.
There can be no assurance that the Company's existing or future financing
arrangements will permit the Company to pay cash dividends on the Preferred
Stock. In the event that any of the Company's financing agreements limit the
Company's ability to pay cash dividends on the Preferred Stock when required,
the Company will be unable to pay cash dividends on the Preferred Stock unless
it can refinance amounts outstanding under such agreements. There can be no
assurance that the Company would be able to refinance amounts outstanding under
such agreements. The failure of the Company to pay cash dividends on the
Preferred Stock could result in the election of two members of the Company's
Board of Directors by the holders of the Preferred Stock.
Under Oklahoma law, cash dividends on capital stock may only be paid from
"surplus" or, if there is no "surplus," from the corporation's net profits for
the then current or the preceding fiscal year. Until the Company achieves
profitability, the ability of the Company to pay cash dividends on the Preferred
Stock will require the availability of adequate "surplus," which is defined as
the excess, if any, of the Company's net assets (total assets less total
liabilities) over its capital (generally the par value of its issued capital
stock). As a result, there can be no assurance that adequate surplus will be
available to pay cash dividends on the Preferred Stock or that, even if such
surplus is available, the Company will have sufficient cash to pay dividends on
the Preferred Stock. In addition under Oklahoma law, the Preferred Stock cannot
be redeemed if the redemption will cause any impairment of the capital of the
Company.
IMPAIRMENT OF ASSET VALUE
The Company reported full-cost ceiling writedowns of $236 million, $110
million and $250 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997, the six months
ended December 31, 1997 and the three months ended March 31, 1998, respectively.
Beginning in the quarter ended September 30, 1997, the Company reduced its
drilling budget for the Louisiana Trend overall and concentrated remaining
Austin Chalk drilling activity in the Masters Creek area of Louisiana. In
addition, the Company initiated a strategy to replace and expand its oil and gas
reserves through acquisitions as a complement to its historical strategy of
adding reserves through drilling. The Company has also reduced its emphasis on
acquiring unproved leasehold acreage to be developed through exploratory
drilling. While these actions are intended to mitigate the higher risks
associated with a growth strategy based on significant exploratory drilling,
there can be no assurance that this change in strategy will result in enhanced
future economic results or will prevent additional leasehold impairment and/or
full-cost ceiling writedowns.
Since December 31, 1997, oil prices have declined, reaching ten-year lows
during June 1998. In addition, the Company has completed acquisitions based on
expectations of higher oil and gas prices than those currently being received.
Based on NYMEX prices of $14.50 per Bbl and $2.00 per Mcf, reserve estimates as
of March 31, 1998 (pro forma for the acquisitions completed during the quarter
ended June 30, 1998), and the estimated evaluation of leasehold during the
quarter ended June 30, 1998, the Company estimates it will incur an additional
full-cost ceiling writedown of between $225 million and $250 million as of June
30, 1998. Additional impairments of certain of the Company's other fixed assets
located in the Louisiana Trend may be
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required at June 30, 1998. Such impairments, estimated to range from $10 million
to $20 million, would result from lower than expected reserves and production
throughput in gathering, transmission and processing facilities. If these
impairments occur, the Company will incur a substantial loss which would further
reduce shareholders' equity.
The Company uses the full-cost method of accounting for its investment in
oil and gas properties. Under the full-cost method of accounting, all costs of
acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized
into a "full-cost pool" as incurred, and properties in the pool are depleted and
charged to operations using the unit-of-production method based on the ratio of
current production to total proved oil and gas reserves. To the extent that such
capitalized costs (net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization)
less deferred taxes exceed the present value of estimated future net cash flows
from proved oil and gas reserves and the lower of cost or fair value of unproved
properties after income tax effects, such excess costs are charged to
operations. If a writedown is required, it would result in a charge to earnings
but would not have an impact on cash flows from operating activities. Once
incurred, a writedown of oil and gas properties is not reversible at a later
date even if oil and gas prices increase.
Following the Company's announcement in late June 1997 of disappointing
drilling results in the Louisiana Trend and a full-cost ceiling writedown, a
number of purported class action lawsuits alleging violations of Sections 10(b)
and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder were filed against the
Company and certain of its officers and directors. See "-- Patent and Securities
Litigation."
RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY LENDERS
The instruments governing certain indebtedness of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined) may impose significant operating and
financial restrictions on the Company. The terms of certain of the Indentures
limit or prohibit, among other things, the ability of the Company to incur
additional indebtedness, pay dividends, repay indebtedness prior to its stated
maturity, sell assets or engage in mergers or acquisitions. These restrictions
could also limit the ability of the Company to effect future financings, make
needed capital expenditures, withstand a future downturn in the Company's
business or the economy in general, or otherwise conduct necessary corporate
activities. A failure by the Company to comply with these restrictions could
lead to a default under the terms of such indebtedness. In the event of default,
the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all of the funds
borrowed pursuant thereto to be due and payable together with accrued and unpaid
interest. In such event, there can be no assurance that the Company would be
able to make such payments or borrow sufficient funds from alternative sources
to make any such payment. Even if additional financing could be obtained, there
can be no assurance that it would be on terms that are favorable or acceptable
to the Company. In addition, the Company's indebtedness under its bank credit
facilities will be secured by liens on a portion of the assets of the Company
and its subsidiaries. The pledge of such collateral could impair the Company's
ability to obtain additional financing in the future.
SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS
As of March 31, 1998, the Company's shareholders' equity was $221 million
($461 million on a pro forma basis) and its long-term indebtedness was $655
million ($920 million on a pro forma basis). Long-term indebtedness represented
approximately 75% (67% on a pro forma basis) of total book capitalization. If
the Company incurs additional full-cost ceiling writedowns (such as the expected
writedown to be recorded as of June 30, 1998 discussed under "-- Impairment of
Asset Value" above), shareholders' equity will be further reduced. During April
1998, Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") downgraded the
Company's senior debt credit ratings to B+ and B1, respectively. Moody's has
announced that its outlook for the Company's credit ratings is negative, pending
Moody's ongoing evaluation of the Company's new business strategy. The Company's
substantial indebtedness and negative credit ratings could adversely affect its
access to capital, although management presently believes that cash flow from
operations will be sufficient to fund planned exploration and development.
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NEED TO REPLACE RESERVES; SUBSTANTIAL CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
As is customary in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, the
Company's future success depends upon its ability to find, develop or acquire
additional oil and gas reserves that are economically recoverable. Unless the
Company successfully replaces the reserves that it produces through successful
development, exploration or acquisition, the Company's proved reserves will
decline. Approximately 43% of the Company's estimated proved reserves at
December 31, 1997 (18% on a pro forma basis for acquisitions completed in the
first and second quarters of 1998) were located in the Austin Chalk formation in
Texas and Louisiana, where wells are characterized by rapid decline rates.
Additionally, approximately 47% (35% on a pro forma basis) of the Company's
total estimated proved reserves at December 31, 1997 were undeveloped. Recovery
of such reserves will require significant capital expenditures and successful
drilling operations. There can be no assurance that the Company can successfully
find and produce reserves economically in the future.
The Company has made and intends to make substantial capital expenditures
in connection with the development, exploration and production of its oil and
gas properties. Historically, the Company has funded its capital expenditures
through a combination of internally generated funds, equity and long-term and
short-term debt financing arrangements. Future cash flows are subject to a
number of variables, such as the level of production from existing wells, prices
of oil and gas and the Company's success in locating and producing new reserves.
If revenue were to decrease as a result of lower oil and gas prices, decreased
production or otherwise, and the Company's access to capital were limited, the
Company would have a reduced ability to replace its reserves or to maintain
production at current levels, potentially resulting in a decrease in production
and revenue over time. If the Company's cash flow from operations is not
sufficient to satisfy its capital expenditure budget, there can be no assurance
that additional debt or equity financing will be available to meet these
requirements.
CONCENTRATION OF UNEVALUATED LEASEHOLD IN LOUISIANA
The Company's future performance will be affected by the development
results of its existing proved undeveloped reserves and its inventory of
unproved drilling locations, particularly in the Louisiana Trend and the
Tuscaloosa Trend. As of March 31, 1998, the Company had an investment in total
unevaluated and unproved leasehold of approximately $144 million, of which
approximately $59 million was located in the Louisiana Trend and the Tuscaloosa
Trend. Approximately 31%, or $70 million, of the Company's 1998 drilling budget
is associated with drilling, construction of production facilities and seismic
activity in the Louisiana Trend and the Tuscaloosa Trend. Failure of these
drilling activities to achieve anticipated quantities of economically attractive
reserves and production would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
liquidity, operations and financial results and could result in future full-cost
ceiling writedowns.
ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION OF OPERATIONS RISKS
The Company is subject to risks that properties acquired by it will not
perform as expected, that estimates of value will not prove accurate and that
the returns from such properties will not support the indebtedness incurred or
the other consideration used to acquire, or the capital expenditures needed to
develop, such properties. The addition of the properties acquired in
acquisitions will result in additional full-cost ceiling writedowns to the
extent the Company's capitalized costs of such properties exceed the estimated
present value of the related proved reserves. In addition, expansion of the
Company's operations may place a significant strain on the Company's management,
financial and other resources. The Company's ability to manage its recently
completed acquisitions will depend upon its ability to monitor operations,
maintain effective costs and other controls and expand the Company's internal
management, technical and accounting systems, all of which will result in higher
operating expenses. Any failure to expand these areas and to implement and
improve such systems, procedures and controls in an efficient manner at a pace
consistent with the growth of the Company's business could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. In addition, the integration of acquired properties with existing
operations will entail considerable expenses in advance of anticipated revenues
and may cause substantial fluctuations in the Company's operating results. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully integrate the
properties it has acquired.
9
<PAGE> 10
The Company has also acquired proved reserves in Canada. In addition to the
risks described above, the acquisition of assets in Canada has the additional
risks associated with currency exchange and valuation, foreign regulation and
taxation, and severe climate and operating conditions.
REPURCHASE OF SENIOR NOTES UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL AND OTHER EVENTS
The Company must offer to purchase $620 million aggregate principal amount
of its outstanding senior notes upon the occurrence of certain events. In the
event of a Change of Control (as defined), the Company must offer to purchase
such senior notes then outstanding at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
purchase (a "Change of Control Offer"). In the event of certain asset
dispositions, the Company will be required under certain circumstances to use
the Excess Proceeds (as defined) to offer to purchase such senior notes at 100%
of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
purchase (a "Net Proceeds Offer").
Prior to commencing such an offer to purchase, the Company may be required
to (i) repay in full all indebtedness of the Company that would prohibit the
repurchase of senior notes, or (ii) obtain any requisite consent to permit the
repurchase. If the Company is unable to repay all of such indebtedness or is
unable to obtain the necessary consents, then the Company will be unable to
offer to purchase senior notes, and such failure will constitute an Event of
Default under the applicable Indentures. It is unlikely that the Company would
have sufficient funds available at the time of any Change of Control or Net
Proceeds Offer to satisfy all such debt obligations (including repurchases of
senior notes and payment of its bank credit facilities) simultaneously without
refinancing the indebtedness.
The events that constitute a Change of Control or require a Net Proceeds
Offer may also be events of default under any future bank credit facility or
other senior indebtedness of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries. Such
events may permit the lenders under such debt instruments to accelerate the debt
and, if the debt is not paid, to enforce security interests on assets of the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries, thereby limiting the Company's ability
to raise cash to repurchase senior notes, and reducing the practical benefit of
the offer to purchase provisions to the holders of the affected senior notes.
PATENT AND SECURITIES LITIGATION
Union Pacific Resources Company ("UPRC") has sued the Company alleging
infringement of a patent for a drillbit steering method, including direct
infringement and, subsequent to August 13, 1995, inducement of infringement.
UPRC's claims against the Company are based on services provided to the Company
by a third party vendor controlled by former UPRC employees. UPRC is seeking
injunctive relief, damages of an unspecified amount, including actual and
enhanced damages, interest, costs and attorneys' fees. The Company believes that
it has meritorious defenses to UPRC's allegations and that the UPRC patent is
invalid. The Company has filed a motion to construe UPRC's patent claims, and
other dispositive motions are pending. No estimate of a probable loss or range
of estimate of a probable loss, if any, can be made at this time; however, in
reports filed in the proceeding, experts for UPRC claim that damages could be as
much as $18 million while Company experts state that the amount should not
exceed $25,000, in each case based on a reasonable royalty.
The Company and certain of its officers and directors are defendants in a
consolidated class action suit alleging violations of the Exchange Act. The
plaintiffs assert that the defendants made material misrepresentations and
failed to disclose material facts about the success of the Company's exploration
efforts in the Louisiana Trend. As a result, the complaint alleges, the price of
the Company's Common Stock was artificially inflated from January 25, 1996 until
June 27, 1997, when the Company issued a press release announcing disappointing
drilling results in the Louisiana Trend and a full-cost ceiling writedown to be
reflected in its June 30, 1997 financial statements. The plaintiffs further
allege that certain of the named individual defendants sold Company Common Stock
during the class period when they knew or should have known adverse nonpublic
information. The plaintiffs seek a determination that the suit is a proper class
action and damages in an unspecified amount, together with interest and costs of
litigation, including attorneys' fees. No estimate of loss or range of estimate
of loss, if any, can be made at this time.
10
<PAGE> 11
A purported class action alleging violations of the Securities Act and the
Oklahoma Securities Act has been filed against the Company and others on behalf
of investors who purchased common stock of Bayard Drilling Technologies, Inc.
("Bayard") in its initial public offering in November 1997. Total proceeds of
the offering were $254 million, of which the Company received net proceeds of
$90 million as a selling shareholder. Plaintiffs allege that the Company, a
major customer of Bayard's drilling services and the owner of 30.1% of Bayard's
common stock outstanding prior to the offering, was a controlling person of
Bayard. Plaintiffs assert that the Bayard prospectus contained material
omissions and misstatements relating to (i) the Company's financial "problems"
and their impact on Bayard's operating results, (ii) increased costs associated
with Bayard's growth strategy, (iii) undisclosed pending related-party
transactions between Bayard and third parties other than the Company, (iv)
Bayard's planned use of offering proceeds and (v) Bayard's capital expenditures
and liquidity. The alleged defective disclosures are claimed to have resulted in
a decline in Bayard's share price following the public offering. The plaintiffs
seek a determination that the suit is a proper class action and damages in an
unspecified amount or rescission, together with interest and costs of
litigation, including attorneys' fees. No estimate of loss or range of estimate
of loss, if any, can be made at this time.
While no prediction can be made as to the outcome of these matters or the
amount of damages that might be awarded, if any, an adverse result in any of
them could be material to the Company.
FLUCTUATIONS IN OIL AND GAS PRICES
The Company's revenue, profitability and future rate of growth are
substantially dependent upon prevailing prices for oil, natural gas and natural
gas liquids, which are dependent upon numerous factors such as weather,
economic, political and regulatory developments and competition from other
sources of energy. The volatile nature of the energy markets makes it
particularly difficult to estimate future prices of oil, natural gas and natural
gas liquids. Prices of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are subject to
wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in circumstances, and
there can be no assurance that future prolonged decreases in such prices will
not occur. All of these factors are beyond the control of the Company. Any
further significant decline in oil and gas prices could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations, financial condition and level of
expenditures for the development of its oil and gas reserves, and may result in
additional writedowns of the Company's investments due to ceiling test
limitations.
In accordance with customary industry practice, the Company relies on
independent third party service providers to provide most of the services
necessary to drill new wells, including drilling rigs and related equipment and
services, horizontal drilling equipment and services, trucking services,
tubulars, fracing and completion services and production equipment. The industry
has experienced significant price increases for these services during the last
year and this trend is expected to continue into the future. These cost
increases could in the future significantly increase the Company's development
costs and decrease the return possible from drilling and development activities,
and possibly render the development of certain proved undeveloped reserves
uneconomical.
HEDGING RISKS
From time to time, the Company enters into hedging arrangements relating to
a portion of its oil and gas production. These hedges have in the past involved
fixed arrangements and other arrangements at a variety of fixed prices and with
a variety of other provisions including price floors and ceilings. The Company
may in the future enter into oil and gas futures contracts, options, collars and
swaps. The Company's hedging activities, while intended to reduce the Company's
sensitivity to changes in market prices of oil and gas, are subject to a number
of risks including instances in which (i) production is less than expected, (ii)
there is a widening of price differentials between delivery points required by
fixed price delivery contracts to the extent they differ from those on the
Company's production or (iii) the Company's counterparties to its futures
contract will be unable to meet the financial terms of the transaction. While
the use of hedging arrangements limits the risk of declines in oil and gas
prices, it may limit the benefit to the Company of increases in the price of oil
and gas. Beginning in May 1998, the Company also utilizes interest rate hedging
arrangements to limit its exposure to fixed interest rates in a low and/or
declining interest rate environment when floating rates may be lower than fixed
rates. The risks of such hedging are that interest rates increase above those
that would have been incurred under existing fixed rate obligations.
11
<PAGE> 12
UNCERTAINTY OF ESTIMATES OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of
proved oil and gas reserves, including many factors beyond the control of the
Company. These estimates rely upon various assumptions, including assumptions
required by the Commission as to constant oil and gas prices, drilling and
operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. The
process of estimating oil and gas reserves is complex, requiring significant
decisions and assumptions in the evaluation of available geological,
geophysical, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. In addition,
reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground
accumulations of oil and gas that cannot be measured in any exact way, and the
accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data
and of engineering and geological interpretations and judgment. As a result,
estimates by different engineers often vary, and are subject to great
uncertainty. This is particularly true as to proved undeveloped reserves, which
are inherently less certain than proved developed reserves and which comprise a
significant portion of the Company's proved reserves. In addition, the estimated
future net revenue from proved reserves and the present value thereof are based
on certain assumptions, including prices, future production levels and costs,
that may not prove correct. Actual future production, revenue, taxes,
development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil
and gas reserves may vary substantially from those estimated by the Company. Any
significant variance in these assumptions could materially affect the estimated
quantity and value of reserves disclosed by the Company from time to time and
may justify revisions of earlier estimates, and such revisions may be material.
In addition, the Company's reserves may be subject to downward or upward
revision, based upon production history, results of future exploration and
development, prevailing oil and gas prices and other factors, many of which are
beyond the Company's control. In fiscal 1997, the six months ended December 31,
1997 and the three months ended March 31, 1998, revisions to the Company's
proved reserves, the estimated future net revenues therefrom and the present
value thereof contributed to $236 million, $110 million and $250 million
impairments, respectively, of the Company's oil and gas properties. Based on
NYMEX prices of $14.50 per Bbl and $2.00 per Mcf, the Company's estimated proved
reserves as of March 31, 1998, pro forma for acquisitions completed during the
quarter ended June 30, 1998, and the estimated evaluation of leasehold during
the quarter ended June 30, 1998, the Company estimates it will record a
full-cost ceiling writedown of between $225 million and $250 million as of June
30, 1998. Additional impairments of certain of the Company's other fixed assets
located in the Louisiana Trend may be required at June 30, 1998. Such
impairments, estimated to range from $10 million to $20 million, would result
from lower than expected reserves and production throughput in gathering,
transmission and processing facilities.
DRILLING AND OPERATING RISKS
Oil and gas drilling activities are subject to numerous risks, many of
which are beyond the Company's control. The Company's operations may be
curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of title problems, weather
conditions, compliance with governmental requirements, mechanical difficulties
and shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment. In addition, the Company's
properties may be susceptible to hydrocarbon drainage from production by other
operators on adjacent properties. Industry operating risks include the risk of
fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, abnormally pressured formations and
environmental hazards such as oil spills, gas leaks, ruptures or discharges of
toxic gases, the occurrence of any of which could result in substantial losses
to the Company due to injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of
property, natural resources and equipment, pollution or other environmental
damage, clean-up responsibilities, regulatory investigation and penalties and
suspension of operations.
The Company has been among the most active drillers of horizontal wells and
may drill a significant number of deep horizontal wells in the future. The
Company's horizontal drilling activities involve greater risk of mechanical
problems than conventional vertical drilling operations.
In accordance with customary industry practice, the Company maintains
insurance against some, but not all, of the risks described above. There can be
no assurance that any insurance will be adequate to cover losses or liabilities.
The Company cannot predict the continued availability of insurance, or its
availability at premium levels that justify its purchase.
12
<PAGE> 13
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
Oil and gas operations are subject to various federal, state and local
governmental regulations which may be changed from time to time in response to
economic or political conditions. From time to time, regulatory agencies have
imposed price controls and limitations on production in order to conserve
supplies of oil and gas. In addition, the production, handling, storage,
transportation and disposal of oil and gas, by-products thereof and other
substances and materials produced or used in connection with oil and gas
operations are subject to regulation under Federal, state and local laws and
regulations primarily relating to protection of human health and the
environment. To date, expenditures related to complying with these laws and for
remediation of existing environmental contamination have not been significant in
relation to the results of operations of the Company. There can be no assurance
that the trend of more expansive and stricter environmental legislation and
regulations will not continue.
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
The Company is subject to a variety of Federal, state and local
governmental laws and regulations related to the storage, use, discharge and
disposal of toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous materials. These regulations
subject the Company to increased operating costs and potential liability
associated with the use and disposal of hazardous materials. Although these laws
and regulations have not had a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition or results of operations, there can be no assurance that the
Company will not be required to make material expenditures in the future.
Moreover, the Company anticipates that such laws and regulations will become
increasingly stringent in the future, which could lead to material costs for
environmental compliance and remediation by the Company.
Any failure by the Company to obtain required permits for, control the use
of, or adequately restrict the discharge of hazardous substances under present
or future regulations could subject the Company to substantial liability or
could cause its operations to be suspended. Such liability or suspension of
operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
COMPETITION
The Company operates in a highly competitive environment. The Company
competes with major and independent oil and gas companies for the acquisition of
desirable oil and gas properties, as well as for the equipment and labor
required to develop and operate such properties. Many of these competitors have
financial and other resources substantially greater than those of the Company.
RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL; CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Company is dependent upon its Chief Executive Officer, Aubrey K.
McClendon, and its Chief Operating Officer, Tom L. Ward. The unexpected loss of
the services of either of these executive officers could have a detrimental
effect on the Company. The Company maintains $20 million key man life insurance
policies on the life of each of Messrs. McClendon and Ward.
Messrs. McClendon and Ward, together with another executive officer of the
Company, have rights to participate in wells drilled by the Company. Messrs.
McClendon and Ward have elected to participate during all periods since the
Company's initial public offering in 1993 with individual interests of between
1.0% and 1.5%. Such participation may result in substantial amounts owing to the
Company, which indebtedness is without interest unless not paid in a timely
manner. Additionally, in July 1998, the Company made a $5 million secured loan
to each of Messrs. McClendon and Ward. Each loan is payable on or before
December 31, 1998 with interest accruing at an annual rate of 9 1/8%, payable
quarterly. Such transactions may create interests which conflict with those of
the Company.
CONTROL BY CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS
At July 24, 1998, Aubrey K. McClendon, Tom L. Ward, the Aubrey K. McClendon
Children's Trust and the Tom L. Ward Children's Trust beneficially owned an
aggregate of 24,838,897 shares (including
13
<PAGE> 14
outstanding vested options) representing 25% of the Company's outstanding Common
Stock, and members of the Company's Board of Directors and executive officers,
including Messrs. McClendon and Ward and their respective children's trusts,
beneficially owned an aggregate of 28,468,195 shares (including outstanding
vested options), which represented 28% of the Company's outstanding Common
Stock. As a result, Messrs. McClendon and Ward, together with executive officers
and directors of the Company, are in a position to significantly influence
matters requiring the vote or consent of the Company's stockholders.
ABSENCE OF A PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE PREFERRED STOCK
The Preferred Stock is a new issue for which there is currently limited
trading. Preferred Stock resold pursuant to this Prospectus will no longer be
eligible for trading in the PORTAL market, although the Company intends to apply
for listing of the Preferred Stock on the NYSE. The Company has been advised by
the Initial Purchasers that they currently intend to make a market in the
Preferred Stock; however, they are not obligated to do so and any such
market-making activities may be discontinued at any time without notice.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of any
market for the Preferred Stock. If a market for such securities were to develop,
such securities could trade at prices that may be higher or lower than their
initial offering price depending upon many factors, including prevailing
interest rates, the Company's operating results and the markets for similar
securities, and such market may cease to continue at any time.
14
<PAGE> 15
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Selling Shareholders, not the Company, will receive all proceeds from
the sale of the Shares.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED
CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
Following is the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred
stock dividends for the periods presented:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
THREE MONTHS ENDED
ENDED MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31, YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
---------------- -------------- ------------------------------------
1998 1997 1997 1996 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
-- 4.4x -- 3.2x -- 2.4x 2.9x 2.3x --
</TABLE>
For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges
and preferred stock dividends, earnings are defined as income (loss) of the
Company and its subsidiaries from continuing operations before income taxes,
extraordinary items and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest
(whether expensed or capitalized) and amortization of debt expense and discount
or premiums relating to any indebtedness. Earnings were insufficient to cover
fixed charges by $258.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998, $36.7
million for the six months ended December 31, 1997, $193.3 million in fiscal
1997 and $656,000 in fiscal 1993. Pro forma for the Company's sale of the
Preferred Stock on April 22, 1998 and the contemporaneous sale of $500 million
aggregate principal amount of its 9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2005 and the
application of the proceeds therefrom, earnings were insufficient to cover
combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends by $597.7 million for the
twelve months ended March 31, 1998.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth the name of each of the Selling
Shareholders, the number of shares of Preferred Stock beneficially owned by each
Selling Shareholder prior to the offering and offered hereby, the percentage of
the outstanding Preferred Stock beneficially owned by each Selling Shareholder
prior to the offering, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned
by each Selling Stockholder prior to the offering and the percentage of the
outstanding Common Stock beneficially owned by each Selling Shareholder prior to
the offering. Only the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the
Preferred Stock are offered hereby. Except as otherwise indicated in the notes,
no Selling Shareholder will own any shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock
once the shares offered hereby are sold. As of the date of this Prospectus, no
shares of Common Stock had been issued as the result of any conversion or
exchange of any Preferred Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK
------------------------------ -------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES
NAME OF SELLING SHAREHOLDER SHARES(1) OUTSTANDING(2) SHARES(3) OUTSTANDING(4)
--------------------------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement
Plan................................. 680 * 4,892 *
Alliance Capital Management............ 20,000 * 143,884 *
American Investors Life Insurance
Company, Inc......................... 30,000 * 215,827 *
American Skandia Trust -- AST Putnam
Balanced Portfolio................... 105 * 755 *
Ameritech Corporation Pension Plan..... 1,560 * 11,223 *
ARBCO Associates, L.P.................. 10,000 * 71,942 *
Argent Classic Convertible Arbitrage
Fund (Bermuda), L.P.................. 17,500 * 125,899 *
Argent Classic Convertible Arbitrage
Fund L.P............................. 17,500 * 125,899 *
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE> 16
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK
------------------------------ -------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES
NAME OF SELLING SHAREHOLDER SHARES(1) OUTSTANDING(2) SHARES(3) OUTSTANDING(4)
--------------------------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Arkansas Public Employees Retirement
System............................... 14,000 * 100,719 *
Associated Electric & Gas Insurance
Services Limited..................... 10,000 * 71,942 *
Atlas Strategic Income Fund............ 1,000 * 7,194 *
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company....... 10,000(5) * 71,942 *
Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan
Foundation........................... 2,000 * 14,388 *
Christian Science Trustees for Gifts
and Endowments....................... 2,850 * 20,503 *
Chrysler Corporation Master Retirement
Trust................................ 15,200(6) * 109,352 *
Chrysler Corporation Master Retirement
Trust Seth Sub Account............... 10,000 * 71,942 *
City of Richmond, Virginia............. 2,000 * 14,388 *
Combined Insurance Company of America.. 3,800(6) * 27,338 *
Community Investment Group Convertible
Bond................................. 300(7) * 2,158 *
Dana Farber Cancer Institute........... 140 * 1,007 *
Dean Witter Convertible Securities
Trust................................ 100,000 2.17% 719,424 *
Declaration of Trust for the Defined
Benefit Plans of ZENECA Holdings
Inc.................................. 7,500 * 53,956 *
Declaration of Trust for the Defined
Benefit Plans of ICI American
Holdings Inc......................... 11,700 * 84,172 *
Delaware State Employees' Retirement
Fund................................. 42,500 * 305,755 *
Delta Air Lines Master Trust........... 6,300(6) * 45,323 *
Detroit Edison Company................. 12,500(7) * 89,928 *
Detroit Medical Center................. 13,800(7) * 99,280 *
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation(8)....................... 170,100 3.70% 1,223,741 1.22%
Dow Employees Retirement Trust......... 8,000(9) * 57,553 *
Employees Retirement Plan of Agway,
Inc.................................. 465 * 3,345 *
Employers Reinsurance Corp............. 27,500 * 197,841 *
Equitable Life Assurance............... 70,000 1.52% 503,597 *
EquiTrust Series Fund, Inc. -- Managed
Portfolio(10)........................ 26,000 * 187,050 *
EquiTrust Series Fund, Inc. -- Value
Growth Portfolio(10)................. 25,000 * 179,856 *
EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series
Fund -- Managed Portfolio(10)........ 26,000 * 187,050 *
EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series
Fund -- Value Growth Portfolio(10)... 13,000 * 93,525 *
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance
Company(10).......................... 20,000 * 143,884 *
Fetzer Institute....................... 1,000 * 7,194 *
Fidelity Advisor Series II:
Fidelity Advisor High Yield
Fund(11).......................... 95,000 2.07% 683,453 *
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE> 17
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK
------------------------------ -------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES
NAME OF SELLING SHAREHOLDER SHARES(1) OUTSTANDING(2) SHARES(3) OUTSTANDING(4)
--------------------------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fidelity Capital Trust: Fidelity Value
Fund(11)............................. 79,000 1.72% 568,345 *
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust: Fidelity
High Income Fund(11)................. 36,600 * 263,309 *
Fidelity Management Trust Company on
behalf of accounts managed by
it(12)............................... 15,400 * 110,791 *
Fidelity Summer Street Trust: Fidelity
Capital and Income Fund(11).......... 75,000 1.63% 539,568 *
First Church of Christ, Scientist --
Endowment............................ 3,400 * 24,460 *
F.R. Bigelow Foundation Convertible
Bond................................. 400(7) * 2,877 *
General Motors Corporation............. 31,000(9) * 223,021 *
General Motors Employees Domestic Group
Trust................................ 154,075 3.35% 1,108,453 1.11%
General Motors Investment Management
Corp................................. 160,000 3.48% 1,151,079 1.15%
Glacier Water Services, Inc............ 10,000 * 71,942 *
Gruber & McBaine International......... 1,000 * 7,194 *
Halliburton Company.................... 10,000 * 71,942 *
High Yield Portfolio................... 33,300 * 239,568 *
Hillside Capital Incorporated Corporate
Account.............................. 4,000 * 28,776 *
Houston Municipal Employees Retirement
Fund................................. 10,000 * 71,942 *
Hudson River High Yield................ 70,000 1.52% 503,597 *
IBM Pension Plan....................... 10,000(7) * 71,942 *
IBM Retirement Fund.................... 10,000 * 71,942 *
IDS Life Income Advantage Fund......... 10,000 * 71,942 *
Kayne, Anderson Non-Traditional
Investments, L.P..................... 15,000 * 107,913 *
Kayne, Anderson Offshore Limited....... 5,000 * 35,971 *
Lafayette College...................... 8,000 * 57,553 *
Lagunitas Partners, LP................. 4,000 * 28,776 *
L.B. Series Fund, Inc., High Yield
Portfolio............................ 69,000 1.50% 496,402 *
Lincoln National Global Asset
Allocation fund, Inc................. 235 * 1,690 *
Loomis Sayles Bond Fund................ 45,000(5) * 323,741 *
Loomis Sayles Fixed Income Fund........ 5,000(9) * 35,971 *
Loomis Sayles High Yield Fund.......... 3,500(9) * 25,179 *
Lutheran Brotherhood High Yield Fund... 46,000 1.00% 330,935 *
Maine State Retirement System.......... 20,000(5) * 143,884 *
Mainstay Convertible Fund.............. 55,000 1.20% 395,683 *
Mainstay Strategic Value............... 5,000 * 35,971 *
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
Company(13).......................... 48,955 1.06% 352,194 *
MassMutual High Yield Partners, LLC.... 19,590 * 140,935 *
MassMutual Corporate Value Partners
Limited.............................. 19,600 * 141,007 *
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE> 18
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK
------------------------------ -------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES
NAME OF SELLING SHAREHOLDER SHARES(1) OUTSTANDING(2) SHARES(3) OUTSTANDING(4)
--------------------------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MassMutual Corporate Investors......... 6,855 * 49,316 *
Maxim Corporate Bond Fund.............. 2,500 * 17,985 *
Merrill Lynch World Income Fund,
Inc.................................. 5,000 * 35,971 *
Merrill Lynch Multinational Investment
Portfolio Equity/Convertible Series
Portfolio (Offshore Fund)............ 3,000 * 21,582 *
Merrill Lynch Convertible Fund, Inc.... 12,000 * 86,330 *
Metropolitan Insurance Company/LS High
Yield Series......................... 8,000(7) * 57,553 *
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.... 12,500(9) * 89,928 *
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Separate Account 235................. 3,500 * 25,179 *
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Separate Account 242................. 1,000 * 7,194 *
Minneapolis Teachers Retirement Fund... 5,000 * 35,971 *
Mobil Oil Corporation.................. 680 * 4,892 *
Motors Insurance Corp.................. 20,000 * 143,884 *
NationsBanc Montgomery Securities
LLC.................................. 20,000 * 143,884 *
New England Strategic Income Fund...... 25,000 * 179,856 *
New York City Board of Education....... 1,500 * 10,791 *
New York City Employees Retirement
Plan................................. 10,000(9) * 71,942 *
New York City Firemen's Retirement
Plan................................. 2,500(9) * 17,985 *
New York City Police Retirement Plan... 2,500(9) * 17,985 *
New York City Teachers................. 25,000(7) * 179,856 *
New York Life Separate Account #7...... 35,000 * 251,798 *
New York State Electric & Gas
Company.............................. 15,000(14) * 107,913 *
OCM Convertible Trust.................. 18,300(6) * 131,654 *
Offense Group Associates, L.P.......... 20,000 * 143,884 *
Oppenheimer Champion Income Fund....... 32,000 * 230,215 *
Oppenheimer High Income Fund........... 14,000 * 100,719 *
Oppenheimer High Yield Fund............ 56,000 1.22% 402,877 *
Oppenheimer Strategic Bond Fund........ 2,000 * 14,388 *
Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund...... 85,000 1.85% 611,510 *
Orange County Employees Retirement
System............................... 12,500(9) * 89,928 *
Paloma Securities, LLC................. 27,500 * 197,841 *
Partners Healthcare System............. 8,000(7) * 57,553 *
Prudential High Yield Fund, Inc.(15)... 110,000 2.39% 791,366 *
Prudential Series Fund, Inc., High
Yield Bond Portfolio(15)............. 20,000 * 143,884 *
Prudential Variable Contract Account --
Investment Fund...................... 146,100 3.18% 1,051,079 1.05%
Prudential Variable Contract
Account -- 2......................... 86,700 1.88% 623,741 *
Prudential Variable Contract
Account -- 10........................ 67,200 1.46% 483,453 *
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE> 19
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK
------------------------------ -------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES
NAME OF SELLING SHAREHOLDER SHARES(1) OUTSTANDING(2) SHARES(3) OUTSTANDING(4)
--------------------------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Putnam Asset Allocation
Funds -- Balanced Portfolio.......... 1,810 * 13,021 *
Putnam Asset Allocation Funds --
Conservative Portfolio............... 600 * 4,316 *
Putnam Asset Allocation Funds -- Growth
Portfolio............................ 770 * 5,539 *
Putnam Balanced Retirement Fund........ 235 * 32,690(16) *
Putnam Convertible Opportunities and
Income Trust......................... 560 * 4,028 *
Putnam Diversified Income Trust........ 25,210 * 181,366 *
Putnam Funds Trust -- Putnam High Yield
Total Return Fund.................... 550 * 3,956 *
Putnam Funds Trust -- Putnam High Yield
Trust II............................. 4,195 * 30,179 *
Putnam High Income Convertible and Bond
Fund................................. 590* 4,244 *
Putnam High Yield Advantage Fund....... 53,640 1.17% 385,899 *
Putnam High Yield Fixed Income Fund,
LLC.................................. 935 * 6,726 *
Putnam High Yield Managed Trust........ 4,195 * 30,179 *
Putnam High Yield Trust................ 48,340 1.05% 347,769 *
Putnam Income Fund..................... 2,695 * 19,388 *
Putnam Managed High Yield Trust........ 1,195 * 8,597 *
Putnam Master Income Trust............. 2,290 * 16,474 *
Putnam Premier Income Trust............ 5,750 * 41,366 *
Putnam Strategic -- Income Fund........ 870 * 6,258 *
Putnam Variable Trust -- PVT
Diversified Income Fund.............. 2,910 * 20,935 *
Putnam Variable Trust -- PVT Global
Asset Allocation Fund................ 515 * 3,705 *
Putnam Variable Trust -- PVT High Yield
Fund................................. 11,670 * 83,956 *
Raytheon............................... 16,300(7) * 117,266 *
Raytheon Company Master Pension
Trust................................ 7,800(6) * 56,115 *
Rohm & Haas Company Convertible Fund... 1,500(7) * 10,791 *
Salomon Brothers Total Return Fund..... 12,500 * 89,928 *
Security Insurance Company of
Hartford............................. 20,000 * 143,884 *
Starvest Discretionary Portfolio....... 10,000 * 71,942 *
State of Connecticut Combined
Investment Funds..................... 16,100(6) * 115,827 *
State of Oregon Equity................. 90,000 1.96% 647,482 *
Strategic Global Fund -- High Yield
Fixed Income (Putnam) Fund........... 750 * 5,395 *
Summer Hill Global Partners L.P........ 975 * 7,014 *
The George Putnam Fund of Boston....... 1,675 * 236,050(17) *
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Company.............................. 80,000(18) 1.74% 575,539 *
Thermo Electron Balanced Investment
Fund................................. 13,000 * 93,525 *
Toronto Dominion (New York), Inc....... 98,700 2.15% 710,071 *
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE> 20
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK
------------------------------ -------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES NUMBER OF PERCENT OF SHARES
NAME OF SELLING SHAREHOLDER SHARES(1) OUTSTANDING(2) SHARES(3) OUTSTANDING(4)
--------------------------- --------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Tower Foundation....................... 1,500 * 10,791 *
Travelers Series Fund, Inc. -- Putnam
Diversified Income Portfolio......... 635 * 4,568 *
Turnberry Capital Management, L.P...... 50,000 1.09% 2,645,512(19) 2.66%
United Association of Plumbers and Pipe
Fitters.............................. 4,700 * 33,812 *
United Technologies.................... 25,000(5) * 179,856 *
Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund,
Inc.................................. 12,500(6) * 89,928 *
Van Kampen American Capital Convertible
Securities Fund(20).................. 12,300 * 88,489 *
Van Kampen Harbor Fund(20)............. 76,800 1.67% 552,517 *
Variable Insurance Products Fund:
High Income Portfolio(11)............ 63,700 1.38% 458,273 *
World Bank............................. 7,500(5) * 53,956 *
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Unless otherwise noted, the information set forth is as of June 1, 1998.
(2) Based upon 4,600,000 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding as of June 1,
1998.
(3) Assumes conversion of the full amount of Preferred Stock held by each
holder at the initial rate of $6.95 of liquidation preference per share
(equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 7.1942 shares of Common
Stock per share of Preferred Stock). Under the terms of the Certificate of
Designation for the Preferred Stock, fractional shares will not be issued
upon conversion of the Preferred Stock; cash will be paid in lieu of
fractional shares, if any.
(4) Based on 99,097,700 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of July 24, 1998,
treating as outstanding the number of shares shown as being issuable upon
the assumed conversion by the named holder of the full amount of such
holder's Preferred Stock, but not assuming the conversion of the Preferred
Stock of any other holder.
(5) As of July 9, 1998.
(6) As of July 6, 1998.
(7) As of July 28, 1998.
(8) Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation was an Initial
Purchaser in the Preferred Stock Offering.
(9) As of June 30, 1998.
(10) EquiTrust Investment Management Services, Inc., as investment advisor to
EquiTrust Series Fund, Inc. -- Managed Portfolio, EquiTrust Series Fund,
Inc. -- Value Growth Portfolio, EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series
Fund -- Managed Portfolio, EquiTrust Variable Insurance Series
Fund -- Value Growth Portfolio and Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company,
has discretionary authority to make investment decisions with respect to
each such Selling Shareholder's portfolio. EquiTrust Investment Management
Services, Inc. disclaims beneficial ownership of the Preferred and Common
Stock. Information is as of July 10, 1998.
(11) The Selling Shareholder is advised by Fidelity Management & Research
Company ("FMR Co."), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR Corp.
("FMR"). Information is as of July 29, 1998.
(12) Shares are owned directly by various private investment accounts, primarily
employee benefit plans, for which Fidelity Management Trust Company
("FMTC") serves as trustee or managing agent. FMTC is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FMR. Information is as of July 29, 1998.
(13) The Trustees of the Chesapeake Energy Corporation Savings and Incentive
Stock Bonus Plan (the "Plan") and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
Company ("MassMutual") have entered into an immediate participation group
annuity contract with guaranties pursuant to which MassMutual holds
$3,145,898 of the Plan's assets in investment accounts.
20
<PAGE> 21
(14) As of June 16, 1998.
(15) The Prudential Investment Corporation, as investment advisor to Prudential
High Yield Fund, Inc. and Prudential Series Fund, Inc., High Yield Bond
Portfolio, has discretionary authority to make investment decisions with
respect to each such Selling Shareholder's portfolio. The Prudential
Investment Corporation disclaims beneficial ownership of the Preferred
Stock and Common Stock. Information is as of June 4, 1998.
(16) Includes 31,000 shares of Common Stock owned by Putnam Balanced Retirement
Fund.
(17) Includes 224,000 shares of Common Stock owned by The George Putnam Fund of
Boston.
(18) Includes 10,000 shares of Preferred Stock held in The Northwestern Mutual
Life Insurance Company Group Annuity Separate Account. Information is as of
July 10, 1998.
(19) Includes 2,285,800 shares of Common Stock owned by Turnberry Capital
Management, L.P.
(20) Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc., as investment advisor
of Van Kampen American Capital Convertible Securities Fund and Van Kampen
Harbor Fund, has discretionary authority to make investment decisions with
respect to each such Selling Shareholder's portfolio. An affiliate of such
Selling Shareholders, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, was an Initial
Purchaser in the Preferred Stock Offering.
None of the Selling Shareholders listed above has, or within the past three
years has had, any position, office or other material relationship with the
Company or any of its predecessors or affiliates, except as set forth in the
notes above.
Because the Selling Shareholders may offer all or some portion of the above
shares pursuant to this Prospectus or otherwise, no estimate can be given as to
the amount or percentage of such securities that will be held by the Selling
Shareholders upon termination of any such sale. In addition, the Selling
Shareholders identified above may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed
of all or a portion of such securities since the date indicated in transactions
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Selling
Shareholders may sell all, part or none of the securities listed above.
On April 22, 1998, the Company and the Initial Purchasers entered into an
agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") pursuant to which the Shares
offered hereby have been registered for resale.
The Company may require the holders of Preferred Stock covered by the
Registration Statement to temporarily suspend use of the Registration Statement
to sell the Shares (i) for up to 60 days in any twelve-month period if the
Company determines in good faith, as evidenced by a resolution of its Board of
Directors, that (a) sales under the Registration Statement would require the
disclosure of material information which the Company has a bona fide business
purpose for preserving as confidential, or (b) such disclosure would impede the
Company's ability to consummate a material transaction; (ii) upon the issuance
by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement under the Securities Act or of the suspension by any
state securities commission of the qualification of the Shares for offering or
sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for any of the
preceding purposes; or (iii) upon the discovery of any fact or the happening of
any event that makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration
Statement, this Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto or any document
incorporated by reference therein untrue, or that requires the making of any
additions to or changes in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order
to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading.
If the Registration Statement ceases to be effective or useable in
connection with resales of the Shares without being succeeded (a) within five
business days by a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement that
cures such failure and that is itself declared effective within ten days of
filing such post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or (b) within
20 days by the filing of an Exchange Act report incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement that cures such failure (each such event, a "Registration
Default"), then the Company will be required to pay to each holder of Transfer
Restricted Securities (as defined), accruing the date of the first such
Registration Default, liquidated damages in an amount equal to one-half of one
percent (0.5%) per annum of the liquidation preference amount of the
21
<PAGE> 22
Transfer Restricted Securities held by such holder during the first 90-day
period immediately following the occurrence of the first such Registration
Default, increasing by an additional one-half of one percent (0.5%) per annum of
the liquidation preference amount of such Transfer Restricted Securities during
each subsequent 90-day period, up to a maximum amount of liquidated damages
equal to two percent (2.0%) per annum of the liquidation preference of such
Transfer Restricted Securities, which provision for liquidated damages will
continue until such Registration Default has been cured. The Company will not be
required to pay Liquidated Damages for more than one Registration Default at any
given time. Liquidated damages accrued as of any dividend payment date will be
payable on such date.
This summary of certain provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement
does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to, all the provisions of such Registration Rights
Agreement.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
The following summary of the terms of Preferred Stock does not purport to
be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to,
the provisions of the Certificate of Designation for the 7% Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company (the "Certificate of Designation"), a
copy of which has been filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of Oklahoma
and as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
GENERAL
Under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the
"Certificate of Incorporation"), the Company's Board of Directors is authorized,
without further stockholder action, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, in one or more series, with such
voting powers or without voting powers, and with such designations, preferences
and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions, as shall be set forth in the
resolutions providing therefor. The Certificate of Designation for the Preferred
Stock authorizes the issuance of 4,600,000 shares of Preferred Stock, all of
which are issued and outstanding. The Board of Directors has also authorized the
issuance of 250,000 shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock in
connection with the adoption of the Company's share rights plan in July 1998.
See "Description of Capital Stock." None of such shares are outstanding.
The Preferred Stock is, and any Common Stock issued upon the conversion or
exchange of Preferred Stock will be, fully paid and nonassessable. The transfer
agent, registrar, redemption, conversion and dividend disbursing agent for
shares of both the Preferred and Common Stock is UMB Bank, N.A.
RANKING
The Preferred Stock, with respect to dividend distributions and
distributions upon the liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of the Company,
ranks (i) senior to all classes of Common Stock of the Company and to each other
class of capital stock or series of preferred stock established after April 22,
1998, the issue date of the Preferred Stock (the "Issue Date"), by the Board of
Directors, the terms of which do not expressly provide that it ranks senior to
or on a parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and
distributions upon the liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of the Company;
(ii) subject to certain conditions, on a parity with any class of capital stock
or series of preferred stock issued by the Company established after the Issue
Date by the Board of Directors, the terms of which expressly provide that such
class or series will rank on a parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend
distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, winding-up and dissolution
of the Company; and (iii) subject to certain conditions, junior to each class of
capital stock or series of preferred stock issued by the Company established
after the Issue Date by the Board of Directors, the terms of which expressly
provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Preferred Stock as to
dividend distributions and distributions upon liquidation, winding-up and
dissolution of the Company.
22
<PAGE> 23
DIVIDENDS
Holders of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive cumulative
annual cash dividends of $3.50 per share, payable quarterly in arrears out of
assets legally available therefor, on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1
of each year commencing August 1, 1998, when, as and if declared by the Board of
Directors. Dividends will accumulate and be cumulative (whether or not declared)
from the Issue Date. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they
appear on the Company's stock register on such record dates, not more than 60
days nor less than 10 days preceding the payment dates thereof, as shall be
fixed by the Company's Board of Directors. Dividends payable on the Preferred
Stock for each full dividend period will be computed by dividing the annual
dividend rate by four. Dividends payable on the Preferred Stock for any period
less than a full dividend period (based upon the number of days elapsed during
the period) will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve
30-day months.
No dividends or other distributions (other than a dividend or distribution
payable solely in stock of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as
to dividends and upon liquidation and cash in lieu of fractional shares) may be
declared, made or paid or set apart for payment upon the Common Stock or upon
any other stock of the Company ranking junior to or pari passu with the
Preferred Stock as to dividends, nor may any Common Stock or any other stock of
the Company ranking junior to or pari passu with the Preferred Stock as to
dividends or upon liquidation be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for
any consideration (or any money paid to or made available for a sinking fund for
the redemption of any shares of any such stock) by the Company (except by
conversion into or exchange for stock of the Company ranking junior to the
Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) unless full cumulative
dividends have been or contemporaneously are paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for such payment on the
Preferred Stock for all dividend payment periods terminating on or prior to the
date of such declaration, payment, redemption, purchase or acquisition.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if full dividends have not been paid on the
Preferred Stock and any other preferred stock ranking pari passu with the
Preferred Stock as to dividends, dividends may be declared and paid on the
Preferred Stock and such other preferred stock so long as the dividends are
declared and paid pro rata so that the amounts of dividends declared per share
on the Preferred Stock and such other preferred stock will in all cases bear to
each other the same ratio that accrued and unpaid dividends per share on the
shares of the Preferred Stock and such other preferred stock bear to each other;
provided, that if such dividends are paid in cash on the other preferred stock,
dividends will also be paid in cash on the Preferred Stock. Holders of shares of
the Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any dividend, whether payable in
cash, property or stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends. No interest, or
sum of money in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any dividend
payment or payments which may be in arrears.
The holders of shares of Preferred Stock at the close of business on a
dividend payment record date will be entitled to receive the dividend payment on
those shares (except that holders of shares called for redemption on a
redemption date between the record date and the dividend payment date will be
entitled to receive such dividend on such redemption date) on the corresponding
dividend payment record date notwithstanding the subsequent conversion thereof
or the Company's default in payment of the dividend due on that dividend payment
date. However, shares of Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion during the
period between the close of business on any dividend payment record date and the
close of business on the day immediately preceding the applicable dividend
payment record date (except for shares called for redemption on a redemption
date during that period) must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to
the dividend payable on the shares on that dividend payment record date. A
holder of shares of Preferred Stock on a dividend payment record date who (or
whose transferee) tenders any shares for conversion on a dividend payment record
date will receive the dividend payable by the Company on the Preferred Stock on
that date, and the converting holder need not include payment in the amount of
such dividend upon surrender of shares of Preferred Stock of conversion. Except
as provided above, the Company shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid
dividends, whether or not in arrears, on converted shares or for dividends on
the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion.
The Company's ability to declare and pay cash dividends and make other
distributions with respect to its capital stock, including the Preferred Stock,
is limited by provisions contained in various financing agreements.
23
<PAGE> 24
Similarly, the Company's ability to declare and pay dividends may be limited by
applicable Oklahoma law. See "Risk Factors -- Ability of the Company to Pay Cash
Dividends."
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or
winding up of the Company, the holders of the Preferred Stock will be entitled
to receive and to be paid out of the Company's assets available for distribution
to its stockholders, before any payment or distribution is made to holders of
Common Stock or any other class or series of stock of the Company ranking junior
to the Preferred Stock upon liquidation, a liquidation preference in the amount
of $50 per share of the Preferred Stock, plus accrued and unpaid dividends
thereon. If upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or
winding up of the Company, the amounts payable with respect to the liquidation
preference of the Preferred Stock and any other shares of stock of the Company
ranking as to any such distribution pari passu with the Preferred Stock are not
paid in full, the holders of the Preferred Stock and of such other shares will
share pro rata in proportion to the full distributable amounts to which they are
entitled. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to
which they are entitled, the holders of the Preferred Stock will have no right
or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Company. Neither the sale of all
or substantially all of the property or business of the Company (other than in
connection with the winding up of its business), nor the merger or consolidation
of the Company into or with any other corporation, will be deemed to be
dissolution, liquidation or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, of the
Company.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
The Preferred Stock is not subject to any sinking fund or other similar
provisions. The Preferred Stock may not be redeemed prior to May 1, 2001. On or
after May 1, 2001, the Preferred Stock may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at
the option of the Company, in cash, by delivery of fully paid and nonassessable
shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof, upon not less than 30 days'
notice nor more than 60 days' notice, during the twelve-month periods commencing
on May 1 of the years indicated below, at the following redemption prices per
share, plus in each case all accrued and unpaid dividends due thereon to the
redemption date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION
PRICE PER
YEAR SHARE
---- ----------
<S> <C>
2001...................................................... $52.45
2002...................................................... 52.10
2003...................................................... 51.75
2004...................................................... 51.40
2005...................................................... 51.05
2006...................................................... 50.70
2007...................................................... 50.35
2008 and thereafter....................................... 50.00
</TABLE>
In the event that fewer than all the outstanding shares of the Preferred
Stock are to be redeemed, the shares to be redeemed will be determined pro rata.
From and after the applicable redemption date (unless the Company shall be
in default of payment of the redemption price), dividends on the shares of the
Preferred Stock to be redeemed on such redemption date shall cease to accrue,
said shares shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all rights of the
holders thereof as stockholders of the Company (except the right to receive the
redemption price) will cease.
If any dividends on the Preferred Stock are in arrears, no shares of the
Preferred Stock will be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of the Preferred
Stock are simultaneously redeemed.
24
<PAGE> 25
VOTING RIGHTS
The holders of the Preferred Stock have no voting rights except as set
forth below or as otherwise required by law from time to time.
If the dividends payable on the Preferred Stock are in arrears for six
quarterly periods, the holders of the Preferred Stock voting separately as a
class with the shares of any other preferred stock or preference securities
having similar voting rights will be entitled at the next regular or special
meeting of stockholders of the Company to elect two directors of the Company
(such voting rights and the terms of the directors so elected to continue until
such time as the dividend arrearage on the Preferred Stock has been paid in
full). The affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the
outstanding Preferred Stock will be required for the issuance of any class or
series of stock (or security convertible into stock) of the Company ranking pari
passu or senior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends, liquidation rights or
voting rights and for amendments to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
that would affect adversely the rights of holders of the Preferred Stock,
including, without limitation, any increase in the authorized number of shares
of preferred stock. In all such cases, each share of Preferred Stock shall be
entitled to one vote.
CONVERSION RIGHTS
The Preferred Stock will be convertible at any time at the option of the
holder thereof into such number of whole shares of Common Stock as is equal to
the aggregate liquidation preference, plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon
to the date the shares of Preferred Stock are surrendered for conversion,
divided by an initial conversion price of $6.95, subject to adjustment as
described below (such price or adjusted price being referred to as the
"Conversion Price"). A share of Preferred Stock called for redemption will be
convertible into shares of Common Stock up to and including but not after,
unless the Company defaults in the payment of the amount payable upon
redemption, the close of business on the date fixed for redemption.
No fractional shares of Common Stock or securities representing fractional
shares of Common Stock will be issued upon conversion. Any fractional interest
in a share of Common Stock resulting from conversion will be paid in cash based
on the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE (or such other
national securities exchange or authorized quotation system on which the Common
Stock is then listed or authorized for quotation or, if not so listed or
authorized for quotation, an amount determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors to be the fair value of the Common Stock) at the close of business on
the trading day next preceding the date of conversion.
The Conversion Price is subject to adjustment (in accordance with formulas
set forth in the Certificate of Designation) in certain events, including (i)
any redemption payment or payment of a dividend (or other distribution) payable
in shares of Common Stock on any class of capital stock of the Company (other
than the issuance of shares of Common Stock in connection with the payment in
redemption for, or of dividends on or the conversion of Preferred Stock), (ii)
any issuance to all holders of shares of Common Stock of rights, options or
warrants entitling them to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock or
securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock at less
than the Market Value for the period ending on the date of issuance; provided,
however, that no adjustment shall be made with respect to such a distribution if
the holder of shares of Preferred Stock would be entitled to receive such
rights, options or warrants upon conversion at any time of shares of Preferred
Stock into Common Stock and provided further, that if such options or warrants
are only exercisable upon the occurrence of certain triggering events, then the
Conversion Price will not be adjusted until such triggering events occur, (iii)
any subdivision, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, (iv) any
dividend or distribution to all holders of shares of Common Stock (other than a
dividend or distribution referred to above) made pursuant to any shareholder
rights plan, "poison pill" or similar arrangement and excluding regular
dividends and distributions paid exclusively in cash and dividends payable upon
the Preferred Stock, (v) any distribution consisting exclusively of cash
(excluding any cash portion of distributions referred to in (iv) above, or cash
distributed upon a merger or consolidation to which the second succeeding
paragraph applies) to all holders of shares of Common Stock in an aggregate
amount that, combined together with (a) all other such all-cash distributions
made within the then-preceding 12-months in respect of which no adjustment has
been made and (b) any cash and the fair market value of
25
<PAGE> 26
other consideration paid or payable in respect of any tender offer by the
Company or any of its subsidiaries for shares of Common Stock concluded within
the then-preceding 12-months in respect of which no adjustment has been made,
exceeds 15% of the Company's market capitalization (defined as the product of
the then-current market price of the Common Stock times the number of shares of
Common Stock then outstanding) on the record date of such distribution, (vi) the
completion of a tender or exchange offer made by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries for shares of Common Stock that involves an aggregate consideration
that, together with (a) any cash and other consideration payable in a tender or
exchange offer by the Company or any of its subsidiaries for shares of Common
Stock expiring within the then-preceding 12-months in respect of which no
adjustment has been made and (b) the aggregate amount of any such all-cash
distributions referred to in (v) above to all holders of shares of Common Stock
within the then-preceding 12-months in respect of which no adjustments have been
made, exceeds 15% of the Company's market capitalization on the expiration of
such tender offer or (vii) a distribution to all holders of Common Stock
consisting of evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital stock other than
Common Stock or assets (including securities, but excluding those dividends,
rights, options, warrants and distributions referred to above). No adjustment of
the Conversion Price will be required to be made until the cumulative
adjustments (whether or not made) amount to 1.0% or more of the Conversion Price
as last adjusted. The Company reserves the right to make such reductions in the
Conversion Price in addition to those required in the foregoing provisions as it
considers to be advisable in order that any event treated for Federal income tax
purposes as a dividend of stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the
recipients. In the event the Company elects to make such a reduction in the
Conversion Price, the Company will comply with the requirements of securities
laws and regulations thereunder if and to the extent that such laws and
regulations are applicable in connection with the reduction of the Conversion
Price.
In the event that the Company distributes rights or warrants (other than
those referred to in (ii) in the preceding paragraph) pro rata to holders of
shares of Common Stock, so long as any such rights or warrants have not expired
or been redeemed by the Company, the holder of any Preferred Stock surrendered
for conversion will be entitled to receive upon such conversion, in addition to
the shares of Common Stock then issuable upon such conversion (the "Conversion
Shares"), a number of rights or warrants to be determined as follows: (i) if
such conversion occurs on or prior to the date for the distribution to the
holders of rights or warrants of separate certificates evidencing such rights or
warrants (the "Distribution Date"), the same number of rights or warrants to
which a holder of a number or shares of Common Stock equal to the number of
Conversion Shares is entitled at the time of such conversion in accordance with
the terms and provisions applicable to the rights or warrants and (ii) if such
conversion occurs after such Distribution Date, the same number of rights or
warrants to which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which
such Preferred Stock was convertible immediately prior to such Distribution Date
would have been entitled on such Distribution Date in accordance with the terms
and provisions applicable to the rights or warrants. The Conversion Price will
not be subject to adjustment on account of any declaration, distribution or
exercise of such rights or warrants.
In case of any reclassification, consolidation or merger of the Company
with or into another person or any merger of another person with or into the
Company (with certain exceptions), or in case of any sale, transfer or
conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (computed on
a consolidated basis), each share of Preferred Stock then outstanding will,
without the consent of any holder of Preferred Stock, become convertible only
into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon
such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or conveyance by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Preferred Stock
was convertible immediately prior thereto, after giving effect to any adjustment
event.
In the case of any distribution by the Company to its stockholders of
substantially all of its assets, each holder of Preferred Stock will participate
pro rata in such distribution based on the number of shares of Common Stock into
which such holder's shares of Preferred Stock would have been convertible
immediately prior to such distribution.
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CHANGE OF CONTROL
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change of Control (as defined below),
holders of Preferred Stock shall, in the event that the Market Value at such
time is less than the Conversion Price, have a one time option to convert all of
their outstanding shares of Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock at an
adjusted Conversion Price equal to the greater of (i) the Market Value as of the
Change of Control Date and (ii) $3.66, which is 66 2/3% of the Market Value for
the period ended April 16, 1998. Such option shall be exercisable during a
period of not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days commencing on the third
business day after notice of the Change of Control is given by the Company in
the manner specified. In lieu of issuing the shares of Common Stock issuable
upon conversion in the event of a Change of Control, the Company may, at its
option, make a cash payment equal to the Market Value determined for the period
ending on the Change of Control Date of such Common Stock otherwise issuable.
The Company's Certificate of Designation defines "Change of Control" as any
of the following events: (i) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of
related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Company's assets to any
Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act),
other than to Permitted Holders; (ii) the adoption of a plan relating to the
liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iii) the acquisition, directly or
indirectly, by any Person or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of
the Exchange Act as in effect on the original date of issuance of the Preferred
Stock), other than Permitted Holders, of beneficial ownership (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the original date of issuance
of the Preferred Stock, except that such Person shall be deemed to have
beneficial ownership of all shares that any such Person has the right to
acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after passage of
time) of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the
Company; provided, however, that the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as
defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the
original date of issuance of the Preferred Stock), directly or indirectly, in
the aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of the Voting Stock
of the Company than such other Person and do not have the right or ability by
voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company (for the purposes of this
definition, such other Person shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting
Stock of a specified corporation held by a parent corporation, if such other
Person is the beneficial owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of
more than 35% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation
and the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined in this proviso),
directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the voting power
of the Voting Stock of such parent corporation and do not have the right or
ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for
election a majority of the Board of Directors of such parent corporation); or
(iv) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors of the Company
(together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or
whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company was approved by
a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors of the Company then still in office who were
either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination
for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then in office. For purposes
of the definition of "Change of Control," the term "Permitted Holders" means
Aubrey K. McClendon and Tom L. Ward and their respective Affiliates.
The phrase "all or substantially all" of the assets of the Company is
likely to be interpreted by reference to applicable state law at the relevant
time, and will be dependent on the facts and circumstances existing at such
time. As a result, there may be a degree of uncertainty in ascertaining whether
a sale or transfer is of "all or substantially all" of the assets of the
Company.
BOOK ENTRY; DTC
DTC acts as securities depositary for the shares of Preferred Stock offered
hereby. The Preferred Stock is registered in the name of Cede & Co. (as nominee
for DTC) and is represented by one or more fully-registered global certificates
deposited with DTC (collectively, the "Global Certificate").
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The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Such laws
may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the shares of
Preferred Stock represented by a Global Certificate.
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 Exchange Act. DTC
holds securities that its participants ("Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC
also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities transactions,
such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic
computerized book-entry changes in Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating
the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants
include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations ("Direct Participants"). DTC is
owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by the NYSE, the American Stock
Exchange 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").
Purchases of shares of Preferred Stock within the DTC system must be made
by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Preferred
Stock on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of a
share of Preferred Stock ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn recorded on the Direct
or Indirect Participant's records. Beneficial Owners will receive written
confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participants through
which the Beneficial Owners purchased the Preferred Stock. Transfers of
ownership interests in the Preferred Stock are accomplished by entries made on
the books of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial
Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in
the Preferred Stock, except upon a resignation of DTC or upon a decision by the
Company to discontinue the book-entry system for the Preferred Stock.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all the Preferred Stock deposited by
Participants with DTC is registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co. The
deposit of shares of Preferred Stock with DTC and their registration in the name
of Cede & Co. effects no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of
the actual Beneficial Owners of the Preferred Stock; DTC's records reflect only
the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such shares of
Preferred Stock are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The
Participants are responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of
their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners are governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time.
Redemption notices with respect to the shares of Preferred Stock will be
sent to Cede & Co. If less than all of the shares of Preferred Stock are being
redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of
each Direct Participant in such securities to be redeemed.
Although voting with respect to the Preferred Stock is limited, in those
cases where a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent
or vote with respect to the Preferred Stock. Under its usual procedures, DTC
would mail an "Omnibus Proxy" (i.e., a proxy conferring on Direct Participants
the right to vote as their interests appear) to the Direct Participants as soon
as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s
consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the
Preferred Stock is credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached
to the Omnibus Proxy). The Company believes that the arrangements among DTC,
Direct and Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners will enable the
Beneficial Owners to exercise rights equivalent in substance to the rights that
can be directly exercised by a Direct Participant.
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Cash distribution payments on the shares of Preferred Stock are made to
DTC. DTC's practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the relevant
payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records
unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such
payment date. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners are governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities
held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name,"
and are the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC or the Company,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time. Payment of distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the
Company, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants is the
responsibility of DTC and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners
is the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
Except as provided herein, a Beneficial Owner in a Global Certificate will
not be entitled to receive physical delivery of shares of Preferred Stock.
Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of DTC to
exercise any rights under the Preferred Stock, including elections as to form of
payment.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with
respect to the Preferred Stock at any time by giving reasonable notice to the
Company. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities
depositary is not obtained, certificates representing the shares of Preferred
Stock will be printed and delivered. If the Company decides to discontinue use
of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor depositary),
certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock will be printed and
delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable, but the
Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The summary of the terms of the capital stock of the Company set forth
below does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation and its Bylaws. Copies of the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws are available from the Company upon
request.
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 250,000,000 shares
of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $.01 per share, of which 4,600,000 shares have been designated
the Preferred Stock offered hereby and 250,000 shares have been designated the
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"). As
of July 24, 1998, the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company
consisted of 99,097,700 shares of Common Stock and 4,600,000 shares of Preferred
Stock. No shares of Series A Preferred Stock are currently outstanding. Also, an
additional 12,044,024 shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon the
exercise of outstanding options granted under the Company's stock option plans.
COMMON STOCK
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Subject to
preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock (including
the Preferred Stock), holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably
such dividends as may be declared by the Board out of funds legally available
therefor. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, holders
of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after
payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding
preferred stock (including the Preferred Stock).
Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive rights and have no rights to
convert their Common Stock into any other securities. All of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon the
conversion or redemption of the Preferred Stock, will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
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PREFERRED STOCK
The Preferred Stock offered hereby is described under "Description of
Preferred Stock." The Series A Preferred Stock is described below under
"-- Anti-Takeover Provisions -- Share Rights Plan."
The Company has 4,150,000 shares of authorized preferred stock which are
undesignated. The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to any limitations
prescribed by law, without further shareholder approval, to issue shares of
preferred stock from time to time in one or more new series as from time to time
designated. Each such series of preferred stock would have such number of
shares, designations, preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special or
relative rights or privileges as determined by the Board of Directors, which may
include, among others, dividend rights, voting rights, redemption and sinking
fund provisions, liquidation preferences and conversion rights.
While providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible
acquisitions and other corporate purposes, and eliminating delays associated
with a shareholder vote on specific issuances, the issuance of preferred stock
could adversely affect the voting power of holders of Common Stock and the
likelihood that such holders will receive dividend payments and payments upon
liquidation and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
change in control of the Company.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company and the Oklahoma
General Corporation Act (the "OGCA") include a number of provisions which may
have the effect of encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or
other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with the Board of Directors
rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. These provisions include a
classified board of directors, authorized blank check preferred stock described
above under "-- Preferred Stock"), restrictions on business combinations and the
availability of authorized but unissued Common Stock.
Classified Board of Directors
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions
for a staggered board of directors with only one-third of the board standing for
election each year. Directors can only be removed for cause. A staggered board
makes it more difficult for shareholders to change the majority of the directors
and instead promotes a continuity of existing management.
Oklahoma Business Combination Statute
Section 1090.3 of the OGCA prevents an "interested shareholder" from
engaging in a "business combination" with an Oklahoma corporation for three
years following the date such person became an interested shareholder, unless
(i) prior to the date such person became an interested shareholder, the board of
directors of the corporation approved the transaction in which the interested
shareholder became an interested shareholder or approved the business
combination; (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the
interested shareholder's becoming an interested shareholder, the interested
shareholder owns stock having at least 85% of all voting power of the
corporation at the time the transaction commenced, excluding stock held by
directors who are also officers of the corporation and stock held by certain
employee stock plans; or (iii) on or subsequent to the date of the transaction
in which such person became an interested shareholder, the business combination
is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at a
meeting of shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of
all voting power not attributable to shares owned by the interested shareholder.
The statute defines a "business combination" to include (i) any merger or
consolidation involving the corporation and an interested shareholder, (ii) any
sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition to or
with an interested shareholder of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation,
(iii) subject to certain exceptions, any transaction which results in the
issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to an
interested shareholder, (iv) any transaction involving the corporation which has
the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or
series or voting power of the corporation
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owned by the interested shareholder, (v) the receipt by an interested
shareholder of any loans, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits
provided by or through the corporation, or (vi) any share acquisition by the
interested shareholder pursuant to Section 1090.1 of the OGCA. For purposes of
Section 1090.3, the term "corporation" also includes the Company's
majority-owned subsidiaries. In addition, Section 1090.3 defines an "interested
shareholder," generally, as any person that owns stock having 15% or more of all
voting power of the corporation, any person that is an affiliate or associate of
the corporation and owned stock having 15% or more of all voting power of the
corporation at any time within the three-year period prior to the time of
determination of interested shareholder status, and any affiliate or associate
of such person.
Stock Purchase Provisions
The Certificate of Incorporation includes a provision which requires the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes cast by the holders, voting together
as a single class, of all then outstanding shares of capital stock, excluding
the votes by an interested shareholder, to approve the purchase of any capital
stock of the Company from the interested shareholder at a price in excess of
fair market value, unless such purchase is either (i) made on the same terms
offered to all holders of the same securities or (ii) made on the open market
and not the result of a privately negotiated transaction.
Share Rights Plan
The Rights. On July 7, 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company declared
a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right (a "Right") for
each outstanding share of Common Stock. The distribution was paid on July 27,
1998 (the "Record Date") to the shareholders of record on that date. Each Right
entitles the registered holder thereof to purchase from the Company one
one-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock at a price of $25.00,
subject to adjustment.
The following is a summary of the Rights; the full description and terms of
the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement (the "Rights Agreement") between
the Company and UMB Bank, N.A., as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent"). Copies of
the Rights Agreement and the Certificate of Designation for the Series A
Preferred Stock are available free of charge from the Company. This summary
description of the Rights and the Series A Preferred Stock does not purport to
be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions
of the Rights Agreement and the Certificate of Designation for the Series A
Preferred Stock, including the definitions therein of certain terms.
Initially, the Rights will attach to all certificates representing shares
of outstanding Company Common Stock, and no separate Rights certificates will be
distributed. The Rights will separate from the Company Common Stock and the
Distribution Date will occur upon the earlier of (i) 10 days following the date
of public announcement that a person or group of persons has become an Acquiring
Person (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) 10 business days (or such later date as
may be determined by action of the Board of Directors prior to the time a person
becomes an Acquiring Person) following the commencement of, or the announcement
of an intention to make, a tender offer or exchange offer upon consummation of
which the offeror would, if successful, become an Acquiring Person (the earlier
of such dates being called the "Distribution Date").
The term "Acquiring Person" means any person who or which, together with
all of its affiliates and associates, shall be the beneficial owner of 15% or
more of the outstanding Common Stock, but shall not include (i) the Company or
any Subsidiary of the Company or any employee benefit plan of the Company, (ii)
Aubrey K. McClendon, his spouse, lineal descendants and ascendants, heirs,
executors or other legal representatives and any trusts established for the
benefit of the foregoing, or (iii) Tom L. Ward, his spouse, lineal descendants
and ascendants, heirs, executors or other legal representatives and any trusts
established for the benefit of the foregoing, or any other person or entity in
which the foregoing persons or entities are at the time of determination the
direct record and beneficial owners of all outstanding voting securities
(collectively, "Exempt Persons").
The Rights Agreement provides that, until the Distribution Date, the Rights
will be transferred with and only with the Common Stock. Until the Distribution
Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights),
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new Common Stock certificates issued after the Record Date, upon transfer or new
issuance of Common Stock, will contain a notation incorporating the Rights
Agreement by reference. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or
expiration of the Rights), the surrender for transfer of any certificates for
Common Stock, outstanding as of the Record Date, even without such notation or a
copy of a summary of the Rights being attached thereto, will also constitute the
transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Stock represented by such
certificate. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate
certificates evidencing the Rights ("Rights Certificates") will be mailed to
holders of record of the Common Stock as of the close of business on the
Distribution Date and such separate Rights Certificates alone will evidence the
Rights.
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Rights will
expire on July 27, 2008 (the "Expiration Date").
The Purchase Price payable, and the number of one one-thousandths of a
share of Series A Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable, upon
exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent
dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination
or reclassification of, the Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) upon the grant to
holders of the Series A Preferred Stock of certain rights or warrants to
subscribe for or purchase shares of Series A Preferred Stock at a price, or
securities convertible into Series A Preferred Stock with a conversion price,
less than the then current market price of the Series A Preferred Stock or (iii)
upon the distribution to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock of evidences of
indebtedness or assets (excluding regular periodic cash dividends paid or
dividends payable in Series A Preferred Stock) or of subscription rights or
warrants (other than those referred to in (ii) above).
The number of outstanding Rights and the number of one one-thousandths of a
share of Series A Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of each Right are also
subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split of the Common Stock or a
stock dividend on the Common Stock payable in the Common Stock or subdivisions,
consolidations or combinations of the Common Stock occurring, in any such case,
prior to the Distribution Date.
In the event that following a Stock Acquisition Date (the date of public
announcement that an Acquiring Person has become such) the Company is acquired
in a merger or other business combination transaction or more than 50% of its
consolidated assets or earning power are sold, proper provision will be made so
that each holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon the
exercise thereof at the then current exercise price of the Right, that number of
shares of common stock of the acquiring company which at the time of such
transaction will have a market value of two times the exercise price of the
Right (the "Flip-Over Right").
In the event that a person (other than an Exempt Person) becomes an
Acquiring Person, proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right
(other than the Acquiring Person and its affiliates and associates) will
thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise that number of shares of
Common Stock (or, under certain circumstances, cash, other equity securities or
property of the Company) having a market value equal to two times the Purchase
Price of the Rights (the "Flip-In Right"). Upon the occurrence of the foregoing
event giving rise to the exercisability of the Rights, any Rights that are or
were at any time owned by an Acquiring Person shall become void.
With certain exceptions, no adjustment in the Purchase Price will be
required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% in
such Purchase Price. Upon exercise of the Rights, no fractional shares of Series
A Preferred Stock will be issued other than fractions which are integral
multiples of one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock; cash will
be paid in lieu of fractional shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are not
integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock.
At any time prior to the earlier to occur of (i) 5:00 p.m., Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma time on the 10th day after the Stock Acquisition Date or (ii) the
expiration of the Rights, the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in
part, at a price of $0.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price"); provided, that (i)
if the Board of Directors authorizes redemption on or after the time a person
becomes an Acquiring Person, then such
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authorization must be by Board Approval (as hereinafter defined) and (ii) the
period for redemption may, upon Board Approval, be extended by amending the
Rights Agreement. The term "Board Approval" means the approval of a majority of
the directors of the Company. Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights
described in this paragraph, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and
the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price.
The terms of the Rights may be amended by the Board of Directors without
the consent of the holders of the Rights at any time and from time to time
provided that such amendment does not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of the Rights. In addition, during any time that the Rights are subject
to redemption, the terms of the Rights may be amended by Board Approval,
including an amendment that adversely affects the interests of the holders of
the Rights, without the consent of the holders of Rights.
Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no
rights as a shareholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right
to vote or to receive dividends. While the distribution of the Rights will not
be taxable to shareholders or to the Company, shareholders may, depending upon
the circumstances, recognize taxable income in the event that the Rights become
exercisable for Series A Preferred Stock (or other consideration).
The Series A Preferred Stock. Each one-thousandth of a share of the Series
A Preferred Stock ("Preferred Share Fraction") that may be acquired upon
exercise of the Rights will be nonredeemable and subordinate to any other shares
of preferred stock that may be issued by the Company.
Each Preferred Share Fraction will have a minimum preferential quarterly
dividend rate of $0.01 per Preferred Share Fraction but will, in any event, be
entitled to a dividend equal to the per share dividend declared on the Common
Stock.
In the event of liquidation, the holder of a Preferred Share Fraction will
receive a preferred liquidation payment equal to the greater of $0.01 per
Preferred Share Fraction or the per share amount paid in respect of a share of
Common Stock.
Each Preferred Share Fraction will have one vote, voting together with the
Common Stock. The holders of Preferred Share Fractions, voting as a separate
class, will be entitled to elect two directors if dividends on the Series A
Preferred Stock are in arrears for six fiscal quarters.
In the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which
shares of Common Stock are exchanged, each Preferred Share Fraction will be
entitled to receive the per share amount paid in respect of each share of Common
Stock.
The rights of holders of the Series A Preferred Stock to dividends,
liquidation and voting, and in the event of mergers and consolidations, are
protected by customary antidilution provisions.
Because of the nature of the Series A Preferred Stock's dividend,
liquidation and voting rights, the economic value of one Preferred Share
Fraction that may be acquired upon the exercise of each Right should approximate
the economic value of one share of the Common Stock.
SHAREHOLDER ACTION
With respect to any act or action required of or by the holders of the
Common Stock, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock
present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting and entitled to vote
thereon is sufficient to authorize, affirm, ratify or consent to such act or
actions, except as otherwise provided by law or in the Certificate of
Incorporation. The OGCA requires the approval of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding stock entitled to vote for certain extraordinary corporate
transactions, such as a merger, sale of substantially all assets, dissolution or
amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation. The Company's Certificate of
Incorporation provides for a vote of the holders of two-thirds of the issued and
outstanding stock having voting power, voting as a single class, to amend,
repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent with the provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation limiting director liability and stock purchases by
the Company, and providing for staggered terms of directors and indemnity for
directors. Such vote is also required for shareholders to amend, repeal or adopt
any provision of the Bylaws.
Pursuant to Oklahoma law, shareholders may take actions without the holding
of a meeting by written consent or consents signed by the holders of a
sufficient number of shares to approve the transaction had all of
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the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company entitled to vote
thereon been present at a meeting. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Commission, if shareholder action is taken by written consent, the Company will
be required to send each shareholder entitled to vote on the matter acted on,
but whose consent was not solicited, an information statement containing
information substantially similar to that which would have been contained in a
proxy statement.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
UMB Bank, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock and
the Preferred Stock.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion of certain of the Federal income tax consequences
of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of the Shares is based upon the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
final, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, and
administrative rulings and judicial decisions now in effect, all of which are
subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect) or different
interpretations. This summary does not purport to deal with all aspects of
Federal income taxation that may be relevant to an investor's decision to
purchase Shares, nor any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state,
locality or foreign jurisdiction. This summary is not intended to be applicable
to all categories of investors, such as dealers in securities, banks, insurance
companies, tax-exempt organizations, foreign persons, persons that hold the
Shares as part of a straddle or conversion transaction, or holders subject to
the alternative minimum tax, which may be subject to special rules. In addition,
this discussion is limited to persons who hold the Shares as "capital assets"
(generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Code. ALL PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF SHARES ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN
TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES
OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, CONVERSION, AND DISPOSITION OF SHARES.
CONSEQUENCES TO HOLDERS OF SHARES
Dividend Distributions. The amount of any distribution with respect to the
Shares will be treated as a dividend, taxable as ordinary income to the
recipient thereof, to the extent of the Company's current or accumulated
earnings and profits ("earnings and profits") as determined under Federal income
tax principles. To the extent the amount of such distribution exceeds the
current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Company, the excess will be
applied against and will reduce the holder's tax basis in the Shares. Any amount
by which such distribution exceeds the sum of the amount treated as a dividend
and the amount applied to reduce a holder's tax basis will be treated as
short-term or long-term capital gain, as the case may be, depending upon the
holder's holding period for the Shares.
Dividends to Corporate Shareholders. In general, a distribution which is
treated as a dividend for Federal income tax purposes and is made to a corporate
shareholder with respect to the Shares will qualify for the 70%
dividends-received deduction under Section 243 of the Code. Holders should note,
however, there can be no assurance that the amount of distributions made with
respect to the Shares will not exceed the amount of current or accumulated
earnings and profits of the Company in the future. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the dividends-received deduction will be available in respect of
distributions on the Shares.
In addition, there are many exceptions, restrictions and adjustments
relating to the availability of such dividends-received deduction, including,
without limitation, (i) restrictions relating to the holding period of stock,
the dividends on which are sought to be deducted, (ii) restrictions on the
ability to claim a deduction for dividends received or debt-financed portfolio
stock, (iii) adjustments to basis with respect to dividends treated as
"extraordinary dividends" for purposes of Section 1059 of the Code, and (iv)
special limiting rules applicable to taxpayers which pay alternative minimum
tax. Corporate shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
extent, if any, to which such exceptions and restrictions (as amended by the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997) may apply to their particular factual situation.
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<PAGE> 35
Sale or Redemption. Upon a sale or other disposition (other than an
exchange of Preferred Stock for Common Stock pursuant to the conversion
privilege) of the Shares, a holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss
equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of
property received by the holder in such sale or other disposition and such
holder's adjusted tax basis in such Shares. Such gain or loss will be long-term
gain or loss if the holder's holding period for such Shares is more than 12
months. In the case of individuals, long-term capital gains with respect to
property held for more than 18 months are taxed at a maximum 20% Federal tax
rate, and long-term capital gains with respect to property held more than 12
months but not more than 18 months are taxed at a maximum 28% Federal tax rate.
Net capital gain of corporations is taxed the same as ordinary income, with a
maximum Federal tax rate of 35%.
Any gain or loss recognized by a holder upon redemption of the Preferred
Stock will be treated as gain or loss from the sale or exchange of Preferred
Stock, if, taking into account stock that is actually or constructively owned as
determined under Section 318 of the Code, (i) such holder's interest in the
Common Stock and Preferred Stock is completely terminated as a result of the
redemption, (ii) such holder's percentage ownership in the Company's voting
stock immediately after the redemption is less than 50% of the total combined
voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and less than 80% of such
percentage ownership immediately before such redemption, or (iii) the redemption
is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" (within the meaning of Section 302
of the Code).
If a redemption of the Preferred Stock is treated as a distribution that is
taxable as a dividend, the holder will be taxed on the payment received in the
same manner as described above under "-- Dividend Distributions," and the
holder's adjusted tax basis in the redeemed Preferred Stock will be transferred
to any remaining shares held by such holder in the Company. If the holder does
not retain any stock ownership in the Company following the redemption, then
such holder may lose such basis completely.
Conversion or Exchange of Preferred Stock. A holder of Preferred Stock will
generally not recognize gain or loss by reason of receiving Common Stock in
exchange for Preferred Stock upon conversion of the Preferred Stock, except gain
or loss will be recognized with respect to any cash received in lieu of
fractional shares and the fair market value of any shares of Common Stock
attributable to dividend arrearages will be treated as a constructive
distribution as described above under "-- Dividend Distributions." The adjusted
tax basis of the Common Stock so acquired will be equal to the tax basis of the
shares of Preferred Stock exchanged therefor and the holding period of the
Common Stock received upon conversion will include the holding period of the
shares of Preferred Stock exchanged. The tax basis of any Common Stock treated
as a constructive distribution taxable as a dividend will be equal to its fair
market value on the date of the exchange.
Adjustment of Conversion Price. If at any time the Company makes a
distribution of property to holders of Common Stock which would be taxable to
such stockholders as a dividend for Federal income tax purposes and, in
accordance with the antidilution provisions of the Preferred Stock, the
Conversion Price of the Preferred Stock is decreased, the amount of such
decrease may be deemed to be the payment of a taxable dividend to holders of
Preferred Stock. For example, a decrease in the Conversion Price in the event of
distributions of indebtedness or assets of the Company will generally result in
deemed dividend treatment to holders of the Preferred Stock, while generally, a
decrease in the event of stock dividends or the distribution of rights to
subscribe for the Common Stock will not result in such deemed dividend
treatment. Moreover, in the event of a Change of Control, an adjustment in the
Conversion Price could result in a deemed dividend to holders of Preferred
Stock.
Redemption and Conversion Premiums. Under Section 305 of the Code and the
applicable Treasury regulations thereunder, if the redemption price of Preferred
Stock exceeds its issue price, the difference ("redemption premium") may be
taxable as a constructive distribution of additional Preferred Stock to the
holder thereof (treated as a dividend to the extent of the Company's current and
accumulated earnings and profits and otherwise subject to the treatment
described above for distributions) over a certain period. Because the Preferred
Stock provides for an optional right of redemption by the Company at prices in
excess of the issue price, a holder could be required to recognize such
redemption premium under a constant interest rate method similar to that for
accruing original issue discount, if based on all of the facts and
circumstances, the
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<PAGE> 36
optional redemption is more likely than not to occur. If stock may be redeemed
at more than one time, the time and price at which such redemption is most
likely to occur must be determined based on all of the facts and circumstances.
Applicable Treasury regulations provide a "safe harbor" under which a right to
redeem will not be treated as more likely than not to occur if (i) the issuer
and the holder are not related within the meaning of the Treasury regulations,
(ii) there are no plans, arrangements or agreements that effectively require or
are intended to compel the issuer to redeem the stock (disregarding, for this
purpose, a separate mandatory redemption), and (iii) exercise of the right to
redeem would not reduce the yield of the stock, as determined under the Treasury
regulations. Further, the Treasury regulations provide that such redemption
premium is not taxable as a constructive distribution if it is solely in the
nature of a penalty for premature redemption. A redemption premium is solely in
the nature of a penalty for premature redemption if it is paid as a result of
changes in economic or market conditions over which neither the issuer nor the
holder have control. Regardless of whether the redemption premium is solely in
the nature of a penalty for premature redemption, constructive distribution
treatment will not result if the redemption premium does not exceed a de minimis
amount. Based on the Treasury regulations, the Company intends to take the
position that the existence of the Company's optional redemption right does not
result in a constructive distribution to a holder.
Further, upon a Change of Control as described above under "Description of
Preferred Stock," if a holder elects to convert Preferred Stock into shares of
Common Stock, the holder might be deemed to have received a distribution to the
extent the holder's proportionate interest in the Company, following such
conversion, is increased over what the holder's proportionate interest would
have been had the shares been converted in the absence of a Change of Control.
The tax consequences associated with any such deemed distribution would depend,
in part, on the amount of the percentage increase, the value of the Company's
Common Stock at the time of the Change of Control, and the amount, if any, of
the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits at the close of the
Company's taxable year in which such event occurs. Any such distribution would
be treated as a dividend to the extent of such accumulated and current earnings
and profits.
Backup Withholding. Under the backup withholding provisions of the Code and
applicable Treasury Regulations, a holder of Shares may be subject to backup
withholding at the rate of 31% with respect to dividends paid on, or the
proceeds of a sale, exchange or redemption of, Shares unless such holder (a) is
a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and when required
demonstrates this fact or (b) provides a taxpayer identification number,
certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise
complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. The
amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a holder will be allowed as a
credit against the holder's Federal income tax liability and may entitle such
holder to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the
Internal Revenue Service.
CONSEQUENCES TO THE COMPANY
Under Section 382 of the Code, if the percentage of stock (by value) of a
corporation (the "Loss Corporation") that is owned by one or more "five-percent
shareholders" has increased by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest
percentage of stock owned by the same shareholders during a three-year testing
period (an "Ownership Change"), the use of pre-Ownership Change net operating
losses of the Loss Corporation following such Ownership Change will be limited
based on the value of the Loss Corporation on the date the Ownership Change
occurs (a "Section 382 Limitation"). As of the end of its most recent taxable
year, the Company and its subsidiaries had net operating losses which were
subject to Section 382 Limitations. Although the Company believes the issuance
of the Preferred Stock did not result in an Ownership Change, future equity
issuances or transactions among shareholders may trigger an Ownership Change. If
such an Ownership Change occurs, the Company's use of its net operating losses
will be subject to a Section 382 Limitation based on the value of the Company on
the date of such an Ownership Change.
THE FOREGOING SUMMARY DOES NOT DISCUSS ALL ASPECTS OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME
TAXATION THAT MAY BE RELEVANT TO A PARTICULAR HOLDER OF SHARES IN LIGHT OF ITS
PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND INCOME TAX SITUATION. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR
OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT WOULD RESULT FROM THEIR
PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND
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<PAGE> 37
DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL,
FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR
OTHER TAX LAWS.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The sale or distribution of the Shares may be effected directly to
purchasers by the Selling Shareholders (including their respective donees,
pledgees, transferees or other successors in interest) as principals or through
one or more underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents from time to time in one or
more transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions) (i) on any
national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Shares may be
listed or quoted at the time of sale or in the over-the-counter market, (ii) in
transactions otherwise than on such an exchange or service or in the
over-the-counter market or (iii) through the writing of options (whether such
options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise) on, or settlement of
short sale of the Shares. Any of such transactions may be effected at market
prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing
market prices, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated
or fixed prices, in each case as determined by the Selling Shareholder or by
agreement between any Selling Shareholder and underwriters, brokers, dealers or
agents, or purchasers. In connection with sales of the Shares or otherwise, the
Selling Shareholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers,
which may in turn engage in short sales of the Shares in the course of hedging
the positions they assume. The Selling Shareholders may also sell Shares short
and deliver Shares to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Shares
to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Shares.
If the Selling Shareholders effect such transactions by selling Shares to
or through underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents, such underwriters, brokers,
dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions
or commissions from the Selling Shareholders or commissions from purchasers of
Shares for whom they may act as agent (which discounts, concessions or
commissions as to particular underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents may be in
excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved). The Selling
Shareholders and any brokers, dealers or agents that participate in the
distribution of the Shares may be deemed to be underwriters, and any profit on
the sale of Shares by them and any discounts, concessions or commissions
received by any such underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents may be deemed to
be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
Under the securities laws of certain states, the securities may be sold in
such states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition,
in certain states the Shares may not be sold unless the Shares have been
registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration
or qualification is available and is complied with.
The Company will pay all of the expenses incident to the registration,
offering and sale of the Shares to the public hereunder other than commissions,
fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents. The Company has
agreed to indemnify the Selling Shareholders and any underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The Company
will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of any of the Shares by the
Selling Shareholders.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the Preferred Stock and the Common Stock offered hereby has
been passed upon for the Company by McAfee & Taft A Professional Corporation,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of June 30, 1996
and 1997 and December 31, 1997 and for each of the three years ended June 30,
1997 and the six months ended December 31, 1997, incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus, have been incorporated herein in reliance on the reports of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Hugoton Energy Corporation at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1997, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and Registration
Statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set
forth in their report thereon, and are incorporated herein in reliance upon such
report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
Certain estimates of oil and gas reserves included and incorporated by
reference herein were based upon engineering studies prepared by Williamson
Petroleum Consultants, Inc., Porter Engineering Associates and Netherland,
Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent petroleum engineers. Such estimates are
included or incorporated herein in reliance on the authority of each such firm
as experts in such matters.
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NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THE SELLING SHAREHOLDERS. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO
BUY, TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE
UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER
SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Available Information.................. 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference............................ 2
Forward-Looking Statements............. 3
Prospectus Summary..................... 4
Risk Factors........................... 7
Use of Proceeds........................ 15
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed
Charges and Preferred Stock
Dividends............................ 15
Selling Shareholders................... 15
Description of Preferred Stock......... 22
Description of Capital Stock........... 29
Federal Income Tax Considerations...... 34
Plan of Distribution................... 37
Legal Matters.......................... 37
Experts................................ 38
</TABLE>
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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY
CORPORATION
4,600,000 SHARES OF
7% CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK
AND
33,093,525 SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK
-------------------------
PROSPECTUS
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AUGUST 3, 1998
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