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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Statement No. 333-240157
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Amount to be Registered |
Maximum Offering Price Per Unit |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price |
Amount of Registration Fee(1) |
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2.400% Notes due 2031 |
$1,000,000,000 | 99.671% | $996,710,000 | $108,741.07 | ||||
Guarantees of 2.400% Notes due 2031 |
(2) | (2) | (2) | (3) | ||||
3.250% Notes due 2041 |
$750,000,000 | 99.604% | $747,030,000 | $81,500.98 | ||||
Guarantees of 3.250% Notes due 2041 |
(2) | (2) | (2) | (3) | ||||
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated July 29, 2020)
$1,750,000,000
$1,000,000,000 2.400% Notes due 2031
$750,000,000 3.250% Notes due 2041
We will pay interest on the 2.400% Notes due 2031 (the "2031 Notes") semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2021. The 2031 Notes will bear interest at a rate of 2.400% per year and will mature on May 15, 2031, unless previously redeemed as described below.
We will pay interest on the 3.250% Notes due 2041 (the "2041 Notes" and together with the 2031 Notes, the "notes") semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2021. The 2041 Notes will bear interest at a rate of 3.250% per year and will mature on May 15, 2041, unless previously redeemed as described below.
We may redeem a series of notes in whole or in part at any time at the applicable redemption prices described under "Description of the NotesOptional Redemption." The notes will not have the benefit of a sinking fund. If a change of control repurchase event occurs with respect to a series of notes as described in this prospectus supplement, except to the extent we have exercised our right to redeem such notes, we will be required to offer to each holder of the notes of such series to repurchase all or any part of that holder's notes at a repurchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of such notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest on such notes repurchased to, but not including, the repurchase date.
The notes will be unsecured and will rank equally with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by our subsidiary guarantors named in this prospectus supplement. The notes will be issued in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
Investing in these notes involves risks that are described in the "Risk Factors" sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 (the "Annual Report"), our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended August 31, 2020, November 30, 2020 and February 28, 2021 (the "Quarterly Reports") and beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement.
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Per 2031 Note |
Total |
Per 2041 Note |
Total |
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Public offering price(1) |
99.671% | $996,710,000 | 99.604% | $747,030,000 | ||||
Underwriting discount |
0.650% | $6,500,000 | 0.875% | $6,562,500 | ||||
Proceeds (before expenses) to FedEx Corporation(1) |
99.021% | $990,210,000 | 98.729% | $740,467,500 | ||||
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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state or other securities commission has approved or disapproved of the notes or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
We expect that the notes will be ready for delivery in book-entry-only form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company on or about April 29, 2021.
We are also offering, by means of a separate prospectus supplement, €600,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 0.450% notes due 2029 (the "Euro Sustainability Notes") and €650,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 0.950% notes due 2033 (the "2033 Euro Notes" and together with the Euro Sustainability Notes, the "euro notes"). Neither this offering nor the offering of the euro notes will be subject to completion of the other offering.
Joint Book-Running Managers
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Truist Securities | Wells Fargo Securities |
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Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC |
ING |
Mizuho Securities |
Morgan Stanley |
Co-Managers
BNP PARIBAS | BofA Securities | Citigroup | Deutsche Bank Securities | |||
HSBC |
J.P. Morgan |
Regions Securities LLC |
Scotiabank |
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Drexel Hamilton |
Penserra Securities LLC |
SMBC Nikko |
US Bancorp |
The date of this prospectus supplement is April 20, 2021.
Prospectus Supplement
Prospectus
S-i
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
This document consists of two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which contains the specific terms of this offering of notes. The second part is the accompanying prospectus dated July 29, 2020, which provides more general information about securities we may offer from time to time, some of which may not apply to this offering. This prospectus supplement and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement also adds to, updates and, where applicable, modifies and supersedes information contained or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus. If information in this prospectus supplement or the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus or the information incorporated by reference therein, then this prospectus supplement or the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement will apply and will, to the extent inconsistent therewith, supersede the information in the accompanying prospectus.
We and the underwriters have not authorized any person to provide you with information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any information that others may give you. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the respective dates of such information. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
References in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to "we," "us," "our" and "FedEx" are to FedEx Corporation.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area
The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared, and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in any member state of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus is a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom
The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the United Kingdom ("UK"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the
S-ii
provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared, and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in the UK will be made pursuant to an exemption under the UK Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus is a prospectus for the purposes of the UK Prospectus Regulation.
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any other material in relation to the notes described herein are being distributed only to, and are directed only at, persons outside the United Kingdom or, if in the United Kingdom, persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the UK Prospectus Regulation) who are (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"), or (ii) high-net-worth entities falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (iii) persons to whom it would otherwise be lawful to distribute them, all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons." The notes are only available to, and any investment activity or invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire such notes will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and their contents should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by any recipients to any other person in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any of their contents. The notes are not being offered to the public in the United Kingdom.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this prospectus supplement are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by or that include the words "will," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "targets," "projects," "intends" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated (expressed or implied) by such forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to management's views with respect to future events and financial performance and underlying assumptions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; economic conditions in the global markets in which we operate; anti-trade measures and additional changes in international trade policies and relations; a significant data breach or other disruption to our technology infrastructure; our ability to successfully integrate the businesses and operations of Federal Express Corporation ("FedEx Express") and TNT Express in the expected time frame and at the expected cost and to achieve the expected benefits from the combined businesses; our ability to successfully implement our FedEx Express workforce reduction plan in
S-iii
Europe; our ability to continue to transform and optimize the FedEx Express international business, particularly in Europe; our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and achieve the anticipated benefits and associated cost savings of such strategies and actions; the future rate of e-commerce growth and our ability to successfully expand our e-commerce services portfolio; damage to our reputation or loss of brand equity; the impact of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union and the terms of their future trading relationship; the timeline for recovery of passenger airline cargo capacity; changes in fuel prices or currency exchange rates; our ability to match capacity to shifting volume levels; the impact of intense competition; evolving or new U.S. domestic or international government regulation or regulatory actions; future guidance, regulations, interpretations, challenges or judicial decisions related to our tax positions; our ability to effectively operate, integrate, leverage and grow acquired businesses, including ShopRunner, Inc.; legal challenges or changes related to service providers engaged by FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. and the drivers providing services on their behalf; an increase in self-insurance accruals and expenses; disruptions or modifications in service by, or changes in the business or financial soundness of, the U.S. Postal Service; the impact of any international conflicts or terrorist activities; our ability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster or disturbance in a key geography; our ability to achieve our goal of carbon-neutral operations by 2040; constraints, volatility or disruption in the capital markets and our ability to obtain financing; and other factors which can be found in FedEx's and its subsidiaries' press releases and FedEx's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not undertake or assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
S-iv
The following summary highlights selected information about FedEx and this offering. This summary may not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should carefully read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making an investment decision.
FedEx Corporation
FedEx provides a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services through companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally, under the respected FedEx brand. These companies are included in the following reportable business segments:
The FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc. ("FedEx Office") operating segment provides document and business services and retail access to our package transportation businesses. Additionally, the FedEx Logistics, Inc. operating segment provides integrated supply chain management solutions, specialty transportation, customs brokerage and global ocean and air freight forwarding.
For a description of our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and other important information regarding us, see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. For instructions on how to find copies of our filings incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, see "Where You Can Find More Information" below.
The mailing address of our principal executive offices is 942 South Shady Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38120. Our main telephone number is (901) 818-7500.
The address of our website is fedex.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form a part of, this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
S-1
Issuer | FedEx Corporation | |
Securities Offered |
$1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2.400% Notes due 2031. |
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$750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.250% Notes due 2041. |
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Maturity |
The 2031 Notes will mature on May 15, 2031, unless they are redeemed prior to that date. |
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The 2041 Notes will mature on May 15, 2041, unless they are redeemed prior to that date. |
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See "Optional Redemption" below. |
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Interest |
Interest on the 2031 Notes will accrue at the rate of 2.400% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2021. |
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Interest on the 2041 Notes will accrue at the rate of 3.250% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2021. |
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Optional Redemption |
A series of notes may be redeemed, at our option, in whole or in part at any time at the applicable redemption prices described under "Description of the NotesOptional Redemption." The notes will not have the benefit of a sinking fund. |
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Change of Control Repurchase Event |
If a Change of Control Repurchase Event (as defined herein) occurs with respect to a series of notes, except to the extent we have exercised our right to redeem such notes, we will be required to offer to each holder of the notes of such series to repurchase all or any part of that holder's notes at a repurchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of such notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest on such notes repurchased to, but not including, the repurchase date. See "Description of the NotesChange of Control Repurchase Event." |
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Ranking |
The notes will be unsecured and will rank equally with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. |
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Subsidiary Guarantors |
FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Freight, Inc., FedEx Services, FedEx Office, Federal Express Europe, Inc., Federal Express Holdings S.A., LLC and Federal Express International, Inc. |
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Guarantees |
The subsidiary guarantors will fully and unconditionally guarantee payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the notes. The guarantees will rank equally with all other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the subsidiary guarantors. |
S-2
Further Issues | We may issue additional notes of any series from time to time after this offering without the consent of holders of notes. | |
Use of Proceeds |
We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering will be approximately $1,727,662,000, after deducting the underwriting discounts and other expenses related to this offering. |
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We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with the net proceeds from the offering of the euro notes (pending the allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering of the Euro Sustainability Notes to Eligible Projects as described in the prospectus supplement for the offering of the euro notes), and existing cash and cash equivalents, for the redemption in full of the $500 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 3.400% notes due 2022, the €640 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 0.700% notes due 2022, the $500 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 2.625% notes due 2022, the €750 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 1.000% notes due 2023, the $250 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 2.700% notes due 2023, the $750 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 4.000% notes due 2024, the $700 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 3.200% notes due 2025, the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 3.800% notes due 2025 and the $450 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 3.300% notes due 2027, in each case including accrued and unpaid interest and any make-whole premium thereon. Pending such use, we may invest the net proceeds in short-term investments, including cash, cash equivalents and/or marketable securities. Any remaining net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. See "Use of Proceeds." |
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Certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates may hold positions in our 3.400% notes due 2022, 0.700% notes due 2022, 2.625% notes due 2022, 1.000% notes due 2023, 2.700% notes due 2023, 4.000% notes due 2024, 3.200% notes due 2025, 3.800% notes due 2025 and 3.300% notes due 2027, and therefore may receive a portion of such proceeds upon such repayment. |
S-3
Book-Entry Form | The notes will be issued in fully registered, book-entry-only form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. The notes of each series will be represented by one or more permanent global notes registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the notes will be shown on, and transfers will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee, and these beneficial interests may not be exchanged for certificated notes, except in limited circumstances. See "Description of Debt Securities and GuaranteesBook-Entry Procedures" in the accompanying prospectus. | |
Trading |
The notes are new issues of securities with no established trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange. We have been advised by the underwriters that they intend to make a market in each series of notes, but the underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market-making with respect to any series of notes at any time without notice. See "Underwriting" in this prospectus supplement for more information about possible market-making by the underwriters. |
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Risk Factors |
Investing in the notes involves risks that are described in the "Risk Factors" sections of our Annual Report, our Quarterly Reports and beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement. |
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Additional Offering |
We are also offering, by means of a separate prospectus supplement, the euro notes. Neither this offering nor the offering of the euro notes will be subject to completion of the other offering. We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering of the euro notes (pending the allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering of the Euro Sustainability Notes to Eligible Projects as described in the prospectus supplement for the offering of the euro notes), if completed, together with the net proceeds from this offering and existing cash and cash equivalents, for the redemption of existing indebtedness as described in "Use of Proceeds." We intend to use an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering of the Euro Sustainability Notes to fund or refinance a portfolio of Eligible Projects as described in the prospectus supplement for the offering of the euro notes. |
S-4
Investing in the notes involves risks. In connection with any investment in the notes, you should consider carefully (i) the factors identified in the "Risk Factors" sections of our Annual Report, (ii) the factors identified in the "Risk Factors" section of our Quarterly Reports, (iii) the factors set forth below related to the notes, and (iv) the other information set forth elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Risks Related to the Notes
The Indenture does not limit the amount of indebtedness that we may incur
The Indenture under which we will issue the notes and guarantees does not limit the amount of secured or unsecured indebtedness that we or our subsidiaries may incur. In addition, other than the provisions relating to a Change of Control Repurchase Event, the Indenture, which is described below under "Description of the Notes," also does not contain any debt covenants or provisions that afford holders of the notes protection in the event we participate in a highly leveraged or similar transaction.
We depend upon our subsidiaries to service our debt
We are a holding company and derive all of our operating income from our subsidiaries. Our only source of cash to pay principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the notes is from dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries' ability to make such payments may be restricted by, among other things, applicable state and foreign corporate laws and other laws and regulations. In addition, our right and the rights of our creditors, including holders of the notes, to participate in the assets of any non-guarantor subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization would be subject to the prior claims of such non-guarantor subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent that we or a subsidiary guarantor may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against such non-guarantor subsidiary. The notes will be guaranteed only by certain subsidiary guarantors. See "Description of the NotesGeneral." If our subsidiaries do not provide us with enough cash to make payments on the notes when due, you may have to proceed directly against the subsidiary guarantors.
The guarantees may be limited in duration
If we sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all of the capital stock or all or substantially all of the assets of a subsidiary guarantor to any person that is not an affiliate of FedEx, the guarantee of that subsidiary will terminate and holders of the notes will no longer have a claim against such subsidiary under the guarantee. See "Description of Debt Securities and GuaranteesMerger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets" in the accompanying prospectus.
The guarantees may be challenged as fraudulent conveyances
Federal, state and foreign bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or similar laws could limit the enforceability of a guarantee. For example, creditors of a subsidiary guarantor could claim that, since the guarantees were incurred for the benefit of FedEx (and only indirectly for the benefit of a subsidiary guarantor), the obligation of a subsidiary guarantor was incurred for less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration. If any of our subsidiary guarantors is deemed to have received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for its guarantee and, at the time it gave the guarantee, that subsidiary guarantor:
S-5
then the obligations of such subsidiary guarantor under its guarantee could be voided. If a court voided a guarantee as a result of a fraudulent transfer or conveyance, then the holders of the notes would cease to have a claim against the subsidiary guarantor. In this regard, in an attempt to limit the applicability of fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, the Indenture limits the amount of each guarantee to the amount that will result in it not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance. However, we cannot assure you as to what standard a court would apply in making a determination regarding whether reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration was received or as to what would be the maximum liability of each guarantor or whether this limitation would be effective in protecting a guarantee from being voided under fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws.
We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event
Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event with respect to a series of notes, except to the extent we have exercised our right to redeem such notes, we will be required to offer to each holder of the notes of such series to repurchase all or any part of that holder's notes at a repurchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of such notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest on such notes repurchased to, but not including, the repurchase date.
It is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at the time of any Change of Control Repurchase Event with respect to a series of notes to make the required repurchase of the notes of such series. In order to obtain sufficient funds to pay the repurchase price of the outstanding notes of a series, we may need to refinance such notes. We cannot assure you that we would be able to refinance such notes on reasonable terms, or at all. Our failure to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes of that series or to repurchase all validly tendered notes of that series would be an event of default under the Indenture for such notes. Such an event of default may cause the acceleration of our other debt. In addition, the terms of our other debt agreements or applicable law may limit our ability to repurchase the notes for cash. Our future debt also may contain restrictions on repurchase requirements with respect to specified events or transactions that constitute a change of control under the Indenture.
Ratings of the notes could be lowered in the future
We expect that the notes will be rated "investment grade" by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, hold or sell the notes, since a rating does not predict the market price of a particular security or its suitability for a particular investor. A rating organization may lower our rating, or change our ratings' outlook, or decide not to rate our securities, temporarily or permanently, in its sole discretion. The rating of the notes will be based primarily on the rating organization's assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of interest when due on the notes and the ultimate payment of principal of the notes on the final maturity date. The reduction, suspension or withdrawal of the ratings of the notes will not, in and of itself, constitute an event of default under the Indenture.
An active trading market for the notes may not develop or continue
There are no established trading markets for the notes since they are new issues of securities. We do not intend to apply for the listing of the notes on any securities exchange. We cannot assure you as to the liquidity of the public markets for the notes or that any active public markets for the notes will develop or continue. If active public markets do not develop or continue, the market prices and liquidity of the notes may be adversely affected.
S-6
We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering will be approximately $1,727,662,000, after deducting the underwriting discounts and other expenses related to this offering.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with the net proceeds from the offering of the euro notes (pending the allocation of an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering of the Euro Sustainability Notes to Eligible Projects as described in the prospectus for the offering of the euro notes), and existing cash and cash equivalents, for the redemption in full of the $500 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 3.400% notes due 2022, the €640 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 0.700% notes due 2022, the $500 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 2.625% notes due 2022, the €750 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 1.000% notes due 2023, the $250 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 2.700% notes due 2023, the $750 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 4.000% notes due 2024, the $700 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 3.200% notes due 2025, the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 3.800% notes due 2025 and the $450 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 3.300% notes due 2027, in each case including accrued and unpaid interest and any make-whole premium thereon. If we do not complete the offering of the euro notes, we intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with existing cash and cash equivalents, for the redemption in full of the notes set forth above. Pending such use, we may invest the net proceeds in short-term investments, including cash, cash equivalents and/or marketable securities. Any remaining net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.
Our 3.400% notes due 2022 bear interest at 3.400% per annum and mature on January 14, 2022, our 0.700% notes due 2022 bear interest at 0.700% per annum and mature on May 13, 2022, our 2.625% notes due 2022 bear interest at 2.625% per annum and mature on August 1, 2022, our 1.000% notes due 2023 bear interest at 1.000% per annum and mature on January 11, 2023, our 2.700% notes due April 15, 2023 bear interest at 2.700% per annum and mature on April 15, 2023, our 4.000% notes due 2024 bear interest at 4.000% per annum and mature on January 15, 2024, our 3.200% notes due 2025 bear interest at 3.200% per annum and mature on February 1, 2025, our 3.800% notes due 2025 bear interest at 3.800% per annum and mature on May 15, 2025 and our 3.300% notes due 2027 bear interest at 3.300% per annum and mature on March 15, 2027.
Certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates may hold positions in our 3.400% notes due 2022, 0.700% notes due 2022, 2.625% notes due 2022, 1.000% notes due 2023, 2.700% notes due 2023, 4.000% notes due 2024, 3.200% notes due 2025, 3.800% notes due 2025 and 3.300% notes due 2027, and therefore may receive a portion of such proceeds upon such repayment. See "Underwriting."
This prospectus supplement does not constitute a notice of redemption for any of the notes set forth above under their respective indentures. No assurance is given that any notice of redemption will be issued or that any notes will be redeemed.
S-7
The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of February 28, 2021 on an actual basis and on an as adjusted basis to give effect to this offering and the offering of the euro notes and the use of the net proceeds from such offerings as described under "Use of Proceeds." You should read this table in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto incorporated by reference from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021.
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As of February 28, 2021 | ||||||
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Actual | As Adjusted | |||||
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(In millions) |
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Current portion of long-term debt |
$ | 646 | $ | 147 | |||
Long-term debt: |
|||||||
2031 Notes offered hereby |
| 1,000 | |||||
2041 Notes offered hereby |
| 750 | |||||
2029 Sustainability Euro Notes offered in the offering of the euro notes (1) |
| 722 | |||||
2033 Euro Notes offered in the offering of the euro notes (1) |
| 782 | |||||
Other long-term debt, less current portion (2) |
22,797 | 17,481 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total long-term debt, less current portion |
$ | 22,797 | $ | 20,735 | |||
Common stockholders' investment: |
|||||||
Common stock |
32 | 32 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital |
3,445 | 3,445 | |||||
Retained earnings |
27,924 | 27,924 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(764 | ) | (764 | ) | |||
Treasury stock, at cost |
(8,656 | ) | (8,656 | ) | |||
Total common stockholders' investment |
$ | 21,981 | $ | 21,981 | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total capitalization |
$ | 44,778 | $ | 42,716 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
S-8
The following, along with the additional information contained under "Description of Debt Securities and Guarantees" in the accompanying prospectus, is a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture referred to below, the notes and the guarantees. Because this is a summary, it may not contain all the information that may be important to you. For further information, you should read the Indenture, a copy of which is available from us on request at the address specified in "Where You Can Find More Information" below. This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Indenture, including definitions of certain terms used in it. If any of the information set forth below is inconsistent with information in the accompanying prospectus, the information set forth below, to the extent inconsistent therewith, replaces and supersedes the information in the accompanying prospectus. If we use a term that is not defined in this prospectus supplement, you should refer to the definition that is provided in the accompanying prospectus.
General
We are offering $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 2.400% Notes due 2031 (the "2031 Notes") and $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 3.250% Notes due 2041 (the "2041 Notes" and together with the 2031 Notes, the "notes"). The 2031 Notes and the 2041 Notes will mature on May 15, 2031 and May 15, 2041, respectively, subject to "Optional Redemption," and the notes of each series will be issued under the indenture dated as of October 23, 2015, as supplemented by supplemental indenture no. 12 to be dated as of April 29, 2021, among FedEx, the subsidiary guarantors named below and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (collectively, the "Indenture").
The notes will be our general unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Federal Express Corporation, FedEx Ground Package System, Inc., FedEx Freight Corporation, FedEx Freight, Inc., FedEx Corporate Services, Inc., FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc., Federal Express Europe, Inc., Federal Express Holdings S.A., LLC and Federal Express International, Inc. These subsidiaries currently guarantee our obligations under our outstanding unsecured debt securities and credit facilities. If we sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all of the capital stock or all or substantially all of the assets of a subsidiary guarantor to any person that is not an affiliate of FedEx, the guarantee of that subsidiary will automatically terminate and holders of the notes will no longer have a claim against such subsidiary under the guarantee. See "Description of Debt Securities and GuaranteesGuarantees" in the accompanying prospectus.
We may redeem a series of notes in whole or in part at any time at the applicable redemption prices described under "Optional Redemption" below. We may issue additional notes of any series from time to time after this offering. The notes of a series and any additional new notes of such series subsequently issued under the Indenture would be treated as a single series for all purposes under the Indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments and redemptions. If the additional notes of a series, if any, are not fungible with the notes of that series offered hereby for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the additional notes will have a separate CUSIP number. The notes will not have the benefit of a sinking fund. If a Change of Control Repurchase Event (as defined below) occurs with respect to a series of notes, except to the extent we have exercised our right to redeem such notes, we will be required to offer to repurchase the notes of such series, as described under "Change of Control Repurchase Event" below.
The Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of debt securities which may be issued under the Indenture. Other than the provisions relating to a Change of Control Repurchase Event, the Indenture does not contain any debt covenants or provisions which would afford the holders of the notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged or similar transaction.
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The trustee will not be liable for special, indirect, exemplary, incidental, punitive or consequential or other similar loss or damage of any kind under the Indenture. We and the trustee, and each holder of a note by its acceptance thereof, irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to the Indenture, the notes or any transaction contemplated thereby.
The notes will be issued in fully registered, book-entry-only form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. The notes of each series will be represented by one or more permanent global notes registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, as described under "Description of Debt Securities and GuaranteesBook-Entry Procedures" in the accompanying prospectus.
Interest
The 2031 Notes will bear interest at the rate of 2.400% per year. Interest on the 2031 Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Interest on the 2031 Notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15, commencing November 15, 2021, and ending on the maturity date, to the persons in whose names the notes are registered on the preceding May 1 and November 1 (whether or not that date is a business day), respectively.
The 2041 Notes will bear interest at the rate of 3.250% per year. Interest on the 2041 Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Interest on the 2041 Notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15, commencing November 15, 2021, and ending on the maturity date, to the persons in whose names the notes are registered on the preceding May 1 and November 1 (whether or not that date is a business day), respectively.
If any interest payment date, the maturity date or any redemption date of a series of notes falls on a day that is not a business day, the related payment of principal and/or interest will be made on the next business day as if it were made on the date such payment was due, and no interest will accrue on the amounts so payable for the period from and after such date to the next business day.
Optional Redemption
At our option, we may redeem a series of notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to the applicable Par Call Date (as defined below), on at least 10 days', but no more than 60 days', prior written notice mailed (or otherwise delivered in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC) to the registered holders of the notes to be redeemed. Upon redemption of such series of notes, we will pay a redemption price as calculated by a Reference Treasury Dealer selected by us equal to the greater of:
in each case, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption on the principal amount of the notes being redeemed.
At any time on or after the applicable Par Call Date, we may redeem a series of notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus
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accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption on the principal amount of the notes being redeemed.
"Adjusted Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any date of redemption, the rate per year equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for that date of redemption.
"Comparable Treasury Issue" means, with respect to the series of notes to be redeemed prior to the applicable Par Call Date, the United States Treasury security selected by a Reference Treasury Dealer selected by us as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes of such series (assuming, for this purpose, that such notes mature on the applicable Par Call Date) that would be used, at the time of selection and under customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such notes (assuming, for this purpose, that such notes mature on the applicable Par Call Date).
"Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any date of redemption, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for the date of redemption, after excluding the highest and lowest Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or if we are provided fewer than three Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations.
"Par Call Date" means February 15, 2031 in the case of the 2031 Notes (the date that is three months prior to the maturity date of the 2031 Notes) and November 15, 2040 in the case of the 2041 Notes (the date that is six months prior to the maturity date of the 2041 Notes).
"Reference Treasury Dealer" means (i) Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and its affiliates or successors; and (ii) any primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer") we select. If any of the foregoing ceases to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, we must substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer.
"Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any date of redemption, the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to us by the Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day before the date of redemption.
Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or portions of the notes called for redemption.
If less than all of the notes of a series are to be redeemed, the notes to be redeemed shall be selected by the trustee by such method as the trustee deems to be fair and appropriate in accordance with DTC's procedures.
Change of Control Repurchase Event
If a Change of Control Repurchase Event occurs with respect to a series of notes, except to the extent we have exercised our right to redeem such notes as described above, we will make an offer to each holder of the notes of such series to repurchase all or any part (in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) of that holder's notes at a repurchase price (the "repurchase price") in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest on such notes repurchased to, but not including, the repurchase date. Within 30 days following a Change of Control Repurchase Event or, at our option, prior to a Change of Control, but after the public announcement of such Change of Control, we will mail, or cause to be mailed, or otherwise deliver in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC, a notice to each holder of the notes of such series, with a copy to the trustee, describing the
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transaction or transactions that constitute or may constitute the Change of Control Repurchase Event and offering to repurchase the notes of such series on the payment date specified in the notice (such offer, the "repurchase offer" and such date, the "repurchase date"), which repurchase date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed, pursuant to the procedures described in such notice. The notice shall, if mailed or delivered prior to the date of consummation of the Change of Control, state that the repurchase offer is conditioned on a Change of Control Repurchase Event occurring on or prior to the repurchase date.
We will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of a series of notes as a result of a Change of Control Repurchase Event. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the notes, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the notes by virtue of such conflict.
On the repurchase date following a Change of Control Repurchase Event, we will, to the extent lawful:
The trustee will promptly mail, or cause the paying agent to promptly mail, or otherwise deliver in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC, to each holder of such notes, or portions of such notes, properly tendered and accepted for payment by us the repurchase price for such notes, or portions of such notes, and the trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) to each such holder a new note, duly executed by us equal in principal amount to any unrepurchased portion of any notes surrendered, as applicable; provided that each new note will be in a principal amount equal to $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.
We will not be required to make a repurchase offer upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for such an offer made by FedEx and such third party purchases all notes or portions of notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer.
For purposes of the foregoing discussion of a repurchase at the option of holders, the following definitions are applicable:
"Below Investment Grade Ratings Event" means, with respect to a series of notes, on any day within the 60-day period (which period shall be extended so long as the rating of such series of notes is under publicly announced consideration for a possible downgrade by any Rating Agency) after the earlier of (1) the occurrence of a Change of Control, or (2) the public announcement of the occurrence of a Change of Control or our intention to effect a Change of Control, the notes of such series are rated below Investment Grade by each and every Rating Agency. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
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Below Investment Grade Ratings Event otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control (and thus shall not be deemed a Below Investment Grade Ratings Event for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Repurchase Event hereunder) if the Rating Agencies making the reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise apply do not publicly announce or publicly confirm, or inform the trustee in writing at our request, that the reduction was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable Change of Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control shall have occurred at the time of the Below Investment Grade Ratings Event).
"Change of Control" means the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any "person" or "group" (as those terms are used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than (1) FedEx or any of its subsidiaries, (2) any employee benefit plan (or a trust forming a part thereof) maintained by FedEx or any of its subsidiaries, or (3) any underwriter temporarily holding Voting Stock of FedEx pursuant to an offering of such Voting Stock, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the combined voting power of FedEx's Voting Stock or other Voting Stock into which FedEx's Voting Stock is reclassified, consolidated, exchanged or changed measured by voting power rather than number of shares.
"Change of Control Repurchase Event" means the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Below Investment Grade Ratings Event with respect to a series of notes.
"Investment Grade" means, with respect to Moody's, a rating of Baa3 or better (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of Moody's); with respect to S&P, a rating of BBB or better (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of S&P); and, with respect to any additional Rating Agency or Rating Agencies selected by FedEx, the equivalent investment grade credit rating.
"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc., a subsidiary of Moody's Corporation, and its successors.
"Rating Agency" means (1) each of Moody's and S&P, and (2) if either of Moody's or S&P ceases to rate the notes or fails to make a rating of the notes publicly available for reasons outside of FedEx's control, a "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act, selected by FedEx (as certified by a board resolution) as a replacement agency for Moody's or S&P, or both of them, as the case may be.
"S&P" means S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc., and its successors.
"Voting Stock" of any specified "person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) as of any date means the capital stock of such person that is at the time entitled to vote generally in the election of the board of directors of such person.
The Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the notes may in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a sale or takeover of FedEx and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. We could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control Repurchase Event under the notes, but that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit ratings on the notes.
If we experience a Change of Control Repurchase Event, we may not have sufficient financial resources available to satisfy our obligations to repurchase all notes or portions of notes properly tendered. Furthermore, debt agreements to which we may become a party in the future may contain restrictions and provisions limiting our ability to repurchase the notes. Our failure to repurchase the
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notes as required under the Indenture would result in a default under the Indenture, which could have material adverse consequences for us and the holders of the notes.
Concerning the Trustee
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, is the trustee under the Indenture and initial registrar and paying agent with regard to the notes.
The Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"), will impose certain limitations on the rights of the trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions; provided that if it acquires any conflicting interest as described in the Trust Indenture Act, it must eliminate such conflict, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as trustee with such conflict, or resign.
An affiliate of the trustee, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, is acting as an underwriter in this offering. The trustee and underwriter are separate and distinct legal roles and Wells Fargo, acting in each capacity, may take any actions, or refrain from taking such actions, that it has the legal or contractual right to take or refrain from taking in such roles, including, but not limited to, in connection with the enforcement of any right and/or remedy available to it.
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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following sets forth the material U.S. federal income and, in the case of Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below), estate tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the notes, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential tax considerations. This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Treasury Regulations promulgated or proposed thereunder, administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions, all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This discussion applies only to notes that meet all of the following conditions:
This discussion does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to investors in light of their particular circumstances, including alternative minimum tax and Medicare contribution tax consequences, or to investors subject to special rules, such as:
If an investor is a partnership, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the investor's partners will generally depend on the status of the partners and the activities of the partnership.
Persons considering the purchase of notes are urged to consult their tax advisors with regard to the application of the U.S. federal tax laws to their particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction.
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Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a note that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
Payments of interest
Interest paid on a note will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income at the time it accrues or is received in accordance with the U.S. Holder's method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It is expected, and the discussion herein assumes, that the notes will be issued without original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Certain additional payments
There are circumstances in which we might be required to make additional payments on a note, for instance, as described under "Description of the NotesChange of Control Repurchase Event." We intend to take the position that the possibility of such payments does not result in the notes being treated as contingent payment debt instruments under the applicable Treasury Regulations. Our position is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). If the IRS takes a position contrary to that described above with respect to the notes, a U.S. Holder may be required to accrue interest income based upon a "comparable yield" (as defined in the Treasury Regulations) determined at the time of issuance of the notes (which is not expected to differ significantly from the actual yield on the notes), with adjustments to such accruals when any contingent payments are made that differ from the payments based on the comparable yield. In addition, any income on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the notes would be treated as ordinary income rather than as capital gain. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if the notes were treated as contingent payment debt instruments. The discussion herein assumes that the notes will not be treated as contingent payment debt instruments.
Sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the notes
Upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a note, a U.S. Holder will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the note. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the note will generally be its purchase price. For these purposes, the amount realized does not include any amount attributable to accrued interest. Amounts attributable to accrued interest are treated as interest as described under "Payments of interest" above.
Gain or loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a note will generally be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition the note has been held by the U.S. Holder for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.
Backup withholding and information reporting
Information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with payments on the notes and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the notes, unless the U.S. Holder is an
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exempt recipient. A U.S. Holder may also be subject to backup withholding, currently at a rate of 24%, on these payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide its taxpayer identification number to the applicable withholding agent and to comply with certain certification procedures or otherwise establish an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term "Non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a note that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
"Non-U.S. Holder" does not include an individual present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition of a note. Such an individual is urged to consult his or her tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the sale, exchange or other disposition of a note.
Payments on the notes
Subject to the discussions below under "Backup withholding and information reporting" and "FATCA," payments of principal and interest on the notes to any Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, provided that, in the case of interest,
If a Non-U.S. Holder does not satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest on the notes to such Non-U.S. Holder will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, unless the Non-U.S. Holder provides an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E claiming an exemption from or reduction in withholding under the benefit of an applicable tax treaty.
If a Non-U.S. Holder of a note is engaged in a trade or business in the United States, and if interest on the note is effectively connected with the conduct of this trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by such Non-U.S. Holder), the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the preceding paragraphs, will generally be taxed in the same manner as a U.S. Holder (see "Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders" above), except that the Non-U.S. Holder will be required to provide to the withholding agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI in order to claim an exemption from withholding tax. These Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to other U.S. tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of notes, including, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation, the possible imposition of a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate).
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Sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the notes
Subject to the discussions below under "Backup withholding and information reporting" and "FATCA," a Non-U.S. Holder of a note will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on gain realized on the sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of such note, unless the gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by such Non-U.S. Holder). Amounts received upon a disposition of a note that are attributable to accrued interest will be treated as described above under "Payments on the notes."
U.S. federal estate tax
Individual Non-U.S. Holders, and entities the property of which is potentially includible in such individuals' gross estates for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), should note that, absent an applicable treaty benefit, a note will be treated as U.S. situs property subject to U.S. federal estate tax if interest payments on the note, if received by the decedent at death, would have been:
Backup withholding and information reporting
Information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with interest payments on the notes. Unless the Non-U.S. Holder complies with certification procedures to establish that it is not a U.S. person, information returns may also be filed with the IRS in connection with the payment of proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the notes and the Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to backup withholding, currently at a rate of 24%, on payments on the notes or on the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the notes. Compliance with the certification procedures required to claim the exemption from withholding tax on interest described above will avoid backup withholding as well. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the Non-U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
FATCA
Provisions contained in the Code commonly referred to as "FATCA" impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on payments of interest on, and, subject to the discussion below regarding the proposed Treasury Regulations, gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of, the notes to "foreign financial institutions" (which is broadly defined for this purpose and in general includes investment vehicles) and certain other non-U.S. entities unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements (generally relating to ownership by U.S. persons of certain interests in or accounts with those entities) have been satisfied or an exemption applies. Under proposed Treasury Regulations issued in 2018, this withholding tax will not apply to the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the notes. The preamble to these proposed Treasury Regulations indicates that taxpayers may rely on them pending their finalization. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify the general FATCA requirements. If any
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withholding is imposed, a beneficial owner that is not a foreign financial institution generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld by filing a U.S. federal income tax return, which may entail significant administrative burden. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the effects of FATCA on their investment in the notes.
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Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement between us, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Truist Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representatives of the underwriters named below, each of the underwriters has severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to each underwriter, the aggregate principal amount of notes set forth opposite such underwriter's name below.
Underwriters
|
Principal Amount of 2031 Notes |
Principal Amount of 2041 Notes |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Truist Securities, Inc. |
$ | 200,000,000 | $ | 150,000,000 | |||
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC |
200,000,000 | 150,000,000 | |||||
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC |
80,000,000 | 60,000,000 | |||||
ING Financial Markets LLC |
80,000,000 | 60,000,000 | |||||
Mizuho Securities USA LLC |
80,000,000 | 60,000,000 | |||||
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC |
80,000,000 | 60,000,000 | |||||
BNP Paribas Securities Corp. |
24,800,000 | 18,600,000 | |||||
BofA Securities, Inc. |
24,800,000 | 18,600,000 | |||||
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
24,800,000 | 18,600,000 | |||||
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
24,800,000 | 18,600,000 | |||||
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. |
24,800,000 | 18,600,000 | |||||
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC |
24,800,000 | 18,600,000 | |||||
Regions Securities LLC |
24,800,000 | 18,600,000 | |||||
Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. |
24,800,000 | 18,600,000 | |||||
Drexel Hamilton, LLC |
20,400,000 | 15,300,000 | |||||
Penserra Securities LLC |
20,400,000 | 15,300,000 | |||||
SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. |
20,400,000 | 15,300,000 | |||||
U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. |
20,400,000 | 15,300,000 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 1,000,000,000 | $ | 750,000,000 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the notes included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all notes if they purchase any notes.
The underwriters propose to offer some of the notes of each series directly to the public at the applicable public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the notes to dealers at the applicable public offering price less a concession not to exceed 0.400% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2031 Notes or 0.525% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2041 Notes. The underwriters may allow, and dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed 0.250% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2031 Notes or 0.350% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2041 Notes. After the initial offering of the notes to the public, the underwriters may change the public offering prices and concessions. The offering of the notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance of the notes and subject to the underwriters' right to reject any order in whole or in part.
The following table shows the underwriting discounts to be received by the underwriters in connection with this offering:
Per 2031 Note |
0.650 | % | ||
Per 2041 Note |
0.875 | % |
The notes are new issues of securities with no established trading markets. We do not intend to apply for the listing of the notes on any securities exchange. We have been advised by the underwriters
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that they intend to make a market in each series of notes, but the underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market-making with respect to any series of notes at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of any public trading markets for the notes or the development or continuation of such trading markets.
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell notes in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Over-allotment involves syndicate sales of notes in excess of the aggregate principal amount of notes to be purchased by the underwriters in this offering, which creates a syndicate short position. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of notes made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market prices of the notes while this offering is in progress.
Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market prices of the notes. They may also cause the prices of the notes to be higher than the prices that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.
The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.
We estimate that our total expenses for this offering, excluding the underwriting discounts, will be approximately $3,015,500.
We and certain subsidiary guarantors have agreed, jointly and severally, to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of those liabilities.
The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full-service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market-making, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory, cash management, investment banking, commercial banking and general financing services for us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business for which they have received, or may receive, customary fees and expenses. Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are agents and/or lenders under our credit facilities. Certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates may hold positions in our 3.400% notes due 2022, 0.700% notes due 2022, 2.625% notes due 2022, 1.000% notes due 2023, 2.700% notes due 2023, 4.000% notes due 2024, 3.200% notes due 2025, 3.800% notes due 2025 and 3.300% notes due 2027, and therefore may receive a portion of such proceeds upon such repayment.
In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates, officers, directors and employees may purchase, sell or hold a broad array of investments including serving as counterparties to certain derivative and hedging arrangements and actively trade securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and trading activities may involve or relate to our assets, securities and/or instruments (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise) and/or persons and entities with relationships with us. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates have a lending relationship with us. Certain of those underwriters or their affiliates routinely hedge, and certain other underwriters or their affiliates may hedge, their
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credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes offered hereby. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long and/or short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.
We expect that delivery of the notes will be made to investors on or about April 29, 2021, which will be the seventh business day following the date of this prospectus supplement (such settlement being referred to as "T+7"). Under Rule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes prior to the second business day immediately preceding the date of delivery will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially settle in T+7, to specify an alternate settlement arrangement at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the notes who wish to trade the notes prior to the second business day immediately preceding the date of delivery should consult their own advisors.
An affiliate of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC will be the trustee for the notes offered hereby.
Selling Restrictions
Canada
The notes may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principals that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the notes must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contain a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
European Economic Area
The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as
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amended, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared, and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in any member state of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus is a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.
United Kingdom
The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the United Kingdom ("UK"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared, and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in the UK will be made pursuant to an exemption under the UK Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus is a prospectus for the purposes of the UK Prospectus Regulation.
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any other material in relation to the notes described herein are being distributed only to, and are directed only at, persons outside the United Kingdom or, if in the United Kingdom, persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the UK Prospectus Regulation) who are (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"), or (ii) high-net-worth entities falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (iii) persons to whom it would otherwise be lawful to distribute them, all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons." The notes are only available to, and any investment activity or invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire such notes will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and their contents should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by any recipients to any other person in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any of their contents. The notes are not being offered to the public in the United Kingdom.
Hong Kong
Each underwriter: (i) has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell in Hong Kong, by means of any document, any note other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and
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Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong (the "SFO") and any rules made under the SFO; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong (the "C(WUMP)O") or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the C(WUMP)O; and (ii) has not issued or had in its possession for the purposes of issue, and will not issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the SFO and any rules made under the SFO.
Japan
The notes have not been and will not be registered pursuant to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (Act No. 25 of 1948, as amended). Accordingly, none of the notes nor any interest therein may be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any "resident" of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account or benefit of any resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan in effect at the relevant time.
Singapore
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus under the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SFA") with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined under Section 4A of the SFA) (an "Institutional Investor") under Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA) (an "Accredited Investor") or other relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) (a "Relevant Person"), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA and (where applicable) Regulation 3 of the Securities and Futures (Classes of Investors) Regulations 2018 or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a Relevant Person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an Accredited Investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an Accredited Investor or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an Accredited Investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an Accredited Investor, securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes under Section 275 except: (1) to an Institutional Investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a Relevant Person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA (in the case of that corporation) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) (in the case of
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that trust), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.
Singapore Securities and Futures Act Product Classification
Solely for the purposes of its obligations pursuant to Sections 309B(1)(a) and 309B(1)(c) of the SFA, the Company has determined, and hereby notifies all relevant persons (as defined in Section 309A of the SFA) that the notes are "prescribed capital markets products" (as defined in the Securities and Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).
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Certain legal matters relating to the notes and the guarantees will be passed upon for us by Mark R. Allen, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of FedEx, by Christina R. Conrad, Managing DirectorEmployment Law and Assistant Secretary of FedEx Freight, Inc., by Tracy B. Brightman, General Counsel, Senior Vice President, Legal & Human Resources of FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc., and by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, New York. Mark R. Allen, Christina R. Conrad and Tracy B. Brightman hold shares of our common stock and other equity compensation awards issued under our equity compensation plans. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York, will pass upon certain legal matters relating to the notes and the guarantees for the underwriters.
The consolidated financial statements of FedEx appearing in FedEx's Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 (including the schedule appearing therein), and the effectiveness of FedEx's internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2020, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon their reports given on the authority of Ernst & Young LLP as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's website at sec.gov.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. Information incorporated by reference is considered a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and later information filed with the SEC prior to the termination of this offering will automatically update and, where applicable, modify and supersede previous information contained in documents filed earlier with the SEC or contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus the documents listed below and all our future filings made with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding, in each case, any information or documents deemed to be furnished and not filed with the SEC except as specifically incorporated by reference in the table below) prior to the termination of this offering.
FedEx SEC Filings
|
Period | |
---|---|---|
Annual Report on Form 10-K |
Fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 | |
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q |
Fiscal quarters ended August 31, 2020, November 30, 2020 and February 28, 2021 | |
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A |
Filed on August 10, 2020 | |
Current Reports on Form 8-K |
Filed on June 19, 2020, August 4, 2020, August 13, 2020, September 22, 2020 and January 19, 2021 |
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus are delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above, which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, excluding
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exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. You can request these documents by contacting us in writing, by telephone or email at:
FedEx
Corporation
Attention: Investor Relations
942 South Shady Grove Road
Memphis, Tennessee 38120
(901) 818-7200
ir@fedex.com
You can also access our SEC filings through the Investor Relations section of our website at investors.fedex.com. The information on our website, however, is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form a part of, this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
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PROSPECTUS
DEBT SECURITIES
COMMON STOCK
We may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of our debt securities or common stock. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which we will offer them. We will provide the specific terms of any securities that we offer in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements also will describe the specific manner in which we will offer these securities and also may supplement, update or amend information contained in this prospectus.
Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be guaranteed by Federal Express Corporation, FedEx Ground Package System, Inc., FedEx Freight Corporation, FedEx Freight, Inc., FedEx Corporate Services, Inc., FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc., Federal Express Europe, Inc., Federal Express Holdings S.A., LLC and Federal Express International, Inc. See "Description of Debt Securities and GuaranteesGuarantees."
Prior to their issuance there will have been no market for the debt securities. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we do not intend to apply for the listing of any series of debt securities on a national securities exchange.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FDX."
We may offer and sell these securities on a continuous or delayed basis directly, through agents, dealers or underwriters as designated from time to time, or through a combination of these methods. We reserve the sole right to accept, and together with any agents, dealers and underwriters, reserve the right to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of securities. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any applicable commissions or discounts. Our net proceeds from the sale of securities also will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as any information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information," carefully before you invest.
Investing in our debt securities and common stock involves certain risks. See "Risk Factors" on page 3.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is July 29, 2020.
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This prospectus is part of a "shelf" registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, referred to as the SEC in this prospectus. By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell, at any time and from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. As allowed by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information about our business and the securities, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits. The exhibits to our registration statement contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents we have summarized in this prospectus. Because these summaries may not contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we offer, you should review the full text of these documents. The registration statement and the exhibits thereto can be obtained from the SEC, as indicated under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
This prospectus provides you with only a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains specific information about the terms of those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described below under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
The prospectus supplement also will contain, with respect to the securities being sold, the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, together with the terms of the offering, the compensation of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the net proceeds to us.
We have not authorized any person to provide you with information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement prepared by us or on our behalf or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any information that others may give you. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus, regardless of the date of delivery of this prospectus or any sales of securities made in connection herewith. In the case of information contained in documents we file with the SEC and incorporate by reference in this prospectus, you should assume that such information is accurate only as of the respective dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
References in this prospectus to "we," "us," "our" and "FedEx" are to FedEx Corporation.
Certain statements in this prospectus are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by or that include the words "will," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "targets," "projects," "intends" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors referred to below under the heading "Risk Factors" and other factors that can be found in FedEx's and its subsidiaries' press releases and FedEx's filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not
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undertake or assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information that we file electronically with the SEC at sec.gov, from which interested persons can electronically access the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, including the exhibits and schedules thereto.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. Information incorporated by reference is considered a part of this prospectus, and later information filed with the SEC will automatically update and, where applicable, modify and supersede previous information contained in documents filed earlier with the SEC or contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below and all our future filings made with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (excluding, in each case, any information or documents deemed to be furnished and not filed with the SEC) prior to the termination of the offering under this prospectus.
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above, which have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus, excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. You can request these documents by contacting us in writing, by telephone or email at:
FedEx
Corporation
Attention: Investor Relations
942 South Shady Grove Road
Memphis, Tennessee 38120
(901) 818-7200
ir@fedex.com
You can also access our SEC filings through the Investor Relations page of our website at investors.fedex.com. The information on our website, however, is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form a part of, this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.
FedEx provides a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services through companies competing collectively, operating independently and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. These companies are included in the following reportable business segments:
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The mailing address of our principal executive offices is 942 South Shady Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38120. Our main telephone number is (901) 818-7500.
The address of our website is fedex.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form a part of, this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.
Investing in our securities involves risks. In connection with any investment in our securities, you should consider carefully (i) the factors identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, (ii) the other information set forth elsewhere in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and (iii) any risk factors set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for our general corporate purposes including, but not limited to, capital expenditures, working capital, repayment or reduction of indebtedness and the financing of business acquisitions.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES
The debt securities and guarantees covered by this prospectus will be issued under an indenture dated as of October 23, 2015 between FedEx, the guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, as amended as of the date hereof (the "indenture").
The following summary describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities and guarantees covered by this prospectus. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe in a prospectus supplement the specific terms of, and the extent, if any, to which the general terms set forth below do not apply to, such debt securities and guarantees. If any information set forth in a prospectus supplement regarding the terms and provisions of a particular series of debt securities and guarantees is inconsistent with the information set forth below, the information in the prospectus supplement will supersede and replace the information in this prospectus.
Because the following is a summary, it may not contain all the information that may be important to you. For further information, you should read the indenture, which is an exhibit to the registration statement
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of which this prospectus is a part. A copy of the indenture is also available from us upon request at the contact information specified in "Where You Can Find More Information." This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the indenture, including definitions of certain terms used in it. In the following summary, we have included references to section numbers of the indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions.
Terms; Form and Denomination
We may issue debt securities under the indenture from time to time in one or more series, each in an amount we authorize prior to issuance. The indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of debt securities we may issue under the indenture.
The debt securities will be our general unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be guaranteed by FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Freight, Inc., FedEx Services, FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc., Federal Express Europe, Inc., Federal Express Holdings S.A., LLC and Federal Express International, Inc. (who we refer to throughout this prospectus as the "subsidiary guarantors"). The subsidiary guarantors currently guarantee our obligations under our outstanding unsecured debt securities and revolving credit facilities.
The indenture does not contain any debt covenants or other provisions that would afford the holders of the debt securities protection in the event we participate in a highly leveraged transaction.
The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following:
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Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, all outstanding debt securities will be exchangeable, transfers of debt securities will be registrable, and principal of and any premium and interest on all debt securities will be payable, at the corporate trust office of the trustee; provided that payment of interest may, at our option, be made by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in the security register or by wire transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located in the United States. (Sections 3.01, 3.05, 3.07 and 10.02)
Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, all debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiples of $1,000. (Section 3.02) Neither FedEx nor the trustee will impose any service charge for any transfer or exchange of a debt security; however, we may ask you to pay any taxes or other governmental charges in connection with a transfer or exchange of debt securities. (Section 3.05)
We may sell the debt securities at a discount, which may be substantial, below their stated principal amount. Those debt securities may bear no interest or may bear interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates. We will describe any material United States federal income tax considerations and any other special considerations relating to an investment in discount securities in any prospectus supplement relating to such securities.
If we sell any of the debt securities for any foreign currency or currency unit or if payments on the debt securities are payable in any foreign currency or currency unit, we will describe in a prospectus supplement the restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information relating to those debt securities and the foreign currency or currency unit.
Guarantees
Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be guaranteed by the subsidiary guarantors. If we sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all of the capital stock or all or substantially all of the assets of a subsidiary guarantor to any person that is not an affiliate of FedEx, the guarantee of that subsidiary will terminate and holders of debt securities will no longer have a direct claim against such subsidiary under the guarantee. (Section 12.04)
Each of the subsidiary guarantors will fully and unconditionally guarantee, jointly and severally, the due and punctual payment of principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities, and the due and punctual payment of any sinking fund payments, when the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, by declaration of acceleration, by call for redemption or otherwise. (Section 12.01) The guarantees will be unsecured obligations of the respective subsidiary guarantors
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and will rank equally with all of their other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The guarantees will not contain any restrictions on the ability of any subsidiary guarantor to pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of that subsidiary guarantor's capital stock or make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities, if any, of that subsidiary guarantor.
Each subsidiary guarantee will be limited to an amount not to exceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed by the applicable subsidiary guarantor without rendering the subsidiary guarantee, as it relates to such subsidiary guarantor, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws. (Section 12.07)
Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets
The indenture provides that we may not consolidate with or merge into any other person, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets as, or substantially as, an entirety to any person, unless:
Upon the sale or disposition (by merger or otherwise) of any subsidiary guarantor by FedEx or any subsidiary of FedEx to any person that is not an affiliate of FedEx, each such subsidiary guarantor will automatically be released from all obligations under its guarantee. (Section 12.04)
We have agreed that we will not sell or dispose of any subsidiary guarantor whose assets exceed 10% of our consolidated total assets (determined as of the date of our most recent interim or fiscal year-end balance sheet filed with the SEC prior to the date such guarantee is released) (each, a "10% subsidiary guarantor") unless at least 75% of the net proceeds of such sale or disposition will consist of any combination of:
Application of Proceeds Upon Release of a 10% Subsidiary Guarantor
In the event that the net proceeds from the sale or disposition of a 10% subsidiary guarantor consist of cash or readily marketable securities, we will apply, within 12 months of such sale or
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disposition, an amount equal to 100% of the fair market value, as determined in good faith by our board of directors, of such net proceeds to:
Modification, Amendment and Waiver
We and the trustee may modify and amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of each series of debt securities to be affected (voting as a single class). However, no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected thereby:
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive any past default under the indenture and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities or in respect of a covenant or provision that under the indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected. (Section 5.13)
In addition, we and the trustee can modify and amend the indenture without the consent of any holders in order to, among other things:
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Events of Default
Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, an event of default with respect to a series of debt securities will occur if:
If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series occurs and continues, the trustee or the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may require us to repay immediately the principal amount of all debt securities of that series. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul such acceleration if all events of default with respect to the debt securities of that series, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. (Section 5.02) For information as to waiver of defaults, see "Modification, Amendment and Waiver" above.
Other than its duties in case of a default, the trustee will not be obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders offer to the trustee reasonable indemnity. (Sections 6.01 and 6.03) If the holders provide this reasonable indemnity, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities
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of such series will have the right, subject to certain limitations, to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to any series of debt securities. (Section 5.12)
No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or for any remedy under the indenture unless:
However, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute right to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on the debt security as expressed in the debt security, or, in the case of redemption, on the redemption date, and to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment. (Section 5.08)
We will be required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to the absence of certain defaults under the indenture. (Section 10.05) The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default, except as to payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest with respect to the debt securities, if the trustee considers such withholding to be in the interest of the holders of the debt securities. (Section 6.02)
Discharge and Defeasance
We may satisfy and discharge obligations with respect to the debt securities of a particular series by either delivering to the trustee for cancellation all outstanding debt securities of that series, or depositing with the trustee, after the outstanding debt securities of that series have become due and payable, or will become due and payable within one year, at maturity or by redemption, sufficient cash or government securities to pay the principal, interest, any premium and any other sums due to the stated maturity date or redemption date of the debt securities of that series. (Section 4.01)
In addition, the indenture provides that at our option we may:
if we deposit with the trustee sufficient cash or government securities to pay the principal, interest, any premium and any other sums due to the stated maturity date or redemption date of the debt securities of that series. (Sections 13.01, 13.02 and 13.03) Upon defeasance and discharge, the holders of the debt securities of the affected series will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for registration of transfer and exchange of debt securities and replacement of lost, stolen or mutilated debt securities. Such holders may look only to such deposited funds or obligations for payment. (Section 13.02)
The defeasance and discharge and covenant defeasance described above are effective only if, among other things, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) the holders of the debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as result of
9
such defeasance and discharge or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same time as would have been the case if such defeasance and discharge or covenant defeasance had not occurred, and (ii) in the case of defeasance and discharge, the opinion as to tax consequences is based upon an Internal Revenue Service ruling or a change in applicable federal income tax law. (Section 13.04)
Book-Entry Procedures
Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, each series of debt securities will be issued in the form of one or more fully registered global securities. We will deposit each global security with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and register such global security in the name of Cede & Co. ("Cede") or another nominee of DTC, unless otherwise provided for in a prospectus supplement. If you wish to own debt securities that are represented by one or more global securities, you can do so only indirectly or "beneficially" through an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that has an account with DTC (i.e., a DTC participant) or through an account directly with DTC if you are a DTC participant, unless otherwise provided for in a prospectus supplement. No holder of a debt security initially issued as a global security will be entitled to receive a debt security in certificated form, except as set forth below.
Except as set forth below or as otherwise provided for in a prospectus supplement, a global security may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee.
DTC has advised us as follows:
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement, purchases of debt securities under DTC's system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for those debt securities on DTC's records. The beneficial ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each debt security represented by a global security ("beneficial owner") is in turn to be recorded on the records of the direct and indirect participants' records. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase. Beneficial owners are, however, expected to
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receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which the beneficial owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in a global security representing debt securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of direct and indirect participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in a global security, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for those debt securities is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all global securities representing debt securities deposited by direct participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede, or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of global securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede or such other nominee of DTC do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the global securities representing the debt securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such debt securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The direct and indirect participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Neither DTC nor Cede (nor any other nominee of DTC) will consent or vote with respect to the global securities representing debt securities unless authorized by a direct participant in accordance with DTC's money market instrument procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an omnibus proxy to us as soon as possible after the applicable record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede's consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts book-entry securities are credited on the applicable record date (identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy).
If applicable, redemption notices will be sent to Cede. If less than all of the debt securities within a series are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in that issue to be redeemed.
Redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments on the global securities representing the debt securities will be made to Cede, or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC's practice is to credit direct participants' accounts, upon DTC's receipt of funds and corresponding detailed information from us or the applicable trustee, on the payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such participant and not of DTC, the applicable trustee or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments to Cede (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of us or the applicable trustee, disbursement of such payments to direct participants will be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the beneficial owners will be the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as depositary with respect to debt securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to us or the applicable trustee. Under those circumstances, in the event that a successor depositary is not obtained, certificates are required to be printed and delivered.
We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry-only transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, certificates will be printed and delivered to DTC.
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The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. These laws may limit your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in a global security.
As long as DTC's nominee is the registered owner of a global security, such nominee for all purposes will be considered the sole owner or holder of such debt securities under the indenture. Except as provided below, you will not:
Neither we, the trustee nor any of our respective agents will be responsible or liable for any actions or inactions by DTC, any nominee or any participant relating to any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in a global security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records related to such beneficial ownership interests.
We will issue debt securities in definitive form in exchange for global securities if:
In either instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security will be entitled to have debt securities equal in principal amount to such beneficial interest registered in its name and will be entitled to physical delivery of debt securities in definitive form. You will not be charged a fee for any transfer or exchange of such debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. (Section 3.05)
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. This information has been provided solely as a matter of convenience. The rules and procedures of DTC are solely within its control and could change at any time.
Neither we nor the trustee nor any agent of ours or of the trustee has any control over DTC or its participants, and none of us takes any responsibility for their activities. You are urged to contact DTC or its participants directly to discuss those matters. In addition, although we expect that DTC will perform the foregoing procedures, it is not under any obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor the trustee nor any agent of ours or of the trustee will have any responsibility for the performance or nonperformance by DTC or its participants of these or any other rules or procedures governing its operations.
Regarding the Trustee
We may conduct banking and other transactions with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
Governing Law
The indenture is, and the debt securities will be, governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
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The following summary of the terms of our common stock does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law. For more details, you should read our certificate of incorporation and bylaws as currently in effect. We have filed copies of these documents with the SEC, and they are incorporated by reference herein. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
The prospectus supplement relating to an offering of our common stock will describe the details of the offering, including the number of shares offered, the initial offering price and updated market price and dividend information.
Authorized Shares of Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 800,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.10 par value per share, and 4,000,000 shares of series preferred stock, without par value. On July 27, 2020, there were outstanding (a) 261,997,423 shares of common stock and (b) stock options to purchase an aggregate of 19,352,414 shares of common stock, of which options to purchase an aggregate of 11,289,672 shares of common stock were exercisable. As of the date of this prospectus, no shares of our preferred stock were issued or outstanding.
Voting Rights
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters voted on generally by the stockholders, including the election of directors, and possess all voting power (except as may, in the future, be provided by Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation or a resolution of our board of directors authorizing a series of our preferred stock). Our common stock does not have cumulative voting rights.
Dividends
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available for payment of dividends, subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. The holders of common stock will share equally, share for share, in such dividends, whether payable in cash, in property or in shares of our stock.
Liquidation Rights
Subject to any preferential rights of outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of common stock will share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
Absence of Other Rights
Our common stock has no preemptive, subscription, preferential, conversion or exchange rights.
Listing
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FDX."
Miscellaneous
The outstanding shares of our common stock are, and any shares of common stock offered by a prospectus supplement upon issuance and payment therefor will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
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Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, Kentucky 40233-5000.
Certain Anti-Takeover Effects
General. Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and Delaware law may have the effect of impeding the acquisition of control of us. These provisions are designed to reduce, or have the effect of reducing, our vulnerability to unsolicited takeover attempts.
Delaware Takeover Statute. We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to specified exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years did own, 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock.
Stockholder Action by Written Consent. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws require that all stockholder action be taken at a duly called meeting of the stockholders and prohibit taking action by written consent of stockholders.
Additional Authorized Shares of Capital Stock. The additional shares of authorized common stock and preferred stock available for issuance under our certificate of incorporation could be issued at such times, under such circumstances and with such terms and conditions as to impede a change in control.
We may sell our securities in any of the following ways:
The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities being offered will set forth the specific plan of distribution and the terms of the offering, including:
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Underwriters
Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. If we use underwriters for a sale of securities, we will enter into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters at the time of sale of those securities. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the offered securities if any are purchased.
The underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers.
Dealers
If we use dealers in a sale, unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will sell the securities to the dealers as principals. The dealers may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices that they determine at the time of resale.
Agents
If we use agents in a sale, unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the agents will act on a best-efforts basis to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment.
Compensation
In connection with the sale of our securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agents in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.
Underwriters may sell securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Any underwriting compensation paid by us to underwriters or agents in connection with an offering of securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act of 1933, and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and any profit realized by them on the resale of the securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933.
Direct Sales
We may directly solicit offers to purchase our securities, and we may directly sell our securities to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to any resales. We will describe the terms of any direct sales in a prospectus supplement.
Delayed Delivery Contracts
We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers from institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These
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contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. If we use delayed delivery contracts, they will be subject only to those conditions that we set forth in a prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.
General Information
Underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of the securities may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. Underwriters, dealers or agents and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we do not intend to apply for the listing of any debt securities on a national securities exchange. If debt securities are sold to or through underwriters, the underwriters may make a market in such debt securities, as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. No underwriter would be obligated, however, to make a market in the debt securities, and any market-making could be discontinued at any time at the sole discretion of the underwriters. Accordingly, we cannot assure you as to the liquidity of, or trading markets for, any debt securities.
In order to facilitate an offering of securities, persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the offered securities. Such transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. If any such activities will occur, they will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We will estimate our expenses associated with any offering of securities in the relevant prospectus supplement.
Mark R. Allen, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, will issue an opinion concerning the legality of the common stock. As of July 27, 2020, Mr. Allen owned 35,708 shares of FedEx common stock and held options to purchase 123,380 shares of such common stock. Of the options held by Mr. Allen, 59,778 were exercisable at such date.
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP will issue an opinion concerning the legality of the debt securities and guarantees.
Christina R. Conrad, Managing DirectorEmployment Law and Assistant Secretary of FedEx Freight, Inc., will issue an opinion concerning certain matters relating to FedEx Freight, Inc. As of July 27, 2020, Ms. Conrad owned 300 shares of FedEx common stock and held options to purchase 2,870 shares of such common stock. Of the options held by Ms. Conrad, 1,620 were exercisable at such date.
Kimble H. Scott, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of FedEx Office, will issue an opinion concerning certain matters relating to FedEx Office. As of July 27, 2020, Mr. Scott owned 2,297 shares of FedEx common stock and held options to purchase 22,730 shares of such common stock. Of the options held by Mr. Scott, 14,914 were exercisable at such date.
Any underwriters, dealers or agents will be advised by their own legal counsel concerning issues relating to any offering.
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The consolidated financial statements of FedEx Corporation appearing in FedEx Corporation's Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020 (including the schedule appearing therein), and the effectiveness of FedEx Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2020, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of FedEx Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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$1,750,000,000
$1,000,000,000 2.400% Notes due 2031
$750,000,000 3.250% Notes due 2041
Joint Book-Running Managers
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Truist Securities | Wells Fargo Securities |
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Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | ING | Mizuho Securities | Morgan Stanley |
Co-Managers
BNP PARIBAS | BofA Securities | Citigroup | Deutsche Bank Securities | |||
HSBC |
J.P. Morgan |
Regions Securities LLC |
Scotiabank |
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Drexel Hamilton |
Penserra Securities LLC |
SMBC Nikko |
US Bancorp |
April 20, 2021
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