-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, MDav8knL7lZ33IK/U0WjTLcG09lk2MsUTGnVBmW8EFTrC049ikW7NaKY3aZYnOnA BQ/9++krUm3EP43mgr3EmA== /in/edgar/work/20000728/0000931763-00-001769/0000931763-00-001769.txt : 20000921 0000931763-00-001769.hdr.sgml : 20000921 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000931763-00-001769 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 424B3 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 20000728 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NATIONAL SERVICE INDUSTRIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000070538 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [3640 ] IRS NUMBER: 580364900 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0831 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B3 SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-59627 FILM NUMBER: 680448 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1420 PEACHTREE ST NE CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30309 BUSINESS PHONE: 4048531000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1420 PEACHTREE ST NE CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30309 424B3 1 0001.txt PREL. PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be + +changed. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek + +an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale + +is not permitted. + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subject To Completion. Dated July 27, 2000. Prospectus Supplement to Prospectus dated September 8, 1998. FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424 (b) (3) [LOGO OF NATIONAL SERVICE INC] REGISTRATION NO: 333-59627 $200,000,000 National Service Industries, Inc. % Notes due , 2010 ----------- NSI will pay interest on the notes on and of each year. The first such payment will be made on , 2001. The notes will be issued only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. NSI has the option to redeem all or a portion of the notes at the applicable redemption price set forth in this prospectus. ----------- Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. -----------
Per Note Total -------- ----- Initial public offering price.................................... % $ Underwriting discount............................................ % $ Proceeds, before expenses, to NSI................................ % $
The initial public offering price set forth above does not include accrued interest, if any. Interest on the notes will accrue from , 2000 and must be paid by the purchaser if the notes are delivered after , 2000. ----------- The underwriters expect to deliver the notes in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company against payment in New York, New York on , 2000. Goldman, Sachs & Co. Salomon Smith Barney Wachovia Securities, Inc. ----------- Prospectus Supplement dated , 2000. [This Page Intentionally Left Blank] THE COMPANY National Service Industries, Inc. ("we", the "Company" or "NSI"), is a diversified manufacturing and service company that, through its subsidiaries, occupies leadership positions in four markets: . lighting equipment, . chemicals, . textile rental, and . envelopes. We are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and provide products and services throughout North America, as well as Western Europe and Australia. Of our fiscal 1999 revenue of $2.2 billion, approximately 97 percent was from North American sales. Our 1999 revenue broken down by segment contributions was as follows: 55 percent lighting equipment, 22 percent chemicals, 14 percent textile rental, and 9 percent envelopes. Our principal executive offices are located at 1420 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3002 and our telephone number is (404) 853-1000. Business Segments Lighting Equipment Our lighting equipment segment, Lithonia Lighting Group, includes Lithonia Lighting and Holophane. We believe the Lithonia Lighting Group is the world's largest manufacturer of lighting fixtures for both new construction and renovation. Products include a full range of indoor and outdoor lighting for commercial, institutional, and industrial applications, surface and recessed residential lighting, exit signs and emergency lighting, lighting control systems, and flexible wiring systems. These lighting products are manufactured in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe and are marketed under numerous brand names, including Lithonia, Holophane, Home-Vue, Light Concepts, Gotham, Hydrel, Peerless, Antique Street Lamps, MetalOptics, and Reloc. Principal customers include wholesale electrical distributors, retail home centers, and lighting showrooms located in North America and selected international markets. In North America, the lighting equipment segment's products are sold through independent sales agents and factory sales representatives who cover specific geographic areas and market segments. Products are delivered through a network of distribution centers, regional warehouses, and public field warehouses using both common carriers and a company-owned truck fleet. For international customers, the segment employs a sales force that adopts distribution methods to meet individual customer or country requirements. In fiscal 1999, North American sales accounted for more than 98 percent of this segment's gross sales. Chemicals Our chemical segment, NSI Chemicals Group, includes Zep Manufacturing Company, Enforcer Products and Selig Industries. NSI Chemicals Group is a leading provider of specialty chemical products in the automotive, food, manufacturing, institutional, hospitality, home center, and retail markets. Products include cleaners, sanitizers, disinfectants, polishes, floor finishes, degreasers, water treatments, pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. Zep manufactures products in four North American plants, two European plants, and one Australian location. Enforcer and Selig each operate a single manufacturing facility in Georgia. S-1 The chemical segment provides products to customers in North America, Western Europe, and Australia. In fiscal 1999, North American sales accounted for approximately 90 percent of gross sales. Zep and Selig serve a wide array of institutional and industrial customers, ranging from small sole proprietorships to Fortune 1000 corporations. Individual markets in the non-retail channel include: automotive, vehicle wash, food, industrial manufacturing, and contract cleaners and are serviced through a direct commissioned sales force. Enforcer provides Enforcer-branded products and Zep-branded products to retail channels such as home centers, hardware stores, mass merchandisers, and drug stores. Textile Rental National Linen Service is a leading United States multi-service textile rental company serving the dining, lodging, and healthcare industries. Products include napkins, table and bed linens, bath towels, pillow cases, bar towels, scrubs and surgical drapery, mats, mops, and restroom supplies. National Linen Service operates from 66 locations primarily in the southeastern United States. National Linen Service's customers include restaurants, hotels, country clubs, retail stores, hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. Clean products are delivered to customers, and soiled products are retrieved by route drivers for cleaning. National Linen Service sells its services directly to end users though a salaried and commissioned sales force. Envelopes Atlantic Envelope Company is a leading United States producer of custom envelopes and office products, serving the energy, finance, transportation, direct mail, and package delivery markets. Products include custom business and courier envelopes, as well as specialty filing products. Atlantic Envelope's products are manufactured in nine plants in the United States. Atlantic Envelope serves customers throughout the United States, which include major airlines, banks, credit card companies, and express delivery companies. Products are sold directly to end users by a commissioned sales force. ---------------- ATLANTIC ENVELOPE COMPANY(R), ENFORCER(R), GOTHAM(R), LIGHT CONCEPTS(R), LITHONIA LIGHTING(R), HOLOPHANE(R), PEERLESS(R), METALOPTICS(R), NATIONAL LINEN SERVICE(R), RELOC(R), AND ZEP(R) ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OR SERVICE MARKS OF NSI OR ITS AFFILIATES. ANTIQUE STREET LAMPSTM, HOME-VUETM, HYDRELTM, SELIGTM AND CALMANTM ARE TRADEMARKS OF NSI OR ITS AFFILIATES. S-2 Results of Operations by Business Segment (in millions)
Nine Months Ended May 31 Years Ended August 31 ------------------ ---------------------------- 2000 1999 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Sales and Services Revenue: Lighting Equipment......... $1,093.5 $ 862.9 $1,220.6 $1,105.3 $ 952.0 Chemical................... 373.1 360.7 487.8 454.5 402.6 Textile Rental............. 238.2 229.3 309.1 312.7 493.5 Envelope................... 165.7 146.2 201.7 158.8 131.0 Other(1)................... -- -- -- -- 57.1 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total revenue.............. $1,870.5 $1,599.1 $2,219.2 $2,031.3 $2,036.2 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Operating Profit: Lighting Equipment......... $ 92.2 $ 82.3 $ 121.8 $ 109.3 $ 92.4 Chemical................... 34.6 29.8 45.2 36.5 31.6 Textile Rental............. 19.4 26.1 42.9 29.7 60.8 Envelope................... 6.2 11.0 17.7 13.3 10.2 Other(1)................... -- -- -- -- 1.9 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- 152.4 149.2 227.6 188.8 196.9 Corporate.................. (13.3) (12.0) (15.2) (14.9) (16.2) Interest expense, net...... (32.2) (8.2) (14.1) (0.8) (1.6) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before taxes........ $ 106.9 $ 129.0 $ 198.3 $ 173.1 $ 179.1 ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- -------- (1) Represents primarily the North Bros. insulation business which was sold in February 1997. USE OF PROCEEDS The net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses, to be received by us from the sale of the notes are estimated to be approximately $198.5 million. We will use all of the net proceeds to reduce our commercial paper borrowings. Our commercial paper bears interest at effective interest rates ranging from 6.6212 percent to 7.1122 percent per annum (at July 19, 2000) and matures through August 2000. The proceeds from our commercial paper sales were used to fund our acquisition of Holophane and for general corporate purposes. RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Our ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the five fiscal years ended August 31, 1999 and the nine-month periods ended May 31, 2000 and 1999 are set forth below.
Nine Months Ended May 31, Fiscal Years Ended August 31, ------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 ---- --------- ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- 3.88 9.97 9.85 16.26 19.09 19.95 19.13
For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of pretax income plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortization of financing costs, and the portion of rent expense that is deemed to be representative of the interest component of rent expense. S-3 CAPITALIZATION The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of May 31, 2000, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the notes and use of the net proceeds as described under "Use of Proceeds." This table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus.
May 31, 2000 ------------------------------ As Actual Adjustments Adjusted -------- ----------- -------- (In millions) Short-term debt: Short-term borrowings (a)...................... $ 11.2 $ -- $ 11.2 Commercial paper, short-term................... 200.2 -- 200.2 Current portion of long-term debt.............. 0.3 -- 0.3 -------- ------- -------- Total short-term debt........................ 211.7 -- 211.7 Long-term debt: Commercial paper, long-term (b)................ 249.1 (200.0) 49.1 Notes payable, net of discount................. 159.6 -- 159.6 Other indebtedness (c)......................... 25.1 -- 25.1 Notes being offered............................ 200.0 200.0 -------- ------- -------- Total long-term debt......................... 433.8 -- 433.8 -------- ------- -------- Total debt................................... 645.5 -- 645.5 Stockholders' equity: Common stock, $1 par value; 120,000,000 shares authorized, 57,918,978 issued................. 57.9 -- 57.9 Paid-in capital................................ 30.1 -- 30.1 Retained earnings.............................. 1,002.0 -- 1,002.0 Accumulated other comprehensive income items... (11.7) -- (11.7) Less: Treasury stock, at cost; 17,140,355 shares........................................ (430.6) -- (430.6) -------- ------- -------- Total stockholders' equity................... 647.7 -- 647.7 -------- ------- -------- Total capitalization......................... $1,293.2 $ 0.0 $1,293.2 ======== ======= ========
- -------- (a) As of May 31, 2000, NSI had uncommitted lines of credit totaling $125.9 million for general operating purposes, of which $25.9 million was available on a multi-currency basis. At May 31, 2000, we had foreign currency short-term bank borrowings equivalent to $11.2 million. We also have a $250.0 million multi-currency committed credit facility and an additional $250.0 million, 364-day committed credit facility, each of which expires in July 2001. The combined $500.0 million in credit facilities supports our commercial paper program. (b) We classify $249.1 million of commercial paper as long-term debt as we have the ability to maintain these obligations for longer than one year. (c) Other indebtedness consists of $13.7 million in aggregate amount of industrial revenue bonds with interest rates from 4.4% to 6.6% and maturities from 2004 through 2021. Additionally, other indebtedness includes $11.4 million in aggregate amount of notes and mortgages with interest rates from 6.5% to 8.5% and maturities from 2001 to 2026. S-4 SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following table sets forth summary consolidated historical financial data for NSI for the periods indicated. The summary consolidated historical financial data for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 1999, are derived from NSI's audited consolidated financial statements, which were audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. The summary consolidated historical financial data for the nine months ended May 31, 2000 and 1999 are derived from NSI's unaudited consolidated financial statements for such periods. These interim statements, in our opinion, include all adjustments, which consist only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for these periods. The results for the nine months ended May 31, 2000, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending August 31, 2000. The summary consolidated historical financial data should be read in conjunction with NSI's consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1999, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine month period ended May 31, 2000, both of which are incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus. Such information is presented in this prospectus supplement for convenience of reference.
Nine Months Ended May 31, Year Ended August 31, ---------------------- ---------------------------------- 2000 1999 1999 1998 1997 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (Dollar amounts in thousands) Income Statement Data: Net sales of products... $1,632,288 $1,369,808 $1,910,114 $1,718,564 $1,542,644 Service revenues........ 238,175 229,315 309,115 312,746 493,535 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total revenues......... 1,870,463 1,599,123 2,219,229 2,031,310 2,036,179 Cost of products sold(1)................ 987,925 836,864 1,146,080 1,023,765 924,505 Cost of services........ 136,009 118,565 180,770 183,470 283,024 Selling and administrative expenses(1)............ 594,889 514,656 698,196 654,511 655,029 Interest expense, net... 32,191 8,219 14,067 749 1,624 Gain on sale of businesses............. (356) (5,814) (11,220) (2,449) (75,097) Restructuring expense, asset impairments, and other charges.......... -- (2,216) (9,291) -- 63,091 Other expense (income), net.................... 12,873 (143) 2,305 (1,857) 4,925 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before taxes..... 106,932 128,992 198,322 173,121 179,078 Provision for income taxes.................. 41,490 47,985 73,979 64,401 71,800 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income.............. $ 65,442 $ 81,007 $ 124,343 $ 108,720 $ 107,278 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Balance Sheet Data: Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments............ $ 1,489 $ 62,893 $ 2,254 $ 19,146 $ 262,425 Total assets............ 1,762,796 1,139,386 1,695,789 1,010,684 1,106,352 Total debt.............. 645,460 196,954 549,577 86,073 32,086 Stockholders' equity.... 647,765 585,192 615,874 578,901 671,813 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Capitalization.......... $1,293,225 $ 782,146 $1,165,451 $ 664,974 $ 703,899 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== Other Data Capital expenditures.... $ 78,793 $ 48,298 $ 72,285 $ 82,034 $ 48,806 Acquisition expenditures........... 21,550 62,881 534,132 45,305 4,320 Depreciation and amortization........... 63,875 44,033 55,822 48,846 57,981 EBITDA(2)............... 203,281 183,277 271,039 229,231 243,183 Percent of debt to total capitalization......... 49.9% 25.2% 47.2% 12.9% 4.6%
- -------- (1) Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 1999 presentation. (2) EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. EBITDA is presented to provide additional information relating to NSI's ability to service indebtedness. However, EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of NSI's operating results or to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. S-5 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis contains information primarily from NSI's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2000 and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1999. Such information is presented in this prospectus supplement for convenience of reference and has not been substantively updated since the respective dates of such documents. Strategic Transactions NSI periodically implements strategic transactions that, it believes, afford it the opportunity to redeploy resources to create value and position the Company for future growth. Since September 1, 1996, the following significant transactions have occurred: Acquisitions Acquisition spending in fiscal 1999 totaled $534.9 million ($534.1 million in cash and $0.8 million in stock) and was primarily related to the lighting equipment and envelope segments. In July 1999, the lighting equipment segment purchased Holophane Corporation ("Holophane"), a manufacturer of premium quality, highly engineered lighting fixtures and systems, for approximately $471 million. Other acquisitions in the lighting equipment segment included: the September 1998 purchase of certain assets of GTY Industries (d/b/a "Hydrel"), a manufacturer of architectural-grade light fixtures for landscape, in-grade, and underwater applications; the April 1999 purchase of certain assets of Peerless Corporation ("Peerless"), a manufacturer of high performance indirect/direct suspended lighting products; and the July 1999 purchase of C&G Carandini SA, a manufacturer of exterior lighting fixtures. In February 1999, the envelope segment acquired substantially all of Gilmore Envelope, an envelope manufacturer headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The Company also made several minor acquisitions in the textile rental segment. In fiscal 1998, acquisition spending totaled $45.3 million and was primarily related to the chemical and envelope segments. In November 1997, the chemical segment purchased Pure Corporation, a specialty chemical company with its core businesses in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New York. In March 1998, the envelope segment purchased Allen Envelope Corporation ("Allen"), a single-plant, Pennsylvania-based envelope manufacturer, providing the segment with access to markets in the Northeast. In July 1998, the Company purchased Calman Australia Pty Ltd. ("Calman"). Calman, located in Victoria, Australia, is a manufacturer of cleaning, maintenance, sanitation and industrial products, chemicals, supplies, and accessories. Additionally, the Company paid certain performance payments associated with a prior year chemical acquisition. In fiscal 1997, acquisition spending totaled $24.8 million ($4.3 million in cash and $20.5 million in stock) and resulted from the chemical segment's purchase of chemical products companies in Ohio and Canada and the lighting equipment segment's acquisition of a small emergency lighting products manufacturer in Canada. In March 1997, the Company also issued 536,872 shares of common stock valued at $20.5 million to acquire Enforcer Products, Inc. ("Enforcer"), a specialty chemical company with a retail focus. Divestitures In fiscal 1999, proceeds from divestitures totaled $12.0 million and primarily related to the envelope segment's sale of Techno-Aide/Stumb Metal Products in June 1999. The Techno-Aide/Stumb Metal Products sale resulted in proceeds of $4.2 million and a pretax gain of $2.0 million. Other divestitures during 1999 related to the sale of industrial contracts in the textile rental segment and were not material. S-6 During fiscal 1999, management performed an extensive review of the liabilities recorded in connection with the textile rental segment's 1997 uniform plants divestiture. In 1997, the textile rental segment accrued for items related to its uniform plants including environmental exposures, severance agreements, and costs to return leased facilities to pre-lease condition. The Company realized lower costs than originally anticipated associated with these items and, as a result, reduced the liability and recorded a gain of $3.5 million. In fiscal 1998, divestitures of non-strategic textile rental operations and excess properties resulted in net proceeds of $3.1 million and pretax gains of $2.4 million. In February 1997, the Company sold the North Bros. insulation business for cash of $27.1 million, recognizing an immaterial gain. The business had fiscal 1997 sales of $57.0 million and operating income of $1.9 million through the date of sale. In July 1997, the Company sold 29 textile rental plants to G&K Services, Inc. for approximately $280.0 million, recognizing a pretax gain of $74.0 million. The divested locations had fiscal 1997 sales of $176.5 million and operating income of $9.4 million through the date of sale. Additionally, in fiscal 1997, the Company divested other non-strategic businesses in the textile rental segment generating cash of $4.3 million. Results of Operations Nine Months Ended May 31, 2000 Compared to Nine Months Ended May 31, 1999 NSI generated revenue of $1.9 billion in the nine months ended May 31, 2000, compared to revenue of $1.6 billion in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to acquired revenue in the lighting equipment and envelope segments. The lighting equipment segment purchased Holophane in July 1999 and certain assets of Peerless in April 1999. In addition, the envelope segment purchased substantially all of Gilmore Envelope in February 1999. These acquisitions generated combined revenue of $218.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2000, that was not included in prior-year results. Excluding acquisitions, revenue during the nine months ended May 31, 2000, increased in each of the Company's core businesses. Net income totaled $65.4 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2000, compared to net income of $81.0 million for the prior year period. For the nine months ended May 31, 2000, increased interest expense on borrowings and amortization expense related to recent acquisitions more than offset income from acquisitions not included in prior-year results. Additionally, year-to- date operating profits in the lighting equipment segment increased primarily due to contributions from Holophane and Peerless, offset somewhat by the effect of lower-than-planned sales volumes, production timing problems at the segment's Monterrey, Mexico and Cochran, Georgia manufacturing facilities, and a charge for closing a manufacturing facility. Operating profits decreased in the textile rental segment primarily due to unusual gains included in last year's results that were not repeated in the current year. Envelope segment operating profits were negatively impacted by lower volumes in the direct mail market, increased paper prices, and production delays associated with start-up inefficiencies of new equipment and the relocation of two plants. Year-to-date operating profits were also positively impacted by core business growth, primarily in the chemical segment. The lighting equipment segment reported revenue of $1.1 billion for the nine months ended May 31, 2000, representing an increase of 26.7 percent over the same period of the prior year. The increase in revenue resulted primarily from the acquisitions of Holophane and Peerless. Year-to-date operating profit increased 12.1 percent driven by contributions from Holophane and Peerless, offset somewhat by a $1.0 million pretax charge during the first quarter of fiscal 2000 for closing a S-7 manufacturing facility in California and due to the effect of lower-than- planned sales volumes and production timing problems. The production timing problems were encountered during the expansion of the segment's Monterrey, Mexico facility and at the segment's Cochran, Georgia plant. The problems encountered with the expansion of the Monterrey facility restrained production rates and resulted in under-absorption of costs. Inefficiencies experienced at the Cochran, Georgia facility resulted primarily from shifting production from the California plant that was closed during the first quarter. Although the production issues were largely resolved by the end of the third quarter, increased operating costs at the Cochran facility associated with the absorption of production from the California plant may continue into the fourth quarter. Chemical segment revenue increased 3.5 percent to $373.1 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2000, due to continued growth in the retail channel and higher revenue from the institutional and industrial channels. Operating profit of $34.6 million increased 16.1 percent during the nine months ended May 31, 2000, primarily due to higher revenue and a reduction in general and administrative expenses. Textile rental segment revenue, representing all of our service revenues, increased 3.9 percent to $238.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2000. The current year revenue increase was primarily related to acquisitions. Operating profit was $19.4 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2000, down from $26.1 million for the same period last year. Year-to-date operating profit was lower primarily because last year's results included a $2.3 million pretax gain on the sale of industrial contracts and $5.7 million of unusual gains related to the fiscal 1997 uniform plants divestiture and restructuring activities, offset by a $2.2 million write-off for merchandise inventory used by unprofitable accounts that had been rationalized. Excluding unusual items in both years, year-to-date operating margins were slightly lower. Envelope segment revenue increased 13.3 percent to $165.7 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2000. The year-to-date revenue increase primarily related to additional sales resulting from the Gilmore Envelope acquisition and growth in the segment's base business, offset somewhat by the prior year divestiture of Techno-Aide/Stumb Metal Products in June 1999. Operating profit decreased $4.8 million to $6.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2000. Operating margins decreased during the nine month period as a result of lower average margins from prior-year acquisitions, lower volumes in the segment's higher-margin direct mail market, recent paper price increases which have not been effectively passed on to customers, pre-production costs associated with newly acquired manufacturing equipment, the relocation of two manufacturing facilities, and depreciation from a new enterprise resource planning system. Corporate expenses increased $1.3 million to $13.3 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2000, due to costs related to strategic initiatives. Net interest expense increased $24.0 million to $32.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2000, as a result of increased borrowings to finance recent acquisitions and higher working capital requirements related to production and start-up issues primarily in the lighting equipment and envelope segments. Additionally, the provision for income taxes was 38.8 percent of pretax income for the quarter compared with 37.2 percent in the prior-year period, primarily due to goodwill recorded in the Holophane acquisition, which is not deductible for tax purposes. Comparison of Fiscal Years 1999 to 1998 and 1998 to 1997 NSI posted revenues of $2.2 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1999. The revenue increase in 1999 in comparison to the prior year resulted from increased lighting equipment, chemical, and envelope revenues of approximately $192 million, partially offset by a slight decrease in revenue in the textile rental segment. Revenues in fiscal 1998 decreased slightly in comparison with the prior year as a result of increased lighting equipment, chemical, and envelope revenues of approximately $233 million, offset primarily by revenues not included in 1998 as a result of 1997 divestitures. S-8 Net income for fiscal 1999 increased $15.6 million, or 14.4 percent, to a record level of $124.3 million, primarily due to increased income from the lighting equipment, chemical, and envelope segments. Additionally, gains realized on the sale of businesses and related to adjustments to restructuring reserves and impairments originally recorded in 1997 in the textile rental segment positively affected income. Net income in fiscal 1998 increased $1.4 million, or 1.3 percent, to $108.7 million. Lighting equipment segment sales grew $115.3 million, or 10.4 percent, to $1.2 billion in fiscal 1999. Continued strength in the non-residential construction market and the acquisitions of Hydrel, Peerless, and Holophane contributed to the growth in sales. As a result of the increased sales and manufacturing cost savings, operating profit increased 11.4 percent in 1999. Sales for 1998 increased 16.1 percent due to strong demand in the non- residential construction market and increased volumes resulting from new products. Operating profit for 1998 increased 18.3 percent as a result of the increased sales and ongoing productivity improvements. Chemical segment revenues for fiscal 1999 increased $33.3 million, or 7.3 percent, to $487.8 million. The increase in revenue was a result of continued growth in the retail channel, higher revenue in the industrial and institutional distribution channels, inclusion of a full year of Calman, and other international revenue. Operating profit increased $8.7 million, or 24.0 percent, to $45.2 million as a result of the increased revenues, lower operating costs, and severance costs included in 1998 that were not repeated in 1999. Revenues in fiscal 1998 increased 12.9 percent as a result of the inclusion of a full year of Enforcer as well as increased retail volumes of Enforcer and Zep Manufacturing Company. Operating profit in 1998 increased 15.5 percent as a result of the increased revenues and the impact of the 1997 restructuring charge on 1997 operating profit. These increases in operating profit were somewhat offset by additional severance costs and increased selling expenses incurred in the industrial chemical channel of the segment. Textile rental segment revenues, representing all of our service revenues, decreased 1.2 percent during fiscal 1999 to $309.1 million, primarily as a result of the continued sale of industrial contracts and the rationalization of unprofitable accounts. Operating profit increased 44.4 percent to $42.9 million, primarily as a result of gains recognized on the sale of businesses and adjustments made to amounts accrued in connection with the 1997 uniform plants divestiture and 1997 restructuring activities. In fiscal 1997, the textile rental segment accrued for items related to the sale of its uniform plants including environmental exposures, severance agreements, and costs to return leased facilities to pre-lease condition. We realized lower costs than originally anticipated and recorded a gain of $3.5 million as discussed in "Strategic Transactions." In 1997, the segment also recorded an impairment charge and accrued for items related to restructuring activities that primarily related to branch consolidations and asset dispositions. In addition to realizing lower than anticipated costs, management determined that it is currently more economically feasible to continue to operate certain locations that were to be disposed of in the original plan. As a result, in 1999 the remaining reserves were reversed and $9.3 million in income was recorded. Excluding unusual gains and other non-operating items in fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998, operating profit increased slightly due to the segment's focus on lowering merchandise costs and improving production efficiencies. Segment revenue in 1998 decreased 36.6 percent as a result of businesses divested in 1997. Excluding the 1997 divestiture, revenues declined approximately $4.0 million as the segment continued to eliminate low-margin customer accounts. Operating profit in fiscal 1998 decreased 51.2 percent to $29.7 million, primarily as a result of gains recorded from 1997 divestitures. Envelope segment revenue increased $43.0 million, or 27.1 percent, in fiscal 1999 to $201.7 million primarily as a result of the acquisitions of Gilmore Envelope in February 1999 and Allen in March 1998. Operating profit for the segment increased 32.9 percent to $17.7 million primarily as a result of the gain on the sale of Techno-Aide/Stumb Metal Products, as discussed in "Strategic S-9 Transactions," the acquisition of Gilmore Envelope, and increased revenues. Segment revenue in fiscal 1998 increased 21.2 percent due to the March 1998 purchase of Allen, as discussed in "Strategic Transactions," and higher shipment volumes. Operating profit increased 30.4 percent during fiscal 1998 as a result of the increased revenues generated by the Allen acquisition. Corporate expenses of $15.2 million in fiscal 1999 approximated fiscal 1998. In fiscal 1998, corporate expenses decreased $1.3 million, as fiscal 1997 expense included an asset impairment charge. Net interest expense increased $13.3 million in 1999 as a result of higher average debt levels coupled with lower average cash balances. Net interest expense decreased $0.8 million in 1998 as the Company benefited from higher average levels of short-term investments, offset slightly by higher average debt levels. Consolidated income before taxes in fiscal 1999 increased $25.2 million, or 14.6 percent, to $198.3 million. Included in net income for 1999 were $20.5 million of unusual pretax gains compared to $2.4 million of unusual pretax gains in the prior year. Unusual gains in 1999 consisted of $11.2 million related to the sale of businesses in both the textile rental and envelope segments and $9.3 million related to lower costs to execute the 1997 textile rental restructuring. The provision for income taxes was 37.3 percent, 37.2 percent, and 40.1 percent in fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively. The decrease in the effective rate in 1998 was due primarily to higher rates applicable to the 1997 textile rental divestiture. Liquidity and Capital Resources Operating Activities Operations provided cash of $41.8 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2000 compared with $115.0 million during the respective period of the prior year. The 2000 cash flow was lower because of an increase in inventory, primarily in the lighting equipment and chemical segments, a decrease in current liabilities related to incentive compensation plan payments, an increase in income tax payments, and a decrease in accounts payable. Operations provided cash of $208.2 million in fiscal 1999, compared with cash provided of $26.4 million in 1998 and $125.5 million in 1997. The increase in 1999 primarily resulted from additional tax payments made in 1998 related to the 1997 textile rental segment divestitures, improved working capital management in the lighting equipment and chemical segments, and an increase in net income. The decrease in 1998 compared with 1997 was primarily the result of the tax payments and an increase in accounts receivable commensurate with the increased revenue in the lighting equipment and chemical segments. Investing Activities Investing activities used cash of $100.7 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2000, compared with cash used of $105.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1999. The change in investing cash flows related primarily to a decrease in acquisition spending, offset by an increase in purchases of property, plant, and equipment. Acquisition spending during the first nine months of fiscal 2000 was $21.6 million and related primarily to Holophane. The Company purchased Holophane in July 1999 for approximately $470.8 million, including approximately $20.0 million for the payoff of Holophane's existing debt. Of the total purchase price, $454.6 million was paid during fiscal 1999 and $14.5 million was paid during the first nine months of the current year, primarily for the cash-out of remaining Holophane shares. Other acquisition spending during the first nine months of fiscal 2000 related to several minor purchases in the textile rental segment. Prior-year acquisition spending of $62.9 million was primarily due to the lighting equipment segment's purchase of certain S-10 assets of GTY Industries (d/b/a "Hydrel"), a manufacturer of architectural- grade lighting fixtures for landscape, in-grade, and underwater applications, and the purchase of Peerless, a manufacturer of high performance indirect/direct suspended lighting products. In addition, the envelope segment purchased substantially all of Gilmore Envelope, an envelope manufacturer headquartered in Los Angeles, California, in February 1999. Capital expenditures were $78.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2000, compared with $48.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 1999. Capital spending during the first three quarters of fiscal 2000 was primarily attributable to the lighting equipment, envelope, and textile rental segments. The lighting equipment segment invested in land, buildings, and equipment for a new plant and in manufacturing upgrades and improvements. Capital expenditures in the envelope segment related primarily to manufacturing process improvements, new folding capacity, and information systems. The textile rental segment's expenditures related to replacing old equipment and to delivery truck purchases and refurbishments. The lighting equipment segment's capital expenditures in the respective prior-year period related to the purchase of land and buildings for a new plant, manufacturing improvements and upgrades for capacity expansion, and implementation of new technology. Expenditures in the textile rental segment in fiscal 1999 were for implementation of new technology, production enhancements, and delivery truck purchases and refurbishments. The envelope segment's expenditures in the prior year related primarily to manufacturing process improvements, information systems, facility expansion, and new folding capacity. Investing activities used cash of $598.0 million in fiscal 1999 and provided cash of $81.3 million and $61.1 million in 1998 and 1997, respectively. The decrease in 1999 was a result of the significant increase in acquisition spending coupled with the liquidation of short-term investments during 1998 that was not repeated during the current year. The increase in 1998 compared with 1997 is the result of the liquidation of $205.3 million of short-term investments, generated by 1997 divestitures, to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures, share repurchases, and payment of dividends. Capital expenditures were $72.3 million in 1999, compared with $82.0 million in 1998 and $48.8 million in 1997. Capital spending during 1999 was primarily attributable to the lighting equipment, textile rental, and envelope segments. The lighting equipment segment's capital expenditures related to the purchase of land and buildings for a new plant, manufacturing improvements and upgrades for capacity expansion, and implementation of new technology. Expenditures in the textile rental segment were for implementation of new technology, production enhancements, and delivery truck purchases and refurbishments. The envelope segment's expenditures related primarily to manufacturing process improvements, information systems, facility expansion, and new folding capacity. During fiscal 1998, the lighting equipment segment invested in facility expansions and manufacturing process improvements, the textile rental segment invested in a merchandise tracking system and fleet refurbishment, and the envelope segment invested in facility and machinery replacements. Capital spending in fiscal 1997 consisted primarily of lighting equipment segment facilities and process improvements, equipment replacements, and tooling for new products and textile rental segment facilities improvements and equipment replacements. In fiscal 2000, capital expenditures are expected to approximate $110 million as the Company continues to invest capital in technology and facilities. Contractual commitments for capital and acquisition spending for fiscal 2000 approximate $24 million. As noted under "Acquisitions" and "Divestitures," the Company has completed a number of strategic transactions. The Company spent $534.1 million, $45.3 million, and $4.3 million in fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively, on acquisitions. Additionally, the Company received $12.0 million, $3.1 million, and $311.4 million in connection with dispositions of non-strategic assets in fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively. S-11 Financing Activities Cash provided by financing activities increased $25.4 million to $59.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2000 primarily as a result of the suspension of the Company's share repurchase program in the third quarter of fiscal 1999, offset somewhat by a decrease in cash provided by debt. Although the Company has a standing annual authorization to repurchase 2.0 million shares plus the number of shares issued or reissued in any one year for acquisitions and under benefit plans, the Company does not plan to purchase additional shares until its ratio of total debt to capitalization is within the Company's stated objective of 30 to 40 percent. For the nine months ended May 31, 2000, net borrowings provided cash of $95.9 million compared with cash provided by net borrowings of $110.9 million during the same period of the prior year. Current-year borrowings were used for general corporate purposes, including working capital requirements, capital expenditures, and acquisitions. At May 31, 2000, and August 31, 1999, approximately $250 million in commercial paper was classified as long-term, as the Company had the ability to refinance the commercial paper on a long-term basis. Funds borrowed during the first nine months of fiscal 1999 were used primarily to finance acquisitions, share repurchases, and internal growth. Year-to-date dividend payments totaled $39.9 million, or 98 cents per share, compared with $38.9 million, or 95 cents per share, for the prior-year period. On January 5, 2000, the regular quarterly dividend rate was increased 3.1 percent to 33 cents per share, or an annual calendar year rate of $1.32 per share. Financing activities provided cash of $372.9 million during fiscal 1999 and used cash of $145.2 million and $187.6 million in 1998 and 1997, respectively. In the three years ending August 31, 1999, the Company distributed approximately $476.3 million to stockholders through share repurchases and dividends. Cash of $42.0 million, $154.0 million, and $121.7 million was utilized in fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively, for share repurchases of 1.2 million, 3.0 million, and 3.0 million shares, respectively. Included in the 1998 and 1997 amounts was a supplemental authorization for the repurchase of 1.25 million shares granted as a result of the textile rental divestiture transaction. Additionally, the Company distributed cash of $51.9 million, $52.6 million, and $54.2 million in fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively, to the Company's stockholders in the form of dividends. The increase in dividends to $1.27 per share in 1999 from $1.23 per share in 1998 represented an increase of 3.3 percent, marking the sixty-third consecutive year of quarterly dividends without a decrease. In 1996, the Company negotiated a $250.0 million multi-currency committed credit facility with ten domestic and international banks. The credit facility has a term of five years, expiring in July 2001, with no provision for a reduction in commitments. The credit facility contains restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness by subsidiaries, as well as financial and other covenants, including the restriction that the Company's ratio of total debt to capitalization may not exceed 60 percent at any time. In July 1999, the Company entered into an additional $250.0 million, 364-day committed credit facility which was renewed in July 2000 and now expires in July 2001. Each credit facility permits certain subsidiaries of the Company to borrow under such credit facility, and the Company guarantees these borrowings. The combined $500.0 million under the two credit facilities supports the Company's commercial paper program. In January 1999, the Company issued $160.0 million in ten-year publicly traded notes bearing a coupon rate of 6.0 percent. We believe current cash balances, anticipated cash flows from operations, available funds from the commercial paper program or the committed credit facilities, and the complimentary lines of credit are sufficient to meet the Company's planned level of capital spending and general operating cash requirements for the next twelve months. S-12 Environmental Matters Our operations, as well as similar operations of other companies, are subject to comprehensive laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances and solid and hazardous wastes and to the remediation of contaminated sites. Permits and environmental controls are required for certain of the Company's operations to limit air and water pollution and these permits are subject to modification, renewal, and revocation by issuing authorities. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with all material environmental laws, regulations, and permits. On an ongoing basis, the Company incurs capital and operating costs relating to environmental compliance. Environmental laws and regulations have generally become stricter in recent years, and the cost of responding to future changes may be substantial. The Company's environmental reserves, which are included in current liabilities, totaled $10.8 million and $11.0 million at May 31, 2000, and August 31, 1999, respectively. The actual cost of environmental issues may be substantially lower or higher than that reserved due to the difficulty in estimating such costs, potential changes in the status of government regulations, and the inability to determine the extent to which contributions will be available from other parties. The Company does not believe that any amount of such costs below or in excess of that accrued is reasonably estimable. Certain environmental laws, such as Superfund, can impose liability for the entire cost of site remediation upon each of the current or former owners or operators of a site or parties who sent waste to a site where a release of a hazardous substance has occurred regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the original disposal activity. Generally, where there are a number of potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") that are financially viable, liability has been apportioned based on the type and amount of waste disposed of by each party at such disposal site and the number of financially viable PRPs, although no assurance as to the method of apportioning the liability can be given as to any particular site. The Company is currently a party to or otherwise involved in, legal proceedings in connection with state and federal Superfund sites, two of which are located on property owned by the Company. Except for the Crymes Landfill and M&J Solvents matters in Georgia, the Company believes its liability is not material at each of the sites which it does not own where it has been named as a PRP. At the Crymes Landfill and M&J Solvents sites in Georgia, since the matters are currently in the investigative phase, the Company does not know whether its liability is material but believes that its exposure at each of the sites is not likely to result in a material adverse effect on the Company due to its limited involvement at the sites and the number of viable PRPs. For property which the Company owns on Seaboard Industrial Boulevard in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company has conducted an investigation on its and adjoining properties and submitted a Compliance Status Report ("CSR") to the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division ("EPD") pursuant to the Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act. The Company is currently responding to EPD's comments regarding the CSR. Until the CSR is completed, the Company will not be able to determine if remediation will be required, if the Company will be solely responsible for the cost of such remediation, or whether such cost is likely to result in a material adverse effect on the Company. For property which the Company owns on East Paris Street in Tampa, Florida, the Company has been requested by the State of Florida to clean up chlorinated solvent contamination in the groundwater on the property and on surrounding property known as Seminole Heights Solvent Site and to reimburse approximately $0.4 million of costs already incurred by the State of Florida in connection with such contamination. The Company believes that it has a strong defense due to likely off-site sources of the contamination and because contamination from the property, if any, was due to prior owners and not the Company's operations. At this time, it is too early to quantify the Company's potential exposure or the likelihood of an adverse result. S-13 The Company is currently evaluating emissions of volatile organic compounds from its manufacturing operations in the Atlanta, Georgia area to determine whether it will need to install pollution control equipment or modify its operations to comply with federal and state air pollution regulations. Until the current evaluations are completed, the Company is not able to quantify the possible cost of compliance. However, based upon currently available information, the Company does not expect that any material expenditures will be required to achieve compliance. In connection with the sale of the North Bros. business and 29 of the Company's textile rental plants in 1997, the Company has retained environmental liabilities arising from events occurring prior to the closing, subject to certain exceptions. The Company has received notice from the buyer of the textile rental plants of the alleged presence of perchloroethylene contamination on one of the properties involved in the sale. The Company has since asserted an indemnification claim against the company from which it bought the property. The prior owner is currently conducting an investigation of the contamination at its expense, subject to a reservation of rights. At this time, it is too early to quantify the Company's potential exposure in this matter, the likelihood of an adverse result, or the possibility that the Company may be fully or partially indemnified. The State of New York has filed a lawsuit against the Company alleging that the Company is responsible as a successor to Serv-All Uniform Rental Corp. for past and future response costs in connection with the release or threatened release of hazardous substances at and from the Blydenburgh Landfill in Islip, New York. The Company believes that it is not a successor to Serv-All Uniform Rental Corp. and therefore has no liability with respect to the Blydenburgh Landfill, and it has responded to the lawsuit accordingly. At this stage of the litigation, it is too early to quantify the Company's potential exposure or the likelihood of an adverse result. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk The Company is exposed to market risks that may impact the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows due to changing interest rates and foreign exchange rates. The Company does not currently participate in any significant hedging activities, nor does it currently utilize any significant derivative financial instruments. The following discussion provides additional information regarding the Company's market risks. Interest Rates. Interest rate fluctuations expose the Company's variable-rate debt to changes in interest expense and cash flows. The Company's variable-rate debt, primarily commercial paper, amounted to $483.1 million at May 31, 2000. Based on outstanding borrowings at that date, a 10 percent adverse change in effective market interest rates at May 31, 2000, would result in additional annual after-tax interest expense of approximately $2.0 million. Although a fluctuation in interest rates would not affect interest expense or cash flows related to the $160 million publicly traded notes, the Company's primary fixed- rate debt, a 10 percent increase in effective market interest rates at May 31, 2000, would decrease the fair value of these notes to approximately $133.3 million. Foreign Exchange Rates. The majority of the Company's revenue, expense, and capital purchases are transacted in U.S. dollars. International operations during the first nine months of fiscal 2000, primarily in the lighting equipment and chemical segments, represented less than 10 percent of revenue, operating profit, and identifiable assets. The Company does not believe a 10 percent fluctuation in average foreign currency rates would have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information From time to time, information provided by the Company may contain forward- looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking S-14 statements involve risks and uncertainties. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Statements included in this prospectus supplement which may be considered forward-looking include those regarding: (a) management's beliefs concerning opportunities provided by strategic transactions; (b) the resolution and possible future impact of production issues in the lighting equipment segment; (c) management's intentions or expectations with regard to debt-to- capitalization objectives, future earnings, projected capital expenditures, future cash flows, debt refinancing, and share repurchases; and (d) the Company's current expectations or beliefs with respect to the outcome and impact on the Company's business, financial condition, or operating results of the environmental issues. A variety of risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's forward- looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include without limitation the following: (a) the uncertainty of general business and economic conditions, including the potential for a slowdown in non-residential construction awards, fluctuations in commodity and raw material prices, market demand for public debt, interest rate changes, and foreign currency fluctuations; (b) the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of strategic initiatives, including but not limited to the achievement of synergies related to acquisitions and reorganizations and the achievement of sales growth across the business segments through a combination of increased pricing, enhanced sales force, new products, improved customer service, and acquisitions; (c) the successful completion of changes to manufacturing operations; (d) unexpected outcomes in the Company's future legal proceedings; and (e) the ability of the Company to pass raw material price increases on to its customers. DESCRIPTION OF NOTES This description of particular terms of the notes supplements and replaces (if inconsistent with) the description of the general terms and provisions of debt securities under the caption "Description of the Debt Securities" in the accompanying prospectus. General The notes will be issued under an Indenture dated as of January 26, 1999 between NSI and SunTrust Bank, as Trustee under the Indenture. The notes will mature on , 2010 and will bear interest from , 2000 at the rate of % per annum, payable semiannually on and of each year, commencing on , 2001. Interest on the notes will be payable to the persons in whose names the notes are registered at the close of business on the applicable preceding and . Ranking The notes will be unsecured senior obligations of NSI, ranking the same as other unsecured senior obligations of NSI. As of May 31, 2000, NSI had $610.3 million of debt that would rank the same as the notes, $198.5 million of which will be repaid with the proceeds of the offering of the notes. The notes will be structurally subordinated to all obligations, including trade payables and claims of preferred stockholders, if any, of subsidiaries of NSI. The Indenture does not limit the incurrence of unsecured debt by NSI or its subsidiaries. The notes will also be effectively subordinated to any secured debt of NSI, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The Indenture permits, subject to certain limitations, NSI and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) to incur secured debt. Sinking Fund There will be no sinking fund. S-15 Optional Redemption The notes will be redeemable, as a whole or in part, at the option of NSI, at any time or from time to time, on at least 30 days, but not more than 60 days, prior notice mailed to the registered address of each holder of notes. The redemption prices will be equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or (2) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined below) discounted, on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months), at a rate equal to the sum of the Treasury Rate (as defined below) and basis points. In the case of each of clause (1) and (2), accrued interest will be payable to the redemption date. "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity (computed as of the second business day immediately preceding such redemption date) 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 such redemption date. "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining terms of the notes that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the notes. "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such Redemption Date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "Composite 3:30 p.m. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities" or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (A) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (B) if the Trustee obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Trustee, 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 the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption date. "Independent Investment Banker" means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers identified in clause (1) of the definition thereof appointed by NSI. "Reference Treasury Dealer" means (1) each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., Salomon Smith Barney Inc., and Wachovia Securities, Inc. and their respective successors and (2) any other primary U.S. Government securities dealer (a "Primary Treasury Dealer") selected by the Independent Investment Banker after consultation with NSI. If any of the firms identified in clause (1) shall cease to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, NSI shall substitute another nationally recognized investment banking firm that is a Primary Treasury Dealer. "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to any note, the remaining scheduled payments of principal of and interest on such note that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption. If such redemption is not an interest payment date with respect to such note, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment on such note will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued on such note to such redemption date. S-16 On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or any portion of the notes called for redemption (unless NSI defaults in the payment of the redemption price and accrued interest). On or before the redemption date, NSI will deposit with a paying agent (or the Trustee) money sufficient to pay the redemption price of an accrued interest on the notes to be redeemed on such date. If less that all the notes are to be redeemed, the notes to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate. Registered Global Security The notes will be represented by a global security registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary") or its nominee. The Depositary or its nominee will maintain a record, on its book entry registration and transfer system, of the principal amounts of notes that are beneficially owned by participants in that system and represented by the registered global security. A description of the depositary arrangements generally applicable to the notes is set forth in the accompanying prospectus under the caption "Description of the Debt Securities-Global Securities." The notes will not be issued in definitive form except as described in the accompanying prospectus. Settlement Procedures Settlement for the notes will be made by the underwriters in immediately available or same-day funds. Secondary trading in long-term notes of corporate issuers is generally settled in clearinghouse or next-day funds. In contrast, the notes will trade in the Depositary's Same-Day Funds Settlement System until maturity, and secondary market trading activity in the notes will be required by the Depositary to settle in same-day funds. Settlement in same-day funds may have an effect on the level of trading activity in the notes. S-17 UNDERWRITING NSI and the underwriters for the offering named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the notes. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the principal amount of notes indicated in the following table.
Principal Underwriters Amount of Notes ------------ --------------- Goldman, Sachs & Co.......................................... $ Salomon Smith Barney Inc..................................... Wachovia Securities, Inc..................................... ------------ Total....................................................... $200,000,000 ============
Notes sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any notes sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to % of the principal amount of the notes. Any such securities dealers may resell any notes purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to % of the principal amount of the notes. If all the notes are not sold at the initial public offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. NSI has been advised by the underwriters that the underwriters intend to make a market in the notes but are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the notes. In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell notes in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of notes than they are required to purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes while the offering is in progress. 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. These activities by the underwriters may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the notes. As a result, the price of the notes may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discounted by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. NSI estimates that its share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $156,750. NSI has agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. The underwriters or their respective affiliates have performed and may in the future perform various financial advisory, commercial banking, and investment banking services for NSI from time to time, for which they received or will receive customary fees. The underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for NSI in the ordinary course of business. S-18 LEGAL MATTERS Certain legal matters in connection with the notes being offered, including their validity, will be passed upon for NSI by King & Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia. Certain legal matters in connection with the Notes being offered will be passed upon for the underwriters by Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York, New York. EXPERTS The financial statements and schedules of NSI included in NSI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1999, incorporated herein by reference, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, and are incorporated herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports. S-19 PROSPECTUS NATIONAL SERVICE INDUSTRIES, INC. [LOGO OF NATIONAL SERVICE INDUSTRIES, INC. APPEARS HERE] DEBT SECURITIES PREFERRED STOCK WARRANTS COMMON STOCK National Service Industries, Inc. (the "Company") may offer from time to time: (i) its unsecured debt securities ("Debt Securities") consisting of debentures, notes and/or other evidences of unsecured indebtedness in one or more series, which may be either senior ("Senior Securities") or subordinated ("Subordinated Securities") and which may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of its common stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Common Stock"), shares of its preferred stock, no par value ("Preferred Stock"), or other Debt Securities, (ii) Preferred Stock, which may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock or shares of Preferred Stock or Debt Securities; (iii) warrants to purchase shares of Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock Warrants") or Debt Securities (the "Debt Warrants"); and (iv) Common Stock issuable upon the conversion or exchange of Debt Securities or Preferred Stock offered hereunder, to the extent such Debt Securities or Preferred Stock are, by their terms, convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering. The Debt Warrants and Preferred Stock Warrants are collectively referred to herein as the "Warrants" and the Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Warrants are collectively referred to herein as the "Securities." The Securities may be issued in one or more series or issuances and will be limited to $400,000,000 in aggregate public offering price (or its equivalent, based on the applicable exchange rate, to the extent Debt Securities are issued for one or more foreign currencies or currency units). Specific terms of the particular Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in one or more accompanying Prospectus Supplements (each a "Prospectus Supplement"), together with the terms of the offering of the Securities and the initial price and the net proceeds to the Company from the sale thereof. The Prospectus Supplement will set forth with regard to the particular Securities, without limitation, the following: (i) in the case of Debt Securities, the specific designation, aggregate principal amount, ranking as Senior Securities or Subordinated Securities, authorized denomination, maturity, rate or method of calculation of interest and dates for payment thereof, any exchangeability, conversion, redemption, prepayment or sinking fund provisions, the currency or currencies or currency unit or currency units in which principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, is payable, any modifications of or additions to the covenants described in this Prospectus and any other specific terms thereof; (ii) in the case of Preferred Stock, the designation, number of shares, liquidation preference per share, initial public offering price, dividend rate (or method of calculation thereof), dates on which dividends will be payable and dates from which dividends will accrue, any redemption or sinking fund provisions, any conversion or exchange rights, and any other relative rights; and (iii) in the case of Warrants, the number and terms thereof, the designation and the number of Securities issuable upon their exercise, the exercise price, the terms of the offering and sale thereof and, where applicable, the duration and detachability thereof. The Company's obligations under the Debt Securities will not be guaranteed by any of its subsidiaries. The Securities may be sold for U.S. dollars, or any foreign currency or currencies or currency units, and the principal of, any premium on, and any interest on, the Debt Securities may be payable in U.S. dollars, or any foreign currency or currencies or currency units. The amounts payable by the Company in respect of Debt Securities may be calculated by reference to the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies or indices to the extent set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. The Prospectus Supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about certain United States federal income tax considerations relating to the Securities covered by the Prospectus Supplement. The outstanding Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NSI." The applicable Prospectus Supplement will contain information about any listing of the other Securities on a securities exchange. -------------- THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. -------------- The Company may sell the Securities directly, through agents designated from time to time or through underwriters or dealers. If any agents of the Company or any underwriters or dealers are involved in the sale of the Securities, the names of such agents, underwriters or dealers, any applicable commissions and discounts, and the net proceeds to the Company will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. See "Plan of Distribution" for possible indemnification arrangements for agents, underwriters and dealers. The date of this Prospectus is September 8, 1998 NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, ANY SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE. ---------------- AVAILABLE INFORMATION National Service Industries, Inc. is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Company may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at certain of the Commission's Regional Offices located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. The Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission. The address of the Commission's Web site is http://www.sec.gov. Copies of such materials can be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. In addition, the Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company's reports, proxy statements and other information filed under the Exchange Act may also be inspected and copied at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-3 (herein, together with all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and to the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. All of these documents may be inspected without charge at the Commission's principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies thereof may be obtained from the Commission at the prescribed rates or may be examined without charge at the public reference facilities of the Commission. 2 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission (File No. 1-3208) pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference: the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1997; its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended November 30, 1997, February 28, 1998 and May 31, 1998; and the description of capital stock (including Common Stock) of the Company that is contained in the registration statement filed under the Exchange Act under File No. 1-3208, including all amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. All other documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document all or a portion of which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this Prospectus except as so modified, and any statement so superseded shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Prospectus. The Company will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all documents which are incorporated herein by reference, other than exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents). Requests should be directed to the Company at its principal executive offices at 1420 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3002, Attention: Corporate Secretary, telephone (404) 853-1000. 3 THE COMPANY National Service Industries, Inc. (the "Company") is a diversified service and manufacturing company that, through its subsidiaries, operates in four business segments--lighting equipment, textile rental, chemicals and envelopes. Lithonia Lighting is a manufacturer of lighting fixtures, serving the commercial, industrial, institutional and residential markets. The Company's chemical segment serves both the institutional and industrial and retail markets in North America and Western Europe with products including cleaners, sanitizers, polishes, degreasers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and water treatments. National Linen Service is a multi-service textile rental supplier, serving the hospitality, healthcare, industrial, commercial and institutional markets. Atlantic Envelope is a leading producer of custom envelopes and office products, serving primarily the southeastern United States. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, the Company had total revenues of $2.0 billion and net income of $107.3 million. As used herein, the "Company" means National Service Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise. The address and telephone number of the Company's principal executive offices are 1420 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3002, (404) 853-1000. USE OF PROCEEDS Except as otherwise described in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, the Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital increases, capital expenditures, acquisitions, repayment of outstanding indebtedness and repurchases of Company Common Stock. Any specific allocations of the proceeds to a particular purpose that have been made at the date of any Prospectus Supplement will be described therein. RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES The Company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges was as follows for the years and periods indicated:
Nine Months Ended Fiscal Years Ended August 31, May 31, ----------------------------- ----------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998 ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 13.51 16.51 19.13 19.95 19.09 16.82 16.34
For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of pretax income plus fixed charges (excluding interest capitalized during the period). Fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortization of financing costs and the portion of rent expense which is deemed to be representative of the interest component of rent expense. RISK FACTORS RELATING TO CURRENCIES Debt Securities denominated or payable in foreign currencies may entail significant risks. These risks include, without limitation, the possibility of significant fluctuations in the foreign currency markets. These risks will vary depending upon the currency or currencies involved and will be more fully described in a Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE The Company is a holding company and its assets consist primarily of investments in its subsidiaries. The Company's rights and the rights of its creditors, including holders of Debt Securities, to participate in the 4 distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon the liquidation or reorganization of the subsidiary will be subject to prior claims of the creditors of the subsidiary, including trade creditors, except to the extent that the Company may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against such subsidiary (in which case the claims of the company would still be subject to the prior claims of any secured creditor of such subsidiary and of any holder of indebtedness of such subsidiary that is Senior to that held by the Company). In addition, the Company's current Credit Agreement, dated July 23, 1996, among the Company, Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., and other banks (the "Credit Agreement") provides that certain subsidiaries of the Company may borrow directly under the Credit Agreement up to $250.0 million and the Company guarantees any borrowings of such subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement. As of June 30, 1998, the Company's subsidiaries had approximately $65 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement, and these subsidiaries may borrow additional amounts under the Credit Agreement from time to time. The holder of Debt Securities may be deemed to be effectively subordinated to such claims. See "--General," "--Provisions Applicable to Both Senior and Subordinated Debt Securities" and "--Provisions Applicable Solely to Senior Debt Securities." DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES The following description of the Debt Securities sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities to which any Prospectus Supplement may relate. The particular terms of the Debt Securities and the extent to which such general provisions may apply will be described in a Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt Securities. The Debt Securities will be general unsecured obligations of the Company and will constitute either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. In the case of Debt Securities that will be senior debt securities ("Senior Debt Securities"), the Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture (the "Senior Indenture") between the Company and SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, as trustee under the Senior Indenture. In the case of Debt Securities that will be subordinated debt securities ("Subordinated Debt Securities"), the Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture (the "Subordinated Indenture") to be entered into between the Company and SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, as trustee under the Subordinated Indenture. The Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture are sometimes hereinafter referred to individually as an "Indenture" and collectively as the "Indentures." Copies of the form of the Senior Indenture and the form of the Subordinated Indenture have been filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement. SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, as trustee under each of the Indentures (and any successor thereto under each Indenture), is referred to herein as the "Trustee." The statements under this caption relating to the Debt Securities and the Indentures are summaries only and do not purport to be complete. Such summaries make use of terms defined in the Indentures. Wherever such terms are used herein or particular provisions of an Indenture are referred to, such terms or provisions, as the case may be, are incorporated by reference as part of the statements made herein, and such statements are qualified in their entirety by such reference. Certain defined terms in the Indentures are capitalized herein. The italicized references below apply to the article or section numbers in the Senior Indenture and Subordinated Indenture, respectively, or to both Indentures if only one reference is provided, unless otherwise indicated. Provisions Applicable to Both Senior and Subordinated Debt Securities The Indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities that can be issued thereunder and provide that Debt Securities may be issued from time to time thereunder in one or more series, each in an aggregate principal amount authorized by the Company prior to issuance. The Debt Securities may be issued at various times with different maturity dates and different principal repayment provisions, may bear interest at different rates, may be payable in currencies other than United States dollars, in composite currencies or in amounts determined by reference to the price, rate or value of one or more specified commodities, currencies or indices, and may otherwise vary, all as provided in the Indentures. The Company has from time to time entered into, and will in the future enter into, credit or other financing agreements to fund its operations, herein referred to collectively as the "Credit Facilities." Such credit or other financing agreements may be secured by the assets of the Company, secured by the assets of subsidiaries of the Company or guaranteed by subsidiaries of the 5 Company. To the extent that the Credit Facilities are so secured or guaranteed, the lenders under such Credit Facilities may have priority over the holders of the Debt Securities with respect to the assets of the Company or its subsidiaries that secure such Credit Facilities and may have priority over the holders of the Debt Securities. General Unless otherwise indicated in a Prospectus Supplement, the Debt Securities will not benefit from any covenant or other provision that would afford holders of such Debt Securities special protection in the event of a restructuring or highly leveraged transaction involving the Company. Reference is made to the applicable Prospectus Supplement for the following terms of the particular series of Debt Securities offered hereby: (i) the title and aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities; (ii) whether such Debt Securities will be issued in the form of one or more global securities; (iii) the date or dates on which the Debt Securities will mature; (iv) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum, if any, at which the Debt Securities will bear interest or the method of determining such rate or rates, and the date or dates from which such interest, if any, will accrue and the date or dates at which such interest, if any, will be payable; (v) the place or places where the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Debt Securities shall be payable; (vi) the terms for redemption or early payment, if any, including any mandatory or optional sinking fund or analogous provision; (vii) if other than denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which Debt Securities of the series shall be issuable; (viii) the currency, currencies (including composite currencies), or current unit or units in which such Debt Securities will be denominated and in which the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such Debt Securities will be payable; (ix) whether, and the terms and conditions on which, the Company or a holder may elect that, or the other circumstances under which, payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such Debt Securities is to be made in a currency or currencies or currency unit or units other than that in which such Debt Securities are denominated; (x) any index or formula to be used to determine the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such Debt Securities and any commodities, currencies, currency units or indices, or value, rate or price, relevant to such determination; (xi) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Debt Securities of the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or provable in bankruptcy; (xii) any additional means of satisfaction and discharge; (xiii) any deletions or modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenant of the Company; (xiv) the terms for conversion or exchange, if any, of the Debt Securities; (xv) the terms, if any, upon which such Debt Securities may be convertible into Common Stock, Preferred Stock, other Debt Securities or other securities or property of the Company and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion may be effected, including the initial conversion price or rate and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those described herein; (xvi) information with respect to book-entry procedures; and (xvii) any other specific terms of the Debt Securities. (Section 301) The Company currently conducts substantially all of its operations through subsidiaries, and the holders of Debt Securities will generally have a junior position to any claims of creditors and any preferred stockholders of the Company's subsidiaries. Claims of creditors of such subsidiaries, including banks, trade creditors, secured creditors, taxing authorities and beneficiaries of subsidiary guarantees, and claims of holders of any preferred stock issued by such subsidiaries will generally have priority as to the assets of such subsidiaries over the claims and equity interests of the Company and, thereby, indirectly, the holders of indebtedness of the Company, including the Debt Securities. In addition, the Credit Agreement provides that certain subsidiaries of the Company may borrow directly under the Credit Agreement up to $250.0 million and the Company guarantees any borrowings of such subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement. See "Holding Company Structure." Debt Securities may be sold at a discount (which may be substantial) below their stated principal amount bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. Any material United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable thereto will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any such Debt Securities. 6 If any of the Debt Securities are sold for any foreign currency or currency unit or if the principal of, or premium or interest, if any, on any of the Debt Securities is payable in any foreign currency or currency unit, the restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information with respect to such Debt Securities and such foreign currency or currency unit will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Debt Securities denominated or payable in foreign currencies may entail significant risks. These risks include, without limitation, the possibility of significant fluctuations in the foreign currency markets. These risks will vary depending upon the currency or currencies involved. If applicable, these risks will be more fully described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Covenants The Indentures require the Company to covenant, among other things, with respect to each series of Debt Securities: (i) to duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such series of Debt Securities; (ii) to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment where Debt Securities may be presented or surrendered for payment, transferred or exchanged and where notices to the Company may be served; (iii) if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent for any series of Debt Securities, to segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, so becoming due; (iv) to preserve its corporate existence; (v) to maintain its properties; (vi) to pay taxes and other claims, in each case, as required by the Indentures; and (vii) to deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a written statement to the effect that the Company has fulfilled all its obligations under the Indentures throughout such year. (Article Ten) Events of Default Unless otherwise provided with respect to any series of Debt Securities, the following are Events of Default under each Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of such series issued under the Indenture: (a) failure to pay any interest on any Debt Security of such series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) failure to pay principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Debt Security of such series when due; (c) failure to deposit any mandatory sinking fund payment, when due, in respect of the Debt Securities of such series; (d) failure to perform any other covenant of the Company in the applicable Indenture (other than a covenant included in the applicable Indenture for the benefit of a series of Debt Securities other than such series), continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the applicable Indenture; (e) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any other Event of Default as may be established with respect to Debt Securities of such series (including, without limitation, any Event of Default arising out of a default which results in the acceleration of certain Indebtedness or a default in the payment of any amounts due on certain Indebtedness). (Sections 301 and 501) If an Event of Default with respect to any outstanding series of Debt Securities occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of such series (subject to the next following sentence, in the case of an Event of Default described in clause (a), (b), (c) or (d) above) or at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding Debt Securities under the Indenture (subject to the next following sentence, in the case of other Events of Default) may declare the principal amount of all the Debt Securities of the applicable series (or of all outstanding Debt Securities under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be) to be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default described in clause (e) or (f) shall occur, the principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all series ipso facto shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holder. At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made, but before a judgment has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of such series (or all outstanding Debt Securities under the applicable Indenture, as the case may be) may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration. (Section 502) Depending on the terms of other Indebtedness of the Company outstanding from time to time, an Event of Default under an Indenture may give rise to cross defaults on such other Indebtedness of the Company. Each Indenture provides that the Trustee will, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default in respect of any series of Debt Securities, give to the holders of the Debt Securities of such series notice of all uncured and 7 unwaived defaults known to it; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or any interest on, or any sinking fund installment with respect to, any Debt Securities of such series, the Trustee will be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the holders of the Debt Securities of such series; and provided, further, that such notice shall not be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence of a default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company under such Indenture other than for the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or any interest on, or any sinking fund installment with respect to, any Debt Securities of such series. For the purpose of this provision, "default" with respect to Debt Securities of any series means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become, an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of such series. (Section 602) The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series (or, in certain cases, all outstanding Debt Securities under the applicable Indenture) 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 the Debt Securities of such series (or of all outstanding Debt Securities under the applicable Indenture). (Section 512) Each Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing with respect to the Debt Securities of any series, the Trustee shall exercise such of its rights and powers under the applicable Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs. (Section 601) Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under either Indenture at the request of any of the holders of the Debt Securities unless they shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request. (Section 603) The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series (or, in certain cases, all outstanding Debt Securities under the applicable Indenture) may on behalf of the holders of all Debt Securities of such series (or of all outstanding Debt Securities under the applicable Indenture) waive any past default under the Indenture, except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Debt Security or in respect of a provision which under the applicable Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security affected. (Section 513) The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities affected thereby may on behalf of the holders of all such Debt Securities waive compliance by the Company with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture. (Section 1008 of the Subordinated Indenture; Section 1010 of the Senior Indenture) The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to the performance by the Company of certain of its obligations under each Indenture and as to any default in such performance. (Section 1007 of the Subordinated Indenture; Section 1009 of the Senior Indenture) Modification Modifications and amendments of each Indenture may be made by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities under the Indenture affected thereby, provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security affected thereby, (a) change the stated maturity date of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, any Debt Security, (b) reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities the consent of whose holders is required for modification or amendment of the Indentures or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the Indentures or for waiver of certain defaults, (c) reduce the principal amount of, or the premium (if any) or interest on, any Debt Security, (d) change the Place of Payment or currency, currencies, or currency unit or units of payment of principal of, or premium (if any) or interest on, any Debt Security or (e) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Debt Security. (Section 902) 8 Each Indenture provides that the Company and the Trustee may, without the consent of any holders of Debt Securities, enter into supplemental indentures for the purposes, among other things, of evidencing the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company, adding to the Company's covenants, securing the Debt Securities, adding additional Events of Default, establishing the form or terms of Debt Securities or curing ambiguities or inconsistencies in the applicable Indenture, provided such action to cure ambiguities or inconsistencies shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Debt Securities in any material respect. (Section 901) Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets The Company, without the consent of any holders of outstanding Debt Securities, may consolidate with or merge into, or convey, transfer or lease its assets substantially as an entirety to, any Person, provided that the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or which acquires or leases the assets and properties of the Company substantially as an entirety is a corporation, partnership or trust organized under the laws of any United States jurisdiction and assumes by supplemental indenture the Company's obligations on the Debt Securities and under the Indenture, that after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, and that certain other conditions are met. Upon compliance with these provisions by a successor Person, the Company will (except in the case of a lease) be relieved of its obligations under the Indenture and the Debt Securities. (Article Eight) Discharge and Defeasance Unless otherwise provided with respect to any series of Debt Securities, the Company may terminate its obligations under each Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of any series, other than its obligation to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such Debt Securities and certain other obligations, if it (i) irrevocably deposits or causes to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee as trust funds money or U.S. Government Obligations maturing as to principal and interest sufficient to pay the principal of, any interest on, and any mandatory sinking funds in respect of, all outstanding Debt Securities of such series on the stated maturity of such payments or on any redemption date, (ii) has delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same time as would have been the case if such discharge had not occurred, and (iii) complies with any additional conditions specified to be applicable with respect to the covenant defeasance of Debt Securities of such series, and no default or Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as they relate to certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period). (Section 401) The terms of any series of Debt Securities may also provide for legal defeasance pursuant to each Indenture. In such case, if the Company (i) irrevocably deposits or causes to be irrevocably deposited money or U.S. Government Obligations as described above and complies with the other provisions described above (except that the opinion referred to in clause (ii) above must be based on a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service or other change under applicable United States federal income tax law), (ii) makes a request to the Trustee to be discharged from its obligations on the Debt Securities of such series and (iii) complies with any additional conditions specified to be applicable with respect to legal defeasance of Debt Securities of such series, then the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on all the outstanding Debt Securities of such series, and the obligations of the Company under the applicable Indenture and the Debt Securities of such series to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Debt Securities of such series shall cease, terminate and be completely discharged and the holders thereof shall thereafter be entitled only to payment out of the money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee as aforesaid, 9 unless the Company's obligations are revived and reinstated because the Trustee is unable to apply such trust fund by reason of any legal proceeding, order or judgment. (Sections 403 and 404) Conversion Rights The terms on which Debt Securities of any series are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock or other securities or property of the Company will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Such terms shall include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at the option of the Company, and may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company to be received by the holders of Debt Securities would be calculated according to the market price of Common Stock or other securities of the Company as of a time stated in the Prospectus Supplement. The conversion price of any Debt Securities of any series that is convertible into Common Stock or other securities of the Company may be adjusted for any stock dividends, stock splits, reclassification, combinations or similar transactions, as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. (Article Fourteen) Exchange, Registration and Transfer Debt Securities of any series will be exchangeable for other Debt Securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor of different authorized denominations. Debt Securities may be presented for exchange and for registration of transfer (with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed), at the office of the Security Registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by the Company for such purpose with respect to any series of Debt Securities and referred to in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, without a service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other governmental charges as described in the applicable Indenture. Such transfer or exchange will be effected upon the Security Registrar or such transfer agent, as the case may be, being satisfied with the document of title and identity of the Person making the request. The Company has appointed the Trustee as Security Registrar. (Section 305) If a Prospectus Supplement refers to any transfer agents (in addition to the Security Registrar) initially designated by the Company with respect to any series of Debt Securities, the Company may at any time rescind the designation of any such transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any such transfer agent acts, except that the Company will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each Place of Payment for such series. The Company may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to any series of Debt Securities. (Section 1002) In the event of any redemption in part, the Company shall not be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange Debt Securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days prior to the mailing of notice of redemption of Debt Securities of that series for redemption and ending on the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption or (ii) register the transfer of or exchange any Registered Debt Security, or portion thereof, called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any Registered Debt Security being redeemed in part. (Section 305) Payment and Paying Agents Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of principal of and any premium and interest on Registered Debt Securities will be made in the designated currency or currency unit at the office of such Paying Agent or Paying Agents as the Company may designate from time to time, except that at the option of the Company payment of any interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register. Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of any installment of interest on Registered Debt Securities will be made to the Person in whose name such Registered Debt Security is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest. (Section 307) Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York will be designated as a Paying Agent for the 10 Company for payments with respect to Debt Securities which are issuable solely as Registered Debt Securities. Any other Paying Agents in the United States initially designated by the Company for the Debt Securities will be named in an applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Company may at any time designate additional Paying Agents or rescind the designation of any Paying Agent or approve a change in the office through which any Paying Agent acts, except that the Company will be required to maintain a Paying Agent in each Place of Payment for such series. (Section 1002) All moneys paid by the Company to a Paying Agent for the payment of principal of and any premium or interest on any Debt Security which remain unclaimed at the end of three years after such principal, premium or interest shall have become due and payable will (subject to applicable escheat laws) be repaid to the Company, and the holder of such Debt Security will thereafter as an unsecured general creditor look only to the Company for payment thereof. (Section 1003) Global Securities The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities that will be deposited with a Depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In such a case, one or more Global Securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities of the series to be represented by such Global Security or Securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Debt Securities in definitive registered form, a Global Security may not be registered for transfer or exchange except as a whole by the Depositary for such Global Security to a nominee for such Depositary and except in the circumstances described in the Applicable Prospectus Supplement. (Sections 204) The Company expects that the following provisions will apply to depositary arrangements with respect to any portion of a series of Debt Securities to be represented by a Global Security. Any additional specific terms of the depositary arrangement will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Upon the issuance of any Global Security, and the deposit of such Global Security with or on behalf of the Depositary for such Global Security, the Depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the Debt Securities represented by such Global Security to the accounts of institutions ("Participants") that have accounts with the Depositary or its nominee. The accounts to be credited will be designated by the underwriters or agents engaging in the distribution of such Debt Securities or by the Company, if such Debt Securities are offered and sold directly by the Company. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be limited to Participants or persons that may hold interest through Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests by Participants in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of such beneficial interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary for such Global Security or by its nominee. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security by persons that hold through Participants will be shown on, and the transfer of such beneficial interests within such Participants will be effected only through, records maintained by such Participants. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in certificated form. The foregoing limitations and such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in such Global Securities. So long as the Depositary for a Global Security or its nominee, is the registered owner of such Global Security, such Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the Debt Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Indentures. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and except as specified below, owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security will not be entitled to have Debt Securities of the series represented by such Global Security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of Debt Securities of such series in certificated form and will not be considered the holders thereof for any purposes under the Indentures. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in such Global Security must rely on the procedures of the Depositary and, if such person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such person owns their interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the Indentures. 11 The Depositary may grant proxies and otherwise authorize Participants to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the Indentures. The Company understands that, under existing industry practices, if the Company requests any action of holders or any owner of a beneficial interest in such Global Security desires to give any notice or take any action a holder is entitled to give or take under the Indentures, the Depositary would authorize the Participants to give such notice or take such action, and Participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such Participants to give such notice or take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payments with respect to principal, premium, if any, and interest on Debt Securities represented by a Global Security registered in the name of a Depositary or its nominee will be made by the Company to such Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of such Global Security. The Company expects that the Depositary for any Debt Securities represented by a Global Security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest, will credit Participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such Global Security as shown on the records of such Depositary. The Company also expects that payments by Participants to owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security held through such Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street names," and will be the responsibility of such Participants. None of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in a Global Security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests. (Section 308) Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, a Global Security of any series will be exchangeable for certificated Debt Securities of the same series only if (i) the Depositary for such Global Securities notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary or such Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act (if so required by applicable law or regulation) and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, (ii) the Company in its sole discretion determines that such Global Securities shall be exchangeable for certificated Debt Securities or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default under the Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of such series. Upon any such exchange, owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security or Securities will be entitled to physical delivery of individual Debt Securities in certificated form of like tenor and terms equal in principal amount to such beneficial interests, and to have such Debt Securities in certificated form registered in the names of the beneficial owners, which names are expected to be provided by such Depositary's relevant Participants (as identified by such Depositary) to the Trustee. The following is based on information furnished to the Company: In the event that the Depositary Trust Company ("DTC") acts as Depositary for the Global Securities of any series, such Global Securities will be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership nominee). One fully registered Global Security will be issued with respect to each $200 million (or such other amount as shall be permitted by DTC from time to time) of principal amount of the Debt Securities of a series, and an additional certificate will be issued with respect to any remaining principal amount of such series. DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its Participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities transactions, 12 such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations ("Direct Participants"). DTC is owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others, such as securities brokers and dealers and banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file with the Commission. To facilitate subsequent transfers, the Debt Securities are registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of the Debt Securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. will effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the Debt Securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts Debt Securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The Participants remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers. Delivery 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 of Debt Securities is 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 & Co. consents or votes with respect to the Debt Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails a proxy (an "Omnibus Proxy") to the issuer as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the Debt Securities are credited on the record date (identified on a list attached to the Omnibus Proxy). If applicable, redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co. If less than all of the Debt Securities of a series represented by Global Securities are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such issue to be redeemed. To the extent that any Debt Securities provide for repayment or repurchase at the option of the holders thereof, a beneficial owner shall give notice of any option to elect to have its interest in the Global Security repaid by the Company, through its Participant, to the Trustee, and shall effect delivery of such interest in a Global Security by causing the Direct Participant to transfer the Direct Participant's interest in the Global Security or Securities representing such interest, on DTC's records, to the Trustee. The requirement for physical delivery of Debt Securities in connection with a demand for repayment or repurchase will be deemed satisfied when the ownership rights in the Global Security or Securities representing such Debt Securities are transferred by Direct Participants on DTC's records. DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with respect to the Debt Securities at any time. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depositary is not appointed, Debt Security certificates are required to be printed and delivered as described above. The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depositary). In that event, Debt Security certificates will be printed and delivered as described above. The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable, but the Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. 13 Meetings The Indentures contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of Debt Securities of a series. A meeting may be called at any time by the Trustee, and also, upon request, by the Company or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series, in any such case upon notice given as described under "--Notices" below. Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each Outstanding Debt Security affected thereby, as described under "--Modification" above, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series; provided, however, that except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each Outstanding Debt Security affected thereby, as described under "-- Modification" above, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of the holders of such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series. Subject to the proviso set forth above, any resolution passed or action taken at any meeting of holders of Debt Securities of any series duly held in accordance with each Indenture will be binding on all holders of Debt Securities of that series and any related coupons. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be Persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of a series. (Article Thirteen) Notices Notices to holders of Debt Securities will be given by mail to the addresses of such holders as they appear in the Security Register. (Section 107) The Trustee The Indentures provide that the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver Debt Securities of a particular series in accordance with a Company Order. Each Indenture contains certain limitations on the right of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases and to realize certain property received with respect to any such claims, as security or otherwise. (Section 613) The Trustee is one of the lenders under certain of the Company's Credit Facilities. The Trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions, except that, if it acquires any conflicting interest and there is a default under the Debt Securities, it must eliminate such conflict or resign. (Section 608) Governing Law The Indentures are, and the Debt Securities will be, governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, but without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. (Section 113) Provisions Applicable Solely to Senior Debt Securities Senior Debt Securities will be issued under the Senior Indenture and will rank pari passu in right of payment with the Company's obligations under its Credit Facilities and all other unsecured and unsubordinated debt of the Company, and will be senior in right of payment to all existing and future debt of the Company that is, by its terms, expressly subordinated to the Senior Debt Securities. The Senior Debt Securities issued under this Prospectus will not be guaranteed by any subsidiary of the Company and will not rank pari passu with any debt of such subsidiary, but will be senior in right of payment to all existing and future debt of such subsidiary that is, by its terms, expressly subordinated to the Senior Debt Securities. 14 Covenant Providing for Limitation on Liens Nothing in the Senior Indenture or the Senior Debt Securities will in any way restrict or prevent the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from issuing, assuming, guaranteeing or otherwise incurring any Indebtedness, provided, however, the Senior Indenture will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness for borrowed money secured by any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary without making effective provision whereby any and all Senior Debt Securities then or thereafter outstanding will be secured by a Lien equally and ratably with any and all other obligations thereby secured for so long as any such obligations shall be so secured. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may, without so securing the Senior Debt Securities, issue, assume or guarantee Indebtedness secured by the following Liens: (a) Liens existing on the date on which the Senior Debt Securities are originally issued or provided for under the terms of agreements existing on such date; (b) Liens on property securing (i) all or any portion of the cost of acquiring, constructing, altering, improving or repairing any property or assets, real or personal, or improvements used or to be used in connection with such property of the Company or Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to provide funds for the activities set forth in clause (i) above; (c) Liens securing Indebtedness owed by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to any other Restricted Subsidiary; (d) Liens on the property of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Company and not incurred as a result of (or in connection with or in anticipation of) such Person becoming a Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens do not extend to or cover any property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than the property so acquired; (e) Liens on any property securing (i) Indebtedness incurred in connection with the construction, installation or financing of pollution control or abatement facilities or other forms of industrial revenue bond financing or (ii) Indebtedness issued or guaranteed by the United States or any State thereof or any department, agency or instrumentality of either; (f) any Lien extending, renewing or replacing (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements of) any Lien of any type permitted under clauses (a) through (e) above, provided that such Lien extends to or covers only the property that is subject to the Lien being extended, renewed or replaced; (g) certain Liens arising, but only so long as continuing, in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries; or (h) Liens (exclusive of any Lien of any type otherwise permitted under clauses (a) through (g) above) securing Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount which, together with the aggregate amount of Attributable Indebtedness deemed to be outstanding in respect of all Sale/Leaseback Transactions entered into pursuant to clause (a) of the covenant described under "Limitation on Sale/Leaseback Transactions" below (exclusive of any such Sale/Leaseback Transactions otherwise permitted under clauses (a) through (g) above), does not at the time such Indebtedness is incurred exceed 15% of the Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company (as shown in the most recent audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries). (Section 1007 of the Senior Indenture) Covenant Providing for Limitation on Sale/Leaseback Transactions The Senior Indenture will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale/Leaseback Transaction with any Person (other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) unless: 15 (a) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled to incur Indebtedness, in a principal amount equal to the Attributable Indebtedness with respect to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction, secured by a Lien on the property subject to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction pursuant to the covenant described under "Limitation on Liens" above without equally and ratably securing the Senior Debt Securities pursuant to such covenant; (b) after the date on which the Senior Debt Securities are originally issued and within a period commencing six months prior to the consummation of such Sale/Leaseback Transaction and ending six months after the consummation thereof, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary shall have expended for property used or to be used in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries an amount equal to all or a portion of the net proceeds of such Sale/Leaseback Transaction and the Company shall have elected to designate such amount as a credit against such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (with any such amount not being so designated to be applied as set forth in clause (c) below); or (c) the Company, during the 12-month period after the effective date of such Sale/Leaseback Transaction, shall have applied to the voluntary defeasance or retirement of any Pari Passu Indebtedness an amount equal to the greater of the net proceeds of the sale or transfer of the property leased in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction and the fair value, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, of such property at the time of entering into such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (in either case adjusted to reflect the remaining term of the lease and any amount expended by the Company as set forth in clause (b) above), less an amount equal to the principal amount of Debt Securities and Pari Passu Indebtedness voluntarily defeased or retired by the Company within such 12-month period and not designated as a credit against any other Sale/Leaseback Transaction entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period. (Section 1006 of the Senior Indenture) The term "Attributable Indebtedness," when used with respect to any Sale/Leaseback Transaction, is defined in the Senior Indenture as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at a rate equivalent to the Company's then current weighted average cost of funds for borrowed money as at the time of determination, compounded on a semi-annual basis) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments (other than amounts required to be paid or account of maintenance and repairs, reconstruction, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates, and similar charges are contingent rates (such as those based on sales)) during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been extended). The term "Capitalized Lease Obligation" of any Person is defined in the Senior Indenture as any obligation of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of property, real or personal, that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and the amount of such obligation shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The term "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" of the Company is defined in the Senior Indenture as the aggregate amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (i) all current liabilities, and (ii) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other like tangibles, all as set forth on the most recent quarterly balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The term "Funded Indebtedness" is defined in the Senior Indenture as all Indebtedness (including Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit, letter of credit or working capital facility) that matures by its terms, or that is renewable at the option of any obligor thereon to a date, more than one year after the date on which such Indebtedness is originally incurred. The term "Hedging Obligations" of any Person is defined in the Senior Indenture as the obligations of such Person pursuant to any interest rate swap agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement, interest rate 16 collar agreement, option or future contract or other similar agreement or arrangement relating to interest rates or foreign exchange rates. The term "Indebtedness" of any Person at any date is defined in the Senior Indenture as, without duplication, (i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof), (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit or other similar instruments (or reimbursement obligations with respect thereto), other than standby letters of credit incurred by such Person in the ordinary course of business, (iv) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services, except trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business, (v) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person, (vi) all Indebtedness of others secured by a lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person, (vii) all Indebtedness of others guaranteed by such Person to the extent of such guarantee and (viii) all Hedging Obligations of such Person. The term "Lien" is defined in the Senior Indenture as, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law. For the purposes of the Senior Indenture, the Company or any Subsidiary shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any asset which it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capitalized Lease Obligation (other than any Capitalized Lease Obligation relating to any building, structure, equipment or other property used or to be used in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries) or other title retention agreement relating to such asset. The term "Pari Passu Indebtedness" is defined in the Senior Indenture as any Indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, unless, in the case of any particular Indebtedness, the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding expressly provides that such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Securities. The term "Restricted Subsidiary" is defined in the Senior Indenture as any Subsidiary of the Company (i) substantially all the property of which is located, or substantially all the business of which is carried on, within the United States of America (not including its territories and possessions) and (ii) that owns a Principal Property; provided, however, that the term "Restricted Subsidiary" shall not include any Subsidiary that is principally engaged in financing the operations of the Company, or its Subsidiaries, or both, outside the United States of America. "Principal Property" means any manufacturing plant or facility located within the United States of America (other than its territories or possessions) owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, is of material importance to the total business conducted by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole. The term "Sale/Leaseback Transaction" is defined in the Senior Indenture as any arrangement with any Person providing for the leasing by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, for a period of more than three years, of any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person in contemplation of such leasing. Provisions Applicable Solely to Subordinated Debt Securities General Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued under the Subordinated Indenture and will rank pari passu with certain other subordinated debt of the Company that may be outstanding from time to time and will rank junior to all Senior Indebtedness (including any Senior Debt Securities) of the Company that may be outstanding from time to time. Subordination The payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities is expressly subordinated, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Subordinated Indenture, in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company. (Section 1501 of the Subordinated Indenture) 17 In the event of any dissolution or winding up, or total or partial liquidation or reorganization of the Company, whether in bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding, the holders of Senior Indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness before the holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities are entitled to receive any payment on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities. (Section 1502 of the Subordinated Indenture) By reason of subordination of the Subordinated Debt Securities, in the event of the insolvency of the Company, holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities may recover less, ratably, than holders of Senior Indebtedness. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, no payment in respect of the Subordinated Debt Securities shall be made if, at the time of such payment, there exists a default in payment of all or any portion of any Senior Indebtedness, and such default shall not have been cured or waived in writing or the benefits of such subordination in the Subordinated Indenture shall not have been waived in writing by or on behalf of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness. In addition, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, during the continuance of any event of default (other than a default referred to in the immediately preceding sentence) with respect to any Senior Indebtedness permitting the holders to accelerate the maturity thereof and upon written notice thereof given to the Trustee, with a copy to the Company (the delivery of which shall not affect the validity of the notice to the Trustee), by any holder of Senior Indebtedness or its representative, then, unless and until such an event of default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist, no payment shall be made by the Company with respect to the principal of or interest on the Subordinated Debt Securities or to acquire any of the Subordinated Debt Securities or on account of the redemption provisions of the Subordinated Debt Securities provided, however, that if the holders of the Senior Indebtedness to which the default relates have not declared such Senior Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable and within 180 days after the occurrence of such default (or have declared such Senior Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable within such period have rescinded such declaration of acceleration), then the Company shall resume making any and all required payments in respect of the Securities (including any missed payments). Only one such payment blockage period may be commenced within any consecutive 365- day period with respect to the Subordinated Debt Securities. No event of default which existed or was continuing on the date of the commencement of any 180-day payment blockage period with respect to the Senior Indebtedness initiating such payment blockage period shall be, or be made, the basis for the commencement of a second payment blockage period by a holder or representative of such Senior Indebtedness, whether or not within a period of 365 consecutive days, unless such event of default shall have been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days (and, in the case of any such waiver, no payment shall be made by the Company to the holders of Senior Indebtedness in connection with such waiver other than amounts due pursuant to the terms of the Senior Indebtedness as in effect at the time of such default). (1502 of the Subordinated Indenture) The term "Indebtedness" of any Person at any date is defined in the Subordinated Indenture as, without duplication, (i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof), (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit or other similar instruments (or reimbursement obligations with respect thereto), other than standby letters of credit incurred by such Person in the ordinary course of business, (iv) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services, except trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business, (v) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person, (vi) all Indebtedness of others secured by a lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person, (vii) all Indebtedness of others guaranteed by such Person to the extent of such guarantee and (viii) all Hedging Obligations of such Person. The term "Senior Indebtedness" is defined in the Subordinated Indenture as Indebtedness, either outstanding as of the date of the Subordinated Indenture or issued subsequent to the date of the Subordinated Indenture, unless such Indebtedness is either subordinated by its terms in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or pari passu with subordinated Indebtedness of any series, provided that the term "Senior Indebtedness" shall not include (i) Indebtedness of the Company to any Subsidiary for money borrowed or advanced from such Subsidiary or (ii) amounts owed (except to banks and other financial institutions) for goods, materials or services purchased in the ordinary course of business. 18 If Subordinated Debt Securities are issued under the Subordinated Indenture, the aggregate principal amount of Senior Indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Subordinated Indenture does not restrict the amount of Senior Indebtedness that the Company may incur. DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK Under the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation as amended (the "Charter"), the Company is authorized to issue 81,000,000 shares of capital stock ("Capital Stock") consisting of 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, no par value, and 80,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share. As of June 30, 1998, there were 41,447,354 shares of Common Stock outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding. Of the authorized shares of Preferred Stock, 500,000 shares have been designated as Series A Participating Preferred Stock, as described below under "--Stockholders' Rights Plan." Common Stock The Common Stock possesses ordinary voting rights for the election of directors and in respect of other corporate matters, each share being entitled to one vote. There are no cumulative voting rights, meaning that the holders of a majority of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all the directors if they choose to do so. The Common Stock carries no preemptive rights and is not convertible, redeemable or assessable. Subject to the prior rights of any shares of Preferred Stock that may from time to time be outstanding, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to dividends in such amounts and at such times as may be declared by the Board of Directors. Upon liquidation or dissolution, holders of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all net assets available for distribution to stockholders after payment of preferential amounts to holders of Preferred Stock. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Company in connection with any offering pursuant to this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement when issued will be, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The outstanding Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NSI." Any Common Stock issuable upon the conversion or exchange of Debt Securities or Preferred Stock offered hereunder will be listed, subject to notice of issuance, on such exchange. The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is First Chicago Trust Company of New York. Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") prevents an "interested stockholder" (defined in Section 203, generally, as a person owning 15% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting stock), from engaging in a "business combination" (as defined in Section 203) with a publicly-held Delaware corporation for three years following the date such person became an interested stockholder unless: (i) before such person became an interested stockholder, the board of directors of the corporation approved the transaction in which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder or approved the business combination; (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the interested stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding stock held by directors who are also officers of the corporation and by employee stock plans that do not provide participants with the rights to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer); or (iii) following the transaction in which such person became an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not owned by the interested stockholder. The provisions of Section 203 may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company. 19 Stockholders' Rights Plan The Company has a Stockholders' Rights Plan which it first adopted in 1988 and amended in 1997 (the "Rights Plan"), the terms and conditions of which are set forth in an Amended and Restated Rights Agreement (the "Rights Agreement"). The Rights Plan provides that each share of Common Stock has associated with it a stock purchase right ( a "Right"). Each Right, when exercisable, entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of a series of convertible preferred stock, designated as Series A Participating Preferred Stock, $0.05 par value (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), at a price of $160 (the "Purchase Price"), subject to adjustment. The Series A Preferred Stock purchasable upon the exercise of Rights will contain preferential voting, dividend, liquidation and other economic rights. The Rights become exercisable only if a person or group acquires, or has obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding Common Stock without the Company's prior consent or commences a tender or exchange offer that would result in such person or group owning 15% or more of the Common Stock without the Company's prior consent or if certain business combinations or sales of assets or earning power of the Company are expected to be consummated. If any person becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the shares of Common Stock (an "Acquiring Person"), except pursuant to a Permitted Offer (as defined in the Rights Agreement), each Right will be exercisable for the number of units of one one-thousandths of a share of Series A Preferred Stock having an average market value during a specified period of two times the Purchase Price of the Right. In addition, if, after a person has become an Acquiring Person, the Company is involved in a merger or other business combination transaction in which it is not the surviving corporation or in connection with which the Common Stock is changed or exchanged (other than a merger which follows a Permitted Offer), or it sells 50% or more of its assets or earning power, each Right that has not previously been exercised or voided will entitle its holder to purchase that number of shares of common stock of such other person which at the time of such transaction, would have a market value of two times the Purchase Price of the Right. The Rights expire on May 19, 2008, unless earlier redeemed by the Company. Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of the Company, including without limitation the right to vote or receive dividends. The Rights are designed to protect stockholders of the Company in the event of unsolicited offers to acquire the Company and other coercive takeover tactics. The Rights may cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire the Company on terms not approved by the Board, and therefore would render an unsolicited takeover of the Company more difficult or less likely to occur. The Rights should not, however, interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by the Board because the rights may generally be redeemed in connection with consensual transactions. Director Liability The Charter contains a provision that limits the liability of the Company's directors to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. The provision eliminates the personal liability of directors to the Company and its stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of their fiduciary duty of care. As a result, stockholders may be unable to recover monetary damages against directors for negligent or grossly negligent acts or omissions in violation of their duty of care. The provision does not change the liability of a director for breach of his duty of loyalty to the Company or to stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, for the declaration or payment of dividends in violation of Delaware law or in respect of any transaction from which a director received an improper personal benefit. The Charter provides that if the DGCL is amended to further limit such liability, then the liability of Company directors will be limited or eliminated to the maximum extent permitted by law as so amended. Preferred Stock The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which 500,000 shares have been designated as Series A Preferred Stock. Under the Charter, the Board of Directors may from time to time establish and issue one or more series of Preferred Stock and fix the designations, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of such series and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon, including, but not limited to, dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including 20 sinking fund provisions) and liquidation preferences. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the Capital Stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Voting Stock") voting together as a single class, without a separate vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to any certificate of designation relating to a series of Preferred Stock. The following description of the Preferred Stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock to which any Prospectus Supplement may relate. Certain other terms of a particular series of Preferred Stock will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to that series. If so indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the terms of any such series may differ from the terms set forth below. The description of certain provisions of the Preferred Stock set forth below and in any Prospectus Supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company's Charter and bylaws and the certificate of designation relating to each such series of Preferred Stock, which will be filed with the Commission in connection with the offering of such series of Preferred Stock. General Subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law and the Company's Charter and bylaws, the Board of Directors is authorized to fix the number of shares constituting each series of Preferred Stock and the designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations thereof, including such provisions as may be desired concerning voting, redemption, dividends, dissolution, the distribution of assets, conversion or sinking funds, and such other subjects or matters as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof. The Preferred Stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable upon issuance against the full payment of the purchase price therefor, and will not have, or be subject to, any preemptive or similar rights. Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the series of Preferred Stock offered thereby for specific terms, including: (i) the class or series, title and stated value of such Preferred Stock; (ii) the number of shares of such Preferred Stock offered, the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of such Preferred Stock; (iii) the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to such Preferred Stock; (iv) whether dividends on such Preferred Stock shall be cumulative or not and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends on such Preferred Stock shall accumulate; (v) the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any, for such Preferred Stock; (vi) provisions for a sinking fund, if any, for such Preferred Stock; (vii) provisions for redemption, if applicable, of such Preferred Stock; (viii) any listing of such Preferred Stock on any securities exchange; (ix) the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which such Preferred Stock will be convertible into other securities of the Company, including the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof); (x) a discussion of certain federal income tax considerations applicable to such Preferred Stock; and (xi) any other material terms, preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions of such Preferred Stock. Rank Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement, the Preferred Stock will, with respect to (as applicable) dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, rank (i) senior to all classes or series of common stock of the Company and to all equity securities of the Company the terms of which provide that such equity securities are subordinated to such Preferred Stock, (ii) on a parity with all equity securities of the Company other than those referred to in clauses (i) and (iii) and (iii) junior to all equity securities of the Company which the terms of such Preferred Stock provide will rank senior to it. For these purposes, the term "equity securities" does not include convertible debt securities. 21 Dividends Holders of shares of the Preferred Stock of each series shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, out of funds legally available therefor, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates as will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Different series of the Preferred Stock may be entitled to dividends at different rates or based upon different methods of determination. Such rates may be fixed or variable or both. Each such dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on the stock transfer books of the Company on such record dates as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof. Dividends on any series of the Preferred Stock may be cumulative or non- cumulative, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will accumulate from and after the date set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. If the Board of Directors of the Company fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of the Preferred Stock for which dividends are noncumulative, then the holders of such series of the Preferred Stock will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on such dividend payment date, and the Company will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not dividends on such series are declared payable on any future dividend payment date. If any shares of the Preferred Stock of any series are outstanding, no full dividends shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any capital stock of the Company ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or junior to the Preferred Stock of such series for any period, unless (i) if such series of Preferred Stock has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the Preferred Stock of such series for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period or (ii) if such series of Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends for the then current dividend period have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the Preferred Stock of such series. When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the shares of Preferred Stock of any series and the shares of any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Preferred Stock of such series, all dividends declared upon shares of Preferred Stock of such series and any other series of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with such Preferred Stock shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share on the Preferred Stock of such series and such other series of preferred stock shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued and unpaid dividends per share on the shares of Preferred Stock of such series (which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative dividend) and such other series of preferred stock bear to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on Preferred Stock of such series which may be in arrears. Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless (i) if such series of Preferred Stock has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on the Preferred Stock of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period and (ii) if such series of Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends on the Preferred Stock of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment for the then current dividend period, no dividends (other than in shares of Common Stock or other capital stock ranking junior to the Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other distribution shall be declared or made upon the Common Stock, or any other capital stock of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor shall any shares of Common Stock, or any other capital stock of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for 22 any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) by the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for other capital stock of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred Stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up). Redemption The terms, if any, on which shares of a series Preferred Stock may be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series. Rights Upon Liquidation Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, then, before any distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of any Common Stock, or any other series of capital stock of the Company ranking junior to such series of Preferred Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of each series of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of assets of the Company legally available for distribution to stockholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share (set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement), plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends for the then current dividend period and, if such series of the Preferred Stock is cumulative, for all dividend periods prior thereto, all as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement with respect to such shares. Voting Rights Holders of a series of Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as from time to time required by law or as indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement; provided, that the holders of shares of any series of Preferred Stock will not be entitled to more than one vote per share, when voting as a class with the holders of shares of the Common Stock and if such Preferred Stock is convertible into Common Stock, then holders can receive one vote on an as converted basis. Conversion Rights The terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of any series of Preferred Stock are convertible into Common Stock, Debt Securities or another series of Preferred Stock will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of Common Stock or such other series of Preferred Stock or the principal amount of Debt Securities into which the Preferred Stock is convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of such series of Preferred Stock or the Company, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such series of Preferred Stock. Transfer Agent and Registrar The transfer agent and registrar for the Preferred Stock will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS The Company may issue Warrants for the purchase of Debt Securities or Preferred Stock. Warrants may be issued independently or together with Debt Securities or Preferred Stock offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or separate from such Debt Securities or Preferred Stock. Each series of Warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement (a "Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the Company and a bank or trust company, as Warrant Agent (the "Warrant Agent"), all as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular issue of offered Warrants. The Warrant Agent will act solely as an agent of the Company in connection with the Warrant certificates relating to the Warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of Warrant certificates or beneficial owners of Warrants. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Warrant Agreements and Warrants do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Warrant Agreement and the Warrant certificates relating to each series of Warrants which will be filed with 23 the Commission and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part at or prior to the time of the issuance of such series of Warrants. General If Warrants are offered, the applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of such Warrants, including, the following where applicable: (i) the offering price; (ii) the denominations and terms of the series of Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of such Warrants and whether such Debt Securities are Senior Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities; (iii) the designation and terms of any series of Debt Securities or shares of Preferred Stock with which such Warrants are being offered and the number of such Warrants being offered with each such Debt Security or shares of Preferred Stock; (iv) the date, if any, on and after which such Warrants and any related series of Debt Securities will be transferable separately; (v) the principal amount of the series of Debt Securities or the aggregate number of shares of Preferred Stock purchasable upon exercise of each such Warrant and the price at which such principal amount of Debt Securities of such series or shares of Preferred Stock may be purchased upon such exercise; (vi) the date on which the right to exercise such Warrants shall commence and the date (the "Expiration Date") on which such right shall expire; (vii) whether the Warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;(viii) the manner, if any, in which the exercise price of, and the number of shares covered by, a Warrant for Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances; (ix) any special United States Federal income tax consequences; (x) the terms, if any, on which the Company may accelerate the date by which the Warrants must be exercised; and (xi) any other terms of such Warrants. Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new Warrant certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered form) be presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the applicable Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise of any Warrant to purchase Debt Securities, holders of such Warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such Debt Securities or to enforce covenants in the applicable Indenture. Prior to the exercise of any Warrants to purchase Preferred Stock, holders of such Warrants will not have any rights of holders of such Preferred Stock, including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on such Preferred Stock, or to exercise any applicable right to vote. Exercise of Warrants Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such principal amount of Debt Securities or number of shares of Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or calculable from, the Prospectus Supplement relating to the offered Warrants. After the close of business on the Expiration Date (or such later date to which such Expiration Date may be extended by the Company), unexercised Warrants will become void. Warrants may be exercised by delivering to the applicable Warrant Agent payment as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement of the amount required to purchase the Debt Securities or Preferred Stock purchasable upon such exercise together with certain information set forth on the reverse side of the Warrant certificate. Warrants will be deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of payment of the exercise price in cash or by certified or official bank check, subject to the receipt within five (5) business days of the Warrant certificate evidencing such Warrants. Upon receipt of such payment at the corporate trust office of the applicable Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the Debt Securities or Preferred Stock purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the Warrants represented by such Warrant certificate are exercised, a new Warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of Warrants. Amendments and Supplements to Warrant Agreements The Warrant Agreements may be amended or supplemented without the consent of the holders of the Warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Warrants and that do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the applicable Warrants. 24 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The Company may sell the Securities in and/or outside the United States: (i) through underwriters; (ii) through dealers acting as principal or as agent; (iii) directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser; or (iv) through agents. The applicable Prospectus Supplement with respect to the any offering of Securities will set forth the terms of the offering of the Securities, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of the Securities and the proceeds to the Company from such sale, any delayed delivery arrangements, any discounts or commissions and other items constituting compensation allowed or paid to any underwriters, dealers or agents, any aggregate initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. Any aggregate initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. If underwriters are used in the sale, the Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The 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. The underwriter or underwriters with respect to a particular underwritten offering of Securities will be named in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such offering and, if an underwriting syndicate is used, the managing underwriter or underwriters will be set forth on the cover of such Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the Securities will be subject to conditions precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the Securities if any are purchased. If dealers are utilized in the sale of Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered, the Company will sell such Securities to the dealers acting as principals or agents. The dealers may then resell such Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealers at the time of resale. The terms of the transaction will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto to the extent required by the Securities Act. The Securities may be sold directly by the Company or through agents designated by the Company from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the Securities in respect to which this Prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by the Company to such agent will be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto to the extent required by the Securities Act. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. The Securities may be sold directly by the Company to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale thereof. The terms of any such sales, including the terms of any bidding or auction process, will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase Securities from the Company at the public offering price set forth in the Prospectus Supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the Prospectus Supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be entitled under agreements entered into with the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which such agents, dealers or underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for the Company in the ordinary course of business or otherwise. 25 Each series of Securities, other than the Common Stock, will be a new issue with no established trading market. The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Any Common Stock issued upon conversion of a Security sold pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement will be listed on such exchange, subject to official notice of issuance. The Company may elect to list any series of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or Warrants on an exchange, but is not obligated to do so. If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any underwriters or agents to or through whom Securities are sold by the Company may make a market in such Securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for any Securities. LEGAL MATTERS The validity of the Securities will be passed upon for the Company by King & Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia, and for the underwriters, dealers or other agents by Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York, New York. EXPERTS The financial statements and schedules incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of National Service Industries, Inc. for the year ended August 31, 1997 have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports. 26 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the notes offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date. ------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS Prospectus Supplement
Page ---- The Company.............................................................. S-1 Use of Proceeds.......................................................... S-3 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges....................................... S-3 Capitalization........................................................... S-4 Summary Financial Information............................................ S-5 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations........................................................... S-6 Description of Notes..................................................... S-15 Underwriting............................................................. S-18 Legal Matters............................................................ S-19 Experts.................................................................. S-19 Prospectus Available Information.................................................... 2 Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.......................... 3 The Company.............................................................. 4 Use of Proceeds.......................................................... 4 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges....................................... 4 Risk Factors Relating to Currencies...................................... 4 Holding Company Structure................................................ 4 Description of the Debt Securities....................................... 5 Description of Capital Stock............................................. 19 Description of Warrants.................................................. 23 Plan of Distribution..................................................... 25 Legal Matters............................................................ 26 Experts.................................................................. 26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $200,000,000 National Service Industries, Inc. % Notes due , 2010 ------------ ------------ Goldman, Sachs & Co. Salomon Smith Barney Wachovia Securities, Inc. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----