-----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, JRvrQ8YTbNmDRSw1AFk7A9BguWvyBQDXB/oxi49C82ZedSZMqjfdiMU5pSpG3xSp +7ar4dWyzWzAckDHNZf+wg== 0001193125-03-041215.txt : 20030822 0001193125-03-041215.hdr.sgml : 20030822 20030822171658 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-03-041215 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-4 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 FILED AS OF DATE: 20030822 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SMITHFIELD FOODS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000091388 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MEAT PACKING PLANTS [2011] IRS NUMBER: 520845861 STATE OF INCORPORATION: VA FISCAL YEAR END: 0430 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-108181 FILM NUMBER: 03863125 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 200 COMMERCE STREET STREET 2: EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING CITY: SMITHFIELD STATE: VA ZIP: 23430 BUSINESS PHONE: 7573653000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 200 COMMERCE STREET STREET 2: EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING CITY: SMITHFIELD STATE: VA ZIP: 23430 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: LIBERTY EQUITIES CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19710221 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: LIBERTY REAL ESTATE TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19661113 S-4 1 ds4.htm SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. FORM S-4 Smithfield Foods, Inc. Form S-4
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As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 22, 2003

File No.             


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Virginia   2011   52-0845861

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)


200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

(757) 365-3000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of

registrant’s principal executive offices)


Michael H. Cole, Esq.

Vice President, Secretary and Deputy General Counsel

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

(757) 365-3030

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of agent for service)


Copies to:

Jane Whitt Sellers, Esq.

McGuireWoods LLP

Bank of America Corporate Center

100 North Tryon Street, Suite 2900

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-4011

(704) 373-8999


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:    As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G check the following box:    ¨

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:    ¨                         

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:    ¨                         

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box:    ¨

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE (1)


Title of each class of

Securities to be registered

  Amount to be
Registered
  Proposed maximum
offering, price per share
to be registered (1)
    Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price
 

Amount of

Registration fee


7 3/4% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2013

  $ 350,000,000   100 %   $ 350,000,000   $ 28,315


(1)   Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(f) solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SEC, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a) MAY DETERMINE.

 



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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not complete this exchange offer and issue securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion. Dated August 22, 2003

 

Prospectus

 

LOGO

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

 

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

(757) 365-3000

 

We are offering to exchange up to $350,000,000 of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes, Series B, Due 2013 for any and all of our outstanding 7 3/4% Senior Notes, Series A, Due 2013.

 


 

The Exchange Offer

 

    We will exchange all senior notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for an equal principal amount of exchange notes that are freely tradable.

 

    You may withdraw tenders of senior notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

 

    The exchange offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                          , 2003.

 

The Exchange Notes

 

    The terms of the exchange notes to be issued in the exchange offer are substantially identical to those of the senior notes, except that the exchange notes will be freely tradable.

 

    The exchange notes will mature on May 15, 2013.

 

    Interest on the exchange notes will be payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2002.

 


 

You should consider carefully the “ Risk-Factors” beginning on page 10 of this prospectus before participating in the exchange offer.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if the prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this Prospectus is                          , 2003

 


Table of Contents

 

Table of contents

 

    Page

Note on forward-looking statements

  i

Where you can find more information; incorporation of certain documents by reference

  ii

Summary

  1

Risk factors

  12

Use of proceeds

  20

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

  20

Capitalization

  21

Selected historical consolidated financial data

  22

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

  24
    Page

Description of other indebtedness

  37

Business

   

Management

  45

Principal shareholders

  47

Related party transactions

  49

The exchange offer

  52

Description of exchange notes

  64

Plan of distribution

  102

Legal matters

  103

Independent public accountants

  103

Index to financial statements

  F-1

 


 

Note on forward-looking statements

 

This prospectus contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking information includes statements concerning our outlook for the future, as well as other statements of beliefs, future plans and strategies or anticipated events, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks and uncertainties include the availability and prices of live hogs and cattle, raw materials and supplies, food safety, livestock disease, live hog production costs, product pricing, the competitive environment and related market conditions, hedging risk, operating efficiencies, changes in interest rate and foreign currency exchange rates, access to capital, the cost of compliance with environmental and health standards, adverse results from on-going litigation and actions of domestic and foreign governments, the ability to make effective acquisitions and successfully integrate newly acquired businesses into existing operations and other risks and uncertainties described under “Risk factors” or in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporate by reference into this prospectus.

 

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Where you can find more information; incorporation of certain documents by reference

 

We are subject to the informational reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which requires us to file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and of the information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any document that we file at the Public Reference Room of the Securities and Exchange Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at  1-800-SEC-0330. You may also inspect our filings at the regional offices of the Securities and Exchange Commission or over the Internet at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SFD.” Our reports, proxy statements and other information may also be read and copied at the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the Securities and Exchange Commission will automatically update and supercede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we complete the exchange offer:

 

•    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 27, 2003;

 

•    Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2003 and May 13, 2003.

 

You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

 

Corporate Secretary

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

(757) 365-3000

 

ii


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Summary

 

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus. All references to fiscal year in this prospectus refer to the fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to April 30 of each year (e.g., “fiscal year 2003” is the fiscal year ending on April 27, 2003).

 

The Company

 

General

 

We are the largest hog producer and pork processor in the world. We conduct our business through four reporting segments: pork, beef, international and the hog production group, each comprised of a number of subsidiaries.

 

Pork.    The pork segment, which had fiscal 2003 sales of $4.3 billion, produces domestically a wide variety of fresh pork and processed meat products and markets them nationwide and to numerous foreign markets, including Canada, Japan and Mexico.

 

Beef.    The beef segment, which had fiscal 2003 sales of $2.2 billion, primarily produces boxed beef and ground beef (both chub and case-ready) and markets these products nationwide and to over 25 foreign markets, including Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Canada and China.

 

International.    The international segment, which had fiscal 2003 sales of $1.3 billion, produces internationally a wide variety of fresh and processed meats products and markets them in numerous foreign markets.

 

The hog production group.    To complement our processing operations, we have vertically integrated into hog production through our hog production group, which currently provides the pork and international segments with approximately 43% of their live hog requirements.

 

Business strategy

 

    Value-added products.    We continue to focus on increasing the proportion of our product volume that is sold into the further processed pork and other value-added products markets because these products have higher margins than those of commodity fresh meats. We increased our revenues from processed meats as a percentage of total pork revenues from 52% in 2001 to 55% in 2002 to 59% in 2003. From fiscal 1999 to fiscal 2003, processed meats revenues have grown by 76%. We are currently the largest producer of retailed branded bacon in the United States and a major producer of spiral hams, pre-cooked bacon, hot dogs and sliced lunchmeat. To take advantage of our expanded product offerings, we formed the Smithfield Deli Group in February 2002. Through the Smithfield Deli Group, we are leveraging our processed meats product lines across our operating companies to supply major retail deli customers.

 

    Increase brand awareness.    We are targeting specific geographic markets, including New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, for focused marketing efforts designed to increase public awareness of the Smithfield and Smithfield Lean Generation Pork brands. These marketing efforts have allowed us to increase our penetration with several key retailers in these markets, to enhance our position as a leading fresh pork brand and to position us to capture a more significant share of the growing processed meats product categories.

 

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    Channel development.    We are placing increased emphasis on coordinated sales and marketing strategies directed at the deli market and foodservice channels to capture greater market share of the product sales to these two channels. We have an estimated 6% market share of the $14 billion deli market, as measured by retail prices. By coordinating our sales, marketing and product offerings in one organization, we have the opportunity to increase our sales of processed meats through the foodservice channel. In July 2003, we acquired Global Culinary Solutions, Inc. and formed the Smithfield Innovation Group to develop new products for customers in retail, club store and food service channels. Global Culinary Solutions is an integrated food product development, manufacturing and marketing company headed by Michael J. Brando, a certified master chef with over 30 years of experience in culinary arts.

 

    Product diversification into beef.    In fiscal 2002, we made two acquisitions of U.S. beef processors, which now represent approximately 25% of our sales. As a result of the Packerland Holdings and Moyer Packing acquisitions, we are the fifth largest beef processor in the United States, processing approximately 2.0 million cattle a year, which is approximately 6% of the U.S. slaughter. With annual sales of approximately $2.2 billion in fiscal 2003, our beef segment diversifies our product portfolio, and the financial results of our beef segment lessen the impact of fresh pork and hog production market cycles on our business. Our beef segment has continued to record operating income despite operating in a challenging market environment.

 

    Improve international profitability.    In fiscal 2003, sales of our international segment were approximately $1.3 billion. The international segment’s operating profit improved from $18.4 million in fiscal 2001 to $24.2 million in fiscal 2002 to $38.7 million in fiscal 2003. We believe that further profitability improvements are achievable from these operations.

 

    Vertical integration and premium genetics.    We believe that our vertical integration and premium genetics are competitive advantages. Today we are approximately 62% vertically integrated, processing approximately 20.9 million hogs annually and raising approximately 13.1 million hogs annually. Vertical integration provides substantial economies of scale from high volume hog production, increased control over raw material quality, consistency and food safety and operational, logistical and transportation efficiencies due to the close proximity of our hog production operations to our processing facilities. As food safety becomes increasingly important to the consumer, our vertically integrated system provides traceability from conception of livestock to consumption of the pork product.

 

Recent developments

 

Results of operations and financial condition

 

Our earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2004 were $22.1 million, or $.20 per diluted share, versus $11.8 million, or $.11 per diluted share, a year ago.

 

 

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Following are our sales and operating profit by segment:

 


     13 Weeks Ended  

(in millions)


   July 27, 2003

    July 28, 2002

 

Sales

                

Pork

   $ 1,158.5     $ 1,054.9  

Beef

     605.4       559.0  

International

     373.8       322.8  

Hog Production

     335.8       273.8  
    


 


       2,473.4       2,210.5  

Intersegment

     (267.2 )     (209.8 )
    


 


Total Sales

   $ 2,206.2     $ 2,000.7  
    


 


Operating Profit

                

Pork

   $ (20.1 )   $ 3.6  

Beef

     32.0       21.9  

International

     7.6       13.7  

Hog Production

     58.1       18.9  

Corporate

     (14.8 )     (14.9 )
    


 


Total Operating Profit    $ 62.6     $ 43.2  

 

The improved results were due to sharply higher earnings in hog production as a result of a 22 percent increase in domestic average live hog market prices, partially offset by increased grain costs, compared to the same quarter last year.

 

The increase in live hog prices moderated significantly during the quarter primarily due to higher shipments of live hogs from Canada into the United States. Prior to the first quarter, live hog prices had been depressed in the United States and generally below break-even, for nearly a year. During the quarter, higher shipments of live hogs from Canada resulted from lower Canadian live cattle prices following the report of a single case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in that country in May. The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed a ban on the importation of ruminants and ruminant products from Canada, including beef, cattle and animal feed in response to the report. This sharply lower cattle market in Canada triggered a decline in demand for pork and an increase in live hog and fresh pork exports to the United States, where prices were higher.

 

The environment for fresh pork continued to remain very poor throughout the first quarter. The summer months and our first fiscal quarter are historically the weakest period for fresh pork. The impact of rising hog costs, combined with an influx of Canadian fresh pork, further pressured fresh pork margins and contributed to the disappointing results. Average unit selling prices for fresh pork and processed meats rose only about one-half as much as the increase in the cost of hogs. Fresh pork volume declined five percent compared to the same quarter a year ago.

 

Processed meats volume grew more than five percent, although at lower margins than last year’s first quarter. Hot dogs, dry and pre-cooked sausage, pre-cooked meat entrees and pre-cooked ribs volumes grew at double-digit rates.

 

 

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Beef operations continued to experience strong margins in spite of higher cattle costs. Beef demand remained at high levels in the face of record high prices. International results were below those of last year as a result of lower earnings in Canada and Poland.

 

Farmland transaction

 

On July 14, 2003, we entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with Farmland Industries, Inc. and its subsidiary, Farmland Foods, Inc. (together, “Farmland”), to acquire substantially all of the assets, and certain liabilities, of Farmland’s pork production and processing business for approximately $363.5 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments as described below and subject to certain exclusions detailed in the definitive agreement. Farmland Industries and Farmland Foods each filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Code in May 2002. Farmland Industries files periodic reports with the SEC in which it has provided information regarding the pork production and processing business of Farmland.

 

The purchase price is subject to certain adjustments, including provisions for increase or decrease, as the case may be, for the amount by which changes in Farmland’s working capital as of the closing date exceeds or is less than $161.4 million and provisions for reduction by the balance of certain industrial development bond indebtedness and capitalized leases at the closing date. In addition, we have agreed that, at Farmland’s request, we will acquire the assets of and assume the liabilities of the portion of the Farmland pension plan associated with the current and former employees of Farmland’s pork business, which pension plan is currently under-funded on a termination basis, in return for a $25 million reduction in the purchase price, which reduction will be subject to further adjustment based on the value of those transferred assets.

 

The definitive agreement contemplates that we will serve as the “stalking horse” bidder in a competitive auction process for Farmland’s pork assets, and that we may be compensated with a breakup fee of $10.0 million under certain circumstances in the event we elect not to match a qualified higher and better bid for the pork assets.

 

The transaction is subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, regulatory approvals, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the “HSR Act”), and other closing conditions. On July 23, 2003, we received from the U.S. Department of Justice a Request for Additional Information (commonly called a “Second Request”) under the HSR Act pertaining to the Farmland acquisition. We intend to respond to the Second Request in the near future.

 

We currently expect to complete the transaction during the fourth calendar quarter of 2003. However, we cannot assure you that the transaction will be completed. We are not obligated to match any higher bids that may be made for Farmland’s pork assets if a competitive auction is held, and we will not do so if we determine that matching any such bid would not be in our best interest. Moreover, we cannot assure you that all required Bankruptcy Court and regulatory approvals will be obtained or that the other closing conditions will be satisfied. In the event the transaction is not consummated because required anti-competition law approvals are not obtained or because the transaction is otherwise prohibited on anti-competition law grounds, we will forfeit $15.0 million of our $35.0 million earnest money deposit to Farmland.

 

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Other events

 

In addition to the acquisition of the assets of Farmland Foods, on August 13, 2003, we announced that we had entered into a definitive purchase agreement for the acquisition of a 90% interest in Cumberland Gap Provision Company, a privately-held processor of a full line of premium branded hickory smoked hams, sausages and other specialty processed pork products, for approximately $56 million before working capital and other closing adjustments. That company has annual sales of approximately $70.0 million.

 

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The exchange offer

 

On May 21, 2003, we completed the private offering of the senior notes. References to notes in this prospectus are references to both the senior notes and the exchange notes.

 

We entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers in the private offering in which we agreed to deliver to you this prospectus and we agreed to complete the exchange offer by December 2, 2003 or to pay an increased rate of interest on the senior notes from that date until they become freely tradeable. In the exchange offer, you are entitled to exchange your senior notes for exchange notes which are identical in all material respects to the senior notes except that:

 

•    the exchange notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1993, as amended;

 

•    the exchange notes are not entitled to registration rights under the registration rights agreement; and

 

•    certain contingent interest rate provisions are no longer applicable.

 

The exchange offer

We are offering to exchange up to $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2013 (which we refer to as the exchange notes) for a like aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 7 3/4% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2013 (which we refer to as the senior notes). Senior notes may only be exchanged in integral multiples of $1,000.

 

Resales

Based on an interpretation by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for senior notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you (unless you are an “affiliate” of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business and that you have not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes. Each participating broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for senior notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activity must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. See “Plan of distribution.”

 

Any holder of senior notes who:

 

•    is an affiliate of ours;

 

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•    does not acquire exchange notes in the ordinary course of its business; or

 

•    tenders in the exchange offer with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of participating, in a distribution of exchange notes

 

cannot rely on the position of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission enunciated in the no-action letters and, in the absence of an exemption, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with the resale of the exchange notes.

 

Expiration date; withdrawal of tenders

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 2003, or such later date and time to which we extend the expiration date. A tender of senior notes pursuant to the exchange offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration date. Any senior notes not accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned without expense to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

 

Procedures for tendering senior notes

If you wish to accept the exchange offer, you must complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, according to the instructions contained in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal. You must also mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, together with the senior notes and any other required documents, to the exchange agent at the address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal. If you hold senior notes through The Depository Trust Company, DTC, and wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must comply with the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures of DTC, by the letter of transmittal. By signing, or agreeing to be bound by, the letter of transmittal, you will represent to us that, among other things:

 

•    any exchange notes that you receive will be acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

 

•    you have no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes;

 

•    if you are a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for senior notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities, that you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in

 

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connection with exchange notes; and you are not an “affiliate” as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of ours or, if you are an affiliate, you will comply with any applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

 

Special procedures for beneficial owners

If you are a beneficial owner of senior notes that are not registered in your name, and you wish to tender your senior notes in the exchange offer, you should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct such registered holder to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender on you own behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your senior notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the senior notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder.

 

Guaranteed delivery procedures

If you wish to tender your senior notes and they are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your senior notes, the letter of transmittal or any other documents required by the letter of transmittal or comply with the applicable procedures under DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program prior to the expiration date, you must tender your senior notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in this prospectus under “The Exchange offer—Guaranteed delivery procedures.”

 

Conditions of exchange offer

The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we may waive. Please read the section captioned “The Exchange offer—Conditions to the exchange offer” of this prospectus for more information regarding the conditions to the exchange offer.

 

Effect on holders of senior notes

As a result of the making and completion of the exchange offer, we will have fulfilled covenant contained in the registration rights agreement, and accordingly, there will be no increase in the interest rate on the senior notes under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreement. If you are a holder of senior notes and you do not tender your senior notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to be entitled to all the rights and subject to all the limitations applicable to the senior notes under the indenture, except as noted above.

 

To the extent that the senior notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market for any senior notes that remain outstanding could be adversely affected.

 

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Consequences of failure to exchange

All untendered senior notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer provided for in the senior notes and in the indenture. In general, the senior notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offer, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the senior notes under the Securities Act.

 

Exchange agent

Suntrust Bank is the exchange agent for the exchange offer. The address and telephone number of the exchange agent are set forth in the section captioned “Exchange offer—Exchange agent” of this prospectus.

 

Use of proceeds

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer.

 

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Terms of the exchange notes

 

The exchange offer applies to $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes. The form and terms of the exchange notes are the same as the form and terms of the senior notes except that the exchange notes have been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, will not bear legends restricting their transfer. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the senior notes and will be entitled to the benefits of the indenture. See “Description of exchange notes.”

 

Issuer

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

 

Notes offered

$350,000 aggregate principal of 7 3/4% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2013.

 

Maturity

May 15, 2013.

 

Interest

Annual rate: 7 3/4%.

 

Interest payment dates

May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2003.

 

Change of control

Upon the occurrence of a change of control, you will have the right to require us to purchase all or a portion of your exchange notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

 

Ranking

The exchange notes will be senior unsecured obligation and will rank equally in right of payment to all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, including our existing $300 million aggregate principal amount of 8% Senior Notes due 2009 (which we refer to as the 2001 Senior Notes) and senior to our existing and future subordinated indebtedness, including our existing $182.1 million aggregate principal amount of 7 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (which we refer to as the Senior Subordinated Notes). The exchange notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future senior secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing that indebtedness.

 

As of April 27, 2003, our aggregate principal amount of indebtedness, including capital lease obligations, was approximately $1,733.0 million, of which $435.7 million was senior secured indebtedness.

 

The exchange notes will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries and will be subordinated to all of the obligations and liabilities of our subsidiaries.

 

As of April 27, 2003, the aggregate principal amount of indebtedness of our subsidiaries was approximately $245.7 million, excluding capital lease obligations and guarantees of the senior secured notes and our $900 million revolving credit facility (which we refer to as the U.S. Revolver).

 

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Summary consolidated condensed financial information

 

The following table sets forth our summary consolidated condensed historical financial data which should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in, and incorporated by reference into, this offering memorandum. The summary consolidated condensed financial data for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2001 has been derived from our financial statements audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. See “Risk Factors—Our former use of Arthur Andersen LLP as our independent auditor may pose risks to us and will limit your ability to seek potential recoveries from them related to their work.” The summary consolidated condensed financial data for the fiscal years ended April 28, 2002 and April 27, 2003 have been derived from our financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP.

 


     Fiscal year ended  

(in millions)


   April 29,
2001


    April 28,
2002


    April 27,
2003


 

Income Statement Data:

                        

Sales

   $ 5,899.9     $ 7,356.1     $ 7,904.5  

Gross profit

     830.3       963.1       701.1  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     463.0       558.0       567.9  

Interest expense

     89.0       94.3       94.0  

Gain on sale of IBP, inc. common stock

     (79.0 )     (7.0 )     —    

Income before income taxes

     357.3       317.8       39.2  

Net income (1)

     223.5       196.9       26.3  

Statements of Cash Flow Data:

                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 218.3     $ 298.6     $ 82.8  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (59.8 )     (277.3 )     (288.8 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (152.4 )     (7.7 )     199.5  

Other Data:

                        

Capital expenditures

   $ 144.1     $ 171.0     $ 180.3  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (2)

     4.4 x     3.8 x     1.2 x

Amortization expense

   $ 15.2     $ 8.1     $ 7.5  

Balance Sheet Data (end of period):

                        

Cash

   $ 56.5     $ 71.1     $ 66.0  

Working capital

     635.4       798.4       833.0  

Total debt (including capital lease obligations)

     1,261.3       1,480.0       1,733.0  

Shareholders’ equity

     1,053.1       1,362.8       1,299.2  

Operating Data:

                        

Total hogs processed

     20.6       20.1       21.0  

Processed meats sales (pounds)

     2,197.7       2,355.6       2,381.6  

Fresh beef sales (pounds)

     —         880.0       1,489.7  

Total hogs sold

     11.8       12.2       12.9  

 

(1) Fiscal 2001 net income includes gains of $48.6 million. The fiscal 2001 gains relate to the sale of IBP, inc. common stock, net of related expenses, and the sale of a plant.

 

(2) For the purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent income before taxes (excluding capitalized interest). Fixed charges include interest on indebtedness (including capitalized interest), amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and an estimate of the interest portion of fixed rent expense.

 

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Risk factors

 

In evaluating an investment in the exchange notes, prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information set forth in this prospectus:

 

Risk factors relating to the exchange notes

 

Our indebtedness exposes us to some risks and could impair our ability to operate.

 

We currently have a significant amount of outstanding indebtedness and are significantly leveraged. As of April 27, 2003, our indebtedness was $1,733.0 million. At April 27, 2003, we had unused availability under the U.S. Revolver of $248.5 million, and on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the application of the net proceeds of the senior notes and the effect of outstanding letters of credit, our availability under the U.S. Revolver would have been $593.2 million. In addition, our international credit facilities for our Canadian and Polish subsidiaries (which we collectively refer to as the International Facilities and, together with the U.S. Revolver, the Credit Facilities) provided us approximately an additional $34.2 million of availability, after giving effect to outstanding letters of credit, as of April 27, 2003. The indenture relating to the notes permits us to incur additional indebtedness, including indebtedness ranking equally with the notes, subject to some limitations. See “Capitalization” and “Description of exchange notes.”

 

The degree to which we are leveraged could have important consequences to us, including:

 

•    increased vulnerability to adverse general economic, industry and competitive conditions,

 

•    impaired ability to obtain additional financing for future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes, and

 

•    dedication of a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and future business opportunities.

 

In addition, the terms of the Credit Facilities, the Senior Secured Notes, the 2001 Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes, the notes and other debt agreements include some covenants which could limit our operating and financial flexibility. See the risk factor below “—Covenants in our various debt agreements restrict our business in many ways and failure to comply with them may result in adverse action by our lenders.” Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal or interest on, or refinance, our indebtedness depends on our future business performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control.

 

Our holding company structure may subordinate the exchange notes to the obligations of our subsidiaries.

 

Because we are a holding company that conducts our operations through our subsidiaries, our ability to meet our obligations under our indebtedness, including payment of principal and interest on the notes, depends on the earnings and cash flows of those subsidiaries and the ability of those subsidiaries to pay dividends or advance or repay funds to us. In addition, any of our rights (including the rights of the holders of the notes) to participate in the assets of any of our subsidiaries upon any liquidation or reorganization of any subsidiary will be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors (except to the extent we may ourselves be a creditor of that subsidiary), including that subsidiary’s trade creditors and our creditors who have obtained guarantees from the subsidiaries. As a result, the notes will be structurally subordinated to the obligations and liabilities of all of our subsidiaries. As of April 27, 2003, the aggregate accrued

 

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liabilities and obligations of our consolidated subsidiaries were $1,600.4 million, including guarantees in respect of the U.S. Revolver and the Senior Secured Notes.

 

If we receive an “investment grade” rating you will no longer have the benefit of many of the covenants.

 

If at any time the notes receive an “investment grade” rating from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., then, subject to additional conditions, we will no longer be subject to most of the covenants set forth in the indenture and in the indenture relating to the 2001 Senior Notes. If most of the covenants have ceased to apply to us as a result of achieving those ratings, those covenants will not be restored, even if the notes are later rated below investment grade by either or both of the rating agencies.

 

The exchange notes will be effectively subordinated to our secured debt.

 

Because the exchange notes will be unsecured, they will effectively be subordinated to secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing secured debt. In the event of a bankruptcy or similar proceeding involving us, our assets which serve as collateral will be available to satisfy the obligations under any secured debt before any payments are made on the notes. As of April 27, 2003, we had outstanding approximately $1,250.9 million of secured debt.

 

Covenants in our various debt agreements restrict our business in many ways and failure to comply with them may result in adverse action by our lenders.

 

Our various debt agreements, including the indenture, the Credit Facilities, the Senior Secured Notes, the 2001 Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes, contain covenants, including financial covenants, that require the maintenance of levels and ratios for working capital, net worth, current ratio, fixed charges, capital expenditures and, among other restrictions, limit additional borrowings, the acquisition, disposition and leasing of assets and payment of dividends to shareholders.

 

In late 2002 and April 2003, we obtained amendments to our U.S. Revolver and our Senior Secured Notes to suspend certain financial covenants and to make certain financial covenants less restrictive due to continuing unfavorable market conditions. In the absence of these amendments, we may have been in violation of certain financial covenants in the U.S. Revolver and the Senior Secured Notes. As part of the April 2003 amendment to our U.S. Revolver, we received additional commitments to increase the size of that facility from $750 million to $900 million, subject to a borrowing base limitation based on eligible domestic inventory and receivables. Prior to the release of the borrowing base limitation, we are required to have a minimum of $150 million of availability under the borrowing base to make an acquisition after giving effect to the funding of an acquisition, if the aggregate amount of acquisition expenditures during a single fiscal year exceeds $20 million. In addition, prior to the release of the borrowing base limitation, we will only be subject to a revised consolidated interest coverage financial covenant. At any time we can be released from the borrowing base limitation, at our option. When we are released, the previously suspended financial covenants will be reinstated and we will be required to maintain the original financial covenants contained in the U.S. Revolver at their original levels. The relief under our Senior Secured Notes began in the third quarter of fiscal 2003 and extends through the first quarter of fiscal 2005, referred to as the suspension period. During the suspension period, we will be subject to revised fixed charges and consolidated working capital covenants as well as other financial covenants at their original levels. As part of the amendment to the Senior Secured Notes, the consolidated funded

 

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debt to capitalization covenant and senior consolidated funded debt to capitalization covenant were made maintenance covenants. In addition, the calculation of our leverage ratio in connection with an acquisition by us has been conformed to the U.S. Revolver, and additional pro forma covenant compliance requirements must be met in order to make an acquisition. After the suspension period, we will be subject to the covenants at their original levels (except that consolidated working capital will remain at the amended higher level and consolidated funded debt to capitalization and senior consolidated funded debt to capitalization will remain maintenance covenants). In addition, the pricing structures of the U.S. Revolver and our Senior Secured Notes were revised to include interest rate adjustments based on our financial performance.

 

Should market conditions remain depressed and our operating results not recover as anticipated, we may have to request additional amendments to these covenants and restrictions and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such relief. See “Description of other indebtedness—U.S. Revolver” and “—Senior Secured Notes.” The breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a default that would permit our senior lenders, including lenders under the Credit Facilities, or the holders of the notes, the 2001 Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes or the Senior Secured Notes, as the case may be, to declare all amounts borrowed under the Credit Facilities, the notes, the 2001 Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes or the Senior Secured Notes to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, and the commitments of the relevant senior lenders to make further extensions of credit under the Credit Facilities could be terminated. If there is an acceleration of our senior debt obligations, then the holders of our Senior Subordinated Notes may also declare those debt obligations to be due and payable. If we were unable to repay our indebtedness to our senior secured lenders, these lenders could proceed against the collateral securing that indebtedness.

 

We may not be able to satisfy our obligations to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

 

Upon a change of control, we will be required to offer to purchase all of the outstanding notes, as well as the outstanding 2001 Senior Notes, Senior Subordinated Notes and Senior Secured Notes, at a price equal to 101% (100% in the case of the Senior Secured Notes) of the principal amount outstanding on the date of repurchase plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. The change of control purchase feature of the notes, the 2001 Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Senior Secured Notes may in some circumstances discourage or make more difficult a sale or takeover of us. In particular, a change of control may also cause an acceleration of, or require an offer to repurchase under the notes, the Credit Facilities, the Senior Secured Notes, the 2001 Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and some of our other indebtedness, as well as debt of our subsidiaries. See “Description of exchange notes—Change of control.” The inability to repay that indebtedness, if accelerated, and to purchase all of the tendered notes, the 2001 Senior Notes, Senior Subordinated Notes and the Senior Secured Notes would constitute an event of default under the indenture. We cannot assure you that we will have funds available to repurchase the notes, the 2001 Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Senior Secured Notes upon the occurrence of a change of control, or to repay the Credit Facilities, if accelerated. In addition, future debt we incur may limit our ability to repurchase the notes upon a change of control or require us to offer to redeem that debt upon a change of control. Moreover, the exercise by the holders of the notes of their repurchase right could cause a default under that debt, even if the change of control does not cause a default due to the financial effect on us of that purchase.

 

 

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If you do not exchange your senior notes in the exchange offer, your senior notes will continue to be subject to restrictions on transfer.

 

If you do not exchange your senior notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of your senior notes described in the legend on the certificates of those notes. The restrictions on transfer of your senior notes arise because we issued the senior notes under exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In general, you may only offer or sell the senior notes if they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or offered and sold under an exemption from these requirements. We do not plan to register the senior notes under the Securities Act.

 

If you do not exchange your senior notes in the exchange offer, then you may not be able to sell them in the secondary market.

 

The trading market for any senior notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer is likely to be significantly more limited than it is at present. Therefore, if you do not tender your senior notes in the exchange offer, then it may become more difficult for you to sell or transfer your unexchanged senior notes. This reduction in liquidity may in turn increase the volatility of the market price for the senior notes.

 

An active public market for the exchange notes may not develop.

 

The exchange notes will generally be freely transferable but will be new securities for which there will not initially be a market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for the exchange notes. We do not intend to apply for a listing of the exchange notes on any securities exchange or on any automated dealer quotation system. The exchange offer will not be conditioned upon any minimum or maximum aggregate principal amount of senior notes being tendered for exchange. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the exchange notes, or, in the case of non-exchanging holders of senior notes, the trading market for the senior notes following the exchange offer.

 

The liquidity of, and trading market for, the exchange notes also may be adversely affected by general declines in the market for similar securities. Such a decline may adversely affect such liquidity and trading markets independent of the financial performance of, and prospects for, the Company.

 

Risk factors relating to our business

 

Fluctuations in hog and cattle commodity prices could adversely affect our business.

 

The supply and market price of live hogs and cattle to be processed is dependent upon a variety of factors over which we have little or no control, including:

 

•    fluctuations in the size of herds maintained by North American hog and cattle suppliers,

 

•    environmental and conservation regulations,

 

•    economic conditions,

 

•    the relative cost of feed for hogs and cattle,

 

•    import and export restrictions,

 

•    weather,

 

•    livestock diseases, and

 

•    other factors.

 

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Severe price swings in grain and livestock prices will impact our operating margins, and have at times had, and may in the future have, material adverse effects on our results of operations. Recently, prices of live hogs have remained depressed longer than expected, which has adversely affected the results of the hog production group and consequently our results of operations. Periods of high demand and increasing operating margins tend to result in increased production until supply exceeds demand, followed by periods of declining prices and declining capacity utilization until the cycle is repeated. We cannot assure you that all or part of any increased costs experienced by us from time to time can be passed along to consumers of our products directly or in a timely manner.

 

Our results of operations are cyclical.

 

Our results of operations and financial condition are largely dependent upon the cost and supply of hogs, cattle, feed ingredients and the selling price of our products and competing protein products, all of which are determined by constantly changing market forces of supply and demand as well as other factors over which we have little or no control. These other factors include fluctuations in the size of North American hog and cattle herds, environmental and conservation regulations, import and export restrictions, economic conditions, weather and livestock diseases.

 

Additionally, commodity pork prices demonstrate a cyclical nature over periods of years, reflecting changes in the supply of fresh pork and competing proteins on the market, especially fish and chicken. For example, the Russian import ban on poultry products during fiscal 2003 resulted in an increased supply of poultry in the domestic protein market, resulting in a decline in fresh pork prices. This decline in fresh pork prices occurred in the same environment as falling hog prices, affecting our results of operations in both meat processing and hog production. Furthermore, some structural factors accentuate this cyclicality, including the substantial capital investment and high fixed costs required to manufacture pork and beef products efficiently and the significant exit costs associated with capacity reductions.

 

Any perceived or real health risks related to the food industry could adversely affect our ability to sell our products.

 

The food products manufacturing industry is subject to the risks posed by:

 

•    food spoilage or food contamination,

 

•    evolving consumer preferences and nutritional and health-related concerns,

 

•    federal, state and local food processing controls,

 

•    consumer product liability claims,

 

•    product tampering, and

 

•    the possible unavailability and expense of liability insurance.

 

Our manufacturing facilities and products are subject to constant federal inspection and extensive regulation in the food safety area. We have systems in place to monitor food safety risks throughout all stages of the manufacturing process (including the production of raw materials in the hog production group). However, we cannot assure you that compliance with procedures and regulations will necessarily mitigate the risk related to food safety nor that the impact of a product contamination will not have material adverse effect on our business.

 

 

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Health risk to livestock could adversely affect production, the supply of raw materials and our business.

 

We are subject to risks relating to our ability to maintain animal health status in the hog production group. Livestock health problems could adversely impact production, supply of raw material to our pork, beef and international segments and consumer confidence.

 

In addition, we are subject to risks relating to our ability to maintain animal health and control diseases. If our livestock is affected by disease, we may be required to destroy infected livestock, which could adversely affect our production or our ability to sell or export our products. Adverse publicity concerning any disease or health concern could also cause customers to lose confidence in the safety and quality of our food products, particularly as we expand our branded pork products. Although there have been no reported cases of either foot and mouth disease or mad cow disease in the United States, there have been adverse effects in the livestock industries of Canada, Europe and South America. While we take preventative measures to avoid risks relating to livestock diseases, we cannot assure you that livestock diseases will not affect our business.

 

Governmental authorities may take action prohibiting meat packers from owning livestock which could adversely affect our business.

 

Recently Congress considered legislation that would have prohibited meat packers from owning livestock except under limited circumstances. This legislation did not pass, but we cannot assure you that similar legislation affecting our operations will not be adopted at the federal level in the future. Such legislation, if adopted, could have a materially adverse impact on our operations and our financial statements. We have and will continue to aggressively challenge any such legislation.

 

In addition, some states have enacted legislation relating to the ownership and operations of farming, including hog production and meat processing. In 2000 and again in 2002, an Iowa statute was amended to, among other things, prohibit meat processors from directly or indirectly contracting to raise hogs in Iowa and from providing financing to Iowa hog producers. We filed an action in federal court seeking to have that legislation declared unconstitutional and prevailed. The State of Iowa has appealed that decision. In an effort to address the constitutionality of the statute, the Iowa state legislature recently amended it again. We cannot assure you that the decision on the constitutionality of this statute will not be reversed on appeal or that the statute will not be further amended by the Iowa state legislature or that similar statutes will not be enacted by any other state legislatures. If the statute is upheld on appeal, we believe that the most recent amendment provides that we have until June 30, 2006 to comply with it. Such legislation and the possible application of legislation may have a material adverse impact on our operations, which are substantially integrated.

 

Our acquisition strategy may prove to be disruptive and divert management resources.

 

We have made numerous acquisitions in recent years, and as part of our business strategy, we review and seek new acquisitions in the ordinary course, such as the proposed acquisition of the pork processing and production assets of Farmland. Acquisitions involve a number of risks and present financial, managerial and operational challenges, including:

 

•    diversion of management attention from existing businesses,

 

•    difficulty with integration of personnel and financial and other systems,

 

•    increased expenses, including compensation expenses resulting from newly hired employees,

 

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•    assumption of unknown liabilities, and

 

•    potential disputes with the sellers of acquired businesses, technologies, services or products.

 

We could also experience financial or other setbacks if any of the businesses that we have acquired or may acquire in the future have problems of which we are not aware. We regularly engage in discussions with respect to potential acquisitions and joint ventures, some of which may be material.

 

We are dependent on certain customers, the loss of which could adversely affect us.

 

Some customers are material to our business and operations. Our ten largest customers represented approximately 24% of net sales for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2003. We do not have long-term purchase agreements (other than to third-party hog customers) or other contractual assurance as to future sales to these major customers. In addition, continued consolidation within the retail industry has resulted in an increasingly concentrated retail base. To the extent this consolidation continues to occur, our net sales and profitability may be increasingly sensitive to a deterioration in the financial condition of or other adverse developments in our relationship with one or more customers. In addition, as a result of consolidation in the retail food industry, and the entry of mass merchants such as Wal-Mart into that market, our customers are able to exert increasing pressure on us with respect to pricing, product quality and new product introductions.

 

Government regulation could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

Our operations are subject to extensive regulation by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture and other federal, state and local authorities regarding the processing, packaging, storage, distribution, advertising and labeling of our products, including food safety standards. Our manufacturing facilities and products are subject to constant inspection by federal, state and local authorities. We believe that we are currently in compliance with all material governmental laws and regulations and maintain all material permits and licenses relating to our operations. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that we are in compliance with these laws and regulations or that we will be able to comply with any future laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on us. See “Business—Regulation.”

 

Environmental regulation and related litigation could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

Our past and present business operations and our past and present ownership and operation of real property are subject to extensive and increasingly stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment and the handling and disposition of wastes (including solid and hazardous wastes) or otherwise relating to protection of the environment. Failure to comply can have serious consequences for us, such as criminal as well as civil penalties, liability for damages, and negative publicity. Many requirements applicable to us may be enforced by citizen groups as well as governmental authorities. Compliance with these laws and regulations and future changes to them is material to our business. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with these laws and regulations. We cannot assure you that additional environmental issues will not require currently unanticipated investigation, assessment or expenditures, or that requirements applicable to us will not be altered in ways that will require

 

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us to incur significant additional costs. In addition, some of our facilities have been in operation for many years and, over this time, we and prior operators of these facilities have generated and disposed of wastes which are or may be considered hazardous. Discovery of previously unknown contamination of property underlying or in the vicinity of our present or former properties, manufacturing facilities or waste disposal sites, or the adoption of new regulations addressing air emissions from farm operations, could require us to incur material unforeseen expenses. Occurrences of any of these events may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. For a description of significant environmental litigation and investigations involving us, see “Business—Environmental stewardship,” “—Regulation” and “—Litigation.”

 

We are subject to risks associated with our international sales and operations.

 

International sales accounted for approximately 16% of our sales for the year ended April 27, 2003. International sales are subject to risks related to general economic conditions, imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other restrictions, enforcement of remedies in foreign jurisdictions and compliance with applicable foreign laws, and other economic and political uncertainties. Furthermore, we conduct foreign operations in Canada, France and Poland, with these foreign operations being subject to the risks described above as well as risks related to fluctuations in currency values, translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, foreign currency exchange controls, compliance with foreign laws and other economic or political uncertainties. In addition, we are engaged in joint ventures in Mexico, Brazil and China. Our investment in these joint ventures are also subject to these risks. As of April 27, 2003, approximately 21% of our long-lived assets were associated with our foreign operations.

 

Our former use of Arthur Andersen LLP as our independent auditor may pose risks to us and will limit your ability to seek potential recoveries from them related to their work.

 

On May 3, 2002, we dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP, or Andersen, our former independent auditor, and appointed Ernst & Young LLP to succeed Andersen as our independent auditors. On June 15, 2002, Andersen was convicted on a federal obstruction of justice charge. Our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2001 included elsewhere in and incorporated by reference into this prospectus were audited by Andersen. While Andersen has previously consented to the inclusion of its audit report for such period in our reports filed with the SEC, Andersen is no longer able to reissue a consent to including or incorporating by reference its audit reports relating to such financial statements in our filings with the SEC as may be required under SEC rules. The SEC has provided certain regulatory relief designed to allow companies that file reports with the SEC to dispense with the requirement of filing a consent of Andersen in certain circumstances. Notwithstanding the SEC’s regulatory relief, an investor’s ability to seek potential recoveries from Andersen related to any claims that an investor may assert as a result of the work performed by Andersen may be limited significantly by the lack of such consent and the diminished amount of assets of Andersen that are or may be available to satisfy any such claims.

 

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Use of proceeds

 

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer. Any senior notes that are properly tendered and exchanged pursuant to the exchange offer will be retired and cancelled. We used the net proceeds from the issuance of the senior notes, after deducting underwriting discounts, fees and expenses, to repay indebtedness under our U.S. Revolver. At April 27, 2003, this revolving credit facility bore interest at 3.25%. The repayment of amounts under this revolving credit facility did not reduce the lenders’ commitments under it. We expect to use the availability under this facility, together with internal funds, for additional capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, including expansion of our processed meats business and strategic acquisitions.

 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

 

The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the last five fiscal years.

 


     Fiscal Year Ended  


   April 27,
2003


    April 28,
2002


    April 29,
2001


    April 30,
2000


    May 2,
1999


 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   1.2 x   3.8 x   4.4 x   2.4 x   3.8 x

 

For the purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent income before taxes (excluding capitalized interest). Fixed charges include interest on indebtedness (including capitalized interest), amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and an estimate of the interest portion of fixed rent expense.

 

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Capitalization

 

The following table sets forth (i) our actual capitalization as of April 27, 2003, and (ii) our capitalization as adjusted to give effect to the offering of the senior notes and the application of the proceeds of such offering as described under “Use of proceeds.” This table should be read in conjunction with “Summary consolidated condensed financial information,” “Selected historical consolidated financial data,” “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and the consolidated financial statements and unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in, and incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.

 


    

As of April 27,

2003


(in millions)


   Actual

  

As

adjusted


Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 66.0    $ 66.0
    

  

U.S. Revolver (1)

     560.0      215.2

International Facilities (2)

     29.2      29.2

Notes payable

     18.9      18.9

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations:

             

Senior Secured Notes

     435.7      435.7

Other subsidiary debt obligations

     197.6      197.6

8% Senior Notes due 2009

     300.0      300.0

Notes offered hereby

     —        350.0

7 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008

     182.1      182.1

Capital lease obligations

     9.5      9.5
    

  

Total debt (including capital lease obligations)

     1,733.0      1,738.2

Less current portion of long-term debt, notes payable and capital lease obligations

     133.8      133.8

Total long-term debt (including capital lease obligations)

     1,599.2      1,604.4

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,299.3      1,299.3

Total capitalization

     3,032.3      3,037.5

 

(1)    The U.S. Revolver is a $900.0 million revolving credit facility maturing on December 6, 2006. The commitments under the U.S. Revolver are subject to a borrowing base limitation based on eligible domestic inventory and receivables. As of April 27, 2003, after giving effect to the offering of the senior notes and the application of the net proceeds of that offering, we would have had outstanding borrowings of $283.7 million and availability of $593.2 million under the U.S. Revolver (after giving effect to $68.5 million of outstanding letters of credit). The amount outstanding under the U.S. Revolver fluctuates throughout the year depending on our working capital needs.

 

(2)    Our consolidated Canadian operations maintain credit facilities of $38.5 million U.S. equivalent maturing on various dates through October 2003, and our consolidated Polish operations maintain a $30.0 million U.S. equivalent credit facility maturing in June 2006. As of April 27, 2003, we had outstanding borrowings of approximately $12.6 million U.S. equivalent under the Canadian credit facilities and approximately $25.3 million U.S. equivalent under the under Polish credit facility.

 

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Selected historical consolidated financial data

 

The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial data and other data which should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in, and incorporated by reference into, this prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data for the fiscal years ended May 2, 1999, April 30, 2000 and April 29, 2001 have been derived from our financial statements which have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. See “Risk factor—Our former use of Arthur Andersen LLP as our independent auditor may pose risks to us and will limit your ability to seek potential recoveries from them related to their work.” The selected consolidated financial data for the fiscal years ended April 28, 2002 and April 27, 2003 have been derived from our financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP.

 


     Fiscal year ended  

(in millions)


   May 2,
1999


    April 30,
2000


    April 29,
2001


    April 28,
2002


    April 27,
2003


 

Income Statement Data:

                                        

Sales

   $ 3,775.0     $ 5,150.5     $ 5,899.9     $ 7,356.1     $ 7,904.5  

Cost of Sales

     3,291.7       4,557.7       5,069.6       6,393.0       7,203.4  
    


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

     483.3       592.8       830.3       963.1       701.1  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     299.3       400.8       463.0       558.0       567.9  

Interest expense

     40.5       71.9       89.0       94.3       94.0  

Gain on sale of IBP, inc. common stock

     —         —         (79.0 )     (7.0 )     —    

Income before income taxes

     143.5       120.1       357.3       317.8       39.2  

Income taxes

     48.6       45.0       133.8       120.9       12.9  
    


 


 


 


 


Net income

     94.9       75.1       223.5       196.9       26.3  
    


 


 


 


 


Other Data:

                                        

Capital expenditures

   $ 95.4     $ 100.4     $ 144.1     $ 171.0     $ 180.3  

Statement of Cash Flows Data:

                                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 123.4     $ 125.2     $ 218.3     $ 298.6     $ 82.8  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (261.9 )     (192.3 )     (59.8 )     (277.3 )     288.3  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     108.5       87.0       (152.4 )     (7.7 )     199.5  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (2)

     3.8 x     2.4 x     4.4 x     3.8 x     1.2 x

Amortization expense

   $ 5.0     $ 9.1     $ 15.2     $ 8.1     $ 7.5  

Balance Sheet Data (end of period):

                                        

Working capital

   $ 215.9     $ 609.9     $ 635.4     $ 798.5     $ 833.0  

Total assets

     1,771.6       3,129.6       3,250.9       3,872.7       4,210.6  

Total debt (including capital lease obligations)

     684.0       1,301.2       1,261.3       1,480.0       1,733.0  

Shareholders’ equity

     542.2       902.9       1,053.1       1,362.8       1,299.2  

Operating Data:

                                        

Total hogs processed

     19.2       20.4       20.6       20.1       21.0  

Processed meats sales (pounds)

     1,606.0       2,192.1       2,197.7       2,356.6       2,381.6  

Fresh beef sales (pounds)

     —         —         —         880.0       1,489.7  

Total hogs sold

     2.0       7.5       11.8       12.2       12.9  

 

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Notes to selected historical consolidated financial data

 

(1)  Fiscal 2001 net income includes gains of $48.6 million. The fiscal 2001 gains relate to the sale of IBP, inc. common stock, net of related expenses, and the sale of a plant.

 

(2)  For the purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent income before taxes (excluding capitalized interest) Fixed charges include interest on indebtedness (including capitalized interest), amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and an estimate of the interest portion of fixed rent expense.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

 

This discussion of management’s views on our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Smithfield Foods, Inc. and subsidiaries are composed of four segments: pork, beef, international and the hog production group. The pork segment consists primarily of seven wholly or majority owned U.S. fresh pork and processed meats subsidiaries. The beef segment is composed of primarily two U.S. beef processing subsidiaries and the international segment consists primarily of four meat processing subsidiaries in Canada, Poland and France. The hog production group consists primarily of hog production operations located in the U.S. and Poland. The pork, international and hog production group segments have certain joint ventures and other investments in addition to their primary operations.

 

The pork segment includes our operations that process, package, market and distribute fresh pork and processed meats to retail, foodservice and export channels. Similarly, the beef segment operations process, package, market and distribute beef products to the same channels. Our international reporting segment includes our meat processing operations outside the U.S. and produces a wide variety of fresh and processed meats for retail, foodservice and export channels. The hog production group segment supplies raw materials (live hogs) primarily to the pork segment and, to a lesser degree, the international segment, as well as to other outside operations.

 

We changed our reporting segments in fiscal 2003 to separately report the meat processing operations, as discussed above. Previously, our segments were meat processing group and hog production group. We have reclassified the segment information for fiscal 2002 and 2001 to conform to fiscal 2003 presentation.

 

Results of operations

 

Acquisitions

 

The following acquisitions affect the comparability of the results of operations for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 

In November of fiscal 2003, we acquired Vall, Inc. for $60.7 million in cash plus assumed liabilities. Prior to the acquisition, Vall produced approximately 350,000 market hogs annually.

 

In June of fiscal 2003, we acquired an 80% interest in Stefano Foods, Inc., a marketer of Italian convenience foods, for $35.8 million in cash plus assumed debt and other liabilities. Prior to the acquisition, Stefano’s had annual sales of approximately $22 million.

 

In October of fiscal 2002, we acquired Packerland Holdings, Inc. and our affiliated companies for 6.3 million shares of our common stock plus assumed debt and other liabilities. In June of fiscal 2002, we acquired Moyer Packing Company for $90.5 million in cash and assumed debt. Packerland and Moyer constitute our beef segment. Prior to the acquisition, Packerland and Moyer had combined annual sales of approximately $2 billion.

 

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Table of Contents

 

In September of fiscal 2002, we acquired the remaining common shares of Schneider Corporation for 2.8 million shares of our common stock. Prior to this transaction, we owned approximately 63% of the outstanding shares of Schneider.

 

In July of fiscal 2002, we acquired substantially all of the assets and business of Gorges/Quik-to-Fix Foods, Inc., a producer, marketer and distributor of value-added meat products, for $31.0 million in cash. Prior to the acquisition, Gorges/Quik-to-Fix had annual sales of approximately $140 million.

 

In our third quarter of fiscal 2001, Schneider increased our investment in Saskatchewan-based Mitchell’s Gourmet Foods Inc., a value-added pork processor, to 54%, requiring us to consolidate Mitchell’s accounts and to discontinue using the equity method of accounting for Mitchell’s. For the fiscal year ended October 2000, Mitchell’s had annual sales of approximately $190 million.

 

Consolidated

 

We reclassified fiscal 2002 and 2001 depreciation expense, which was previously stated as a separate line item on the consolidated statements of income, into either cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses. The consolidated results of operations discussion reflects this reclassification.

 

Fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002

 

Sales increased $548.4 million, or 7%, reflecting $927.9 million of incremental sales of businesses acquired in fiscal 2003 and 2002, partially offset by a 10% decrease in unit selling prices in the pork segment. The unit selling price decrease is primarily the result of the impact of sharply lower live hog prices on fresh pork prices. See the following sections for comments on sales changes by reporting segment.

 

Gross profit decreased $262.0 million, or 27%, primarily the result of sharply lower margins in the hog production group on a 21% decrease in live hog market prices, higher raising costs in the hog production group and a weak operating environment for fresh pork due to an increased supply of protein in the U.S. market. These declines were partially offset by the inclusion of $75.8 million of gross profit of acquired businesses, higher processed meats margins in the pork segment and improved results in the international segment. Gross margin percentage decreased to 9% from 13% due primarily to substantially lower margins in the hog production group and the results of the beef segment entities acquired in fiscal 2002. The beef operations are primarily non-branded, fresh meat businesses with accompanying lower margins.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $9.9 million, or 2%. This increase was primarily due to the inclusion of selling, general and administrative expenses of acquired businesses, partially offset by lower variable operating expenses, including advertising and promotion, and a $4.7 million insurance settlement. Prior year results reflect a $5.0 million loss incurred as a result of a fire at a Circle Four farm in Utah.

 

Interest expense decreased $0.3 million. The decrease is due to a decrease in the average interest rates on our revolving credit facility and other variable rate debt offset by the inclusion of $7.2 million of interest expense of acquired businesses and additional borrowings associated with the acquisitions.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The effective income tax rate decreased to 33% as compared to 38% in the prior year primarily the result of a significantly greater impact of tax credits on sharply lower earnings and the elimination of non-tax affected losses in foreign jurisdictions. We had a valuation allowance of $30.0 million and $28.8 million related to income tax assets as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, respectively, primarily related to losses in foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit was recognized.

 

Net income and net income per diluted share for fiscal 2003 and 2002, as well as certain items included in net income, are presented below.

 


     2003     2002  

(in millions, except per share data)


   Net
income


    Per
diluted
share


    Net
income


    Per
diluted
share


 

Net income, as reported:

   $ 26.3     $ .24     $ 196.9     $ 1.78  

Items included in net income (net of tax):

                                

Insurance settlement

     3.1       .03       —         —    

Litigation settlement and other charges

     (2.3 )     (.02 )     —         —    

Gain on sale of IBP, inc. common stock

     —         —         4.2       .04  

Fire loss at a hog farm

     —         —         (3.0 )     (.03 )
    


 


 


 


Total items included in net income

   $ 0.8     $ .01     $ 1.2     $ .01  
    


 


 


 


 

Earnings per diluted share, as shown in the preceding table, was also affected by the issuance of shares in connection with the acquisition of Packerland and the purchase of Schneider’s remaining shares in fiscal 2002 and the retirement of shares under our share repurchase program in fiscal 2003 and 2002.

 

Fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001

 

Sales increased $1.5 billion, or 25%, reflecting $1.3 billion of incremental sales of businesses acquired in fiscal 2002 and 2001 and a combined 4% increase in unit selling prices in the pork and international segments. See the following sections for comments on sales changes by reporting segment.

 

Gross profit increased $132.8 million, or 16%, primarily the result of higher margins in the pork segment, the inclusion of $54.8 million of gross profit of acquired businesses and slightly lower raising costs in the hog production group. Higher pork segment margins are the result of product mix in processed meats, a favorable operating environment for fresh pork and a strong emphasis on branded and value-added fresh pork categories. Gross profit percentage decreased to 13% from 14% primarily due to the acquisitions of beef operations. The beef operations are primarily non-branded, fresh meat businesses with accompanying lower margins. Excluding the beef operations, fiscal 2002 gross profit percentage increased to 15% on improved product mix and margins in processed meats.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $95.0 million, or 21%. This increase was primarily due to the inclusion of $51.4 million in expenses of acquired businesses, increased advertising and promotion of branded fresh and processed meats and a $5.0 million loss incurred as a result of a fire at a Circle Four farm in Utah. These increases were partially offset by the elimination of goodwill amortization from the adoption of the Statement of Financial

 

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Table of Contents

 

Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS 142) in fiscal 2002. Had SFAS 142 been effective in fiscal 2001, selling, general and administrative expenses would have been reduced by $8.8 million.

 

Interest expense increased $5.3 million, or 6%, primarily due to the inclusion of the debt of acquired businesses and additional borrowings associated with the acquisitions and our share repurchase program, partially offset by a decrease in the average interest rates on the revolving credit facility and other variable rate debt.

 

The effective income tax rate increased to 38% in fiscal 2002 as compared to 37% in fiscal 2001. The increase was due to the increase in the valuation allowances at foreign operations. We had a valuation allowance of $28.8 million and $20.2 million related to income tax assets as of April 28, 2002 and April 29, 2001, respectively, primarily the result of losses in foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit was recognized.

 

Net income and net income per diluted share for fiscal 2002 and 2001, as well as certain items included in net income, are presented below.

 


     2002     2001  

(in millions, except per share data)


   Net
income


    Per
diluted
share


    Net
income


    Per
diluted
share


 

Net income, as reported:

   $ 196.9     $ 1.78     $ 223.5     $ 2.03  

Items included in net income (net of tax):

                                

Gain on sale of IBP, Inc. common stock

     4.2       .04       45.2       .41  

Fire loss at a hog farm

     (3.0 )     (.03 )     —         —    

Sale of Canadian plant

     —         —         3.4       .03  

Goodwill amortization

     —         —         (8.8 )     (.08 )
    


 


 


 


Total items included in net income

   $ 1.2     $ .01     $ 39.8     $ .36  
    


 


 


 


 

Earnings per diluted share, as shown in the preceding table, was also affected by the issuance of shares in connection with the acquisition of Packerland and the purchase of Schneider’s remaining shares in fiscal 2002 and the retirement of shares under our share repurchase program in fiscal 2002 and 2001.

 

Segment results

 

Our results in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 are discussed by segment below. See also Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on the segments, including a reconciliation of segment results to consolidated results.

 

Pork segment results

 


(in millions)    2003    2002    %
Change
    2001    %
Change
 

Sales

   $ 4,286.0    $ 4,540.3    (6 )%   $ 4,325.1    5 %

Operating profit

     184.6      163.8    13 %     116.8    40 %

 

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Table of Contents

 

Fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002

 

Pork sales decreased $254.3 million, or 6%, due to a 10% decrease in average unit selling prices of pork products, partially offset by an 8% increase in processed meats and a 2% increase in fresh pork sales volumes. In addition to lower live hog pricing, fresh pork sales prices were negatively affected by an increased supply of protein in the U.S. market, related to unfavorable export market conditions. Sales volumes increased 2% for fresh pork and 6% for processed meats in the base business, which excludes volumes for Stefano’s and Quik-to-Fix.

 

Operating profit in the pork segment increased $20.8 million primarily due to higher margins and volumes in processed meats. These increases were partially offset by lower margins for fresh pork as a result of the unfavorable market conditions referred to previously. Increased processed meats margins reflected improved product mix and lower raw material costs. Fresh pork margin decreases were partially offset by our continued emphasis on branded and value-added fresh pork categories. Margins were also impacted by lower advertising and promotion costs.

 

Fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001

 

Pork sales increased $215.2 million, or 5%, due to a 3% increase in average unit selling prices of pork products and a 2% increase in fresh and processed meats sales volume. The increase in average unit selling prices is attributable to a more favorable product mix in processed meats, a strong emphasis on branded and value-added fresh pork categories and price increases to offset higher raw material prices. Excluding acquired businesses, fresh pork volumes increased 2% while processed meats volumes remained relatively flat.

 

Operating profit in the pork segment increased $47.0 million due to higher margins in both fresh and processed meats, partially offset by increased advertising and promotional costs. Fresh pork margins increased as we continued our emphasis on the branded, value-added fresh pork categories. Increased processed meats margins reflected higher pricing and improved product mix.

 

Beef segment results

 


(in millions)    2003    2002    %
Change
    2001    %
Change

Sales

   $ 2,165.2    $ 1,286.1    68 %   $ —      —  

Operating profit

     77.4      10.0    674 %     —      —  

 

Fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002

 

Beef sales increased $879.1 million, or 68%, reflecting a full year of sales of the beef processing operations acquired in fiscal 2002. Average unit selling prices increased 3% reflecting stronger demand for higher quality choice cuts of beef and improved markets for hides and rendered byproducts.

 

Operating profit increased $67.4 million due to the inclusion of a full year of the beef operations and higher margins. Increased beef margins reflected higher pricing for choice cuts, hides and rendered byproducts as well as a slight decrease in the cost of live cattle.

 

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International segment results

 


(in millions)    2003    2002    %
Change
    2001    %
Change
 

Sales

   $ 1,304.6    $ 1,254.5    4 %   $ 1,286.2    (2 )%

Operating profit

     38.7      24.2    60 %     18.4    32 %

 

Fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002

 

International sales increased $50.1 million, or 4%, on a 4% increase in sales volume while pricing remained relatively flat.

 

International operating profit increased $14.5 million, due to sharply higher margins in processed meats due to improved product mix and lower raw material costs. Fresh meat margins decreased slightly as a result of unfavorable market conditions. Our Polish subsidiary, Animex Sp. z o.o., with a new management team, experienced its first profitable year since acquisition and Schneider recorded strong results versus the prior year.

 

Fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001

 

International results were affected by the sale of a fresh meat plant in Canada in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 and the consolidation of Mitchell’s in the third quarter of fiscal 2001. International sales decreased $31.7 million, or 2%, due to a 41% decrease in fresh meat sales volumes primarily from the sale of the Canadian plant, partially offset by an 11% increase in average unit selling prices and an 11% increase in processed meats sales volume.

 

The increase in average unit selling prices is attributable to a more favorable product mix in processed meats and price increases to offset higher raw material prices. In the base business, fresh meat volumes increased 5% and processed meats volumes increased 3%.

 

International operating profit increased $5.8 million due to higher processed meats margins, partially offset by a $5.1 million gain on the sale of a plant in Canada in fiscal 2001. Increased processed meats margins reflected higher pricing and improved product mix.

 

Hog production group segment results

 


(in millions)    2003     2002    %
Change
     2001    %
Change
 

Sales

   $ 1,059.8     $ 1,265.3    (16 )%    $ 1,225.8    3 %

Operating profit

     (108.4 )     266.6    (141 )%      281.3    (5 )%

 

Fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002

 

The hog production group sales decreased $205.5 million, or 16%, due to a substantial decrease in live hog market prices. The hog production group had sales of $841.9 million, at current market prices, to the pork and international segments, which are eliminated in our consolidated statements of income.

 

Operating profit in the hog production group decreased $375.0 million due to the decrease in live hog market prices and higher raising costs from increased feed costs in fiscal 2003. The hog production group operations reflected cost reductions from production efficiencies resulting from the fiscal 2002 consolidation of our production operations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001

 

The hog production group sales increased $39.5 million, or 3%, due to a small increase in head sold offset by a slight decrease in live hog prices. The hog production group had sales of $956.2 million, at current market prices, to the pork and international segments, which are eliminated in our consolidated statements of income.

 

Operating profit in the hog production group decreased $14.7 million due to a 2% decrease in live hog prices and a $5.0 million loss incurred as a result of a fire at a Circle Four farm in Utah, partially offset by the impact of favorable commodity hedging contracts and lower raising costs.

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

The meat processing industry is characterized by high sales volume and rapid turnover of inventories and accounts receivable. Because of the rapid turnover rate, we consider our meat inventories and accounts receivable highly liquid and readily convertible into cash. The hog production group also has rapid turnover of accounts receivable. Inventory turnover in the hog production group is slower; however, mature hogs are readily convertible into cash. Borrowings under our credit facilities are used to finance increases in the levels of inventories and accounts receivable resulting from seasonal and other market-related fluctuations in raw material costs.

 

Cash provided by operations decreased to $82.8 million in fiscal 2003 from $298.6 million in fiscal 2002. This decrease was primarily attributed to lower earnings in the current year. Changes in operating assets and liabilities used $98.1 million of cash in fiscal 2003 compared to $43.9 million of cash in fiscal 2002 due to increased working capital investments in the current year.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $288.8 million in fiscal 2003 compared to $277.3 million in fiscal 2002. During fiscal 2003, we invested $110.4 million in business acquisitions, primarily related to the acquisitions of Vall and Stefano’s, as compared to $167.0 million in the prior year, primarily related to the acquisitions of Moyer and Quik-to-Fix. We also sold our remaining investment in IBP common stock during fiscal 2002, generating $58.6 million in cash. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2003 totaled $180.3 million, primarily related to fresh pork and processed meats expansion, plant improvement projects and additional hog production facilities. As of April 27, 2003, we had definitive commitments of $127.8 million for capital expenditures primarily for processed meats expansion and production efficiency projects. We expect to fund these capital expenditures with cash flow from operations and borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

 

Our financing activities in fiscal 2003 provided $199.5 million in cash compared to $7.7 million of cash used by financing activities in fiscal 2002. We increased our borrowings under our primary revolving credit facility (the facility) $301.0 million to fund investment activity and to make principal repayments on long-term debt and repurchase 0.9 million shares of our common stock. As of June 27, 2003, 16.8 million shares of our common stock had been repurchased under an 18.0 million-share repurchase program. In fiscal 2002, we issued $300.0 million of eight-year, 8.0% senior unsecured notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay indebtedness under our revolving credit facility. This repayment was offset by borrowings under our revolving credit facility to fund investment activity and to repurchase shares of our common stock. Also, in fiscal 2002, our Polish subsidiary, Animex, and Schneider entered into new long-term debt arrangements. These proceeds were used to repay existing indebtedness.

 

Our various debt agreements contain financial covenants that require the maintenance of certain levels and ratios for working capital, net worth, current ratio, fixed charges, capital

 

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Table of Contents

 

expenditures and, among other restrictions, limit additional borrowings, the acquisition, disposition and leasing of assets, and payments of dividends to shareholders. In the last half of fiscal 2003, we, on two occasions, obtained amendments to the facility and certain of its senior secured notes to suspend certain financial covenants, to make certain financial covenants less restrictive and to provide additional financial flexibility due to the unfavorable market conditions that affected us during fiscal 2003.

 

The covenants in the facility were amended to suspend the leverage ratio, and reduce the interest coverage ratio, impose a borrowing base limitation and require certain minimum liquidity levels when we are acquiring other businesses. We have the right to elect out of the borrowing requirements in which case the suspended and reduced covenants will be reinstated. The covenants in our senior secured notes were amended to suspend certain leverage ratios through July 2005, potentially increase interest charges during this suspension period, reduce the fixed charge coverage ratio, increase the minimum working capital requirement, establish maintenance of debt to total capitalization ratios and require certain minimum liquidity levels when we are acquiring other businesses. Beginning in August 2005, we will be required to maintain certain financial covenants at their original levels (fixed charges coverage, as defined, of greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1; consolidated funded debt to EBITDA, as defined, of less than or equal to 4.00 to 1; and consolidated senior funded debt to EBITDA, as defined, of less than or equal to 3.20 to 1).

 

As part of the amendment to the facility, we received additional commitments to increase the size of the facility from $750.0 million to $900.0 million, subject to the borrowing base limitation based on eligible domestic inventory and receivables. The facility bears interest, at our option, at variable rates based on margins over the federal funds rate or LIBOR. The applicable interest margin for our borrowings may be increased or decreased based upon our leverage ratio, as defined in the facility. At April 27, 2003, we had unused availability of $248.5 million under the facility.

 

As of April 27, 2003, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. If market conditions remain depressed and our operating results do not recover as anticipated, we may have to request additional relief from these financial covenants and there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain such relief. Management believes that the amended loan covenants will not limit our access to capital markets and that through internally generated funds and access to global capital markets, funds are available to adequately meet our current and future operating and capital needs.

 

In May of fiscal 2004, we issued $350.0 million of ten-year, 7.75% senior unsecured notes. Net proceeds of the sale of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under the facility. Thereafter, we expect to use availability under the facility, together with internally generated funds, for capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, including expansion of our processed meats business and strategic acquisitions. As of April 27, 2003, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the application of the net proceeds of these notes and the effect of outstanding letters of credit, our availability under the facility would have been $593.2 million.

 

In June of fiscal 2004, we filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register sales of up to $750.0 million of our debt, stock and other securities from time to time. Net proceeds to us from the possible sale of these securities would be used for general corporate purposes, including an expansion of our processed meats business and strategic acquisitions.

 

 

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In July of fiscal 2004, we entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with Farmland Industries, Inc. See “Summary—The Company—Recent developments”).

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments.    The following table provides information about our contractual obligations as of April 27, 2003:

 


     Payments due by fiscal year

(in millions)


   2004

   2005

   2006

   2007

   2008

  

After

2008


Long-term debt

   $ 112.4    $ 81.2    $ 72.0    $ 748.1    $ 219.5    $ 471.4

Capital lease obligations, including interest

     3.3      3.5      2.0      0.7      0.7      0.9

Operating leases

     38.1      30.0      24.9      23.7      15.2      28.8

Capital expenditure commitments

     127.8      —        —        —        —        —  

Purchase obligations:

                                         

Hog procurement (1)

     399.9      317.9      317.9      317.9      317.9      —  

Cattle procurement (2)

     295.8      13.3      —        —        —        —  

Contract hog growers (3)

     207.2      88.6      88.6      60.7      60.7      29.2

Other (4)

     169.8      31.5      7.9      3.2      2.5      8.6
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total

     1,354.3      566.0      513.3      1154.3      616.5      538.9
 

 

(1)  Through the pork and international segments, we have purchase agreements with certain hog producers. Some of these arrangements obligate us to purchase all of the hogs that these producers produce. Other arrangements obligate us to purchase a fixed amount of hogs. Due to the uncertainty of the number of hogs that we will be obligated to purchase and the uncertainty of market prices at the time of hog purchases, we have estimated our obligations under these arrangements. We based our estimates on past history for hog quantities. For fiscal 2004, the average purchase price estimated is based on available futures contract values and internal projections adjusted for historical quality premiums. For prices beyond fiscal 2004, we estimated the market price of hogs based on the ten-year average of $0.42 per pound.

 

(2)  Through the beef segment, we have purchase agreements with certain cattle producers. Some of these arrangements are fixed price contracts and others obligate us to purchase a fixed amount of cattle at the market price at the time of delivery. For the fixed price contracts, the actual amounts are shown in the table. Due to the uncertainty of future market prices for cattle, we base our fixed quantity obligations on available futures contract values.

 

(3)  Through the hog production group, we use independent farmers and their facilities to raise hogs produced from our breeding stock. Under multi-year contracts, the farmers provide the initial facility investment, labor and front line management in exchange for a performance-based service fee payable upon delivery. We are obligated to pay this service fee for all hogs delivered. We have estimated our obligation based on expected hogs delivered from these farmers.

 

(4)  Includes $146.0 million for forward grain contracts.

 

Guarantees

 

As part of our business, we are a party to various financial guarantees and other commitments to extend guarantees of credit and other assistance to various subsidiaries, investees and third parties. These arrangements involve elements of performance and credit risk that are not included in the consolidated balance sheets. The possibility that we would have to make actual

 

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cash outlays in connection with these obligations is largely dependent on the performance of the subsidiaries, investees and third parties, or the occurrence of future events that we are unable to predict. We would record a liability if events occurred that required one to be established. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for more information on accounting and disclosure requirements concerning guarantees.

 

We had an agreement to provide a $30.0 million line of credit to Pennexx Foods, Inc., a case-ready meat provider, 41% owned by us. As of April 27, 2003, in connection with the line of credit, Pennexx had outstanding borrowings of $11.5 million and we were a guarantor on $12.1 million of Pennexx’s equipment lease obligations. (See “Summary—The Company—Recent developments.) We also guaranteed the financial obligations of certain unconsolidated joint ventures and hog farmers. The financial obligations were: up to $6.0 million of loans obtained by strategically important farmers under contract to the hog production group; up to $3.5 million of liabilities with respect to currency swaps executed by one of our Mexican joint ventures, Granjas Carroll de Mexico; and $3.0 million of debt borrowed by another of our Mexican joint ventures, Agroindustrial del Noroeste.

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

We are exposed to market risks primarily from changes in commodity prices, as well as changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. To mitigate these risks, we enter into various hedging transactions that have been authorized pursuant to our policies and procedures. We believe the risk of default or nonperformance on contracts with counterparties is not significant.

 

Our meat processing and hog production operations use various raw materials, primarily live hogs, live cattle, corn and soybean meal, which are actively traded on commodity exchanges. We hedge these commodities when management determines conditions are appropriate to mitigate these price risks. While this may limit our ability to participate in gains from favorable commodity fluctuations, it also tends to reduce the risk of loss from adverse changes in raw material losses. We attempt to closely match the commodity contract terms with the hedged item.

 

We also enter into interest rate swaps to hedge exposure to changes in interest rates on certain financial instruments and periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain of our foreign currency exposure. The foreign currency and interest rate derivatives are recorded as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges, as appropriate, and were not material to the results of operations for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002.

 

Commodity—Cash flow hedges

 

We utilize derivatives (primarily futures contracts) to manage our exposure to the variability in expected future cash flows attributable to commodity price risk associated with forecasted purchases and sales of live hogs, live cattle, corn and soybean meal. These derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges.

 

Ineffectiveness related to our cash flow hedges was not material in fiscal 2003 and 2002. There were no derivative gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and no hedges were discontinued during these time periods as a result of it becoming probable that the forecasted transaction would not occur.

 

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Commodity—Fair value hedges

 

Our commodity price risk management strategy also includes derivative transactions (primarily futures contracts) that are designated as fair value hedges. These derivatives are designated as hedges of firm commitments to buy or sell live hogs, live cattle, corn and soybean meal. Ineffectiveness related to our fair value hedges was not material in fiscal 2003 and 2002. There were no derivative gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during these time periods.

 

The following table provides the fair value of our open derivative financial instruments as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002. Grain contract fair values as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002 were negligible.

 


(in millions)    April 27,
2003
    April 28,
2002
 

Livestock

   $ (0.1 )   $ 5.0  

Other commodities

     0.1       (0.3 )

Interest rates

     (0.9 )     (1.1 )

Foreign currency

     (1.8 )     (0.3 )

 

The variation in our fair value of open derivative financial instruments from period to period is primarily based on our analysis of current and future market conditions which results in varying hedge portfolios to reduce the perceived risk to acceptable levels. As of April 27, 2003, no commodity futures contracts exceeded twelve months.

 

The following table presents the sensitivity of the fair value of our open commodity contracts and interest rate and foreign currency contracts to a hypothetical 10% change in market prices or in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002.

 


(in millions)    April 27,
2003
   April 28,
2002

Livestock

   $ 8.8    $ 5.1

Grains

     1.3      0.1

Other commodities

     1.4      0.7

Interest rates

     0.2      0.6

Foreign currency

     7.6      2.2

 

For the fiscal years ended April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, we reported gains on our closed derivative instruments of approximately $6.2 million and $14.6 million, respectively. For the fiscal years ended April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, we hedged approximately 8.9% and 89.0% of our grain purchases and 41.4% and 49.7% of our livestock produced, respectively.

 

Critical accounting policies

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions are based on our experience combined with management’s understanding of current facts and circumstances. These estimates may differ from actual results. Certain of our accounting policies are considered critical as they are both important to reflect our financial position and results of operations and require

 

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significant or complex judgment on the part of management. The following is a summary of certain accounting policies considered critical by our management.

 

Hedge accounting

 

We use derivative financial instruments to manage exposures to fluctuations in commodity prices and accounts for the use of such instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended (SFAS 133). SFAS 133 requires a quarterly historical assessment of the effectiveness of the instrument. In rare circumstances, volatile activity in the commodity markets could cause this assessment to temporarily reflect the instrument as an ineffective hedge and hedge accounting would be discontinued.

 

In addition, we routinely hedge forecasted transactions. In the unusual circumstance that these transactions fail to occur, hedge accounting would be discontinued. In both situations, the discontinuance of hedge accounting would require changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument to be recognized in current period earnings. Management believes that the assumptions and methodologies used in the accounting for derivative financial instruments are the most appropriate and reasonable for our hedging program.

 

Pension accounting

 

The measurement of our pension obligations, costs and liabilities is dependent on a variety of assumptions of future events. The key assumptions include:

 

•• Discount rates

 

• Salary growth

 

• Retirement ages/mortality rates

 

• Expected return on plan assets

 

These assumptions may have an effect on the amount and timing of future contributions. The discount rate assumption is based on investment yields available at year-end on corporate bonds rated AA and above with a maturity to match our expected benefit payment stream. The salary growth assumptions reflect our long-term actual experience, the near-term outlook and assumed inflation. Retirement and mortality rates are based primarily on actual plan experience. The expected return on plan assets reflects asset allocations, investment strategy and historical returns of the asset categories. The effects of actual results differing from these assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect our recognized expense in such future periods.

 

Sensitivity Analysis    The effect of the indicated decrease in the selected assumptions is shown below for April 27, 2003, assuming no changes in benefit levels and no amortization of gains or losses for our major plans in 2004 (in millions):

 


Assumption    Percentage
point decrease
    Decline in
funded
status
   Reduction
in equity
   Higher
fiscal
2004
expense

Discount Rate

   0.50 %   $ 39.5    $ 31.8    $ 6.3

Expected return on assets

   0.50 %     —        —        2.0

 

 

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We recorded net expense in the statement of operations related to our pension plans of $12.4 million and $8.3 million, including $41.0 million and $39.6 million of expected pension returns for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

We have suffered, as most investors have, from the devaluation of the stock markets this past year, which has reduced our plan assets. In addition, the market rate for high-quality fixed income investments is much lower than in previous years, compelling us to lower discount rate assumptions from 7.2% to 6.3% and the expected return on assets from 8.6% to 8.3% in the current year. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. Pension expense is negatively affected by lower anticipated returns on assets. The increase in the pension obligation and the reduction in plan assets have increased our minimum pension liability by $96.9 million in fiscal 2003 to $106.8 million (see consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity and accumulated other comprehensive loss at Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements). This minimum pension liability increase will not require immediate funding and could potentially be reduced or eliminated in the future if asset returns become more favorable and the discount rate can be increased. Although the underfunded status of our pension funds has increased significantly in fiscal 2003, we do not expect funding requirements to increase in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003 due to temporary funding relief provisions enacted by Congress effective through December 2003. Due to the nature of the funding formulas, we do not expect significant funding increases before fiscal 2006. Significant funding increases may be deferred even longer if our funding status significantly improves or if the funding relief provisions are extended by Congress. However, we do not know whether these temporary funding relief provisions will be extended. Our pension plan funding was $25.3 million and $11.7 million for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively, and is expected to be $24.9 million in fiscal 2004. We expect pension expense for fiscal 2004 to be approximately $41.4 million.

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

 

We adopted SFAS 142 in fiscal 2002. Accordingly, we no longer amortize goodwill and certain other intangible assets on a periodic basis. Instead, SFAS 142 requires that these assets be tested at least annually for impairment. For goodwill, this test involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to the unit’s book value to determine if any impairment exists. We calculate the fair value of each reporting unit, using estimates of future cash flows when quoted market prices are not available. In fiscal 2003, we allocated goodwill to applicable reporting units, estimated fair value and performed the impairment test. To test impairment of intangible assets that are not subject to amortization, the fair value of the intangible asset is compared to the book value. As a result of these procedures, management believes there is no material exposure to a loss from impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets. However, actual results could differ from our cash flow estimates, which would affect the assessment of impairment and, therefore, could have a material adverse impact on the financial statements.

 

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Description of other indebtedness

 

As of April 27, 2003, we had outstanding the following other indebtedness (excluding capital lease obligations):

 


(in millions)    April 27,
2003

U.S. Revolver

   $ 560.0

International Facilities

     29.2

Smithfield Senior Secured Notes

     435.7

Other subsidiary debt

     216.5

8% Senior Notes due 2009

     300.0

7 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008

     182.1
    

Total debt

     1,723.5

Less amounts classified as current maturities

     112.4
    

Total long-term debt

     1,611.1

 

As of April 27, 2003, our debt obligations had the following maturities over the next five years:

 


Fiscal year

(in millions)

   Amount

2004

   $ 112.4

2005

     81.2

2006

     72.0

2007

     748.1

2008

     219.5

 

U.S. Revolver

 

In late 2002 and April 2003, we obtained amendments to our U.S. Revolver to suspend certain financial covenants (consolidated leverage covenant and domestic inventory and receivables to borrowings under the U.S. Revolver (including letters of credit) covenant), to make certain financial covenants less restrictive (consolidated interest coverage covenant) and to provide additional financial flexibility due to continuing unfavorable market conditions. As of January 26, 2003, the U.S. Revolver was a $750 million revolving credit facility maturing on December 6, 2006. As part of the amendment to our U.S. Revolver, we received additional commitments to increase the size of that facility from $750 million to $900 million, subject to a borrowing base limitation based on eligible domestic inventory and receivables. The administrative agent for the U.S. Revolver is JP Morgan Chase Bank, an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. As of April 27, 2003, after giving effect to the offering of the senior notes and the application of the net proceeds of that offering, outstanding borrowings were $283.7 million under the U.S. Revolver (after giving effect to $68.5 million of outstanding letters of credit). The average interest rate applicable to borrowings under this credit facility was 3.74% during fiscal 2002 and 3.30% during fiscal 2003. The credit facility is scheduled to expire in December 2006. The borrowings under the U.S. Revolver are guaranteed by some of our existing subsidiaries, the assets of which are included in the calculation of our borrowing base.

 

The commitments under the U.S. Revolver are subject to a requirement that the sum of the indebtedness under the U.S. Revolver and indebtedness pari passu with the indebtedness under the U.S. Revolver and related hedging agreements cannot exceed the borrowing base calculated

 

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on the basis of our eligible domestic inventory and receivables. The loans bear interest, at our option, at variable rates based on margins over the Federal Funds rate or LIBOR. The applicable interest margin for our borrowings may be increased or reduced based upon our leverage ratio, as defined in the U.S. Revolver. In addition to paying interest on outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Revolver, we are required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder at a rate based upon our leverage ratio, as defined. While the borrowing base limitation is in effect, the U.S. Revolver requires the maintenance of a minimum consolidated interest coverage, as defined. As of April 27, 2003, our consolidated interest coverage ratio was 3.23 to 1 calculated in accordance with our U.S. Revolver. At that time and until release of the borrowing base, we must maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio of 2.50 to 1. If we elect to be released from the borrowing base limitation, we will be required to maintain certain financial covenants contained in the U.S. Revolver at their original levels (consolidated interest coverage of greater than or equal to 3.00 to 1; eligible domestic inventory and receivables to borrowings under the U.S. Revolver (including letters of credit) of greater than or equal to 1.30 to 1; and consolidated leverage of less than or equal to 3.75 to 1). In addition, the U.S. Revolver imposes restrictions on indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes (e.g., mergers, sales of assets, etc., joint ventures and lines of business), investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions, hedging agreements, restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, restrictive agreements and sales and leaseback transactions. While the borrowing base is in place, we are required to have a minimum of $150 million of availability under the borrowing base to make an acquisition after giving effect to the funding of an acquisition, if the aggregate amount of acquisition expenditures during a single fiscal year exceeds $20 million.

 

International facilities

 

Our foreign subsidiaries had a total of approximately $37.9 million U.S. equivalent outstanding under the International Facilities at April 27, 2003: approximately $12.6 million U.S. equivalent at our Canadian operations and approximately $25.3 million U.S. equivalent at our Polish operations.

 

Certain credit facilities of Schneider with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Bank of Montreal and The Bank of Nova Scotia, were amended in May 2002 to reduce the amount of committed credit available to CDN$53 million. The new Schneider credit facility contains financial covenants that require the maintenance of levels/ratios for funded debt/EBITDA ratio, interest coverage ratio, current ratio and consolidated shareholders’ equity. In addition, this credit facility imposes restrictions on dispositions of assets, amalgamation and merger and fundamental change. Certain credit facilities of Animex were also refinanced during the first quarter of fiscal year 2002 with a new credit facility with Rabobank Polska S.A., as arranger, agent, security agent and pledge administrator, which provides for up to $100.0 million U.S. equivalent of committed credit, secured by all Animex assets including receivables, inventory, real estate, plant and equipment. The commitments under the new credit facility are subject to a requirement that the sum of the indebtedness under this credit facility and indebtedness pari passu with the indebtedness under this credit facility cannot exceed the borrowing base calculated on the basis of Animex’s inventory and receivables. This credit facility contains financial covenants that require the maintenance of levels/ratios for net worth, current ratio and security coverage ratio. In addition, this credit facility imposes restrictions on indebtedness, loans and guarantees, disposals of assets and changes in the nature of Animex’s business and mergers.

 

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Senior Secured Notes

 

We privately placed Senior Secured Notes with a group of institutional investors in June 1996, which are guaranteed by some of our subsidiaries and secured by various real and personal property. This placement consisted of $9.9 million of seven-year 8.41% notes, $40.0 million of four-year 8.34% notes, $9.0 million of four-year 9.80% notes, $9.3 million of six-year 10.75% notes, $100.0 million of seven-year 8.52% notes, $14.0 million of seven-year 9.85% notes and $14.8 million of five-year 8.41% notes (the “Series B-H Notes”). We restated the Series B-H Notes dated as of October 1999 and privately placed our second placement, consisting of $100.0 million of ten-year 7.89% notes, $50.0 million of ten-year variable rate notes, $50.0 million of ten-year 8.44% notes and $25.0 million of ten-year LIBOR rate notes (the “Series I-L Notes”). The Series I-L Notes were also guaranteed by some of our subsidiaries and secured by various real and personal property. In June 2000, we privately placed $100.0 million of senior secured notes with a group of institutional investors, which are also guaranteed by some of our subsidiaries and secured by various real and personal property. The placement consisted of $75.0 million of six-year 8.25% notes and $25.0 million of two-year LIBOR rate notes (the “Series M-N Notes”). In March 2002, we privately placed senior secured notes with a group of institutional investors, which are also guaranteed by some of our subsidiaries and secured by various real and personal property. The placement consisted of $25.0 million of 5/10 year reset rate notes and $30.0 million adjustable rates 5/10 year notes (the “Series O-P Notes” and together with the Series I-L Notes and the Series B-H Notes, the “Senior Secured Notes”). We may at any time prepay the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes in part or in whole, and upon a change of control the holders may require us to repurchase them at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount, in each event together with a make-whole amount and accrued and unpaid interest.

 

In late 2002 and April 2003, we obtained amendments to our Senior Secured Notes to suspend the consolidated funded debt to EBITDA covenant and consolidated senior debt to EBITDA covenant, to make the fixed charges coverage covenant less restrictive and to make the consolidated funded debt to capitalization covenant and senior consolidated funded debt to capitalization covenant maintenance covenants. The amendments also provide that $100 million of unfunded pension liabilities will be excluded from the calculation of consolidated funded debt to capitalization and senior consolidated funded debt to capitalization during the suspension period, as defined. In addition, the calculation of our leverage ratio in connection with an acquisition by us has been conformed to the U.S. Revolver, and additional pro forma covenant compliance requirements must be met in order to make an acquisition. These amendments include provisions that require us, during the suspension period while the borrowing base under the U.S. Revolver is in place, to have a minimum of $150 million of availability under the borrowing base of the U.S. Revolver to make an acquisition after giving effect to the funding of an acquisition, if the aggregate amount of acquisition expenditures during a single fiscal year exceeds $20 million. Collectively, we believe that these changes provide us with additional financial flexibility. The relief under our Senior Secured Notes began in the third quarter of fiscal 2003 and extends through the first quarter of fiscal 2005, referred to as the suspension period. The Senior Secured Notes require the maintenance of a minimum fixed charges coverage ratio, as defined in the Senior Secured Notes. As of April 27, 2003, our fixed charges coverage ratio was 2.47 to 1 calculated in accordance with the Senior Secured Notes. At that time, we were required to maintain a fixed charges coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1 until the end of the suspension period. In addition to the fixed charges coverage ratio, the Senior Secured Notes also contain financial covenants relating to the maintenance of levels

 

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and/or ratios regarding current ratio, consolidated working capital, consolidated funded debt to capitalization, senior consolidated funded debt to capitalization and consolidated tangible net worth. In addition, the Senior Secured Notes impose restrictions on, among other things, restricted payments and investments, restrictions on dividends, liens, mergers and acquisitions, transfers of property and subsidiary stock, entering new lines of business, transactions with affiliates and guarantees. After the suspension period, we will be required to maintain certain financial covenants at their original levels (fixed charges coverage, as defined, of greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1; consolidated funded debt to EBITDA, as defined, of less than or equal to 4.00 to 1; and consolidated senior funded debt to EBITDA, as defined, of less than or equal to 3.20 to 1). We are also required to maintain a consolidated working capital, as defined, of greater than or equal to $250 million during and after the suspension period and the consolidated funded debt to capitalization covenant and senior consolidated funded debt to capitalization covenant will remain maintenance covenants after the suspension period. The amendments also provide for potential increases in the interest rate on all of the Senior Secured Notes during the suspension period. The interest rate increase was 0.50% for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003. Thereafter, the additional interest rate increases range from 0% to 1.50% depending on our consolidated funded debt to EBITDA ratio, as defined. If market conditions remain depressed and our operating results do not recover as anticipated or our pension liability increases, we may have to request additional amendments to these financial covenants and there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain such covenant relief.

 

8% senior notes due 2009

 

In October 2001, we issued $300 million of 8% Senior Notes due 2009, referred to as the 2001 Senior Notes. Interest on the 2001 Senior Notes is payable in semi-annual installments and mature on October 15, 2009. The 2001 Senior Notes rank equal to the senior notes and exchange notes and have substantially similar covenants and other terms.

 

7 5/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008

 

In February 1998, we issued $200.0 million of 7 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008. Interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes is payable in semi-annual installments and the notes mature on February 15, 2008. The Senior Subordinated Notes are unsecured and subordinated to all future and existing senior indebtedness. The Senior Subordinated Notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. The holders, upon a change of control, may require us to repurchase them at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Subordinated Notes impose restrictions on indebtedness, layering, restricted payments, agreements that restrict distributions from restricted subsidiaries, sales of assets, transactions with affiliates, sales or issuances of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, liens and future guarantees.

 

Other subsidiary debt

 

Various subsidiaries also have entered into other debt agreements. As of April 27, 2003, there was approximately $216.5 million outstanding under these agreements. The principal debt agreements in this group are the following:

 

Our subsidiaries in France, Smithfield France SAS, Financière des Pins, Sociètè Bretonne de Salaisons and Sociètè Financière de Gestion et de Participation, have credit agreements with various French banks. The aggregate outstanding borrowings for all our French subsidiaries were

 

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approximately $36.2 million U.S. equivalent under these term credit agreements as of April 27, 2003. Most of these credit agreements impose restrictions on authorized capital, guarantees, dispositions of assets and lines of business. As of April 27, 2003 approximately $8.2 million of industrial revenue bonds were outstanding at Stefano Foods and Smithfield Ham and Products.

 

Prior to our acquisition of Schneider, it also issued two series of debentures. The principal amount of these debentures is approximately $12.4 million U.S. equivalent. In October 2001, Schneider issued a third series of debentures. The principal amount of this debenture is approximately $44.9 million U.S. equivalent. The debentures contain financial covenants that require the maintenance of a specified current ratio, consolidated shareholders’ equity, interest coverage and senior debt to equity. In addition, the debentures impose restrictions on liens, guarantees, redemptions of preference shares, dispositions of indebtedness of subsidiaries, dispositions of shares of subsidiaries, sales of assets, amalgamations or mergers, restrictions on lines of business and environmental covenants. Together with Schneider’s consolidated subsidiaries, our consolidated Canadian operations have approximately $86.2 million U.S. equivalent outstanding debt as of April 27, 2003.

 

Our Polish operations have total debt outstanding of approximately $78.7 million outstanding as of April 27, 2003, the majority of which was borrowed under the $100.0 million U.S. equivalent commitment.

 

Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms and Carroll’s Foods of Virginia, Inc. currently have a series of term loans with Colonial Farm Credit, ACA under which outstanding borrowings were approximately $1.3 million as of April 27, 2003. The amounts outstanding under these loans mature at various dates through 2003. This credit facility imposes restrictions on reorganization, name change, acquisition, disposition of assets and merger, and funded debt. Prior to our acquisition of Moyer Packing Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2001, it entered into various debt agreements under which approximately $5.4 million was outstanding as of April 27, 2003.

 

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The Company

 

General

 

We are the largest hog producer and pork processor in the world. We conduct our business through four reporting segments, pork, beef, international and the hog production group, each comprised of a number of subsidiaries.

 

Pork.    The pork segment, which had fiscal 2003 sales of $4.3 billion, produces domestically a wide variety of fresh pork and processed meat products and markets them nationwide and to numerous foreign markets, including Canada, Japan and Mexico. The pork segment currently consists primarily of seven wholly or majority owned U.S. fresh pork and processed meats subsidiaries. The pork segment currently operates over 30 processing plants.

 

Beef.    The beef segment, which had fiscal 2003 sales of $2.2 billion, primarily produces boxed beef and ground beef (both chub and case-ready) and markets these products nationwide and to over 25 foreign markets, including Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Canada and China. The beef segment currently consists primarily of two U.S. beef processing subsidiaries. The beef segment currently operates five processing plants.

 

International.    The international segment, which had fiscal 2003 sales of $1.3 billion, produces internationally a wide variety of fresh and processed meats products and markets them in numerous foreign markets. The international segment currently consists primarily of four meat processing subsidiaries. The international segment currently operates over 20 processing plants.

 

The hog production group.    To complement our processing operations, we have vertically integrated into hog production through our hog production group, which currently provides the pork and international segments with approximately 43% of their live hog requirements. In order to more strategically align the hog production group, in fiscal 2002 we reorganized our U.S. hog production operations under a single business unit called Murphy-Brown LLC which owns and operates locations in North Carolina, Utah, Colorado, Virginia, South Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois, South Dakota and Texas with approximately 746,000 sows. The hog production group also has invested in hog raising operations in Mexico, Brazil and Poland.

 

Business strategy

 

•  Value-added products.    We continue to focus on increasing the proportion of our product volume that is sold into the further processed pork and other value-added products markets because these products have higher margins than those of commodity fresh meats. We increased our revenues from processed meats as a percentage of total pork revenues from 52% in 2001 to 55% in 2002 to 59% in 2003. From fiscal 1999 to fiscal 2003, processed meats revenues have grown by 76%. We are currently the largest producer of retailed branded bacon in the United States and a major producer of spiral hams, pre-cooked bacon, hot dogs and sliced lunchmeat. In fiscal 2002, we increased our product offerings to the expanding fullycooked and prepared foods categories by acquiring RMH Foods, Inc., a provider of pre-cooked items beyond pork and enhanced our distribution into foodservice. We also acquired The Smithfield Companies, Inc. and Stadler’s Country Hams, Inc. to enhance our position as a leading marketer of well-known Genuine Smithfield Hams. In fiscal 2003, we added Italian convenience foods to our product offering by acquiring Stefano Foods, Inc. To take further advantage of our expanded product offerings, we formed the Smithfield Deli Group in February 2002. Through the Smithfield Deli

 

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Group, we are leveraging our processed meats product lines across our operating companies to supply major retail deli customers.

 

    Increase brand awareness.    We are targeting specific geographic markets, including New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, for focused marketing efforts designed to increase public awareness of the Smithfield and Smithfield Lean Generation Pork brands. These marketing efforts have allowed us to increase our penetration with several key retailers in these markets, to enhance our position as a leading fresh pork brand and to position us to capture a more significant share of the growing processed meats product categories.

 

    Channel development.    We are placing increased emphasis on coordinated sales and marketing strategies directed at the deli market and foodservice channels to capture greater market share of the product sales to these two channels. We have an estimated 6% market share of the $14 billion deli market, as measured by retail prices. By coordinating our sales, marketing and product offerings in one organization, we have the opportunity to increase our penetration of this channel by leveraging the scale of our organization and the breadth of our product offerings to provide this channel with a significant proportion of its processed meats requirements. According to foodservice industry data, U.S. consumers spent approximately 49% of their food dollars in the foodservice market in 2001, and this percentage is expected to increase to 52% by 2007. In July 2003, we acquired Global Culinary Solutions, Inc. and formed the Smithfield Innovation Group to develop new products for customers in retail, club store and food service channels. Global Culinary Solutions is an integrated food product development, manufacturing and marketing company headed by Michael J. Brando, a certified master chef with over 30 years of experience in culinary arts. These efforts will allow us to improve our value proposition to foodservice providers, which we believe will increase sales to this channel.

 

    Product diversification into beef.    In fiscal 2002, we made two acquisitions of U.S. beef processors, which now represent approximately 25% of our sales. As a result of the Packerland Holdings and Moyer Packing acquisitions, we are the fifth largest beef processor in the United States, processing approximately 2.0 million cattle a year, which is approximately 6% of the U.S. slaughter. With annual sales of approximately $2.2 billion in fiscal 2003, our beef segment diversifies our product portfolio, and the financial results of our beef segment lessen the impact of fresh pork and hog production market cycles on our business. Our beef segment has continued to record operating income despite operating in a challenging market environment.

 

    Improve international profitability.    In fiscal 2003, sales of our international segment were approximately $1.3 billion. We believe that this segment can improve its financial performance through enhanced operational controls and process management. Since the beginning of fiscal 2003, the international segment’s operations have received significant management focus to improve results. Schneider is one of the leading meat marketers in Canada and our French operations have established themselves as a leading supplier of private label processed meats. Overall, the international segment’s operating profit improved from $18.4 million in fiscal 2001 to $24.2 million in fiscal 2002 to $38.7 million in fiscal 2003. We believe that further profitability improvements are achievable from these operations.

 

•  Vertical integration and premium genetics.    We believe that our vertical integration and premium genetics are competitive advantages. Today we are approximately 62% vertically integrated, processing approximately 20.9 million hogs annually and raising approximately 13.1 million hogs annually. Vertical integration provides substantial economies of scale from high volume hog production, increased control over raw material quality, consistency and food safety and operational, logistical and transportation efficiencies due to close proximity of our hog production operations to our processing facilities. As food safety becomes increasingly important to the consumer, our vertically integrated system provides traceability from conception of livestock to consumption of the pork product. We continue to leverage our exclusive U.S.

 

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franchise rights from the National Pig Development Company, or NPD, relating to genetic lines of specialized breeding stock. These NPD sows produce some of the leanest hogs commercially available and enable us to market highly differentiated pork products. In fiscal 2003, we began marketing the hogs produced under these genetic lines using the name Smithfield Premium Genetics or SPG. Currently SPG sows comprise approximately 50% of our domestic inventory of 746,000 producing sows.

 

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Management

 

The following table sets forth the name and age, position with us and business experience during the past five years of each of our executive officers. The board of directors elects executive officers to hold office until the next annual meeting of the board of directors or until their successors are elected, or until their resignation or removal.

 


Name and age    Position with the
company
   Business experience during
past five years

Joseph W. Luter, III (64)

   Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer    Mr. Luter has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since 1975. Prior to May 1995 and between June 2000 and October 2001 he also served as President.

C. Larry Pope (48)

   President and Chief Operating Officer    Mr. Pope was elected President and Chief Operating Officer in October 2001. Mr. Pope served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from September 1999 to October 2001. Mr. Pope served as Vice President, Finance of the Company from July 1998 until September 1999 and as Vice President and Controller from August 1995 to July 1998.

Richard J. M. Poulson (64)

   Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Chairman    Mr. Poulson was elected Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Chairman in October 2001. Mr. Poulson joined the Company as Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Chairman in July 1998. Between 1994 and 1998, he was a senior managing director of the Appian Group, a private merchant bank with offices in Washington, D.C. and Paris. Prior to 1994, Mr. Poulson was a senior corporate partner with the law firm Hogan & Hartson in Washington, D.C. and London.

Joseph W. Luter, IV (38)

   Executive Vice President    Mr. Luter was elected Executive Vice President of the Company in October 2001. He served as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, of Smithfield Packing from May 2000 until October 2001. Prior to May 2000, he served as Vice President for Sales and Marketing of Smithfield Packing. Mr. Luter is the son of Joseph W. Luter, III.

Daniel G. Stevens (44)

   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    Mr. Stevens was elected Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in October 2001. Mr. Stevens served as Vice President and Controller from June 2000 to October 2001 and as Corporate Controller from November 1998 to June 2000. Prior to that time, he served as International Controller for Energizer Battery Co., a subsidiary of Ralston Purina.

 

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Name and age    Position with the
company
   Business experience during
past five years

Jerry H. Godwin (56)

   President of Murphy-Brown LLC    Mr. Godwin was elected President of Murphy-Brown in April 2001. Prior to April 2001, he was President of Murphy Farms, Inc.

Lewis R. Little (59)

   President of Smithfield Packing    Mr. Little was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President of Smithfield Packing in November 1996. Mr. Little served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company until June 2000.

Joseph B. Sebring (56)

   President of John Morrell    Mr. Sebring has served as President of John Morrell since May 1994.

Richard V. Vesta (56)

   President of Packerland Holdings    Mr. Vesta has served as President of Packerland Holdings since October 1993.

 

 

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Principal shareholders

 

The only persons known by us to beneficially own more than five percent of our common stock as of July 11, 2003, are as follows:

 


     Amount and nature of beneficial
ownership (number of shares) (1)
    Percent
of
class (2)
 

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner


   Direct

    Other

    Total

   
             

Joseph W. Luter, III

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, VA 23430

   5,505,876     600,950 (3)   6,106,826 (3)   5.6 %

Wendell H. Murphy, certain family members and a related entity (4)

P.O. Box 280

Rose Hill, NC 28458

  

 

7,047,540

 

(4)

 

9,554,833

 

(4)

 

16,602,373

 

(4)

 

15.2

 

%


 

(1) Pursuant to current regulations of the SEC, securities must be listed as “beneficially owned” by a person who directly or indirectly has or shares the power to vote or the power to dispose of the securities, whether or not the person has any economic interest in the securities. In addition, a person is deemed a beneficial owner if he has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days, whether upon the exercise of a stock option or warrant, conversion of a convertible security or otherwise. Shares of common stock listed under the “Direct” column are those which are owned and held as outstanding shares and over which such person, except as noted below, has sole voting power and sole dispositive power. Shares shown under the “Other” column are those subject to other forms of deemed “beneficial ownership” pursuant to the aforesaid regulations, as described in the indicated footnotes.

 

(2) The Series B Share has voting and other rights substantially equivalent to 531,908 shares of our common stock. The percentages shown in this table have been calculated as if these 531,908 equivalent common shares were outstanding and part of the class of common stock. None of the persons listed in the table owns any exchangeable shares which would entitle him or her to direct the voting of the Series B Share.

 

(3) Includes 200,000 shares owned by the Smithfield-Luter Foundation, of which Mr. Luter is a co-trustee. In March 2002, Mr. Luter established the Smithfield-Luter Foundation, Inc. to fund educational grants to colleges and universities for need-based undergraduate scholarships for children of our employees and contributed 200,000 shares of common stock to the foundation. Also includes 950 shares held by Mr. Luter as custodian for his daughter under the Virginia Uniform Transfers to Minors Act. Also includes 400,000 shares that Mr. Luter has the right to acquire pursuant to the exercise of presently exercisable stock options.

 

(4) In connection with the our purchase of Murphy Farms, Inc. and certain affiliated corporations in January 2000, Wendell H. Murphy, a director, and certain family members listed below entered into a shareholders agreement with us pursuant to which the Murphy family members agreed to certain restrictions relating to, among other things, the voting and disposition of their shares of common stock. For purposes of the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, these arrangements may cause the Murphy family members to be deemed to constitute a group; however each of the Murphy family members expressly disclaims the existence of such a group. As of July 15, 2003, Wendell H. Murphy holds 864,778 shares directly

 

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and 4,116,857 shares indirectly; Harry D. Murphy holds 2,565,312 shares directly and 321,630 shares indirectly; Joyce M. Minchew holds 291,685 shares directly and 1,414,600 shares indirectly; Wendell H. Murphy, Jr. holds 938,429 shares directly and 2,312,018 shares indirectly; Wendy Murphy Crumpler holds 276,152 shares directly and 679,105 shares indirectly; Stratton K. Murphy holds 979,705 shares directly and 168,590 shares indirectly; Marc D. Murphy holds 979,705 shares directly and 168,590 shares indirectly; and Angela Brown holds 151,774 shares directly and 373,235 shares indirectly. The indirect ownership of the Murphy family members reflects their respective interests in 2,000,000 shares held in escrow in connection with our purchase of Murphy Farms. The Murphy family members are entitled to receive the shares held in escrow but they do not currently have voting power or dispositive power over such shares. The shares shown under the “Other” column also include 208 shares owned by a limited liability company, Murfam Enterprises, LLC, of which the Murphy family members are the sole members and may therefore be deemed to share voting power and dispositive power with respect to such shares. The remaining indirect ownership of each Murphy family member reflects shares held by a limited liability company wholly-owned by such member. The amounts shown in the table do not include an additional number of shares (currently estimated at 575,972) that the Murphy family members are expected to become entitled to receive from us as the result of a post-closing purchase price adjustment in connection with the purchase of Murphy Farms.

 

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Related party transactions

 

In January 2000, we purchased Murphy Farms and certain affiliated corporations for 22,108,792 shares of our common stock (subject to post-closing adjustment). As a result of this transaction, the former shareholders of Murphy Farms (Wendell H. Murphy, a director, Harry D. Murphy, Joyce M. Minchew, Wendell H. Murphy, Jr., Wendy Murphy Crumpler, Stratton K. Murphy, Marc D. Murphy and Angela Brown) became the beneficial owners in the aggregate of 24,042,792 shares of our common stock which amount includes shares of common stock previously held by Murphy Farms, and certain affiliated corporations, such shareholders and their affiliates.

 

In connection with the acquisition, we entered into a registration rights agreement and a shareholders agreement with the former Murphy Farms shareholders. Under the registration rights agreement, each of the former Murphy Farms and certain affiliated corporations shareholders is entitled for a period of five years to have us register public resales of shares of common stock subject to customary terms and conditions, in connection with certain registered offerings by us. We are not required under the registration rights agreement to file or maintain a “shelf registration” with respect to these shares. Under the shareholders agreement, each of the former Murphy Farms and certain affiliated corporations shareholders agreed for five years not to (i) initiate any solicitation of proxies from our shareholders or participate in any election contest or in any proposal made under Rule 14(a)-8 of the Exchange Act; (ii) oppose, or participate in any group opposing, any management proposals presented at a shareholders meeting, or vote against any such proposals; or (iii) acquire or substantially affect control of us, or seek to do so. Under such agreement, such shareholders also agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer shares of common stock aggregating 5% or more of the then outstanding common stock to any one person or group. Such shareholders further agreed not to sell or transfer within any 12 month period or make any other agreement or arrangement of transfer with respect to 10% or more of the shares of common stock issued to any such shareholder in connection with the acquisition of Murphy Farms and certain affiliated corporations.

 

Wendell H. Murphy, a director, holds a 35% interest in Murfam Enterprises, LLC and a 1% interest in DM Farms, LLC. Certain other former shareholders of Murphy Farms hold the remaining membership interests in Murfam Enterprises and DM Farms. Murfam Enterprises and DM Farms own certain farms that produce hogs under contract and sell feed ingredients to Murphy Farms. In fiscal 2003, we made payments totaling $328,100 to Murfam Enterprises for the production of hogs and feed ingredients and received payments totaling $298,811 from Murfam Enterprises for reimbursement of associated farm and other support costs. In fiscal 2003, we made payments of $23,176,496 to DM Farms for the production of hogs and received payments of $15,887,410 from DM Farms for reimbursement of associated farm and support costs. We believe that the terms of the foregoing arrangements were no less favorable to us than if entered into with unaffiliated parties.

 

In October 2001, we purchased Packerland Holdings, Inc. for 6,354,324 shares of common stock (including 684,151 shares subject to an escrow agreement). As a result of this transaction, Richard V. Vesta (a former shareholder of Packerland Holdings and, following the transaction, an executive officer of us) became the beneficial owner of 1,971,629 shares of our common stock. In connection with the acquisition, we entered into a registration rights agreement and a shareholders agreement with the former Packerland Holdings shareholders, including Mr. Vesta. Under the registration rights agreement, each of the former Packerland Holdings shareholders is entitled for a period of three years to have us register public resales of shares of common stock,

 

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subject to customary terms and conditions, in connection with certain registered offerings by us. We are not required under the registration rights agreement to file or maintain a “shelf registration” with respect to these shares. Under the shareholders agreement, each of the former Packerland Holdings shareholders agreed for three years not to (i) initiate any solicitation of proxies from our shareholders or participate in any election contest or in any proposal made under Rule 14(a)-8 of the Exchange Act; or (ii) oppose, or participate in any group opposing, any management proposals presented at a shareholders meeting, or vote against any such proposals. Under such agreement, certain former Packerland Holdings shareholders, including Mr. Vesta, also agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer (i) any shares of common stock issued to any such shareholder in connection with the acquisition of Packerland Holdings for a period of one year; and (ii) more than 50% of the shares of common stock issued to any such shareholder in connection with the acquisition of Packerland Holdings during the twelve-month period commencing on the first anniversary of our acquisition of Packerland Holdings.

 

In December 2001 and April 2002, we lent Mr. Vesta an aggregate of $3,703,000 to facilitate the payment of taxes arising out of his exercise of options to purchase shares of Packerland Holdings prior to our acquisition of Packerland Holdings. The loans bore interest payable annually at a rate of 7% per annum and were secured by a pledge of 656,882 shares of common stock issued to Mr. Vesta in the acquisition of Packerland Holdings. Mr. Vesta repaid his loan principal and accrued interest in the full amount of $3,849,814 on January 23, 2003.

 

Jerry H. Godwin, an executive officer, holds a 33% ownership interest in JCT LLC. JCT owns certain farms that produce hogs under contract with Murphy-Brown LLC, our subsidiary. In fiscal 2003, we made payments totaling $5,493,831 to JCT for the production of hogs and received payments totaling $2,520,997 from JCT for reimbursement of associated farm and other support costs. We also provide working capital advances to JCT under the terms of a $6.0 million revolving demand promissory note, bearing interest at the Wachovia Bank Prime Rate from time to time in effect. As of April 27, 2003, working capital advances totaling $5,659,307 were outstanding. The promissory note is personally guaranteed by JCT’s owners and is secured by JCT’s real estate and equipment. In addition, during fiscal 2003, we made term loans to JCT totaling $7,721,709 in the aggregate to finance the acquisition of four additional hog farms. The term loans bear interest at the Wachovia Bank Prime Rate from time to time in effect and are secured by first mortgage liens on the acquired farms. As of April 27, 2003, the aggregate outstanding balance of these term loans was $6,082,042. As of April 27, 2003, JCT also had accounts payable to us totaling $252,268. We believe that the terms of the foregoing arrangements were no less favorable to us than if entered into with unaffiliated parties.

 

William H. Prestage resigned as one of our directors in October 2002. While one of our directors, he was the chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Prestage Farms, Inc., a hog and turkey producer located in Clinton, North Carolina. We have a market-indexed multi-year purchase agreement with Prestage Farms which obligates us to purchase hogs produced by Prestage Farms in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, we purchased $148,744,000 of live hogs from Prestage Farms in fiscal 2003. We believe that the prices paid under the purchase agreement with Prestage Farms are equivalent to market.

 

In May 2001, Mr. Prestage purchased a 51% interest in Prestage-Stoecker Farms, Inc., formerly known as Stoecker Farms, Inc., a hog producer located in Ames, Iowa. In June 2002, Mr. Prestage exercised his option to acquire the remaining 49% of Prestage-Stoecker Farms. Murphy Farms and Prestage-Stoecker Farms are parties to several contracts, including (i) a feeder pig purchase

 

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agreement expiring in 2010 (which may be extended to 2012 at Murphy Farms’ option) under which Prestage-Stoecker Farms purchases its requirements of feeder pigs from Murphy Farms, (ii) a service agreement (terminable by Prestage-Stoecker Farms on 60 days notice) under which Murphy Farms provides the services of certain personnel to Prestage-Stoecker Farms, and (iii) a non-exclusive feed purchase agreement. In addition, Murphy Farms holds a note from, and provides certain trade terms under the agreements to, Prestage-Stoecker Farms. The obligations of Prestage-Stoecker Farms to Murphy Farms under the note were incurred in connection with the sale of certain assets by Murphy Farms to Stoecker Farms prior to our acquisition of Murphy Farms in January 2000. Prestage-Stoecker Farms’ obligations to Murphy Farms are secured by liens on substantially all the assets of Stoecker Farms. We believe that the terms of the agreements are no less favorable to us than market. We estimate that during fiscal 2003, Prestage-Stoecker Farms made payments of approximately $187,673,000 to Murphy Farms under the agreements. Business volumes at approximately this level are expected to continue, based on equivalent hog prices, while the agreements are in effect.

 

The aggregate amount outstanding from Prestage-Stoecker Farms under the note and under the feeder pig purchase agreement and feed purchase agreement was approximately $60,220,906 at the end of fiscal 2003. The largest amount outstanding during the fiscal year was approximately $83,655,687. The rate of interest under the note is 8% per annum. Murphy Farms was also paid interest on certain amounts outstanding under the feed purchase agreement at 6% per annum. Under the feeder pig purchase agreement, Prestage-Stoecker Farms pays Murphy Farms for feeder pigs only after Prestage-Stoecker Farms receives payment from its customer for them. No interest is accrued during this period.

 

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The exchange offer

 

General

 

We hereby offer, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal (which together constitute the exchange offer), to exchange up to $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount of exchange notes for a like aggregate principal amount of the senior notes. For the exchange offer to be effected the senior notes must be properly tendered on or prior to the date the exchange offer expires and the senior notes cannot have been properly withdrawn. The exchange offer is being made with respect to all of the senior notes.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, the aggregate principal amount of the senior notes is $350,000,000. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is first being sent on or about             , 2003, to all registered holders of the senior notes. Our obligation to accept senior notes for exchange is subject to certain conditions set forth under “Conditions to the exchange offer” below. We currently expect that each of the conditions will be satisfied and that no waivers will be necessary.

 

Purpose of the exchange offer

 

The senior notes were issued on May 21, 2003 in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Accordingly, the senior notes may not be reoffered, resold, or otherwise transferred unless registered under the Securities Act or any applicable securities law or unless an applicable exemption from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act is available. At the time we issued the senior notes, we entered into an exchange and registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the senior notes in which we agreed, under certain circumstances, to file a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the senior notes for exchange notes. We also agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to cause such offer to be consummated within 195 days following the issuance of the outstanding notes. The form and terms of the exchange notes are the same as the form and terms of the senior notes, except that the exchange notes will have been registered under the Securities Act and will not bear legends redistricting their transfer.

 

Under the circumstances set forth below, we will use our reasonable best efforts to cause the SEC to declare effective a shelf registration statement with respect to the resale of the senior notes and keep the statement effective for up to two years after the effective date of the shelf registration statement. These circumstances include:

 

•    if pursuant to any law, SEC rules or regulations or applicable interpretations thereof by the staff of the SEC we are not permitted to effect the exchange offer as contemplated by the exchange and registration rights agreement;

 

•    if any senior notes validly tendered in the exchange offer are not exchanged for exchange notes within 195 days after the issuance of the senior notes; or

 

•    if the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes so requests (but only with respect to any outstanding notes not eligible to be exchanged for exchange notes in the exchange offer).

 

If we fail to comply with certain obligations under the exchange and registration rights agreement, we will be required to pay liquidated damages to holders of the outstanding notes.

 

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The objective of the exchange offer is to make the exchange notes freely transferable by the holders without further registration or any prospectus delivery requirements under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Each holder of outstanding notes that wishes to exchange senior notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will be required to make the following representations:

 

•    any exchange notes will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;

 

•    such holder has no arrangement with any person to participatein the distribution of the exchange notes; and

 

•    such holder is not an “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of the Company or if it is an affiliate, that it will comply with applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

 

Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where such outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. See “Plan of distribution”.

 

Resale of exchange notes

 

Based on interpretations of the SEC staff set forth in no action letters issued to unrelated third parties, we believe that exchange notes issued under the exchange offer in exchange for senior notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any exchange note holder without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if:

 

•    such holder is not an “affiliate” of Smithfield within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

•    such exchange notes are acquired in the ordinary course of business of the holder’s business; and

 

•    the holder does not intend to participate in the distribution of such exchange notes.

 

Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer with the intention of participating in any manner in a distribution of the exchange notes:

 

•    cannot rely on the position of the staff or the SEC enunciated in “Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation” or similar interpretative letters; and

 

•    must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.

 

This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, for the resale of for other retransfer of exchange notes only as specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard to broker-dealers, only broker-dealers that acquired the senior notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities may participate in the exchange offer. Each broker-dealer that where such senior notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. Please read the section captioned “Plan of distribution” for more details regarding the transfer of exchange notes.

 

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Terms of the exchange

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal we will accept for exchange any senior notes properly tendered and not properly withdrawn prior to the expiration date. We will issue $1,000 principal amount of exchange notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal amount of senior notes surrendered upon the exchange offer. Senior notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of $1,000.

 

The form and terms of the exchange notes will be substantially identical to the forms and terms of the senior notes except that the exchange notes:

 

•    will be registered under the Securities Act;

 

•    will not bear legends restricting their transfer; and

 

•    will not provide for any additional interest upon our failure to fulfill our obligation under the registration rights agreement to file, and cause to be effective, a registration statement.

 

The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the senior notes. The exchange notes will be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the same indenture that authorized the issuance of the senior notes. Consequently, both series will be treated as a single class of debt securities under the indenture. For a description of the indenture, see “Description of the exchange notes” below.

 

The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of senior notes being tendered or accepted for exchange.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the senior notes are outstanding. This prospectus and the letter of transmittal are being sent to all registered holders of senior notes. There will be no fixed record date for determining registered holders of senior notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer.

 

We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the exchange and registration rights agreement, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Senior notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offer will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will be entitled to the rights and benefits such holders have under the indenture relating to the senior notes and the registration rights agreement.

 

We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered senior notes when we have given oral or written notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us and delivering the exchange notes to such holders. Subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and not to accept for exchange any senior notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions specified below under the caption “Conditions to the exchange offer.”

 

Tendering holders of the senior notes will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of the senior notes pursuant to the exchange offer.

 

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Interest on each exchange note issued pursuant to the exchange offer will accrue from the last interest payment date to which interest was paid on the senior notes surrendered in the exchange offer. If no interest has been paid on the senior notes from the date of original issue of the senior notes, then interest will accrue from the date of original issue of the senior notes.

 

Expiration date; Extensions; Termination; Amendments

 

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on             , 2003, unless in our sole discretion, we extend it.

 

In order to extend the exchange offer, we will notify the exchange agent orally or in writing of any extension. We will notify the registered holders of senior notes of the extension no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

 

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:

 

•    to delay accepting for exchange any of the senior notes;

 

•    to extend the exchange offer or to terminate the exchange offer and to refuse to accept senior notes not previously accepted if any of the conditions set forth below under “Conditions to the exchange offer” have not been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent; or

 

•    subject to the terms of the exchange and registration rights agreement, to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner.

 

Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice to the registered holders of the senior notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose such amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of the senior notes of such amendment.

 

Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment of the exchange offer, we shall have no obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any such public announcement, other than by making a timely release to a financial news service.

 

How to tender

 

Only a holder of senior notes may tender such senior notes in the exchange offer. To tender in the exchange offer, a holder must:

 

•    complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal; have the signature on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if the letter of transmittal so requires; and mail or deliver such letter of transmittal or facsimile to the exchange agent prior to the expiration date;

 

•    comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below; or

 

•    comply with the DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program procedures described below.

 

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In addition, either:

 

•    the exchange agent must receive the senior notes along with the letter of transmittal; or

 

•    the holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below; or

 

•    the exchange agent must receive, prior to the expiration date, a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of such senior notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC according to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below or a properly transmitted agent’s message.

 

To be tendered effectively, the exchange agent must receive any physical delivery of the letter of transmittal and other required documents at the address set forth below under “Exchange agent” prior to the expiration date.

 

The tender by a holder that is not withdrawn prior to the expiration date will constitute an agreement between such holder and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.

 

The method of delivery of the senior notes, the letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at the holder’s election and risk. Rather than mail these items, we recommend that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, holders should allow sufficient time to assure delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date. Holders should not send the letter of transmittal or senior notes to us. Holders may request their respective brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or other nominees to effect the above transactions for them.

 

Any beneficial owner whose senior notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct it to tender on the owner’s behalf. If such beneficial owner wishes to tender on its own behalf, it must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering its senior notes, either:

 

•    make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the senior notes in such owner’s name; or

 

•    obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder of the senior notes.

 

The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be completed prior to the expiration date.

 

Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal described below must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or another “eligible guarantor institution” within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act, unless the senior notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered:

 

•    by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled “Special Issuance

Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the letter of transmittal; or

 

•    for the account of an eligible guarantor institution.

 

If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any senior notes listed on the senior notes, such senior notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power. The bond power must be signed by the registered holder as the registered holder’s name appears on the senior notes and an eligible guarantor institution must guarantee the signature on the bond power.

 

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If the letter of transmittal or any senior notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing. Unless waived by us, they should also submit evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to deliver the letter of transmittal.

 

The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that any financial institution that is a participant in DTC’s system may use DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program to tender. Participants in the program may, instead of physically completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange agent, transmit their acceptance of the exchange offer electronically. They may do so by causing DTC to transfer the senior notes to the exchange agent in accordance with its procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent’s message to the exchange agent. The term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, to the effect that:

 

•    DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in its Automated Tender Offer Program that it is tendering senior notes that are the subject of such book-entry confirmation;

 

•    such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal, or, in the case of an agent’s message relating to guaranteed delivery, that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the applicable notice of guaranteed delivery; and the agreement may be enforced against such participant.

 

We will determine in our sole discretion all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance of tendered senior notes and withdrawal of tendered senior notes. Our determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any senior notes not properly tendered or any senior notes the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular senior notes. Interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of senior notes must be cured within such time as we shall determine. Although we intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of senior notes neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will incur any liability for failure to give such satisfaction. Tenders of senior notes will not be deemed made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any senior notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned to the exchange agent without cost to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, as soon as practicable following the expiration date.

 

In all cases, we will issue exchange notes for senior notes that we have accepted for exchange under the exchange offer only after the exchange agent timely receives:

 

•    senior notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of such senior notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC; and

 

•    a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents or a properly transmitted agent’s message.

 

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By signing the letter of transmittal, each tendering holder of senior notes will represent to us that, among other things:

 

•    any exchange notes that the holder receives will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;

 

•    the holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes;

 

•    if the holder is not a broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in the distribution of the exchange notes;

 

•    the holder is not an initial purchaser, that has, or is reasonably likely to have an unsold allotment of the senior notes from the initial issuance of the senior notes;

 

•    if the holder is a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for senior notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities, that it will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of such exchange notes; and

 

•    the holder is not an “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of ours or, if the holder is an affiliate, it will comply with any applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

 

Book-entry transfer

 

The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the senior notes at DTC for purposes of the exchange offer promptly after the date of this prospectus; and any financial institution participating in DTC’s system may make book-entry delivery of senior notes by causing DTC to transfer such senior notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer. Holders of senior notes who are unable to deliver confirmation of the book-entry tender of their senior notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC or all other documents required by the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date must tender their senior notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

 

Guaranteed delivery procedures

 

Holders wishing to tender their senior notes but whose senior notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their senior notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents to the exchange agent or comply with the applicable procedures under DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program prior to the expiration date may tender if:

 

•    the tender is made through an eligible guarantor institution;

 

•    prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from such eligible guarantor institution either a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery) or a properly transmitted agent’s message and notice of guaranteed delivery:

 

•    setting forth the name and address of the holder, the registered number(s) of such senior notes and the principal amount of senior notes tendered;

 

•    stating that the tender is being made; and

 

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•    guaranteeing that, within three (3) New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date, the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, together with the senior notes or a book-entry confirmation, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal will be deposited by the eligible guarantor institution with the exchange agent; and

 

•    the exchange agent receives such properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, as well as all tendered senior notes in proper form for transfer or a book-entry confirmation, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, within three (3) New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date.

 

Upon request to the exchange agent, a notice of guaranteed delivery will be sent to holders who wish to tender their senior notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.

 

Withdrawal Rights

 

Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, holders of senior notes may withdraw their tenders at any time prior to the expiration date.

 

For a withdrawal to be effective:

 

•    the exchange agent must receive a written notice, which may be by facsimile transmission or letter, of withdrawal at one of the addresses set forth below under “Exchange agent;” or

 

•    holders must comply with the appropriate procedures of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program system.

 

Any such notice of withdrawal must:

 

•    specify the name of the person who tendered the senior notes to be withdrawn;

 

•    identify the senior notes to be withdrawn (including the principal amount of such senior notes); and

 

•    where certificates for senior notes have been transmitted, specify the name in which such senior notes were registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.

 

If certificates for senior notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates, the withdrawing holder must also submit:

 

•    the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn; and

 

•    a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution unless such holder is an eligible guarantor institution.

 

If senior notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn senior notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of such facility. We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of such notices, and our determination shall be final and binding on all parties. We will deem any senior notes so withdrawn not to have been validity tendered for purposes of the exchange offer. Any senior notes that have been tendered for exchange but that are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to their holder without cost to the holder, or, in the case of senior notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC according to the procedures described above, such senior notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for senior notes, as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange

 

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offer. Properly withdrawn senior notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under “How to tender” above at any time on or prior to the expiration date.

 

Conditions to the exchange offer

 

Despite any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or exchange any exchange notes for, any senior notes, and we may terminate the exchange offer as provided in this prospectus before accepting any senior notes for exchange if in our reasonable judgment:

 

•    the exchange notes to be received will not be tradeable by the holder, without restriction under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and without material restrictions under the blue sky or securities laws of substantially all of the states of the United States;

 

•    the exchange offer, or the making of any exchange by a holder of senior notes, would violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC; or

 

•    any action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer that, in our judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer.

 

In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the senior notes of any holder that has not made to us:

 

•    the representations described under “Purpose of the exchange offer,” “How to tender” and “Plan of distribution” and

 

•    such other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to make available to us an appropriate form for registration of the exchange notes under the Securities Act.

 

We expressly reserve the right, at any time or at various times, to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. Consequently, it may delay acceptance of any senior notes by giving oral or written notice of such extension to their holders. During any such extensions, all senior notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer, and we may accept them for exchange. We will return any senior notes that we do not accept for exchange for any reason without expense to the tendering holder as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

 

We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and to reject for exchange any senior notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the exchange offer specified above. We will give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment, non- acceptance or termination to the holders of the senior notes as promptly as practicable. In the case of any extension, such notice will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

 

These conditions are for our sole benefit and we may assert them regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole or in part at any or at various times in our sole discretion. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, this failure will not constitute a waiver of such right. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at various times.

 

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In addition, we will not accept for exchange any senior notes tendered, and will not issue exchange notes in exchange for any such senior notes, if at such time any stop order will be threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

 

Exchange agent

 

SunTrust Bank has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. All executed letters of transmittal should be directed to the exchange agent at the address set forth below. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery should be directed to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

 


By Facsimile:   By Registered or Certified Mail:   By Hand/Overnight Delivery:

(404) 588-7335

  SunTrust Bank   SunTrust Bank
    Corporate Trust Depart. (mc008)   Corporate Trust Depart. (mc008)
    25 Park Place, 24th/ Floor   25 Park Place, 24th/ Floor
    Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2900   Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2900
    Attention: Jack Ellerin   Attention: Jack Ellerin

 

Delivery of the letter of transmittal to an address other than as set forth above or transmission of such letter of transmittal via facsimile other than as set forth above does not constitute a valid delivery of the letter of transmittal.

 

Fees and expenses

 

We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders. The principal solicitation is being made by mail; however, we may make additional solicitation by telegraph, telephone or in person by our officers and regular employees and those of our affiliates.

 

We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for services and reimburse it for its related reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

 

We will pay the cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange offer. The expenses are estimated in the aggregate to be approximately [$300,000]. They include:

 

•    SEC registration fees;

 

•    fees and expenses of the exchange agent and trustee;

 

•    accounting and legal fees and printing costs; and

 

•    related fees and expenses.

 

Transfer taxes

 

We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of senior notes under the exchange offer. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person) if:

 

•    certificates representing senior notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the senior notes tendered;

 

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•    tendered senior notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or

 

•    a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of senior notes under the exchange offer.

 

If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.

 

Consequences of failure to exchange

 

Holders of senior notes who do not exchange their senior notes for exchange notes under the exchange offer will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of the senior notes:

 

•    as set forth in the legend printed on the senior notes as a consequence of the issuance of the senior notes pursuant to the exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws; and

 

•    otherwise set forth in the offering memorandum distributed in connection with the private offering of the senior notes.

 

In general, you may not offer or sell the senior notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act or the offer or sale is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the senior notes under the Securities Act. Based on interpretations of the SEC staff, exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by their holders, other than any such holder that is our “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that the holders acquired the exchange notes in the ordinary course of the holders’ business and the holders have no arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the exchange notes to be acquired in the exchange offer. Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange notes:

 

•    cannot rely on the applicable interpretations of the SEC; and

 

•    must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.

 

Accounting treatment

 

We will record the exchange notes at the same carrying value as the senior notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of the exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes.

 

Solicitation of tenders

 

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations in connection with the exchange offer other than those contained in this prospectus. If such information or representations are given or made they should not be relied upon as though authorized by us. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any exchange made based on this prospectus will create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the

 

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dates of the information provided by this prospectus. The exchange offer is not being made to (nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of) holders of senior notes in any jurisdiction in which the making of the exchange offer or the acceptance of the exchange offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. However, we may, at our discretion, take such action as we may deem necessary to make the exchange offer in any such jurisdiction and extend the exchange offer to holders of senior notes in such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction which the securities laws or blue sky laws require the exchange offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the exchange offer is being made on our behalf by one or more registered brokers or dealers and they are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

 

Federal income tax consequences

 

The exchange of the senior notes for the exchange notes in the exchange offer should not constitute an exchange for federal income tax purposes. Consequently, (i) no gain or loss should be realized by a U.S. Holder upon receipt of the exchange notes; (ii) the holding period of the exchange notes should include the holding period of the senior notes exchanged therefor; and (iii) the adjusted tax basis of the exchange notes should be the same as the adjusted tax basis of the senior notes exchanged therefor immediately before the exchange. Even if the exchange of senior notes for the exchange notes were treated as an exchange, however, such an exchange should constitute a tax-free recapitalization for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, the exchange notes should have the same issue price as the senior notes and a U.S. Holder should have the same adjusted basis and holding period in the exchange note as it had in the senior notes immediately before the exchange.

 

As used in this prospectus, the term “U.S. Holder” means a person who is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision of the United States; or (iii) an estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.

 

Holders of senior notes who are not U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own advisors regarding the tax consequences to them of an exchange of senior notes for exchange notes.

 

Other

 

Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.

 

We may in the future seek to acquire untendered senior notes in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any senior notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered senior notes.

 

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Description of exchange notes

 

General

 

The Exchange Notes will be issued under the indenture, dated as of May 21, 2003, between SunTrust Bank, the trustee and us. A copy of the indenture is filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and is available upon request at our address set forth under the heading “Incorporation of certain documents by reference.” This is the same indenture under which the senior notes were issued. SunTrust Bank also serves as the trustee under the indentures relating to our 2001 Senior Notes and 1998 Notes.

 

The following description is only a summary of the provisions of the Indenture. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of certain terms therein and those terms made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Upon the issuance of the exchange notes, or the effectiveness of a shelf registration statement relating to the senior notes, the indenture will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act.

 

You will find the definitions of capitalized terms used in this description at the end of this section under the heading “Certain definitions.” For purposes of this description, references to the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Smithfield Foods, Inc. and not to its subsidiaries. References to “Notes” refers to both the senior notes and the exchange notes.

 

Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Exchange Notes will be payable, and the Notes may be exchanged or transferred, at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (which initially shall be the office of the Trustee, located at 88 Pine Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005, except that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the registered holders of the Notes as such address appears in the Note Register. We will pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, Notes in global form registered in the name of or held by The Depositary Trust Company or its nominee in immediately available funds to The Depositary Trust Company or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of such global note.

 

The Notes will be our general unsecured, senior obligations, ranking equally in right of payment to any of our future senior indebtedness.

 

The Notes will be issued only in fully registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or other similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith. The exchange notes are new securities and there is currently no established market for the exchange notes. The exchange notes generally will be freely transferable but will also be new securities for which there will not initially be a market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for the exchange notes. The exchange notes are expected to be eligible for trading in the PORTAL market. We do not intend to apply for a listing of the exchange notes on any securities exchange or an automated dealer quotation system.

 

Terms of the notes

 

The Notes will initially be limited to $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount, and will mature on May 15, 2013. The indenture permits us to issue an unlimited amount of notes, subject to

 

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compliance with the terms of the covenants described under “—Certain covenants—Limitation on indebtedness.”

 

Each Note will bear interest at a rate per annum shown on the front cover of this prospectus from the date of issuance, or from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or provided for, payable semiannually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2003 to Holders of record at the close of business on the May 1 or November 1 immediately preceding the interest payment date.

 

No sinking fund or redemption

 

The Notes will not be redeemable at our option and will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.

 

Ranking

 

The Notes will be our general unsecured obligations that rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future Indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes. The Notes will rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future liabilities that are not so subordinated. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding up or upon a default in payment with respect to, or the acceleration of, any Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Senior Secured Notes or other Secured Indebtedness, our assets that secure Secured Indebtedness will be available to pay obligations on the Notes only after all Indebtedness under such Revolving Credit Facility, the Senior Secured Notes and other Secured Indebtedness has been repaid in full from such assets. We advise you that there may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all the Notes then outstanding. The Notes are not guaranteed by our subsidiaries. As a result, the Notes are structurally junior to the obligations and liabilities of our subsidiaries.

 

As of April 27, 2003, the aggregate principal amount of indebtedness, including our capital lease obligations, was approximately $1,733.0 million, of which $435.7 million was senior secured indebtedness. As of April 27, 2003, the aggregate principal amount of indebtedness of our subsidiaries was approximately $245.7 million, excluding capital lease obligations and guarantees of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Secured Notes.

 

Change of control

 

Upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each, a “Change of Control”), each Holder will have the right to require us to repurchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date):

 

(i) any sale, transfer or other conveyance, whether direct or indirect, of all or substantially all of the fair market value of our assets on a consolidated basis, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to any other Person or Persons or one or more of our Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(ii) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), other than one or more Permitted Holders, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except

 

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that a Person shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all shares that any such Person has the right to acquire within one year), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of our Voting Stock (or its successor by merger, consolidation or purchase of all or substantially all of its assets);

 

(iii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by our shareholders was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors then in office; or

 

(iv) the adoption of a plan relating to our liquidation or dissolution.

 

In the event that at the time of such Change of Control the terms of any Indebtedness restrict or prohibit the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this covenant, then the Indenture requires that prior to the mailing of the notice to Holders provided for in the immediately following paragraph but in any event within 30 days following any Change of Control, we shall either (i) repay in full all Indebtedness or offer to repay in full all such Indebtedness and repay the Indebtedness of each lender who has accepted such offer or (ii) obtain the requisite consent under the agreements governing such Indebtedness to permit the repurchase of the Notes as provided for in the immediately following paragraph. We will first comply with the covenant in the preceding sentence before we will be required to make the Change of Control Offer or to purchase the Notes pursuant to the provisions described herein; provided that such compliance will not extend the time periods set forth in the Indenture for us to make an offer to repurchase the Notes in connection with a Change of Control.

 

Within 30 days following any Change of Control, we must mail a notice (the “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee stating that: (1) that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require us to purchase that Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on a record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date); (2) the circumstances and relevant facts and financial information regarding such Change of Control; (3) the repurchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed) (the “Change of Control Payment Date”); (4) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest pursuant to its terms; (5) that, unless we default in the payment of the purchase price, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest on and after the Change of Control Payment Date; and (6) the instructions determined by us, consistent with this covenant, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes purchased or to cancel such order of purchase. On or before the Change of Control Payment Date, we must: (i) accept for payment Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer; (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the purchase price of all Notes or portions thereof so accepted; and (iii) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee, all Notes or portions thereof so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate specifying the Notes or portions thereof accepted for payment by us. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail, to the Holders of Notes so accepted, payment in an amount equal to the purchase price, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail to such Holders a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered; provided that each Note purchased and each new Note issued shall be in a principal amount of $1,000 or

 

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integral multiples thereof. We will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date. For purposes of the “Change of Control” covenant of the Indenture, the Trustee shall act as Paying Agent.

 

We will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any other securities laws or regulations in connectionwith the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this covenant. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this covenant, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our Indenture obligations under this paragraph by virtue thereof.

 

The Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations between us and the Initial Purchasers. We have no present plans to engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that we would decide to do so in the future.

 

Subject to the limitations discussed below, we could, in the future, enter into transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at that time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit ratings.

 

If we are unable to repay all of our indebtedness that would prohibit repurchase of the Notes or are unable to obtain the consents of the holders of our indebtedness, if any, outstanding at the time of a Change of Control whose consent would be so required to permit the repurchase of Notes, then we will have breached the “Change of control” covenant of the Indenture. This breach will constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture if it continues for a period of 30 consecutive days after written notice is given to us by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding. In addition, the failure by us to repurchase Notes at the conclusion of the Change of Control Offer will constitute an Event of Default without any waiting period or notice requirements.

 

The occurrence of a Change of Control would constitute a default under the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, certain events that may constitute a Change of Control under the Revolving Credit Facility and cause a default thereunder may not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture. Furthermore, we are required upon the occurrence of certain change of control events (including but not limited to, certain events which would constitute a Change of Control) to make an offer to repurchase the 2001 Senior Notes, the 1998 Notes and the Senior Secured Notes. Our future Indebtedness and that of our Subsidiaries may contain prohibitions on events which would constitute a Change of Control or require such Indebtedness to be repurchased upon a Change of Control. Moreover, the exercise by the holders of their right to require us to repurchase the Notes, the 2001 Senior Notes, the 1998 Notes or the Senior Secured Notes could cause a default under agreements evidencing such Indebtedness, even if the Change of Control itself does not, due to the financial effect to us of such repurchase. Finally, our ability to pay cash to the Holders upon a repurchase may be limited by our then existing financial resources. There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make any required repurchases of either of the Notes or of any indebtedness outstanding that would prohibit such a Note repurchase.

 

The definition of “Change of Control” (see clause (i) of such definition) includes a disposition of all or substantially all of our property and assets and our Subsidiaries. With respect to the disposition of property or assets, the phrase “all or substantially all” as used in the Indenture

 

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varies according to the facts and circumstances of the subject transaction, has no clearly established meaning under New York law and is subject to judicial interpretation.

 

Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty in ascertaining whether a particular transaction would involve a disposition of “all or substantially all” of the property or assets of a Person, and therefore it may be unclear as to whether a Change of Control has occurred and whether we would be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes as described above.

 

None of the provisions of the Indenture relating to a purchase of the Notes upon a Change of Control is waivable by our Board of Directors. Without the consent of each Noteholder affected thereby, after the mailing of the notice of a Change of Control Offer, no amendment of the Indenture may, directly or indirectly, affect the our obligation to consummate a Change of Control Offer or waive any default in the performance thereof or modify any of the provisions of the definitions with respect to any such offer.

 

Certain covenants

 

The Indenture contains covenants including, among others, the following:

 

Limitation on indebtedness.    (a) We will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness); provided, however, that we and our Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur Indebtedness if on the date of the Incurrence of such Indebtedness the Consolidated Coverage Ratio would be equal to or greater than 2.00:1.00.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph (a), we and our Restricted Subsidiaries, as set forth below, may Incur the following Indebtedness:

 

(i) (A) Indebtedness of ours Incurred pursuant to the Revolving Credit Facility and (B) the Incurrence by a Receivables Entity of Indebtedness in a Qualified Receivables Transaction that is nonrecourse to us or any Subsidiary of our (except for Standard Securitization Undertakings) in an aggregate principal amount for Indebtedness Incurred under clauses (A) and (B) and outstanding at any one time, not to exceed the greater of (x) $900.0 million, less the aggregate amount of all repayments of principal actually made under the Revolving Credit Facility since the Issue Date with Net Available Cash from Asset Dispositions pursuant to clause (a)(iii)(A) of the covenant described under “—Limitation on sales of assets” and (y) the Borrowing Base;

 

(ii) the incurrence of Indebtedness represented by the Notes;

 

(iii) Indebtedness (A) of ours to any Wholly Owned Subsidiary and (B) of any Restricted Subsidiary to us or any other Wholly Owned Subsidiary; provided, however, that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any such Wholly Owned Subsidiary ceasing to be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to us or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary) will be deemed, in each case, an Incurrence of Indebtedness by us or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be;

 

(iv) any Indebtedness (other than the Indebtedness described in clauses (i) or (iii) above) outstanding on the Issue Date, including the 2001 Senior Notes, the 1998 Notes and the Senior Secured Notes then in existence and the Guarantees related thereto, and any Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred in respect of any Indebtedness described in this clause (iv) or paragraph (a);

 

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(v) Indebtedness represented by the Subsidiary Guarantees and Guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to clause (i) above;

 

(vi) Indebtedness in respect of performance, surety or appeal bonds provided in the ordinary course of business;

 

(vii) Indebtedness under Hedging Obligations; provided, however, that such Hedging Obligations are entered into for bona fide hedging purposes in the ordinary course of business;

 

(viii) Indebtedness (in addition to Indebtedness described in clauses (i), (iii) and (iv)) of ours or any Restricted Subsidiary attributable to Capitalized Lease Obligations, or Incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of fixed or capital assets, or constituting Attributable Debt in respect of Sale/Leaseback Transactions, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding, since the Issue Date, not in excess of $50.0 million;

 

(ix) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary issued and outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired by us (other than Indebtedness Incurred (A) as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by us or (B) otherwise in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition) and any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect thereto; provided, however, that on the date of any such acquisition of a Restricted Subsidiary, we shall have been able to Incur at least an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness under paragraph (a) above after giving effect to such acquisition; and

 

(x) Indebtedness (in addition to Indebtedness described in clauses (i)-(ix)) in a principal amount which, when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (x) since the Issue Date and then outstanding, will not in the aggregate exceed $50.0 million.

 

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not Incur any Indebtedness pursuant to the foregoing paragraph (b) if the proceeds thereof are used, directly or indirectly, to refinance any Subordinated Indebtedness unless such Indebtedness (i) will be subordinated to the Notes to at least the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness and (ii) will not mature prior to the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness to be refinanced or refunded, and the Average Life of such new Indebtedness is at least equal to the remaining Average Life of the Indebtedness to be refinanced or refunded.

 

(d) No Subsidiary Guarantor will incur any indebtedness if the proceeds thereof are used, directly or indirectly, to refinance any Guarantor Subordinated Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor unless such Indebtedness will be subordinated to the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee to at least the same extent as such Guarantor Subordinated Indebtedness.

 

(e) We will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to Incur any Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Indebtedness; provided, however, if any such Indebtedness ceases to be Non-Recourse Indebtedness, such event shall be deemed to constitute an Incurrence of Indebtedness by us or a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(f) For purposes of determining compliance with this “Limitation on indebtedness” covenant, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the types of

 

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Indebtedness described in the above clauses, we, in our sole discretion, shall classify such item of Indebtedness at the time of Incurrence and only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of such clauses. All Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date under the Revolving Credit Facility shall be deemed initially Incurred on the Issue Date under clause (i) of the second paragraph of this covenant.

 

(g) For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term Indebtedness, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit Indebtedness; provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-dominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-dominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced. Notwithstanding any other provision of this covenant, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that we may Incur pursuant to this covenant shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such Refinancing Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

 

Limitation on restricted payments.    (a) We Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on or in respect of our or its Capital Stock, as applicable, (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) except (x) dividends or distributions payable solely in our or its Capital Stock, as applicable, (other than Disqualified Stock) and (y) dividends or distributions payable to us or any of our Subsidiaries (and, if such Subsidiary is not directly or indirectly owned 100% by us, to our other stockholders on a pro rata basis), (ii) purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any Capital Stock of us or any Restricted Subsidiary held by Persons other than us or any of our Subsidiaries, (iii) purchase, repurchase, redeem, prepay interest, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, any Subordinated Indebtedness or Guarantor Subordinated Indebtedness (other than the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Indebtedness or Guarantor Subordinated Indebtedness purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase or acquisition) or (iv) make any Restricted Investment in any Person (any such dividend, distribution, purchase, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, other acquisition, retirement or Investment referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) being herein referred to as a “Restricted Payment”) if at the time the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary makes such Restricted Payment: (1) a Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or would result therefrom); (2) we could not Incur at least an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness under paragraph (a) of the covenant described under “—Limitation on indebtedness”; or (3) the aggregate amount of such Restricted Payment and all other Restricted Payments (the amount so expended, if other than in cash, to be determined in good faith by our Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive and evidenced by

 

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a resolution of our Board of Directors) declared or made subsequent to the Issue Date would exceed the sum of:

 

(A) $100.0 million;

 

(B) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income accrued during the period (treated as one accounting period) commencing on the Issue Date to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such Restricted Payment as to which financial results are available (but in no event ending more than 135 days prior to the date of such Restricted Payment) (or, in case such Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit);

 

(C) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by us from the issuance or sale of our Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) or other cash capital contributions subsequent to the Issue Date (other than an issuance or sale to a Subsidiary of ours and other than an issuance or sale to an employee stock ownership plan or other trust established by us or any of our Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees to the extent the purchase by such plan or trust is financed by Indebtedness of such plan or trust and for which we or any Restricted Subsidiary is the lender or is liable as guarantor or otherwise);

 

(D) the fair market value (as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors) of shares of our Qualified Stock issued to acquire Additional Assets from a third party;

 

(E) the sum of (i) the amount by which our Indebtedness is reduced on our balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary of ours) subsequent to the Issue Date, of any Indebtedness of the Company or our Restricted Subsidiaries convertible or exchangeable for our Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) (less the amount of any cash or other property (other than Capital Stock) distributed by us upon such conversion or exchange) and (ii) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by us (less any contingent amounts that we may be required to refund or return) upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary of ours) subsequent to the Issue Date of any Indebtedness of the Company or our Restricted Subsidiaries convertible or exchangeable for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock);

 

(F) the amount equal to the net reduction in Investments since the Issue Date in Unrestricted Subsidiaries resulting from (i) repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets to us or any Restricted Subsidiary from Unrestricted Subsidiaries or (ii) the redesignation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries as Restricted Subsidiaries (valued in each case as provided in the definition of “Investment”) not to exceed, in the case of any Unrestricted Subsidiary, the amount of Investments previously made by us or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Unrestricted Subsidiary, which amount was treated as a Restricted Payment (and, with respect to clauses (i) and (ii), without duplication of any amounts included in Consolidated Net Income); and

 

(G) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made after the Issue Date is sold for cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid for cash, the lesser of (x) the net proceeds of such sale, liquidation or repayment and (y) the net book value of such Restricted Investment.

 

(b) So long as there is no Default or Event of Default continuing, the provisions of the foregoing paragraph (a) will not prohibit:

 

(i) any purchase, defeasance or redemption of our Capital Stock or Subordinated Indebtedness made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, our Capital Stock other than Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued or sold to one of our

 

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Subsidiaries or an employee stock ownership plan or other trust established by us or any of our Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees to the extent the purchase by such plan or trust is financed by Indebtedness by such plan or trust and for which we or any Restricted Subsidiary is the lender or is liable as a guarantor or otherwise); provided, however, that (A) such purchase, defeasance or redemption shall be excluded in subsequent calculations of the amount of Restricted Payments and (B) the Net Cash Proceeds from such sale of Capital Stock shall be excluded in calculations under clause (3)(B) of paragraph (a);

 

(ii) any purchase, defeasance or redemption of Subordinated Indebtedness made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, our Subordinated Indebtedness that is Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that (A) such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so purchased or redeemed and (B) such purchase, defeasance or redemption shall be excluded in subsequent calculations of the amount of Restricted Payments;

 

(iii) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of our Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or Guarantor Subordinated Indebtedness of any of our Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to a “change of control” or “asset sale” covenant set forth in the indenture pursuant to which the same is issued and such “change of control” and “asset sale” covenants are substantially identical in all material respects to the comparable provisions included in the Indenture; provided that such repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value shall only be permitted if all of the terms and conditions in such provisions have been complied with and such repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions or retirements for value are made in accordance with such indenture pursuant to which the same is issued and provided further that we have repurchased all Notes required to be repurchased by us pursuant to the terms and conditions described under the caption “Change of control” or “Certain covenants—Limitation on asset sales,” as the case may be, prior to the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of such Subordinated Indebtedness or Guarantor Subordinated Indebtedness pursuant to the “change of control” or “asset sale” covenant included in such indenture; provided that such repurchase, redemption or other acquisition shall be excluded in subsequent calculations of the amount of Restricted Payments;

 

(iv) dividends paid within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with paragraph (a); provided, however, that such dividend shall be included in subsequent calculations of the amount of Restricted Payments;

 

(v) any repurchase of an Equity Interest deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options; or

 

(vi) Permitted Employee Payments in an aggregate amount not in excess of $5.0 million since the Issue Date; provided, however, that such payments shall be included in the calculation of Restricted Payments.

 

Limitation on sale/leaseback transactions.    We will not, and will not permit any of our Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale/Leaseback Transaction unless:

 

(1) we or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Sale/Leaseback Transaction at least equal to the fair market value (as evidenced by a resolution of our Board of Directors) of the property subject to such transaction;

 

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(2) we or such Restricted Subsidiary could have Incurred Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Indebtedness in respect of such Sale/Leaseback Transaction pursuant to the covenant described under “—Limitation on indebtedness”;

 

(3) we or such Restricted Subsidiary would be permitted to create a Lien on the property subject to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction without securing the Notes by the covenant described under “—Limitation on liens”; and

 

(4) the Sale/Leaseback Transaction is treated as an Asset Disposition and all of the conditions of the Indenture described under “—Limitation on sales of assets” (including the provisions concerning the application of Net Available Cash) are satisfied with respect to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction, treating all of the consideration received in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction as Net Available Cash for purposes of such covenant.

 

Limitation on restrictions on distributions from restricted subsidiaries.    We will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions on our Capital Stock or pay any Indebtedness or other obligations owed to us or any other Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) make any loans or advances to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) transfer any of its property or assets to us or any other Restricted Subsidiary, except:

 

(1) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement in effect at or entered into on the Issue Date, including pursuant to the Indenture, the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Secured Notes then in existence;

 

(2) any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement relating to any Indebtedness Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary prior to the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired by us (other than Indebtedness Incurred as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by us) and outstanding on such date;

 

(3) any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement effecting a refinancing of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to an agreement referred to in clause (1) or (2) of this covenant or this clause (3) or contained in any amendment to an agreement referred to in clause (1) or (2) of this covenant or this clause (3); provided, however, that the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such refinancing agreement or amendment are no less favorable to the Holders of the Notes taken as a whole than the original encumbrances and restrictions contained in such agreements;

 

(4) in the case of clause (iii) above, any encumbrance or restriction (A) that restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract, (B) by virtue of any transfer of, agreement to transfer, option or right with respect to, any property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture, (C) contained in security agreements securing Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such encumbrance or restrictions restrict the transfer of the property subject to such security agreements and (D) ordinary course provisions restricting the assignability of contracts;

 

 

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(5) any restriction with respect to us or a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of us or such Restricted Subsidiary pending the closing of such sale or disposition;

 

(6) restrictions created in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction that, in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors, are necessary to effect such Qualified Receivables Transaction; provided that such restrictions apply only to such Receivables Entity; and

 

(7) any restriction by operation of applicable law.

 

Limitation on sales of assets.    (a) We will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Asset Disposition unless (i) we or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration (including by way of relief from, or by any other Person assuming sole responsibility for, any liabilities, contingent or otherwise) at the time of such Asset Disposition at least equal to the fair market value of the shares and assets subject to such Asset Disposition (as determined in good faith by our management, or if such Asset Disposition involves consideration in excess of $20.0 million, by a resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee), (ii) at least 75% of the consideration thereof received by us or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash and/or Cash Equivalents (except such requirement of cash and/or Cash Equivalents shall not apply to any property, plant, equipment or other facility closed and designated as unused, idle or obsolete by either Senior Management or by resolution of the Board of Directors, and in either case set forth in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee) and (iii) an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition is applied by us (or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) as follows:

 

(A) first, to the extent we or such Restricted Subsidiary elects (or is required by the terms of any Indebtedness), to prepay, repay or purchase Indebtedness (other than Disqualified Stock or Subordinated Indebtedness) (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto) within 365 days after the date of such Asset Disposition; (B) second, to the extent of the balance of Net Available Cash after application in accordance with clause (A), to the extent we or such Restricted Subsidiary elects, to reinvest in Additional Assets (including by means of an Investment in Additional Assets by a Restricted Subsidiary with Net Available Cash received by us or another Restricted Subsidiary) within 365 days from the date of such Asset Disposition; (C) third, to the extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash after application in accordance with clauses (A) and (B), to make an offer to purchase Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness (including, without limitation, the 2001 Senior Notes) with similar asset sale provisions, pro rata at 100% of the tendered principal amount thereof (or 100% of the accreted value of such other Pari Passu Indebtedness so tendered, if such Pari Passu Indebtedness was offered at a discount) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the purchase date and (D) fourth, to the extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash after application in accordance with clauses (A), (B) and (C) above, to fund (to the extent consistent with any other applicable provision of the Indenture) any corporate purpose; provided, however, that in connection with any prepayment, repayment or purchase of Indebtedness pursuant to clause (A) or (C) above, we or such Restricted Subsidiary will retire such Indebtedness and will cause the related loan commitment (if any) to be permanently reduced in an amount equal to the principal amount so prepaid, repaid or purchased. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this covenant, we and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be required to apply any Net Available Cash in accordance with this covenant except to the extent that the aggregate Net Available Cash from all Asset Dispositions that is not yet applied in accordance with this covenant exceeds $10.0 million.

 

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For the purposes of this covenant, the following are deemed to be cash: (x) the assumption of Indebtedness of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock or our Subordinated Indebtedness) or any Restricted Subsidiary and the release of us or such Restricted Subsidiary from all liability on such Indebtedness in connection with such Asset Disposition and (y) securities received by us or any Restricted Subsidiary from the transferee that are converted within 30 days by us or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash. Upon the completion of the application of the Net Available Cash from any Asset Disposition pursuant to this paragraph (a) above, the amount of Net Available Cash attributable to such Asset Disposition shall be deemed to be zero.

 

(b)  In the event of an Asset Disposition that requires the purchase of Notes pursuant to clause (a)(iii)(C), we will be required to apply such Excess Proceeds (as defined below) to the repayment of the Notes and any other Pari Passu Indebtedness (including, without limitation, the 2001 Senior Notes) outstanding with similar provisions requiring us to make an offer to purchase such Indebtedness with the proceeds from any Asset Disposition as follows: (A) we will make an offer to purchase (an “Offer”) within ten days of such time from all holders of the Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture in the maximum principal amount (expressed as a multiple of $1,000) of Notes that may be purchased out of an amount (the “Note Amount”) equal to the product of such Excess Proceeds multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the outstanding principal amount of the Notes and the denominator of which is the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness and (B) to the extent required by such Pari Passu Indebtedness to permanently reduce the principal amount of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, we will make an offer to purchase or otherwise repurchase or redeem Pari Passu Indebtedness (a “Pari Passu Offer”) in an amount equal to the excess of the Excess Proceeds over the Note Amount at a purchase price of 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest (or 100% of the accreted value of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, if such Pari Passu Indebtedness was offered at a discount) to the purchase date in accordance with the procedures (including prorating in the event of oversubscription) set forth in the Indenture with respect to the Offer and in the documentation governing such Pari Passu Indebtedness with respect to the Pari Passu Offer. If the aggregate purchase price of the Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer and Pari Passu Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the remaining Excess Proceeds will be available to us for use in accordance with clause (a)(iii)(D) above. We shall not be required to make an Offer for Notes pursuant to this covenant if the Net Available Cash available therefor (after application of the proceeds as provided in clauses (a)(iii)(A) and (a)(iii)(B) above) (“Excess Proceeds”) is less than $10.0 million (which lesser amounts shall be carried forward for purposes of determining whether an Offer is required with respect to the Net Available Cash from any subsequent Asset Disposition).

 

(c)  We will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this covenant. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this covenant, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this paragraph (c) by virtue thereof.

 

Limitation on transactions with affiliates.    (a) We will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into or conduct any transaction or series of transactions (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or assets or the rendering of any service or the making of any Investment) with any Affiliate of the Company (an ”Affiliate Transaction”) on terms (i) that are less favorable to us or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case

 

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may be, than those that could be obtained at the time of such transaction in arm’s length dealings with a Person who is not an Affiliate and (ii) that, in the event such Affiliate Transaction involves an aggregate amount in excess of $10.0 million, are not in writing and have not been approved or negotiated and entered into on behalf of us or such Restricted Subsidiary by Senior Management acting pursuant to authorizing resolutions adopted by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors or by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors having no personal stake in such Affiliate Transaction (and such majority or majorities, as the case may be, determines that such Affiliate Transaction satisfies the criteria in (i) above). In addition, any Affiliate Transaction involving aggregate payments or other transfers by us and our Restricted Subsidiaries in excess of $20.0 million will also require an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or appraiser, as appropriate, of national prominence, to the effect that the terms of such transaction are either (i) no less favorable to us or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could be obtained at the time of such transaction in arm’s length dealings with a Person who is not an Affiliate or (ii) fair to us or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial point of view.

 

(b)  The provisions of the foregoing paragraph (a) shall not prohibit (i) any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment permitted to be paid pursuant to the covenant described under “—Limitation on restricted payments,” (ii) the performance of our or our Restricted Subsidiary’s obligations under any collective bargaining agreement, employee benefit plan, related trust agreement or any other similar arrangement heretofore or hereafter entered into in the ordinary course of business, (iii) payment of reasonable fees and compensation to employees, officers or directors as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors or Senior Management (including indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, directors’ and officers’ insurance and similar arrangements, employment contracts, noncompetition and confidentiality agreements and similar instruments or payments) entered into in the ordinary course of business, (iv) maintenance in the ordinary course of business of reasonable benefit programs or arrangements for employees, officers or directors, including vacation plans, health and life insurance plans, SERPs, split-dollar life insurance plans, deferred compensation plans, and retirement or savings plans and similar plans as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors or Senior Management, (v) any transaction between us and a Wholly Owned Subsidiary or between Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, (vi) transactions effected as part of a Qualified Receivables Transaction, (vii) any issuance by us of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock ownership plans to the extent reasonable, as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors in the ordinary course of business, and loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business of us or our Restricted Subsidiaries consistent with past practices, (viii) transactions with customers, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case, in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Indenture which are fair to us or our Restricted Subsidiaries or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated third party, in the reasonable determination of our Board of Directors or our Senior Management, and (ix) any agreement as in effect on the Issue Date or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the holders of the Notes in any material respect).

 

Limitation on the sale or issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries.    We (i) will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, transfer, convey, lease, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary to any Person (other than to us or a Wholly

 

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Owned Subsidiary), and (ii) will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to issue or sell any shares of its Capital Stock (other than directors’ qualifying shares) to any Person (other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary); provided, however, that (i) we are permitted to sell all the Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary as long as we are in compliance with the terms of the covenant described under “—Limitation on sales of assets” and (ii) we are permitted to sell less than all of the Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary if (A) immediately after giving effect to such sale such Restricted Subsidiary would no longer constitute a Restricted Subsidiary and any Investment in such Person remaining after giving effect to such sale would have been permitted to be made under “—Limitation on restricted payments” covenant if made on the date of such issuance or sale and (B) we are in compliance with the terms of the covenant described under “—Limitation on sales of assets.”

 

Limitation on liens.    We will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness on any asset or property of us or such Restricted Subsidiary, including any Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, unless the Notes are equally and ratably secured with the obligations so secured (or senior to, in the event the Lien relates to Subordinated Indebtedness) or until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien.

 

The Indenture will provide that no Subsidiary Guarantor will directly or indirectly create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor on any asset or property of such Subsidiary Guarantor or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, unless the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor is equally and ratably secured with the obligations so secured (or senior to, in the event the Lien relates to Guarantor Subordinated Indebtedness) or until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Liens on assets transferred to a Receivables Entity or on assets of a Receivables Entity incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction will not require such equal and ratable security.

 

SEC reports.    Notwithstanding that we may not remain subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we will file (if then permitted to do so) with the Securities and Exchange Commission and provide (whether or not so filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) the Trustee and Noteholders and prospective Noteholders (upon request) within 15 days of the date of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission or, if not filed, on the date that such reports would be required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission if we were a reporting company, with the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports, which are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; provided, however, that we shall provide one copy of the exhibits of the foregoing to the Trustee and shall (upon request) provide additional copies of such exhibits to any Noteholder or prospective Noteholder. We will also comply with the other provisions of TIA §314(a).

 

Future subsidiary guarantors.    (a) The Indenture will provide that we will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to Guarantee the payment of any Indebtedness of or any Indebtedness of any other Restricted Subsidiary unless (i) such Restricted Subsidiary simultaneously executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the Indenture providing for a Guarantee of payment of the Notes by such Restricted Subsidiary (a “Subsidiary Guarantee”) except that with respect to a guarantee of our

 

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Indebtedness if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, any such Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Restricted Subsidiary’s Subsidiary Guarantee with respect to the Notes substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes; (ii) such Restricted Subsidiary waives and will not in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against us or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any payment by such Restricted Subsidiary under its Subsidiary Guarantee; and (iii) such Restricted Subsidiary shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (A) such Subsidiary Guarantee has been duly executed and authorized and (B) such Subsidiary Guarantee constitutes a valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary, except insofar as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws (including, without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers) and except insofar as enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity; provided that this paragraph (a) shall not become applicable to any Guarantee of any Restricted Subsidiary (x) that (A) existed at the time such Person became our Restricted Subsidiary and (B) was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming our Restricted Subsidiary or (y) that Guarantees the payment of obligations of us or any Restricted Subsidiary under the Revolving Credit Facility or the Senior Secured Notes or Indebtedness with similar terms (other than interest rates and maturity), provisions and covenants as the Senior Secured Notes and such Indebtedness is secured by a Lien Incurred exclusively under clause (18) of the definition of Permitted Liens and the principal amount of such Indebtedness in the aggregate does not exceed 15% of Total Assets and any refunding, refinancing or replacement thereof, in whole or in part; provided that such Indebtedness incurred under this clause (y) and any refunding, refinancing or replacement (1) does not constitute Subordinated Indebtedness or (2) is not incurred pursuant to a registered offering of securities under the Securities Act of 1933 or a private placement of securities (including under Rule 144A) pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, which private placement provides for registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933 (any guarantee excluded by operations of this clause (2) being an “Excluded Guarantee”).

 

(b)  Notwithstanding the foregoing and the other provisions of the Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary shall provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon (i) any sale, exchange or transfer, to any Person not our Affiliate, of all of our Capital Stock in, or all or substantially all the assets of, such Restricted Subsidiary (which sale, exchange or transfer is not prohibited by the Indenture), (ii) the release or discharge of the guarantee which resulted in the creation of such Note Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee or (iii) such Restricted Subsidiary is designated our Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the Indenture by our Board of Directors.

 

Limitation on lines of business.    We will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than a Related Business.

 

Effectiveness of covenants

 

The covenants described under “—Limitation on indebtedness,” “—Limitation on restricted payments,” “—Limitation on restrictions on distributions from restricted subsidiaries,” ”—Limitation on sales of assets,” “—Limitation on transactions with affiliates,” “—Limitation on the sale or issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries,” “—SEC reports,” “—Future

 

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subsidiary guarantors” and “—Limitation on lines of business” (the “Suspended Covenants”) will no longer be in effect upon our reaching Investment Grade Status.

 

Merger and consolidation

 

We will not, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all its assets to, any Person nor permit any Person to merge with or into us, unless: (i) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Company”) will be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor Company (if not the Company) will expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all our obligations under the Notes and the Indenture; (ii) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Company or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing; (iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, the Successor Company would be able to Incur an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness under paragraph (a) of the covenant described under “—Limitation on indebtedness”; (iv) each Subsidiary Guarantor (unless it is the other party to the transactions above, in which case clause (i) shall apply) shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Subsidiary Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations in respect of the Indenture and the Notes; and (v) we will have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with the Indenture. For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more of our Subsidiaries, the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or substantially all of our properties and assets, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of our properties and assets.

 

Subject to paragraph (b) of “—Future subsidiary guarantors,” each Subsidiary Guarantor will not, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all its assets to, any Person nor permit any Person to merge with or into such Subsidiary Guarantor, unless, (i) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Guarantor”) will be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor Guarantor (if not the Subsidiary Guarantor) will expressly assume in writing all the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under the Subsidiary Guarantee; (ii) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Successor Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Guarantor or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing; (iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, we would be able to Incur an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness under paragraph (a) of the covenant described under “—Limitation on indebtedness”; (iv) each other Subsidiary Guarantor shall have delivered a written instrument in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee confirming its Subsidiary Guarantee; and (v) we will have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such assumption of the

 

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Subsidiary Guarantee, if applicable, comply with the Indenture. For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary Guarantor, the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or substantially of all of the properties and assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise our every right and power under the Indenture, but the predecessor company in the case of a conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all its assets will not be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes. Solely for the purpose of computing amounts described in clause 3(A) of “—Limitation on restricted payments,” the Successor Company shall only be deemed to have succeeded and be substituted for us with respect to periods subsequent to the effective time of such merger, consolidation, combination or transfer of assets.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii) of the first paragraph of this covenant, (1) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of our properties and assets and (2) we may merge with an Affiliate incorporated exclusively for the purpose of our reincorporating in another jurisdiction to realize tax or other benefits.

 

Defaults

 

An Event of Default is defined in the Indenture as (i) a default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise, (ii) a default in any payment of interest on any Note when due, continued for 30 days, (iii) the failure by us or any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply with its obligations under the covenant described under “—Merger and consolidation” above, (iv) the failure by us to comply for 30 days after notice with any of our obligations under the covenants described under “—Change of control” or “—Certain covenants” above (in each case, other than a failure to purchase Notes), (v) a default by us in the performance of or our breach of any other covenant or agreement in the Indenture or under the Notes and such default continues for a period of 60 consecutive days after receipt by us of notice of such default or breach, (vi) the failure by any Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (if any) to comply with its obligations under any Subsidiary Guarantee to which such Subsidiary Guarantor is a party, after any applicable grace period, (vii) the failure by us or any Significant Subsidiary to pay any Indebtedness within any applicable grace period after final maturity or the acceleration of any such Indebtedness by the holders thereof if the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $25.0 million or its foreign currency equivalent (the “cross acceleration provision”), (viii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary, of us or a Significant Subsidiary (the “bankruptcy provisions”), (ix) the rendering of any judgment or decree for the payment of money in excess of $25.0 million or its foreign currency equivalent in the aggregate for all such final judgments or orders against us or a Significant Subsidiary if (A) an enforcement proceeding thereon is commenced and not discharged within ten days or (B) such judgment or decree remains outstanding for a period of 60 days following such judgment or decree and is not discharged, waived, stayed or bonded (the “judgment default provision”), or (x) the failure of any Subsidiary Guarantee by a Subsidiary Guarantor (if any) which is a Significant Subsidiary to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms thereof) or the denial or disaffirmation by any such Subsidiary Guarantor of its obligations under any Subsidiary Guarantee if such Default continues for 30 days.

 

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The foregoing will constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.

 

However, a Default under clause (iv) or (v) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes notify us of the Default and we do not cure such Default within the time specified in clauses (iv) and (v) hereof after receipt of such notice.

 

If an Event of Default (other than a Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us or a Significant Subsidiary) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to us, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to us and the Trustee, may, and the Trustee at the request of such Holders shall, declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. In the event of a declaration of acceleration because an Event of Default set forth in clause (vii) above has occurred and is continuing, such declaration of acceleration shall be automatically rescinded and annulled if the event of default or payment default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to clause (vii) shall be remedied or cured by us and/or the relevant Significant Subsidiaries or waived by the holders of the relevant Indebtedness within 60 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto. If an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us or a Significant Subsidiary occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes will become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may waive all past defaults (except with respect to nonpayment of principal, premium or interest) and rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences if (i) all existing Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived and (ii) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee, in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Notes unless (i) such Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing, (ii) Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy, (iii) such Holders have offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense, (iv) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity and (v) the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period. Subject to certain restrictions, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred

 

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on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under the Indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

 

The Indenture provides that if a Default occurs and is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee must mail to each Holder notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold notice if and so long as a committee of its Trust Officers in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the Noteholders. In addition, the Company is required to deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a certificate indicating whether the signers thereof know of any Default that occurred during the previous year. We also are required to deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice of any event which would constitute certain Defaults, their status and what action we are taking or propose to take in respect thereof.

 

Defeasance

 

We may, at our option and at any time, elect to have our obligations and the obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes (“Legal Defeasance”). Such Legal Defeasance means that we shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, except for (i) the rights of holders of the Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments are due, (ii) our obligations with respect to the Notes concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payments, (iii) the rights, powers, trust, duties and immunities of the Trustee and our obligations in connection therewith and (iv) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture. In addition, we may, at its option and at any time, elect to have our obligations released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the Indenture (“Covenant Defeasance”) and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

 

We may exercise our Legal Defeasance option notwithstanding our prior exercise of our Covenant Defeasance option. If we exercise our Legal Defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default with respect thereto. If we exercise our Covenant Defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in clause (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries), (ix) or (x) under “Events of default” above or because of our failure to comply with clause (iii) or (iv) under “Merger and consolidation” above.

 

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, (i) we must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the holders of the Notes cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be; (ii) in the case of Legal Defeasance, we shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (A) we have received from, or there has been

 

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published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the holders the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred; (iii) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, we shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; (iv) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Indenture resulting from the incurrence of Indebtedness, all or a portion of which will be used to defease the Notes concurrently with such incurrence); (v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which we or any of our Subsidiaries is a party or by which we or any of our Subsidiaries is bound; (vi) we shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that (A) the Notes and (B) assuming no intervening bankruptcy of us between the date of deposit and the 91st day following the deposit and that no Holder of the Notes is our insider, after the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally; and (vii) certain other customary conditions precedent are satisfied.

 

Amendments and waivers

 

Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture may be amended with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and any past default (other than with respect to nonpayment) or compliance with any provisions may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. However, without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected, no amendment may, among other things, (i) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, (ii) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Note, (iii) reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any Note, (iv) reduce the premium payable upon repurchase or change the time at which any Note may be repurchased under ”Change of control” and “Limitations on sales of assets,” (v) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Note, (vi) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes, (vii) release any Subsidiary Guarantor (if any) from any of its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee or the Indenture, except in compliance with the terms thereof, or (viii) make any change in the amendment provisions which require each Holder’s consent or in the waiver provisions. Without the consent of any Holder, us and Trustee may amend the Indenture to (i) cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency, (ii) to provide for the assumption by a successor corporation of our obligations under the Indenture, (iii) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes (provided, however, that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code), (iv) to add Guarantees with respect to the Notes or release a Subsidiary Guarantor upon its designation as

 

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an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that the designation is in accordance with the applicable provision of the Indenture, (v) to secure the Notes, (vi) to add to our covenants for the benefit of the Noteholders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us and (vii) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder or to comply with any requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA. The consent of the Noteholders is not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment. After an amendment under the Indenture becomes effective, we are required to mail to Noteholders a notice briefly describing such amendment.

 

However, the failure to give such notice to all Noteholders, or any defect therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.

 

No personal liability of incorporators, shareholders, officers, directors, or employees

 

The Indenture provides that no recourse for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any of the Notes or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of us in the Indenture, or in any of the Notes or because of the creation of any Indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, shareholder, officer, director, employee or controlling person of us or of any successor Person thereof. Each Holder, by accepting the Notes, waives and releases all such liability. Such waiver and release are not intended to affect the rights of Holders under the federal securities laws.

 

Concerning the trustee

 

SunTrust Bank is to be the trustee under the Indenture and has been appointed by us as Registrar and Paying Agent with regard to the Notes. SunTrust Bank also serves as the trustee under the indenture relating to our 2001 Senior Notes, and 1998 Notes. An affiliate of SunTrust was an initial purchaser of the senior notes. We and certain of our affiliates maintain deposit accounts and banking relationships with SunTrust Bank. Affiliates of SunTrust Bank have purchased, and are likely to purchase in the future, our securities and securities of our affiliates.

 

The Indenture provides that, except during the continuance of a Default, the Trustee will not be liable, except for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth in such Indenture. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee is to use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

 

The Indenture and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, incorporated by reference therein contain limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it become our creditor, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions; provided, however, that if it acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

 

Governing law

 

The Indenture provides that it and the Notes will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

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Certain definitions

 

“1998 Notes” means our 7 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.

 

“2001 Senior Notes” means our 8% Senior Notes due 2009.

 

“Acquired Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (i) of a Person or any of our Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case whether or not incurred by such Person in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such Person becoming our Restricted Subsidiary or such acquisition. Acquired Indebtedness shall be deemed to have been incurred, with respect to clause (i) of the preceding sentence, on the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and, with respect to clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, on the date of consummation of such acquisition of assets.

 

“Additional Assets” means (i) any property or assets (other than Indebtedness and Capital Stock) to be used by us or a Restricted Subsidiary in a Related Business; (ii) the Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such Capital Stock by us or another Restricted Subsidiary; or (iii) Capital Stock constituting a minority interest in any Person that at such time is or will thereupon become a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), such Restricted Subsidiary is primarily engaged in a Related Business.

 

“Affiliate” of any specified Person means (i) any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person, (ii) any Person who is a director or officer (a) of such Person, (b) of any Subsidiary of such Person or (c) of any Person described in clause (i) above and (iii) any beneficial owner of shares representing 5% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock (on a fully diluted basis) of us or of rights or warrants to purchase such Voting Stock (whether or not currently exercisable) and any Person who would be an Affiliate of any such beneficial owner pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii). For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person (other than us or any of our Subsidiaries) in whom a Receivables Entity makes an Investment in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction shall be deemed to be our Affiliate or any of our Subsidiaries solely by reason of such Investment.

 

“Asset Disposition” means any sale, lease, transfer or other issuance or disposition (or series of related sales, leases, transfers, issuance or dispositions that are part of a common plan) of shares of Capital Stock of a Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares), property or other assets (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “disposition”) by us or any of our Restricted Subsidiaries (including any disposition by means of a sale and leaseback, merger, consolidation or similar transaction, but excluding any disposition by means of any pledge of assets or stock by us or any of our Subsidiaries otherwise permitted under the Indenture, and any transaction or series of related transactions from which us or any of our Subsidiaries receives an aggregate consideration of less than $500,000) other than (i) a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to us or by us or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, (ii) a disposition of assets held for resale in the ordinary course of business, (iii) the sale of Temporary Cash Investments in the ordinary course of business, (iv) the sale or other disposition of

 

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damaged, worn, unneeded or obsolete equipment in the ordinary course of business, (v) for purposes of the covenant described under ”—Limitation on sales of assets” only, a disposition subject to the covenant described under ”—Limitation on restricted payments,” (vi) the sale of other assets so long as the fair market value of the assets disposed of pursuant to this clause (vi) does not exceed $2.0 million in the aggregate in any fiscal year and $10.0 million in the aggregate prior to May 15, 2013, (vii) any disposition of assets pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions described under “Merger and consolidation” and/or “Change of control”, (viii) sales or other dispositions of assets for consideration at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or disposed of, to the extent that the consideration received would constitute Additional Assets or an Investment in a Permitted Joint Venture that in each case complies with the “—Limitation on restricted payments” covenant and (ix) sales of accounts receivable and related assets of the type specified in the definition of “Qualified Receivables Transaction” to a Receivables Entity for the fair market value thereof, including cash in an amount at least equal to 75% of the book value thereof as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Attributable Debt” in respect of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the interest rate assumed in making calculations in accordance with FAS 13) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been extended).

 

“Average Life” means, as of the date of determination, with respect to any Indebtedness or Preferred Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products of the numbers of years from the date of determination to the dates of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment by (ii) the sum of all such payments.

 

“Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board with respect to the relevant matter.

 

“Borrowing Base” means, as of the date of determination, an amount equal to the sum, without duplication, of (i) 75% of the net book value of our and our Restricted Subsidiaries’ accounts receivable at such date and (ii) 75% of the net book value of our and our Restricted Subsidiaries’ inventories at such date. Net book value shall be determined in accordance with GAAP and shall be that reflected on the most recent available balance sheet (it being understood that the accounts receivable and inventories of an acquired business may be included if such acquisition has been completed on or prior to the date of determination).

 

“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banking institutions are authorized or required by law to close in New York City or Atlanta, Georgia.

 

“Capital Stock” of any Person means (i) with respect to any Person that is a corporation, any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock, and (ii) with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, any and all partnership or other equity interests of such Person but in each case excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.

 

“Capitalized Lease Obligations” means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP,

 

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and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in accordance with GAAP, and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease.

 

“Cash Equivalents” means (i) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, (ii) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and the commercial paper of the holding company of which is rated at least ”A-1” or the equivalent thereof by S&P or “P-1” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s, (iii) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (i) and (ii) entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (ii) above, (iv) commercial paper rated “A-1” or the equivalent thereof by S&P or “P-1” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s and in each case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition thereof, (v) investment funds investing 95% of their assets in securities of the type described in clauses (i)-(iv) above.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

“Consolidated Coverage Ratio” as of any date of determination means the ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of EBITDA of us and our Restricted Subsidiaries for the period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending prior to the date of such determination for which our consolidated financial statements are available to (ii) Consolidated Interest Expense of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such four consecutive fiscal quarters; provided, however, that:

 

(1) if we or any Restricted Subsidiary has Incurred any Indebtedness since the beginning of such period that remains outstanding on such date of determination or if the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Coverage Ratio is an Incurrence of Indebtedness, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis to such Indebtedness as if such Indebtedness had been Incurred on the first day of such period and the discharge of any other Indebtedness repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with the proceeds of such new Indebtedness as if such discharge had occurred on the first day of such period,

 

(2) if since the beginning of such period we or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have made any Asset Disposition, the EBITDA for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the EBITDA (if positive) directly attributable to the assets that are the subject of such Asset Disposition for such period or increased by an amount equal to the EBITDA (if negative) directly attributable thereto for such period and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any Indebtedness of us or any Restricted Subsidiary repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged (to the extent the related commitment is permanently reduced) with respect to us and our continuing Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such Asset Disposition for such period (or, if the Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary is sold, the Consolidated Interest Expense for such period directly attributable to the Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the Company and its continuing Restricted Subsidiaries are no longer liable for such Indebtedness after such sale),

 

 

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(3) if since the beginning of such period we or any Restricted Subsidiary (by merger or otherwise) shall have made an Investment in any Restricted Subsidiary (or any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) or an acquisition of assets, including any Investment in a Restricted Subsidiary or any acquisition of assets occurring in connection with a transaction causing a calculation to be made hereunder, which constitutes all or substantially all of an operating unit of a business, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the Incurrence of any Indebtedness and including the pro forma expenses and cost reductions calculated on a basis consistent with Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933) as if such Investment or acquisition occurred on the first day of such period and without regard to clause (ii) of the definition of Consolidated Net Income, and

 

(4) if since the beginning of such period any Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into us or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period) shall have made any Asset Disposition or any Investment or acquisition of assets that would have required an adjustment pursuant to clause (2) or (3) above if made by us or a Restricted Subsidiary during such period, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Asset Disposition, Investment or acquisition of assets occurred on the first day of such period. For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting Officer of us. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Interest Rate Agreement applicable to such Indebtedness if such Interest Rate Agreement has a remaining term as at the date of determination in excess of 12 months).

 

“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the total consolidated cash and non-cash interest expense (excluding capitalized interest) of us and our Restricted Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP, plus, to the extent incurred by us and our Restricted Subsidiaries in such period but not included in such interest expense, (i) interest expense attributable to Capitalized Lease Obligations and imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, (ii) amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost (other than those debt discounts and debt issuance costs incurred with respect to the 2001 Senior Notes, the 1998 Notes and on the Issue Date), (iii) capitalized interest, (iv) non-cash interest expense, (v) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges attributable to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing, (vi) interest actually paid by us or any Restricted Subsidiary under any Guarantee of Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, (vii) net costs associated with Hedging Obligations (or minus net gains associated with Hedging Obligations), (viii) the product of (A) Preferred Stock dividends in respect of all Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries and Disqualified Stock of us held by Persons other than us or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of us, expressed as a decimal, in each case, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; and (ix) the cash contributions to any employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such contributions are used by such plan or trust to pay interest or fees to any Person (other than us) in connection with Indebtedness Incurred by such plan or trust. For purposes of the foregoing, gross interest expense shall be determined after giving effect to any net payments made or received by us and our Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to Interest Rate Agreements.

 

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“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, without duplication, the consolidated net income (loss) of us and our Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that there shall not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:

 

(i) any net income (loss) of any Person if such Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that (A) subject to the limitations contained in clauses (iii) through (vi) below, our equity in the net income of any such Person for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Person during such period to us or a Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (ii) below) and (B) our equity in a net loss of any such Person for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income,

 

(ii) any net income (loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary if such Restricted Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly, or indirectly, to us, except that (A) subject to the limitations contained in clauses (iii) through (vi) below, our equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to us or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend (subject, in the case of a dividend that could have been made to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause) and (B) our in a net loss of any such Person for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income,

 

(iii) any gain or loss realized upon the sale or other disposition of any asset of us or our Restricted Subsidiaries (including pursuant to any Sale/Leaseback Transaction) that is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business and any gain (but not loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person, provided that this clause (iii) shall not be applicable with respect to calculating the amount of Consolidated Net Income in clause (a)(3)(B) of “Limitation on restricted payments,”

 

(iv) any extraordinary gain or loss,

 

(v) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles, and

 

(vi) for purposes of clause (a)(3)(A) of “Limitation on restricted payments,” amounts otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income that have the effect of reducing the aggregate amount of Investments under clause (viii) of the definition of Permitted Investments.

 

“Currency Agreement” means in respect of a Person any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement as to which such Person is a party or a beneficiary.

 

“Default” means any event or condition that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

 

“Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person that by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable) or upon the happening of any event (i) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, (ii) is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or (iii) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, in each case on or prior to 123 days after the Stated Maturity

 

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of the Notes; provided that any Capital Stock that would not constitute Disqualified Stock but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof the right to require such Person to repurchase or redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of an “asset sale” or “change of control” occurring prior to the Stated Maturity of the Notes shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if the ”asset sale” or “change of control” provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are no more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than the provisions contained in “—Limitation on sales of assets” and “Change of control” covenants contained in the Indenture and such Capital Stock specifically provides that such Person will not repurchase or redeem any such stock pursuant to such provision prior to the Company’s repurchase of such Notes as are required to be repurchased pursuant to the “—Limitation on sales of assets” and “Change of control” covenants.

 

“EBITDA” means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus, without duplication and to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income, (i) income tax expense, (ii) Consolidated Interest Expense, (iii) depreciation expense, (iv) amortization of intangibles and impairment charges recorded in connection with the application of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles,” and (v) other non-cash charges or non-cash losses (other than non-cash charges to the extent they represent an accrual of or reserve for cash charges in any future period or amortization of a prepaid expense that was paid in a prior period), less, without duplication, non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period (excluding any items which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period); provided, that if any Restricted Subsidiary is not directly or indirectly owned 100% by us, EBITDA shall be reduced (to the extent not otherwise reduced in accordance with GAAP) by an amount equal to (A) the amount of the EBITDA attributable to such Restricted Subsidiary multiplied by (B) the quotient of (1) the number of shares of outstanding common Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary not owned directly or indirectly by us on the last day of such period by us divided by (2) the total number of shares of outstanding common Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary on the last day of such period.

 

“Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect on the Issue Date, including those set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession. All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in the Indenture shall be computed in conformity with GAAP.

 

“Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other nonfinancial obligation of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or such other obligation of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (ii) entered into for purposes of

 

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assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

“Guarantor Subordinated Indebtedness” means, with respect to a Subsidiary Guarantor, any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is expressly subordinate in right of payment to the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee pursuant to a written agreement.

 

“Hedging Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement.

 

“Holder” or “Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered in the Note Register.

 

“Incur” means issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary. Any Indebtedness issued at a discount (including Indebtedness on which interest is payable through the issuance of additional Indebtedness) shall be deemed incurred at the time of original issuance of the Indebtedness at the initial accreted amount thereof.

 

“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):

 

(i) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money,

 

(ii) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of 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 (including reimbursement obligations with respect thereto) (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations described in clauses (i), (ii) and (v)) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent that such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the third Business Day following receipt by such Person of a demand for reimbursement following payment on the letter of credit),

 

(iv) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services (except Trade Payables), which purchase price is due more than six months after the date of placing such property in final service or taking final delivery and title thereto or the completion of such services,

 

(v) all Capitalized Lease Obligations and Attributable Debt of such Person,

 

(vi) the redemption, repayment or other repurchase amount of such Person with respect to any Disqualified Stock or, with respect to any of our Subsidiaries, any Preferred Stock (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends),

 

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(vii) all Indebtedness of other Persons secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person; provided, however, that the amount of Indebtedness of such Person shall be the lesser of (A) the fair market value of such asset at such date of determination and (B) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Persons,

 

(viii) all Indebtedness of other Persons to the extent Guaranteed by such Person, and

 

(ix) to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, net Hedging Obligations of such Person (such obligations to be equal at any time to the termination value of such agreement or arrangement giving rise to such Hedging Obligation that would be payable by such Person at such time).

 

“Interest Rate Agreement” means with respect to any Person any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement as to which such Person is party or a beneficiary.

 

“Investment” in any Person means any direct or indirect advance, loan (other than advances to customers in the ordinary course of business that are, in conformity with GAAP, recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of us or our Restricted Subsidiaries) or other extension of credit (including by way of Guarantee or similar arrangement) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other similar instruments issued by such Person. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and the covenant described under “—Limitation on restricted payments,” (i) “Investment” shall include the portion (proportionate to our equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of any of our Subsidiaries at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, we shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to (x) our “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less (y) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and (ii) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith either by the Board of Directors or Senior Management.

 

“Investment Grade Status,” with respect to us, shall occur when the Notes receive a rating of “BBB-” or higher from S&P and a rating of “Baa3” or higher from Moody’s.

 

“Issue Date” means May 21, 2003.

 

“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell, or any filing of, or any agreement to give any security interest).

 

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and its successors.

 

“Net Available Cash” from an Asset Disposition means cash payments received (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or

 

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installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to the properties or assets that are the subject of such Asset Disposition or received in any other noncash form) therefrom, in each case net of (i) all legal, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred (including fees and expenses of counsel, accountants and investment bankers), and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be paid or accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such Asset Disposition, (ii) all payments made on any Indebtedness that is secured by any assets subject to such Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon such assets, or that must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition, or by applicable law be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition, (iii) all distributions and other payments required to be made to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Disposition, (iv) appropriate amounts to be provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the assets disposed of in such Asset Disposition and retained by us or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Disposition and (v) any portion of the purchase price from an Asset Disposition placed in escrow (whether as a reserve for adjustment of the purchase price, or for satisfaction of indemnities in respect of such Asset Disposition), provided, however, that upon the termination of such escrow, Net Available Cash shall be increased by any portion of funds therein released to us or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

“Net Cash Proceeds” means, with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock or Indebtedness, the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, underwriters’ or placement agents’ fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees actually incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a result thereof.

 

“Non-Recourse Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (i) as to which neither us nor any of our Restricted Subsidiaries (A) provides credit support pursuant to any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness or (B) is directly or indirectly liable and (ii) no default with respect to which would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness of us or any of our Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity.

 

“Note Register” means the register of Notes, maintained by the Trustee, pursuant to the Indenture.

 

“Notes” means the senior notes offered hereby.

 

“Officer” means any one of our Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary or Controller.

 

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two or more Officers.

 

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to us or the Trustee.

 

“Pari Passu Indebtedness” means Indebtedness that ranks equally in right of payment to the Notes.

 

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“Permitted Employee Payments” means Restricted Payments by us or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of (i) the repurchase of Capital Stock by us or any Restricted Subsidiary from an employee of us or any Restricted Subsidiary or their assigns, estates or heirs upon the death, retirement or termination of such employee or (ii) loans or advances to employees of us or any of our Subsidiaries made in the ordinary course of business.

 

“Permitted Holders” means Joseph W. Luter, III or any Person the majority of the equity interests of which is beneficially owned by Joseph W. Luter, III.

 

“Permitted Investment” means an Investment by us or any Restricted Subsidiary in (i) a Restricted Subsidiary, us or a Person that will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that the primary business of such Restricted Subsidiary is a Related Business; (ii) another Person if as a result of such Investment such other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, us or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that the primary business of such Person is a Related Business; (iii) Temporary Cash Investments; (iv) receivables owing to us or any Restricted Subsidiary, if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; provided, however, that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as we or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances; (v) securities received as consideration in Asset Dispositions made in compliance with the covenant described under ”—Limitation on sales of assets” with the exception of securities received as consideration for Asset Dispositions of any property, plant, equipment or other facility closed and designated in accordance with clause (a) (ii) of the “—Limitation on sales of assets” covenant; (vi) Investments in existence on the Issue Date (but not in excess of the amount of such Investments in existence on the Issue Date without giving effect to increases or decreases attributable to accounting for the net income of such Investments or subsequent changes in value); (vii) any Investment by us or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary in a Receivables Entity or any Investment by a Receivables Entity in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction; provided that any Investment in a Receivables Entity is in the form of a Purchase Money Note or an Equity Interest; and (viii) additional Investments in a Related Business since the Issue Date having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (viii) since the Issue Date that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed 15% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value).

 

“Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:

 

(1) Liens securing our Indebtedness and other obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility and related Interest Rate Agreements and liens on assets of Restricted Subsidiaries securing Guarantees of our Indebtedness and other obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility permitted to be incurred under the Indenture in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (x) $900.0 million and (y) the Borrowing Base;

 

(2) pledges or deposits by such Person under workmen’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits or cash or United States government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import or customs duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(3) Liens imposed by law, including carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings if a reserve or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof;

 

(4) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet subject to penalties for non-payment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings provided appropriate reserves required pursuant to GAAP have been made in respect thereof;

 

(5) Liens in favor of issuers of surety or performance bonds or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the

ordinary course of its business; provided, however, that such letters of credit do not constitute Indebtedness;

 

(6)  encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

 

(7)  Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as the related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under the Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligation;

 

(8)  leases and subleases of real property which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of us or any of our Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(9)  judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as such Lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;

 

(10)  Liens for the purpose of securing the payment of all or a part of the purchase price of, or Capitalized Lease Obligations with respect to, assets or property acquired or constructed in the ordinary course of business, provided that:

 

(a)  the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens is otherwise permitted to be Incurred under the Indenture and does not exceed the cost of the assets or property so acquired or constructed; and

 

(b)  such Liens are created within 180 days of construction or acquisition of such assets or property and do not encumber any other assets or property of us or any Restricted Subsidiary other than such assets or property and assets affixed or appurtenant thereto;

 

(11)  Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provisions relating to banker’s Liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depositary institution; provided that:

 

(a)  such deposit account is not a dedicated cash collateral account and is not subject to restrictions against access by us in excess of those set forth by regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board; and

 

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(b)  such deposit account is not intended by us or any Restricted Subsidiary to provide collateral to the depository institution;

 

(12)  Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by us and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(13)  Liens existing on the Issue Date (excluding Liens permitted under clause (1));

 

(14)  Liens on property or shares of stock of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created, incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary; provided further, however, that any such Lien may not extend to any other property owned by us or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(15)  Liens on property at the time we or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into us or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created, incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided further, however, that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by us or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(16)  Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to us or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity);

 

(17)  Liens securing the Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees;

 

(18)  Liens securing Indebtedness incurred after the Issue Date and any Refinancing Indebtedness relating thereto (excluding any Liens securing any other Indebtedness Incurred after the Issue Date permitted under other clauses hereof) in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed 15% of Total Assets;

 

(19)  Liens securing Refinancing Indebtedness (other than Liens Incurred under clauses (1) and (18) above) incurred to refinance Indebtedness that was previously so secured, provided that any such Lien is limited to all or part of the same property or assets (plus improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect thereof) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the Indebtedness being refinanced or is in respect of property that is the security for a Permitted Lien hereunder; and

 

(20)  Liens on assets transferred to a Receivables Entity or on assets of a Receivables Entity, in either case incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction.

 

“Permitted Joint Venture” means any Person in which we or a Restricted Subsidiary owns, directly or indirectly, an ownership interest (other than a Subsidiary) and whose primary business is related, ancillary or complementary to any of the businesses of us and our Restricted Subsidiaries at the time of determination.

 

“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

 

“Preferred Stock”, as applied to the Capital Stock of any corporation, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) that is preferred as to the payment of dividends, or as to

 

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the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such corporation, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such corporation.

 

“Purchase Money Note” means a promissory note of a Receivables Entity evidencing a line of credit, which may be irrevocable, from us or any of our Subsidiaries in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction to a Receivables Entity, which note shall be repaid from cash available to the Receivables Entity, other than amounts required to be established as reserves pursuant to agreements, amounts paid to investors in respect of interest, principal and other amounts owing to such investors and amounts owing to such investors and amounts paid in connection with the purchase of newly generated receivables.

 

“Qualified Receivables Transaction” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by us or any of our Subsidiaries pursuant to which we or any of our Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to (a) a Receivables Entity (in the case of a transfer by us or any of our Subsidiaries) and (b) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Entity), or may grant a security interest in, any accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the future) of us or any of our Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving accounts receivable.

 

“Qualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock.

 

“Receivables Entity” means a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of us (or another Person in which we or any of our Subsidiaries makes an Investment and to which we or any of our Subsidiaries transfers accounts receivable and related assets) which engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of accounts receivable and which is designated by our Board of Directors (as provided below) as a Receivables Entity, (a) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by us or any of our Subsidiaries (excluding guarantees of obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), (ii) is recourse to or obligates us or any of our Subsidiaries in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings or (iii) subjects any property or asset of us or any of our Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings, (b) with which neither we nor any of our Subsidiaries has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding (except in connection with a Purchase Money Note or Qualified Receivables Transaction) other than on terms no less favorable to us or such Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not our Affiliates, other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business in connection with servicing accounts receivable, and (c) to which neither we nor any of our Subsidiaries has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results. Any such designation by our Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of our Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.

 

“Recourse Indebtedness” means Indebtedness that is not Non-Recourse Indebtedness.

 

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“Refinancing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness that is Incurred to refund, refinance, replace, renew, repay or extend (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) (collectively, “refinances,” and “refinanced” shall have a correlative meaning) any Indebtedness existing on the Issue Date or Incurred in compliance with the Indenture (including our Indebtedness that refinances Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary (to the extent permitted by the Indenture) and Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of another Restricted Subsidiary (except that a Subsidiary Guarantor shall not refinance Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor)) including Indebtedness that refinances Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that (i) the Refinancing Indebtedness has a Stated Maturity no earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced, (ii) the Refinancing Indebtedness has an Average Life at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is equal to or greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness being refinanced, (iii) such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred in an aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price) that is equal to or less than the aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding of the Indebtedness being refinanced, plus fees, underwriting discounts, premiums, unpaid accrued interest and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing Indebtedness and (iv) if the Indebtedness being refinanced is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or a Subsidiary Guarantee, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee on terms at least favorable to the holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; provided further, however, that Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include (x) Indebtedness of us or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of us or (y) Indebtedness of us or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

“Related Business” means any business which is the same as or related, complementary or ancillary to any of the businesses of us and our Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date.

 

“Restricted Investment” means any Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

 

“Restricted Subsidiary” means any of our Subsidiaries other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

“Revolving Credit Facility” means the Multi-Year Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2001, among Smithfield Foods, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, as amended on June 6, 2002, November 13, 2002, and April 4, 2003 and as it may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time and any renewal, increase, extension, refunding, restructuring, replacement or refinancing thereof (whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or one or more other lenders and whether provided under the original Revolving Credit Facility or one or more other credit or other agreements or indentures). The Multi-Year Credit Argument dated as of December 6, 2001 replaced the Second Amended and Restated Multi-Year Credit Agreement dated as of December 3, 1999 among Smithfield Foods, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent.

 

“Sale/Leaseback Transaction” means any direct or indirect arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired by us or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby we or such Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and we or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from

 

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such Person, other than leases between us and a Wholly Owned Subsidiary or between us and Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.

 

“Secured Indebtedness” means any our Indebtedness secured by a Lien.

 

“Senior Management” means with respect to us or any of our Subsidiaries, as the case may be, any one of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Chief Operating Officer or any combination of the foregoing.

 

“Senior Secured Notes” means collectively, the 8.41% Series B Senior Secured Notes Due August 1, 2006, the 8.34% Series C Senior Secured Notes Due August 1, 2003, the 9.80% Series D Senior Secured Notes Due August 1, 2003, the 10.75% Series E Senior Secured Notes Due August 1, 2005, the 8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes Due August 1, 2006, the 9.85% Series G Senior Secured Notes Due November 1, 2006 and the 8.41% Series H Senior Secured Notes Due August 1, 2004, each issued pursuant to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 31, 1999, among the Company and each of the several purchasers named therein, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the 7.89% Series I Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009, the Variable Rate Series J Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009, the 8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009, the LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009, each issued pursuant to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 27, 1999, among us and each of the several purchasers named therein, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the 8.25% Series M Senior Secured Notes due March 2, 2006 issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2000, among us and each of the several purchasers named therein, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (but not increased) from time to time, and the Reset Rate Series O 5/10 Year Senior Secured Notes and the Adjustable Rate Series P 5/10 Year Senior Secured Notes due July 31, 2011, each issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2001, among us and each of the secured purchasers named therein, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (but not increased) from time to time.

 

“Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is our “Significant Subsidiary” within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and its successors.

 

“Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by us or any of our Subsidiaries which are reasonably customary in an accounts receivable transaction.

 

“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the issuer, unless such contingency has occurred).

 

“Subordinated Indebtedness” means any of our Indebtedness (whether outstanding on the Issue Date thereafter Incurred) which is subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes pursuant to a written agreement including in all respects, the 1998 Notes.

 

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“Subsidiary” of any Person means any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests (including partnership or joint venture interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i) such Person or (ii) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

“Subsidiary Guarantee” means any Guarantee of the Notes that may from time to time be executed and delivered by a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the covenant described under “Certain covenants—Future subsidiary guarantors.”

 

“Subsidiary Guarantor” means any Subsidiary that has issued a Subsidiary Guarantee.

 

“Successor Company” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in clause (i) under “Merger and consolidation.”

 

“Temporary Cash Investments” means any of the following: (i) any Investment in direct obligations (x) of the United States of America or any agency thereof or obligations Guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof or (y) of any foreign country recognized by the United States of America rated at least “A” by S&P or “A-1” by Moody’s, (ii) Investments in time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and money market deposits maturing within 180 days of the date of acquisition thereof issued by a bank or trust company that is organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America having capital and surplus aggregating in excess of $250.0 million (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) and whose long-term debt is rated ”A” by S&P or “A-1” by Moody’s, (iii) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) or (ii) above entered into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (ii) above, (iv) Investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than 270 days after the date of acquisition, issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of us) organized and in existence under the laws of the United States of America or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America with a rating at the time as of which any Investment therein is made of “P-1” (or higher) according to Moody’s or “A-1” (or higher) according to S&P, (v) Investments in securities with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, and rated at least “A” by S&P or “A” by Moody’s and (vi) any money market deposit accounts issued or offered by a domestic commercial bank or a commercial bank organized and located in a country recognized by the United States of America, in each case, having capital and surplus in excess of $250.0 million (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof), or investments in money market funds complying with the risk limiting conditions of Rule 2a-7 (or any short-term successor rule) of the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

“TIA” or “Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb), as in effect from time to time.

 

“Total Assets” means, with respect to any Person, the total consolidated assets of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the recent balance sheet of such Person.

 

“Trade Payables” means, with respect to any Person, any accounts payable or any indebtedness or monetary obligation to trade creditors created, assumed or Guaranteed by such Person arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the acquisition of goods or services.

 

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“Trustee” means the party named as such in the Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

 

“Trust Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, the President or any other officer or assistant officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters.

 

“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means (i) any of our Subsidiaries that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors in the manner provided below and (ii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors may designate any of our Restricted Subsidiaries (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary of us) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary owns any Capital Stock of, or owns or holds any Lien on any property of, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (except a Restricted Subsidiary which upon such designation becomes an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the Indenture); provided that (i) such designation would be permitted under the “Limitation on restricted payments” covenant described above, (ii) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligation (contingent or otherwise) of such Subsidiary (A) is Guaranteed by us or any Restricted Subsidiary, (B) is Recourse Indebtedness or (C) subjects any property or asset of us or any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, and (iii) no default or event of default with respect to any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary would permit any holder of any Indebtedness of us or any Restricted Subsidiary to declare such Indebtedness of us or any Restricted Subsidiary due and payable prior to its maturity. The Board of Directors may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that immediately after giving effect to such designation (x) we could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under paragraph (a) of ”—Limitation on indebtedness” and (y) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

 

“U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States of America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and which are not callable or redeemable at the issuer’s option.

 

“Voting Stock” of an entity means all classes of Capital Stock of such entity then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of directors or all interests in such entity with the ability to control the management or actions of such entity.

 

“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means a Restricted Subsidiary 80% or more of the Capital Stock of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) is owned directly or indirectly by us.

 

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Plan of distribution

 

Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for senior notes where such senior notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 90 days after the expiration date, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until             , 200[  ], all dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.

 

We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such exchange notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of exchange notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

 

For a period of 90 days after the expiration date we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the holders of the senior notes) other than commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers and will indemnify the holders of the senior notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

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Legal matters

 

The validity of the exchange notes offered hereby will be passed upon for us by McGuireWoods LLP, Richmond, Virginia, a limited liability partnership. As of July 11, 2003, partners of McGuireWoods LLP own less than 1% of the shares of our common stock.

 

Independent public accountants

 

Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 27, 2003, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

Our financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2001, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 27, 2003, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent accountants as stated in their report with respect thereto. We have been unable to obtain, after reasonable efforts, Andersen’s written consent to include its report on the financial statements in this registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Under these circumstances, Rule 437a under the 1933 Act permits us to use this registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part without a written consent from Andersen. The absence of such written consent from Andersen may limit a shareholder’s ability to assert claims against Andersen under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the financial statements audited by Andersen or any omissions to state a material fact required to be stated therein.

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 

Report of Independent Auditors

   F-2

Predecessor Auditor (Arthur Andersen LLP) Opinion

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Fiscal Years 2003, 2002 and 2001

   F-4

Consolidated Balance Sheets for the Fiscal Years Ended April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002

   F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years 2003, 2002 and 2001    F-6

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Fiscal Years ended April 27, 2003, April 28, 2002 and April 29, 2001

   F-7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-8

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

To the Shareholders of Smithfield Foods, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (a Virginia corporation) and subsidiaries as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. The consolidated financial statements of Smithfield Foods, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended April 29, 2001 were audited by other auditors who ceased operations and whose report dated June 5, 2001, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements before the revisions described in Note 16 to conform those financial statements to the 2003 presentation.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the 2003 and 2002 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Smithfield Foods, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, effective, April 30, 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended, and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.

 

As discussed above, the consolidated financial statements of Smithfield Foods, Inc. for the year ended April 29, 2001, were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. As described in Note 16, these financial statements have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split, a reclassification of depreciation expense into cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses, and a change in the composition of reportable segments. We audited the adjustments described in Note 16 that were applied to revise the 2001 financial statements to reflect the two-for-one stock split and the reclassification of depreciation expense. Our procedures included (a) agreeing the adjustments to the Company’s underlying records obtained from management, and (b) testing the mathematical accuracy of the revised amounts based on those records. We also audited the adjustments described in Note 16 that were applied to revise the 2001 financial statements or that were applied to revise the disclosures for reportable segments. Our procedures included (a) agreeing the adjusted amounts of segment revenues, operating income and assets to the Company’s underlying records obtained from management, and (b) testing the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliations of segment amounts to the consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2001 financial statements of the Company other than with respect to such adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2001 financial statements taken as a whole.

 

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Richmond, Virginia

June 3, 2003

 

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Table of Contents

PREDECESSOR AUDITOR (ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP) OPINION

 

The following report is a copy of a report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP and has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP. (See also Report of Independent Auditors and Note 16.)

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

To the Shareholders of Smithfield Foods, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (a Virginia corporation) and subsidiaries as of April 29, 2001, and April 30, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Smithfield Foods, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 29, 2001, and April 30, 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 29, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

Arthur Andersen LLP

   

Richmond, Virginia

   
June 5, 2001    

 

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Fiscal Years

 
     2003

   2002

    2001

 
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Sales

   $ 7,904.5    $ 7,356.1     $ 5,899.9  

Cost of sales

     7,203.4      6,393.0       5,069.6  
    

  


 


Gross profit

     701.1      963.1       830.3  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     567.9      558.0       463.0  

Interest expense

     94.0      94.3       89.0  

Gain on sale of IBP, inc. common stock (Note 11)

     —        (7.0 )     (79.0 )
    

  


 


Income before income taxes

     39.2      317.8       357.3  

Income taxes

     12.9      120.9       133.8  
    

  


 


Net income

   $ 26.3    $ 196.9     $ 223.5  
    

  


 


Net income per basic common share

   $ .24    $ 1.82     $ 2.06  
    

  


 


Net income per diluted common share

   $ .24    $ 1.78     $ 2.03  
    

  


 


 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     Fiscal Years Ended

 
     April 27, 2003

    April 28, 2002

 
    

(in millions,

except share data)

 
ASSETS                 

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 66.0     $ 71.1  

Accounts receivable less allowances of $11.4 and $9.0

     463.3       516.7  

Inventories

     1,064.7       860.5  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     56.5       72.1  
    


 


Total current assets

     1,650.5       1,520.4  
    


 


Property, plant and equipment:

                

Land

     132.5       105.7  

Buildings and improvements

     963.4       869.1  

Machinery and equipment

     1,194.4       1,075.6  

Breeding stock

     103.4       95.9  

Construction in progress

     57.9       60.7  
    


 


       2,451.6       2,207.0  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (820.1 )     (658.9 )
    


 


Net property, plant and equipment

     1,631.5       1,548.1  
    


 


Other assets:

                

Goodwill

     503.8       448.3  

Investments in partnerships

     114.6       119.7  

Other

     310.2       236.2  
    


 


Total other assets

     928.6       804.2  
    


 


     $ 4,210.6     $ 3,872.7  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                 

Current liabilities:

                

Notes payable

   $ 18.9     $ 24.0  

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     115.0       68.9  

Accounts payable

     384.7       355.8  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     298.9       273.2  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     817.5       721.9  
    


 


Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     1,599.1       1,387.1  
    


 


Other noncurrent liabilities:

                

Deferred income taxes

     205.4       271.3  

Pension and postretirement benefits

     230.6       74.2  

Other

     46.0       37.3  
    


 


Total other noncurrent liabilities

     482.0       382.8  
    


 


Minority interests

     12.8       18.1  
    


 


Commitments and contingencies

                

Shareholders’ equity:

                

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000,000 authorized shares

     —         —    

Common stock, $.50 par value, 200,000,000 authorized shares; 109,460,931 and 110,284,112 issued and outstanding

     54.7       55.1  

Additional paid-in capital

     475.5       490.1  

Retained earnings

     862.0       835.7  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (93.0 )     (18.1 )
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     1,299.2       1,362.8  
    


 


     $ 4,210.6     $ 3,872.7  
    


 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Fiscal Years

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (in millions)  

Operating activities:

                        

Net income

   $ 26.3     $ 196.9     $ 223.5  

Depreciation and amortization

     172.7       148.1       140.1  

Deferred income taxes

     (16.1 )     5.8       (7.2 )

Gain on sale of IBP, inc. common stock

     —         (7.0 )     (79.0 )

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

     (2.0 )     (1.3 )     (2.7 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

                        

Accounts receivable

     68.5       (24.2 )     (4.6 )

Inventories

     (178.1 )     (53.8 )     (51.2 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (7.3 )     43.9       29.8  

Other assets

     (61.7 )     (6.3 )     (14.3 )

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     80.5       (3.5 )     (16.1 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     82.8       298.6       218.3  
    


 


 


Investing activities:

                        

Capital expenditures

     (180.3 )     (171.0 )     (144.1 )

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (110.4 )     (167.0 )     (29.7 )

Proceeds from sale of IBP, inc. common stock

     —         58.6       224.5  

Investments in IBP, inc. common stock

     —         —         (147.4 )

Investments in partnerships and other assets

     (9.2 )     (13.3 )     (2.0 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     11.1       15.4       38.9  
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (288.8 )     (277.3 )     (59.8 )
    


 


 


Financing activities:

                        

Net borrowings (repayments) on notes payable

     0.3       (40.4 )     (39.7 )

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     11.0       408.9       31.0  

Net borrowings (repayments) on long-term credit facility

     301.0       (148.0 )     12.0  

Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     (89.4 )     (146.8 )     (86.3 )

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     (24.6 )     (85.7 )     (77.8 )

Exercise of common stock options

     1.2       4.3       8.4  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     199.5       (7.7 )     (152.4 )
    


 


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (6.5 )     13.6       6.1  

Effect of currency exchange rates on cash

     1.4       1.0       0.5  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     71.1       56.5       49.9  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 66.0     $ 71.1     $ 56.5  
    


 


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                        

Interest paid, net of amount capitalized

   $ 98.5     $ 95.3     $ 104.4  

Income taxes paid

     11.5       123.8       126.2  
    


 


 


Noncash investing and financing activities:

                        

Common stock issued for acquisitions

   $ —       $ 202.7     $ —    

Common stock repurchases not settled

     —         (7.9 )     —    
    


 


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

     Fiscal Years

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (in millions)  

Common stock—Shares:

                        

Balance, beginning of year

     110.3       105.0       109.4  

Common stock issued

     0.1       9.6       —    

Exercise of stock options

     0.1       0.3       0.9  

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     (1.0 )     (4.6 )     (5.3 )
    


 


 


Balance, end of year

     109.5       110.3       105.0  
    


 


 


Common stock—Par value:

                        

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 55.1     $ 52.5     $ 54.7  

Common stock issued

     —         4.7       —    

Exercise of stock options

     0.1       0.2       0.4  

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     (0.5 )     (2.3 )     (2.6 )
    


 


 


Balance, end of year

     54.7       55.1       52.5  
    


 


 


Additional paid-in capital:

                        

Balance, beginning of year

     490.1       379.4       446.6  

Common stock issued

     0.3       197.9       —    

Exercise of stock options

     1.1       4.1       8.0  

Stock option expense

     0.2       —         —    

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     (16.2 )     (91.3 )     (75.2 )
    


 


 


Balance, end of year

     475.5       490.1       379.4  
    


 


 


Retained earnings:

                        

Balance, beginning of year

     835.7       638.8       415.3  

Net income (a)

     26.3       196.9       223.5  
    


 


 


Balance, end of year

     862.0       835.7       638.8  
    


 


 


Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:

                        

Balance, beginning of year (b)

     (18.1 )     (17.6 )     (13.7 )

Unrealized (loss) gain on securities, net of tax of $0.0, $(3.3) and $(28.1)

     (0.1 )     5.2       45.9  

Minimum pension liability, net of tax of $61.5, $0.6 and $0.9

     (96.9 )     (0.9 )     (1.4 )

Hedge accounting, net of tax of $(2.3)

     3.6       —         —    

Transition adjustment for hedge accounting, net of tax of $8.0

     —         (12.7 )     —    

Foreign currency translation

     16.7       0.2       (3.2 )

Reclassification adjustments:

                        

Hedge accounting

     0.8       11.9       —    

Securities

     1.0       (4.2 )     (45.2 )
    


 


 


Balance, end of year (c)

     (93.0 )     (18.1 )     (17.6 )
    


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,299.2     $ 1,362.8     $ 1,053.1  
    


 


 


Total comprehensive (loss) income (a–b+c)

   $ (48.6 )   $ 196.4     $ 219.6  
    


 


 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Dollars in Millions, except per share data)

 

Note 1:    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Nature of Business

 

Smithfield Foods, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) is comprised of four segments: Pork, Beef, International and the Hog Production Group (HPG). The Pork segment consists primarily of seven wholly or majority owned United States (U.S.) fresh pork and processed meats subsidiaries. The Beef segment is comprised of primarily two U.S. beef processing subsidiaries and the International segment consists primarily of four meat processing subsidiaries. The HPG consists primarily of hog production operations located in the U.S. and Poland. The Pork, International and the HPG segments have certain joint ventures and other investments in addition to their primary operations.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company after elimination of all material intercompany balances and transactions. Investments in partnerships are recorded using the equity method of accounting.

 

Management uses estimates and assumptions in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Sunday nearest April 30. Fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 were all 52 weeks.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates market value. As of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, cash and cash equivalents include $1.1 and $20.7, respectively, in short-term marketable securities.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. Cost includes raw materials, labor and manufacturing and production overhead. Inventories consist of the following:

 

     April 27, 2003

   April 28, 2002

Fresh and processed meats

   $ 442.1    $ 383.9

Hogs on farms

     414.2      349.2

Cattle

     85.2      25.2

Manufacturing supplies

     55.6      51.9

Other

     67.6      50.3
    

  

     $ 1,064.7    $ 860.5
    

  

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over periods from 20 to 40 years. Machinery and equipment is

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

depreciated over periods from five to 20 years. Breeding stock is depreciated over two and one-half years. Assets held under capital leases are classified as property, plant and equipment and amortized over the lease terms. Lease amortization is included in depreciation expense. Depreciation expense is reported in the consolidated statement of income as either cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses. Depreciation expense totaled $165.2, $139.9 and $124.8 in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Repairs and maintenance charges are expensed as incurred. Repair and maintenance expenses totaled $211.1, $206.1 and $178.9 in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Improvements that materially extend the life of the asset are capitalized. Gains and losses from dispositions or retirements of property, plant and equipment are recognized currently.

 

Interest on capital projects is capitalized during the construction period. Total interest capitalized was $2.5, $1.8 and $2.8 in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141) and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS 142).

 

SFAS 141 requires any business combinations to be accounted for using the purchase method. Additionally, SFAS 141 further clarifies the criteria for recognizing identifiable intangible assets separate from goodwill. The Company has applied SFAS 141 to all business combinations in fiscal 2003 and 2002 (Note 2).

 

SFAS 142 addresses financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. This statement requires that acquired goodwill and other indefinite-life intangible assets are no longer periodically amortized into income, but are subject to an annual impairment measurement. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. In accordance with SFAS 142, amortization of acquired goodwill and other indefinite-life intangible assets was discontinued after fiscal 2001. The Company allocates goodwill to its reporting units and performs an annual assessment for potential impairment. Management believes there is no significant exposure to a loss from impairment of acquired goodwill and other intangible assets as of April 27, 2003. Had SFAS 142 been effective in fiscal 2001, net income and net income per diluted share would have increased $8.8, or $.08 per diluted share, to $232.3, or $2.11 per diluted share.

 

Deferred debt issuance costs are amortized over the terms of the related loan agreements.

 

Investments in Partnerships

 

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in joint ventures and other entities in which it has more than 20%, but not more than 50%, voting interest. The table below summarizes the Company’s various partnership investments as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002.

 

     April 27, 2003

   April 28, 2002

Carolina Turkeys

   $ 37.3    $ 28.0

Agroindustrial del Noroeste (Agroindustrial)

     20.9      28.0

Granjas Carroll de Mexico (Granjas)

     19.1      19.4

Other

     37.3      44.3
    

  

     $ 114.6    $ 119.7
    

  

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

On April 30, 2001, the first day of fiscal 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended (SFAS 133). In accordance with SFAS 133, all derivatives are reflected at their fair value and are recorded in current assets and current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002. Derivative instruments consist primarily of exchange-traded futures contracts.

 

The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends upon whether it has been designated in a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship. To qualify for designation in a hedging relationship, specific criteria must be met and the appropriate documentation maintained. Hedging relationships are established pursuant to the Company’s risk management policies and are initially and regularly evaluated to determine whether they are expected to be, and have been, highly effective hedges. If a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, and future changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings each period. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in a hedging relationship are recognized in earnings each period.

 

For derivatives designated as a hedge of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedges), the changes in the fair value of the derivative as well as changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized each period in earnings. If a firm commitment designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge is terminated or otherwise no longer qualifies as the hedged item, any asset or liability previously recorded as part of the hedged item is recognized currently in earnings.

 

For derivatives designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedges), the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. Amounts excluded from the effectiveness calculation and any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative are recognized currently in earnings. Gains or losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) associated with terminated derivatives and derivatives that cease to be highly effective hedges remain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item affects earnings. Forecasted transactions designated as the hedged item in a cash flow hedge are regularly evaluated to assess whether they continue to be probable of occurring. If the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring, any gain or loss deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is recognized in earnings currently.

 

On April 30, 2001, upon adoption of SFAS 133, the Company recorded a $12.7 after-tax loss as a cumulative effect of an accounting change resulting in an increase in other comprehensive loss (net of income tax benefits of $8.0) to recognize the fair value of all derivative financial instruments. All of the transition adjustment recorded in other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2001 was reclassified into earnings during fiscal 2002.

 

With the adoption of SFAS 133, the accounting for certain aspects of derivative instruments and hedging activities was different in periods prior to its adoption. Prior to fiscal 2002, when the Company entered into derivative commodity instruments (primarily futures contracts) unrealized and realized gains and losses on those hedge contracts were deferred and recognized in income in the same manner as the hedged item. No unrealized gains or losses were reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Prior to fiscal 2002, the Company did not have any significant activity with interest rate or foreign currency derivatives.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Self-Insurance Programs

 

The Company is self-insured for certain levels of general and vehicle liability, property, workers’ compensation and health care coverage. The cost of these self-insurance programs is accrued based upon estimated settlements for known and anticipated claims. Any resulting adjustments to previously recorded reserves are reflected in current operating results.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

For the Company’s foreign operations, the local currency is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the period ending exchange rate. Statement of income amounts are translated to U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the period. Translation gains and losses are reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in current earnings.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenues from product sales upon delivery to customers. Revenue is recorded at the invoice price for each product net of estimated returns and sales incentives provided to customers. Sales incentives include various rebate and promotional programs with the Company’s customers, primarily rebates based on achievement of specified volume or growth in volume levels.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, except for certain production costs, which are expensed upon the first airing of the advertisement. Advertising costs for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $49.0, $58.0 and $48.4, respectively.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Shipping and handling costs are reported as a component of cost of sales in the Company’s consolidated statement of income.

 

Net Income Per Share

 

The Company presents dual computations of net income per share (Note 13). The basic computation is based on weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The diluted computation reflects the potentially dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, such as stock options, during the period. On September 14, 2001, a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock was effected in the form of a stock dividend. Accordingly, all historical share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the stock split.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (SFAS 143). SFAS 143 applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development or the normal operation of long-lived assets, except for certain obligations of lessees. SFAS 143 requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred and can be reasonably estimated. SFAS 143 will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Based on the initial analysis, the Company does not expect the application of SFAS 143 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46). FIN 46 expands consolidated financial statements to include certain variable interest entities (VIEs). VIEs are to be consolidated by the company which is considered to be the primary beneficiary of that entity, even if the company does not have majority control. FIN 46 is immediately effective for VIEs created after January 31, 2003 and is effective for the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 for VIEs created prior to February 1, 2003. The Company is evaluating unconsolidated entities in which the Company has significant contractual, ownership, or other pecuniary interests to determine if they are VIEs. Based on the Company’s preliminary analysis, the Company does not expect the application of FIN 46 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to fiscal 2003 presentations, including the items in Note 16.

 

Note 2:    Acquisitions

 

In January of fiscal 2003, Schneider Corporation (Schneider) increased its investment in Saskatchewan-based Mitchell’s Gourmet Foods (Mitchell’s) from 54% to 79%. The balance of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition was recorded as goodwill totaling $3.2.

 

In November of fiscal 2003, the Company acquired Vall, Inc. (Vall) for $60.7 in cash plus assumed liabilities. Vall, a hog production company with operations in Oklahoma and Texas, produces 350,000 market hogs annually. Had the acquisition of Vall occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2002, there would have been no material effect on sales for fiscal 2003. Net income and net income per diluted share would have been $23.1 and $.21 for fiscal 2003 (unaudited). There would have been no material effect on sales, net income and net income per diluted share for fiscal 2002.

 

In June of fiscal 2003, the Company acquired an 80% interest in Stefano Foods, Inc. (Stefano’s) for $35.8 in cash plus assumed debt. The preliminary balance of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition was recorded as goodwill totaling $24.4.

 

In October of fiscal 2002, the Company acquired Packerland Holdings, Inc. (Packerland) and its affiliated companies for 6.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock plus assumed debt and other liabilities.

 

In June of fiscal 2002, the Company acquired Moyer Packing Company (Moyer) for $90.5 in cash plus assumed debt.

 

Had the acquisitions of Packerland and Moyer occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2001, sales, net income and net income per diluted share would have been $8,220.0, $202.5 and $1.78, respectively, for fiscal 2002 (unaudited) and $7,958.0, $235.3 and $2.02, respectively, for fiscal 2001 (unaudited).

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for Packerland and Moyer. The goodwill resulting from these transactions was assigned to the Beef segment.

 

     Packerland

    Moyer

 

Current assets

   $ 120.9     $ 62.5  

Property, plant and equipment

     114.6       56.3  

Goodwill

     105.7       7.2  

Other

     7.9       7.0  
    


 


Total assets acquired

     349.1       133.0  
    


 


Current liabilities

     (61.2 )     (31.4 )

Long-term debt

     (123.0 )     (7.6 )

Deferred tax liabilities

     (18.8 )     (3.5 )
    


 


Total liabilities assumed

     (203.0 )     (42.5 )
    


 


Net assets acquired

   $ 146.1     $ 90.5  
    


 


 

In September of fiscal 2002, the Company acquired the remaining common shares of Schneider for 2.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock. Prior to this transaction, the Company owned approximately 63% of the outstanding shares of Schneider. The balance of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition was recorded as goodwill totaling $13.7.

 

In July of fiscal 2002, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and business of Gorges/Quik-to-Fix Foods, Inc. (Quik-to-Fix) for $31.0 in cash.

 

In the Company’s third quarter of fiscal 2001, Schneider increased its investment in Mitchell’s to 54%, requiring the Company to consolidate Mitchell’s accounts and to discontinue using the equity method of accounting for Mitchell’s. The balance of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition was recorded as goodwill totaling $21.5.

 

Each of these acquisitions was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial position and results of operations from the dates of acquisition. Had the acquisitions of Stefano’s, Quik-to-Fix, Mitchell’s and the purchase of the remaining shares of Schneider occurred at the beginning of the fiscal years in which they were acquired, there would not have been a material effect on sales, net income or net income per diluted share or on the Company’s financial position for such fiscal years.

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Note 3:    Debt

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

    April 27, 2003

    April 28, 2002

 

Long-term credit facility, expiring December 2006

  $ 560.0     $ 259.0  

8.00% senior unsecured notes, due October 2009

    300.0       300.0  

7.625% senior subordinated notes, due February 2008

    182.1       185.1  

8.52% senior notes, due August 2006

    100.0       100.0  

8.39% senior note, payable through October 2009

    65.0       75.0  

Variable rate note (2.95% at April 27, 2003), payable through October 2009

    57.5       62.5  

8.44% note, payable through October 2009

    50.0       50.0  

8.25% note, payable through March 2006

    45.0       60.0  

7.50% debentures, due October 2016

    44.9       41.6  

8.34% senior notes, due August 2003

    40.0       40.0  

Variable rate note (4.31% at April 27, 2003), payable through July 2011

    27.0       29.0  

8.63% note, payable through July 2011

    22.5       24.2  

Miscellaneous with interest rates ranging from 1.45% to 10.75%, due May 2003 through October 2017

    210.6       208.5  
   


 


      1,704.6       1,434.9  

Less current portion

    (112.4 )     (64.6 )
   


 


    $ 1,592.2     $ 1,370.3  
   


 


 

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

 

Fiscal Year


    

2004

   $ 112.4

2005

     81.2

2006

     72.0

2007

     748.1

2008

     219.5

Thereafter

     471.4
    

     $ 1,704.6
    

 

In April 2003, the Company amended its December 2001 U.S. revolving credit facility to increase the line from $750.0 to $900.0. The credit facility expires December 2006. Borrowings under the facility are prepayable and bear interest, at the Company’s option, at variable rates based on margins over the Federal Funds rate or LIBOR. The margin is a function of the Company’s leverage. Under the April 2003 amendment, the credit facility is subject to a borrowing base limitation based on eligible U.S. inventory and receivables.

 

In October 2001, the Company issued $300.0 of eight-year, 8.0% senior unsecured notes, due 2009. The net proceeds were used to repay indebtedness under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2002, a new credit facility was put in place at Animex Sp. z o.o. (Animex), the Company’s Polish subsidiary. This facility provides for up to $100.0 of financing ($70.0 of which constitutes a term loan), to replace numerous short-term and long-term borrowings from local, Polish lenders. The facility, which expires in fiscal 2007, is secured by substantially all of Animex’s assets and is guaranteed by the Company.

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In October 2001, Schneider issued $41.6 (CDN$65.0) of 15-year, 7.5% debentures. The debentures are secured by certain assets of Schneider and are guaranteed by the Company. Also in fiscal 2002, Schneider extended its $28.8 (CDN$45.0) committed credit facility to fiscal 2004.

 

The Company has aggregate credit facilities totaling $970.5. As of April 27, 2003, the Company had unused capacity under these credit facilities of $282.7. These facilities are generally at prevailing market rates. The Company pays commitment fees on the unused portion of the facilities.

 

Average borrowings under credit facilities were $478.6 in fiscal 2003, $343.5 in fiscal 2002 and $415.7 in fiscal 2001 at average interest rates of approximately 3.3%, 4.5% and 7.3%, respectively. Maximum borrowings were $650.6 in fiscal 2003, $554.4 in fiscal 2002 and $525.0 in fiscal 2001. Total outstanding borrowings were $592.4 and $281.4 with average interest rates of 3.4% and 3.9% as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, respectively.

 

The senior subordinated notes are unsecured. The senior notes are secured by certain of the Company’s major processing plants and hog farm facilities.

 

The Company’s various debt agreements contain financial covenants that require the maintenance of certain levels and ratios for working capital, net worth, current ratio, fixed charges, capital expenditures and, among other restrictions, limit additional borrowings, the acquisition, disposition and leasing of assets, and payments of dividends to shareholders. In the last half of fiscal 2003, some of the covenants in these agreements were amended. The covenants in the Company’s $900.0 revolving credit facility were amended to indefinitely suspend the leverage ratio, reduce the interest coverage ratio, impose a borrowing base limitation and require certain minimum liquidity levels when the Company is acquiring other businesses. The Company has the right to elect out of the borrowing base requirement, in which case the suspended and reduced covenants will be reinstated. The covenants in the Company’s senior secured notes were amended to suspend certain leverage ratios through July 2005, potentially increase interest charges during this suspension period, reduce the fixed charge coverage ratio, increase the minimum working capital requirement, establish maintenance of debt to total capitalization ratios and require certain minimum liquidity levels when the Company is acquiring other businesses. Beginning in August 2005, the Company will be required to maintain certain financial covenants at their original levels (fixed charges coverage, as defined, of greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1; consolidated funded debt to EBITDA, as defined, of less than or equal to 4.00 to 1; and consolidated senior funded debt to EBITDA, as defined, of less than or equal to 3.20 to 1). As of April 27, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

 

Note 4:    Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense consists of the following:

 

     2003

    2002

   2001

 

Current tax expense:

                       

Federal

   $ 15.0     $ 95.8    $ 121.1  

State

     4.8       11.1      15.4  

Foreign

     9.2       8.2      4.5  
    


 

  


       29.0       115.1      141.0  
    


 

  


Deferred tax expense (benefit):

                       

Federal

     (13.5 )     2.3      (7.4 )

State

     (4.2 )     1.1      (1.5 )

Foreign

     1.6       2.4      1.7  
    


 

  


       (16.1 )     5.8      (7.2 )
    


 

  


     $ 12.9     $ 120.9    $ 133.8  
    


 

  


 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

A reconciliation of taxes computed at the federal statutory rate to the provision for income taxes is as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Federal income taxes at statutory rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

   1.6     2.3     2.4  

Taxes on foreign income which differ from the statutory U.S. federal rate

   11.7     2.3     0.7  

Foreign sales corporation benefit

   (21.0 )   (2.9 )   (0.7 )

Other

   5.7     1.3     —    
    

 

 

     33.0 %   38.0 %   37.4 %
    

 

 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences consist of the following:

 

     April 27, 2003

   April 28, 2002

Deferred tax assets:

             

Pension liabilities

   $ 66.8    $ 5.3

Tax credits, carryforwards and net operating losses

     21.3      11.9

Accrued expenses

     17.8      16.5

Other

     15.5      6.4
    

  

     $ 121.4    $ 40.1
    

  

Deferred tax liabilities:

             

Property, plant and equipment

   $ 147.8    $ 138.8

Accounting method change

     98.9      114.6

Investments in subsidiaries

     64.0      39.5

Other

     1.6      3.0
    

  

     $ 312.3    $ 295.9
    

  

 

As of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, the Company had $14.5 and $15.5, respectively, of net current deferred tax assets included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The Company had a valuation allowance of $30.0 and $28.8 related to income tax assets as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, respectively, primarily the result of losses in foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit was recognized.

 

The tax credits, carryforwards and net operating losses expire from fiscal 2004 to 2023.

 

As of April 27, 2003, foreign subsidiary net earnings of $71.6 were considered permanently reinvested in those businesses. Accordingly, federal income taxes have not been provided for such earnings. It is not practicable to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liabilities associated with such earnings.

 

Note 5:    Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

 

     April 27, 2003

   April 28, 2002

Payroll and related benefits

   $ 113.8    $ 96.7

Self-insurance reserves

     40.8      35.0

Other

     144.3      141.5
    

  

     $ 298.9    $ 273.2
    

  

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Note 6:    Shareholders’ Equity

 

Stock Split

 

As discussed in Note 1, the Company effected a two-for-one split of its common stock on September 14, 2001. The consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity have been restated to reflect the effect of this split. Stock option agreements provide for the issuance of additional shares for the stock split. All stock options outstanding and per share amounts for all periods have been restated to reflect the effect of this split.

 

Share Repurchase Program

 

The board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 18,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company repurchased 949,600, 4,636,300 and 5,253,870 shares in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. As of April 27, 2003, the Company has 1,203,430 additional shares remaining under the authorization.

 

Exchangeable Shares

 

Included in common stock as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002 are 542,750 exchangeable shares. The exchangeable shares were issued in connection with the acquisition of Schneider. These shares are exchangeable on a one-for-one basis by the holder into the Company’s common stock and, accordingly, are treated as common stock.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company has 1,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock authorized, none of which are issued. The board of directors is authorized to issue preferred stock in series and to fix, by resolution, the designation, dividend rate, redemption provisions, liquidation rights, sinking fund provisions, conversion rights and voting rights of each series of preferred stock.

 

Stock Options

 

The Company’s 1992 Stock Option Plan and its 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (collectively, the incentive plans) provide for the issuance of nonstatutory stock options to management and other key employees. Options were granted for periods not exceeding 10 years and exercisable five years after the date of grant at an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. There are 11,000,000 shares reserved under the incentive plans. As of April 27, 2003, there were 3,473,000 shares available for grant under the incentive plans.

 

The following is a summary of stock option transactions for fiscal years 2001 through 2003:

 

     Number of
Shares


    Weighted Average
Exercise Price


Outstanding at April 30, 2000

   3,701,000     $ 8.34

Granted

   1,480,000       13.22

Exercised

   (849,000 )     5.89

Canceled

   (130,000 )     11.42
    

 

Outstanding at April 29, 2001

   4,202,000       10.46

Granted

   1,845,000       18.99

Exercised

   (341,000 )     6.66

Canceled

   (20,000 )     13.22
    

 

Outstanding at April 28, 2002

   5,686,000       13.45

Granted

   140,000       21.00

Exercised

   (112,600 )     5.85

Canceled

   (80,000 )     13.22
    

 

Outstanding at April 27, 2003

   5,633,400     $ 13.79
    

 

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of April 27, 2003:

 

Range of Exercise Price


   Shares

   Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)


   Weighted Average
Exercise Price


   Options Exercisable

            Shares

   Weighted Average
Exercise Price


$  5.76 to $  7.65

   1,148,400    1.0    $ 6.03    1,148,400    $ 6.03

    8.23 to     9.39

   210,000    4.5      8.57    140,000      8.23

  13.12 to   14.59

   2,230,000    6.2      13.46    340,000      13.21

  15.81 to   16.34

   60,000    4.8      16.03    60,000      16.03

  18.20 to   21.84

   1,985,000    8.2      19.13    —        —  
    
  
  

  
  

$  5.76 to $ 21.84

   5,633,400    5.8    $ 13.79    1,688,400    $ 8.01
    
  
  

  
  

 

On April 29, 2002, the Company adopted the fair value method defined in SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123), which is in compliance with the provisions of SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure, an amendment to SFAS No. 123”, issued December 2002, to account for the Company’s stock option plans. The Company records compensation expense for stock options granted subsequent to April 28, 2002 based on the fair value as determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and weighted average assumptions. The impact of recording compensation expense for stock options granted was $0.2, or less than one cent per diluted share in fiscal 2003. The weighted average fair values of the option shares granted in fiscal 2003 was $7.76 per share. The expected option life, risk-free interest rate and the expected annual volatility and dividend yield used to calculate the value of the option shares granted in fiscal 2003 was 8.0 years, 4.3%, 35.0% and 0.0%, respectively.

 

Stock options granted prior to April 29, 2002 continue to be accounted for under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25). Under APB 25, no compensation expense is recorded. Had the Company used the fair value method to determine compensation expense for its stock options granted prior to April 29, 2002, net income and net income per basic and diluted share would have been as follows:

 

     2003

   2002

    2001

 

Net income, as reported

   $ 26.3    $ 196.9     $ 223.5  

Pro forma net income

     22.6      193.9       221.7  

Net income per share, as reported:

                       

Basic

   $ .24    $ 1.82     $ 2.06  

Diluted

     .24      1.78       2.03  

Pro forma net income per share:

                       

Basic

   $ .21    $ 1.79     $ 2.05  

Diluted

     .21      1.76       2.01  

Weighted average fair values of option shares granted

          $ 9.00     $ 6.64  

Expected option life

            7.0 years       7.0 years  

Risk-free interest rate

            5.1 %     6.3 %

Expected annual volatility

            35.0 %     35.0 %

Dividend yield

            0.0 %     0.0 %

 

Preferred Share Purchase Rights

 

On May 30, 2001, the board of directors of the Company adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the Rights Plan) and declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a Right) on each outstanding share of

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

common stock. Under the terms of the Rights Plan, if a person or group acquires 15% (or other applicable percentage, as provided in the Rights Plan) or more of the outstanding common stock, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such person or members of such group) to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of shares of common stock having a market value of twice such price. In addition, if the Company is acquired in a merger or other business transaction after a person or group has acquired such percentage of the outstanding common stock, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such person or members of such group) to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company’s common shares having a market value of twice such price.

 

Upon the occurrence of certain events, each Right will entitle its holder to buy one two-thousandth of a Series A junior participating preferred share (Preferred Share), par value $1.00 per share, at an exercise price of $90.00 subject to adjustment. Each Preferred Share will entitle its holder to 2,000 votes and will have an aggregate dividend rate of 2,000 times the amount, if any, paid to holders of common stock. The Rights will expire on May 31, 2011, unless the date is extended or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged at the option of the board of directors for $.00005 per Right. Generally, each share of common stock issued after May 31, 2001 will have one Right attached. The adoption of the Rights Plan has no impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

The table below summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002.

 

     2003

    2002

 

Minimum pension liability

   $ (106.8 )   $ (9.9 )

Foreign currency translation

     10.2       (6.5 )

Hedge accounting

     3.6       (0.8 )

Unrealized loss on securities

     —         (0.9 )
    


 


Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (93.0 )   $ (18.1 )
    


 


 

Note 7:    Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s meat processing and hog production operations use various raw materials, primarily live hogs, live cattle, corn and soybean meal, which are actively traded on commodity exchanges. The Company hedges these commodities when management determines conditions are appropriate to mitigate these price risks. While this may limit the Company’s ability to participate in gains from favorable commodity fluctuations, it also tends to reduce the risk of loss from adverse changes in raw material losses. The Company attempts to closely match the commodity contract terms with the hedged item. The Company also enters into interest rate swaps to hedge exposure to changes in interest rates on certain financial instruments and periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain of its foreign currency exposure.

 

Cash Flow Hedges

 

The Company utilizes derivatives (primarily futures contracts) to manage its exposure to the variability in expected future cash flows attributable to commodity price risk associated with forecasted purchases and sales of live hogs, live cattle, corn and soybean meal. These derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges.

 

Derivative gains or losses from these cash flow hedges are deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted purchases or

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

sales affect earnings. To match the underlying transaction being hedged, derivative gains or losses associated with anticipated purchases are recognized in cost of sales and amounts associated with anticipated sales are recognized in sales in the consolidated statement of income. Ineffectiveness related to the Company’s cash flow hedges was not material in fiscal 2003 or 2002. There were no derivative gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and no hedges were discontinued during fiscal 2003 or 2002 as a result of it becoming probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur.

 

Fair Value Hedges

 

The Company’s commodity price risk management strategy also includes derivative transactions (primarily futures contracts) that are designated as fair value hedges. These derivatives are designated as hedges of firm commitments to buy or sell live hogs, live cattle, corn and soybean meal. Derivative gains and losses from these fair value hedges are recognized in earnings currently along with the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. Gains and losses related to hedges of firm commitments are recognized in cost of sales in the consolidated statement of income. Ineffectiveness related to the Company’s fair value hedges was not material in fiscal 2003 or 2002. There were no derivative gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during fiscal 2003 or 2002.

 

Foreign Currency and Interest Rate Derivatives

 

In accordance with the Company’s risk management policy, certain foreign currency and interest rate derivatives were executed in fiscal 2003 and 2002. These derivative instruments were recorded as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges, as appropriate, and were not material to the results of operations.

 

The following table provides the fair value of the Company’s open derivative financial instruments as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002.

 

     2003

    2002

 

Livestock

   $ (0.1 )   $ 5.0  

Other commodities

     0.1       (0.3 )

Interest rates

     (0.9 )     (1.1 )

Foreign currency

     (1.8 )     (0.3 )

 

As of April 27, 2003, no commodity futures contracts exceed twelve months. As of April 27, 2003, the weighted average maturity of the Company’s interest rate and foreign currency financial instruments is eight months, with maximum maturities of thirty-eight and twelve months, respectively. The Company believes the risk of default or nonperformance on contracts with counterparties is not significant.

 

The Company determines the fair value of public debt using quoted market prices and values all other debt using discounted cash flow techniques at estimated market prices for similar issues. As of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, the fair value of long-term debt, based on the market value of debt with similar maturities and covenants, was approximately $1,764.1 and $1,467.5, respectively.

 

Note 8:    Pension and Other Retirement Plans

 

The Company provides substantially all U.S. and Canadian employees with pension benefits. Salaried employees are provided benefits based on years of service and average salary levels. Hourly employees are provided benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute the minimum amount required under government regulations. Pension plan assets are invested primarily in equities, debt securities, insurance contracts and money market funds.

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company provides health care and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. These plans are unfunded and generally pay covered costs reduced by retiree premium contributions, co-payments and deductibles. The Company retains the right to modify or eliminate these benefits.

 

The changes in the status of the Company’s pension and postretirement plans, the related components of pension and postretirement expense and the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits

    Postretirement Benefits

 
     April 27, 2003

    April 28, 2002

    April 27, 2003

    April 28, 2002

 

Change in benefit obligation:

                                

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 517.9     $ 480.4     $ 29.7     $ 26.8  

Service cost

     13.0       11.3       0.8       0.5  

Interest cost

     37.4       35.5       2.3       1.9  

Plan amendments

     —         5.3       —         —    

Employee contributions

     1.3       1.3       —         —    

Benefits paid

     (34.5 )     (32.5 )     (2.1 )     (1.9 )

Foreign currency changes

     18.5       (2.3 )     1.7       (0.2 )

Actuarial loss

     92.6       18.9       5.8       2.6  
    


 


 


 


Benefit obligation at end of year

     646.2       517.9       38.2       29.7  
    


 


 


 


Change in plan assets:

                                

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

     474.1       465.6       —         —    

Actual return on plan assets

     (54.0 )     32.0       —         —    

Acquisitions

     —         —         —         —    

Employer and employee contributions

     25.3       11.7       2.1       1.9  

Foreign currency changes

     15.1       (2.7 )     —         —    

Benefits paid

     (34.5 )     (32.5 )     (2.1 )     (1.9 )
    


 


 


 


Fair value of plan assets at end of year

     426.0       474.1       —         —    
    


 


 


 


Reconciliation of accrued cost:

                                

Funded status

     (220.2 )     (43.8 )     (38.2 )     (29.7 )

Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)

     218.5       28.8       6.0       (1.9 )

Unrecognized prior service cost

     12.9       14.2       (0.8 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Prepaid (accrued) cost at end of year

   $ 11.2     $ (0.8 )   $ (33.0 )   $ (31.6 )
    


 


 


 


Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:

                                

Prepaid benefit cost

   $ 46.4     $ 39.6     $ —       $ —    

Accrued benefit liability

     (226.9 )     (68.1 )     (33.0 )     (31.6 )

Intangible asset

     12.9       11.2       —         —    

Minimum pension liability

     178.8       16.5       —         —    
    


 


 


 


Net amount recognized at end of year

   $ 11.2     $ (0.8 )   $ (33.0 )   $ (31.6 )
    


 


 


 


 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Components of net periodic costs include:

 

     Pension Benefits

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Service cost

   $ 13.0     $ 11.3     $ 11.2  

Interest cost

     37.4       35.5       32.5  

Expected return on plan assets

     (41.0 )     (39.6 )     (36.3 )

Net amortization

     3.0       1.1       1.3  
    


 


 


Net periodic cost

   $ 12.4     $ 8.3     $ 8.7  
    


 


 


     Postretirement Benefits

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Service cost

   $ 0.8     $ 0.5     $ 0.5  

Interest cost

     2.3       1.9       1.9  

Net amortization

     —         (0.3 )     (0.3 )
    


 


 


Net periodic cost

   $ 3.1     $ 2.1     $ 2.1  
    


 


 


 

The projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets assets were $646.2, $595.4 and $426.0, respectively, as of April 27, 2003 and $208.5, $202.4 and $139.4, respectively, as of April 28, 2002. As of April 27, 2003, the amount of Company common stock included in plan assets was 2,827,048 shares with a market value of $53.2.

 

In determining the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in fiscal 2003 and 2002, the following weighted average assumptions were made:

 

     Pension Benefits

    Postretirement Benefits

 
     April 27, 2003

    April 28, 2002

    April 27, 2003

    April 28, 2002

 

Discount rate

   6.3 %   7.2 %   6.5 %   7.5 %

Expected return on assets

   8.3 %   8.6 %   —       —    

Compensation increase

   3.2 %   3.6 %   —       —    

 

In determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in fiscal 2003, the assumed annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits for U.S. plans was 12.0% and decreased by 0.5% each year until leveling at 5.5%. For non-U.S. plans, the assumed annual rate of increase was 6.5% for fiscal 2003 and decreased by 0.5% each year until leveling at 5.0%.

 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 1% change in the assumed health care cost trends would have the following effect:

 

     One
Percentage Point
Increase


   One
Percentage Point
Decrease


 

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

   $ 0.2    $ (0.2 )

Effect on accumulated benefit obligation

   $ 2.1    $ (1.9 )

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Note 9:    Lease Obligations and Commitments

 

The Company leases facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Rental expense under operating leases of real estate, machinery, vehicles and other equipment was $42.6, $42.4 and $39.6 in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Rental expense in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 included $0.2, $0.3 and $3.2 of contingent maintenance fees, respectively. Future rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases as of April 27, 2003 are as follows:

 

Fiscal Year


    

2004

   $ 38.1

2005

     30.0

2006

     24.9

2007

     23.7

2008

     15.2

Thereafter

     28.8
    

     $ 160.7
    

 

Future minimum lease payments under capital leases are as follows:

 

Fiscal Year


      

2004

   $ 3.3  

2005

     3.5  

2006

     2.0  

2007

     0.7  

2008

     0.7  

Thereafter

     0.9  
    


       11.1  

Less amounts representing interest

     (1.6 )
    


Present value of net minimum obligations

     9.5  

Less current portion

     (2.6 )
    


Long-term capital lease obligations

   $ 6.9  
    


 

As of April 27, 2003, the Company had definitive commitments of $127.8 for capital expenditures primarily for processed meats expansion and production efficiency projects.

 

The Company has agreements, expiring from fiscal 2004 through 2013, to use cold storage warehouses owned by partnerships, 50% of which are owned by the Company. The Company has agreed to pay prevailing competitive rates for use of the facilities, subject to aggregate guaranteed minimum annual fees. In fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company paid $12.1, $8.8 and $9.1, respectively, in fees for use of the facilities. As of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, the Company had investments of $0.7 and $0.7, respectively, in the partnerships.  

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued FIN No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (FIN 45). FIN 45 establishes accounting and disclosure requirements for companies that enter into guarantees. Under FIN 45, the Company is required to recognize a liability, for guarantees entered into subsequent to December 31, 2002, at the fair value of the guarantee at its inception. The fair value of the guarantee is measured as the Company’s obligation it has undertaken in issuing the guarantee, including the ongoing obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of the guarantee in the event that the specified triggering events or conditions occur. The Company has not entered into any guarantees subsequent to December 31, 2002.

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company has an agreement to provide a $30.0 line of credit to Pennexx Foods, Inc. (Pennexx), a case-ready meat provider, 41% owned by the Company. As of April 27, 2003, in connection with the line of credit, Pennexx has outstanding borrowings of $11.5 and the Company is a guarantor on $12.1 of equipment lease obligations of Pennexx (see Note 17). The Company currently guarantees the financial obligations of certain unconsolidated joint ventures and hog farmers. The financial obligations are: up to $6.0 of loans obtained by strategically important farmers under contract to the HPG; up to $3.5 of liabilities with respect to currency swaps executed by one of the Company’s Mexican joint ventures, Granjas; and $3.0 of debt borrowed by another of the Company’s Mexican joint ventures, Agroindustrial.

 

The Company has purchase commitments with certain hog and cattle producers which obligate the Company to purchase all the hogs and cattle that these producers deliver. Other arrangements obligate the Company to purchase a fixed amount of hogs and cattle. The Company also uses independent farmers and their facilities to raise hogs produced from the Company’s breeding stock in exchange for a performance-based service fee payable upon delivery. The Company estimates the future obligations under these commitments based on commodity livestock futures prices, expected quantities delivered and anticipated performance to be $902.9, $419.8, $406.5, $378.6 and $378.6 for fiscal 2004 to 2008, respectively. As of April 27, 2003, the Company is also committed to purchase $146.0 under forward grain contracts payable in fiscal 2004.

 

Note 10:    Related Party Transactions

 

A director of the Company holds an ownership interest in Murfam Enterprises, LLC (Murfam) and DM Farms, LLC. These entities own farms that produce hogs under contract to the Company. Murfam also produces and sells feed ingredients to the Company. In fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company paid $23.5, $24.3 and $25.2, respectively, to these entities for the production of hogs and feed ingredients. In fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company was paid $16.2, $16.5 and $16.3, respectively, by these entities for associated farm and other support costs. The Company believes that the terms of the arrangements are at prevailing market prices.

 

The chairman, president and chief executive officer of Prestage Farms, Inc. (Prestage) was a director of the Company until October 2002. The Company has a long-term agreement to purchase hogs from Prestage at prices that, in the opinion of management, are equivalent to market. Pursuant to this agreement with Prestage, the Company purchased $148.7, $176.4 and $157.5 of hogs in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

This former director also owns Prestage-Stoecker Farms, Inc. (Prestage-Stoecker). Prior to June of fiscal 2003, he had a 51% ownership interest in Prestage-Stoecker. This entity purchases feeder pigs, feed, medications and supplies from the Company. Prestage-Stoecker also reimburses the Company for certain support costs. In fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, Prestage-Stoecker paid the Company $187.7, $199.0 and $186.6, respectively, for the purchase of feeder pigs, feed, medications, supplies and the reimbursement of certain support costs. Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002 are $52.9 and $62.6 of trade receivables and a note receivable of $7.3 and $8.1, respectively, with Prestage-Stoecker.

 

The chief executive officer of the Company’s HPG and an executive officer of the Company holds an ownership interest in JCT LLC (JCT). JCT owns certain farms that produce hogs under contract with the HPG. In fiscal 2003 and 2002, the Company paid $5.5 and $4.5, respectively, to JCT for the production of hogs. In fiscal 2003 and 2002, the Company was paid $2.5 and $2.0, respectively, from JCT for reimbursement of associated farm and other support costs. The Company provides working capital advances to JCT under the terms of a $6.0 revolving demand promissory note. In fiscal 2003, the Company provided an additional $7.7 of financing to JCT for the acquisition of hog production facilities. Total capital advances of $11.7 and $5.9 were outstanding as of April 27, 2003 and April 28, 2002, respectively. The promissory note is personally guaranteed by JCT’s owners and all advances are secured by JCT’s real estate and equipment. The Company believes that the terms of the foregoing arrangements were no less favorable to the Company than if entered into with unaffiliated parties.

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Note 11:    Gain on the Sale of IBP, inc. Common Stock

 

In fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001, the Company sold 2,913,000 and 8,277,441 shares of IBP, inc. (IBP) common stock resulting in a nonrecurring, pretax gain of $7.0 and $79.0, respectively. Expenses incurred during fiscal 2001 related to the attempted merger with IBP and the expenses of the subsequent sale of these shares totaled $7.5. The after-tax gain on the sales, net of expenses, amounted to $4.2 and $45.2 for fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Note 12:    Regulation and Litigation

 

Like other participants in the meat processing industry, the Company is subject to various laws and regulations administered by federal, state and other government entities, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and corresponding state agencies, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Food and Drug Administration, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration and similar agencies in foreign countries. Management believes that the Company presently is in compliance with all these laws and regulations in all material respects and that continued compliance with these laws and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In February 2003, the EPA promulgated regulations under the Clean Water Act governing confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Among other things, these regulations impose obligations on CAFOs to manage animal waste in ways intended to reduce the impact on water quality. These new regulations have been challenged by both industry and environmental groups. Similarly, the State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) announced in July 2002 the issuance of general permits intended to protect state waters from impacts of large animal feeding operations. Environmental groups have initiated proceedings challenging the NCDENR’s action, the state has moved to dismiss, and the Company has intervened. Although compliance with the federal regulations or state permits will require some changes to the Company’s hog production operations resulting in additional costs to these operations, the Company does not believe that compliance with federal regulations or state permits as promulgated would be likely to have a significant impact on the Company’s hog production operations. However, there can be no assurance that pending challenges to the regulations or permits will not result in changes to those regulations or permits that would significantly impact the Company.

 

The EPA is also focusing on the possible need to regulate air emissions from animal feeding operations. During the year 2002, the National Academy of Sciences (Academy) undertook a study at the agency’s request to assist the agency in making that determination. The Academy’s study identified a need for more research and better information, but also recommended implementing without delay technically and economically feasible management practices to decrease emissions. There can be no assurance that any new regulations that may be proposed to address air emissions from animal feeding operations would not significantly affect the Company’s business.

 

The Company from time to time receives notices from regulatory authorities and others asserting that it is not in compliance with such laws and regulations. In some instances, litigation ensues, including the matters discussed below. Although certain of the suits below remain pending and relief, if granted, would be costly, the Company believes that their ultimate resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or annual results of operations.

 

The Water Keeper Alliance Inc. litigation

 

The Water Keeper Alliance, an environmental activist group from the State of New York, has filed or caused to be filed a series of lawsuits against the Company and its subsidiaries and properties, as described below.

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In June 2000, Neuse River Foundation, Richard J. Dove, d/b/a The Neuse Riverkeeper, D. Boulton Baldridge, d/b/a The Cape Fear Riverkeeper, New River Foundation, Inc., Tom Mattison, d/b/a The New Riverkeeper and the Water Keeper Alliance filed a lawsuit in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division of the State of North Carolina against the Company, Carroll’s Foods, Inc., Brown’s of Carolina, Inc., Murphy Farms, Inc., Wendell H. Murphy, Sr., Wendell H. Murphy, Jr. and Joseph W. Luter, III. The lawsuit alleged, among other things, claims based on negligence, trespass, strict liability and unfair trade practices related to the operation of swine waste lagoons and sprayfields in North Carolina. The lawsuit sought numerous and costly remedies, including injunctive relief to end all use of hog waste lagoons in North Carolina, unspecified but costly remediation efforts and other damages. On March 27, 2001, the Superior Court granted the Company’s motion and dismissed the lawsuit. The plaintiffs noted their appeal to the North Carolina Court of Appeals on April 11, 2001. On December 31, 2002, the Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of the lawsuit, and the plaintiffs’ petition for appeal to the North Carolina Supreme Court was denied on February 27, 2003.

 

In February 2001, Thomas E. Jones and twelve other individuals filed a lawsuit in the North Carolina General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, Wake County, against the Company, three of its subsidiaries, Wendell H. Murphy, Sr., Wendell H. Murphy, Jr. and Joseph W. Luter, III, referred to as the “Jones Suit.” The Jones Suit alleged, among other things, claims based on negligence, trespass, strict liability and unfair trade practices related to the operation of swine waste lagoons and sprayfields in North Carolina. The lawsuit sought numerous and costly remedies, including injunctive relief to end all use of hog waste lagoons in North Carolina, unspecified but costly remediation efforts and other damages. On March 27, 2001, the Superior Court granted the Company’s motion and dismissed the lawsuit. The plaintiffs noted their appeal to the North Carolina Court of Appeals on April 11, 2001. On December 31, 2002, the Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of the lawsuit, and the plaintiffs’ petition for appeal to the North Carolina Supreme Court was denied on February 27, 2003.

 

Also in February 2001, the Water Keeper Alliance, Thomas E. Jones, d/b/a Neuse Riverkeeper and Neuse River Foundation filed two lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina against the Company, one of the Company’s subsidiaries and two of that subsidiary’s hog production facilities in North Carolina, referred to as the “Citizens Suits.” The Citizens Suits allege, among other things, violations of various environmental laws at each facility and the failure to obtain certain federal permits at each facility. The lawsuits seek litigation costs, injunctive relief and substantial civil penalties. The Company’s and its subsidiaries’ motions to dismiss were denied and discovery is proceeding in these cases. These cases are not currently set for trial. The Company has investigated the allegations made in the Citizens Suits and believes that the outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

In March 2001, Eugene C. Anderson and other individuals filed what purports to be a class action in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, against the Company and Joseph W. Luter, III, referred to as the “Anderson Suit.” The Anderson Suit purports to allege violations of various laws, including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, based on the Company’s alleged failure to comply with certain environmental laws. The complaint seeks treble damages that are unspecified. On February 13, 2002, the District Court granted the Company’s and Mr. Luter’s motion to dismiss, giving the plaintiffs 20 days within which to file an amended complaint.

 

On March 15, 2002, the plaintiffs filed their second amended complaint. On June 24, 2002, the District Court granted the Company’s and Mr. Luter’s motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ second amended complaint with prejudice and issued an order imposing monetary sanctions against the plaintiffs’ attorneys. The plaintiffs noted their appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on July 24, 2002. On February 25, 2003, the Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal of some, but not all of the plaintiffs. The remaining plaintiffs’ appeal has been fully briefed and oral argument is scheduled before the Court of Appeals during the week of August 4, 2003. The Company continues to believe that the Anderson Suit is baseless and without merit and the Company will defend the suit vigorously.

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company has also received notices and other communications from several organizations, including the Water Keeper Alliance, of their intent to file additional lawsuits against the Company under various federal environmental statutes regulating water quality, air quality, management of solid waste and other common law theories. These threatened lawsuits may seek civil penalties, injunctive relief, remediation costs and other damages. However, the Company does not know whether any of these threatened lawsuits will be filed. The Company believes that all of the litigation and threatened litigation described above represents the agenda of special advocacy groups including the Water Keeper Alliance. The plaintiffs in these cases have stated that federal and state environmental agencies have declined to bring any of these suits and, indeed, have criticized these agencies.

 

IBP litigation

 

In February 2003, the United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division (DOJ), filed suit against the Company alleging that it violated the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in connection with its acquisition of IBP, inc. stock during the calendar years 1998, 1999 and 2000. In the suit, DOJ alleges that the Company should have filed a premerger notification and report form with respect to acquisitions of IBP, inc. common stock in these three years and seeks a civil penalty of approximately $5.5 as a result. The suit was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. The Company moved to dismiss the case on the grounds that the court in Washington, D.C. does not have jurisdiction over it. The Company is awaiting a decision on its motion. The Company believes that it has complied with applicable laws and intends to defend this suit vigorously, although there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful.

 

State of Iowa legislation

 

In calendar year 2000 and again in 2002, an Iowa statute was amended to, among other things, prohibit meat processors from directly or indirectly contracting to raise hogs in Iowa and from providing financing to Iowa hog producers. The Company prevailed in an action in federal court seeking to have that legislation declared unconstitutional. The State of Iowa has appealed that decision. In an effort to address the constitutionality of the statute, the Iowa state legislature recently amended it again. There can be no assurance that the decision on the constitutionality of this statute will not be reversed on appeal or that the statute will not be further amended by the Iowa state legislature or that similar statutes will not be enacted by any other state legislatures. If the statute is upheld on appeal, the Company believes that the most recent amendment provides that the Company has until June 30, 2006 to comply with it. Such legislation and the possible application of legislation may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operations, which are substantially integrated.

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Note 13:    Net Income Per Share

 

The computation for basic and diluted net income per share follows:

 

     Net Income

   Weighted
Average Shares


   Per Share

     (in millions, except per share data)

Fiscal 2003

                  

Net income per basic share

   $ 26.3    109.6    $ .24

Effect of dilutive stock options

     —      0.2      —  
    

  
  

Net income per diluted share

   $ 26.3    109.8    $ .24
    

  
  

Fiscal 2002

                  

Net income per basic share

   $ 196.9    108.1    $ 1.82

Effect of dilutive stock options

     —      2.3      —  
    

  
  

Net income per diluted share

   $ 196.9    110.4    $ 1.78
    

  
  

Fiscal 2001

                  

Net income per basic share

   $ 223.5    108.4    $ 2.06

Effect of dilutive stock options

     —      1.7      —  
    

  
  

Net income per diluted share

   $ 223.5    110.1    $ 2.03
    

  
  

 

In fiscal 2003, 1,985,000 stock option shares, at an average option price of $19.13, were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common shares. For fiscal 2002 and 2001, all outstanding stock options were included in the computation of net income per diluted share.

 

Note 14:    Reporting Segments

 

The Company changed its reporting segments in fiscal 2003 to separately report the meat processing operations. Previously, the Company’s segments were the Meat Processing Group and HPG. The new reporting segments are Pork, Beef, International and HPG. The Pork segment includes the Company’s operations that process, package, market and distribute fresh pork and processed meats to retail, foodservice and export channels. Similarly, the Beef segment operations process, package, market and distribute beef to the same channels. The Company’s International reporting segment includes its meat processing operations outside the U.S. and produces a wide variety of fresh and processed meats for retail, foodservice and export channels. The HPG segment supplies raw materials (live hogs) primarily to the Pork segment and, to a lesser degree, the International segment, as well as to other outside operations.

 

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Table of Contents

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following tables present information about the results of operations and the assets of the Company’s reportable segments for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2003, April 28, 2002 and April 29, 2001. The information contains certain allocations of expenses that the Company deems reasonable and appropriate for the evaluation of results of operations. The Company does not allocate income taxes to segments. Segment assets exclude intersegment account balances as the Company believes that inclusion would be misleading or not meaningful. Management believes all intersegment sales are at prices which approximate market. The Company has restated the segment information for fiscal 2002 and 2001 to conform to fiscal 2003 presentation.

 

     Pork

    Beef

    Inter-
national


    Hog
Production


    General
Corporate


    Total

 

Fiscal 2003

                                                

Sales

   $ 4,286.0     $ 2,165.2     $ 1,304.6     $ 1,059.8     $ —       $ 8,815.6  

Intersegment sales

     (27.9 )     (12.3 )     (29.0 )     (841.9 )     —         (911.1 )

Depreciation and amortization

     71.9       18.1       29.9       45.8       7.0       172.7  

Operating profit (loss)

     184.6       77.4       38.7       (108.4 )     (59.1 )     133.2  

Interest expense

     29.1       9.2       16.5       27.1       12.1       94.0  

Assets

     1,277.4       537.7       764.9       1,423.8       206.8       4,210.6  

Capital expenditures

     91.8       7.4       27.2       42.6       11.3       180.3  

Fiscal 2002

                                                

Sales

   $ 4,540.3     $ 1,286.1     $ 1,254.5     $ 1,265.3     $ —       $ 8,346.2  

Intersegment sales

     (1.5 )     (8.2 )     (24.2 )     (956.2 )     —         (990.1 )

Depreciation and amortization

     64.1       11.6       26.7       39.3       6.4       148.1  

Operating profit (loss)

     163.8       10.0       24.2       266.6       (59.5 )     405.1  

Gain on sale of IBP common stock

     —         —         —         —         (7.0 )     (7.0 )

Interest expense

     30.9       4.7       19.8       17.2       21.7       94.3  

Assets

     1,175.5       476.9       710.7       1,343.7       165.9       3,872.7  

Capital expenditures

     84.8       9.4       36.1       37.8       2.9       171.0  

Fiscal 2001

                                                

Sales

   $ 4,325.1     $ —       $ 1,286.2     $ 1,225.8     $ —       $ 6,837.1  

Intersegment sales

     (1.0 )     —         (25.7 )     (910.5 )     —         (937.2 )

Depreciation and amortization

     57.1       —         28.6       49.4       5.0       140.1  

Operating profit (loss)1

     116.8       —         18.4       281.3       (49.2 )     367.3  

Gain on sale of IBP common stock

     —         —         —         —         (79.0 )     (79.0 )

Interest expense

     32.1       —         14.6       23.5       18.8       89.0  

Assets

     1,109.6       —         634.3       1,282.6       224.4       3,250.9  

Capital expenditures

     86.2       —         38.7       16.0       3.2       144.1  

(1)   General corporate expenses include $7.5 of expenses related to the attempted merger with IBP and the subsequent sale of IBP common stock (Note 11).

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table presents the Company’s sales and long-lived assets attributed to operations in the U.S. and international geographic areas.

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

Sales:

                    

U.S.

   $ 6,625.3    $ 6,120.7    $ 4,639.4

Canada

     769.9      751.2      772.0

Poland

     301.5      275.2      290.1

France

     207.8      209.0      198.4
    

  

  

Total

   $ 7,904.5    $ 7,356.1    $ 5,899.9
    

  

  

Long-lived assets at end of year:

                    

U.S.

   $ 2,029.4    $ 1,881.4    $ 1,576.5

Canada

     282.2      252.8      229.7

Poland

     167.1      149.4      114.0

France

     81.4      68.7      67.0

 

Note 15:    Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

 

     First

   Second

   Third

   Fourth

Fiscal 2003

                           

Sales

   $ 2,000.7    $ 1,958.1    $ 1,996.8    $ 1,948.9

Gross profit(1)

     187.7      172.3      173.4      167.7

Net income

     11.8      4.1      5.3      5.1

Net income per common share(2)

                           

Basic

   $ .11    $ .04    $ .05    $ .05

Diluted

   $ .11    $ .04    $ .05    $ .05
     First

   Second

   Third

   Fourth

Fiscal 2002

                           

Sales

   $ 1,636.4    $ 1,670.3    $ 2,086.3    $ 1,963.1

Gross profit(1)

     225.4      252.5      271.1      214.1

Net income

     56.9      60.6      54.5      24.9

Net income per common share(2)

                           

Basic

   $ .54    $ .58    $ .49    $ .23

Diluted

   $ .53    $ .56    $ .48    $ .22

(1)   First, second and third quarter amounts have been restated to conform to fiscal 2003 presentation.
(2)   Per common share amounts for the quarters and full years have each been calculated separately. Accordingly, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual amounts because of differences in the weighted average common shares outstanding during each period.

 

Note 16:    Other Auditors

 

The fiscal 2001 consolidated financial statements were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. In fiscal 2003, the Company made the following revisions in the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements, which resulted in adjustments to the fiscal 2001 presentation audited by the previous auditor.

 

    In fiscal 2003, the Company reclassified fiscal 2001 depreciation expense that was previously stated as a separate line item on the consolidated statements of income into either cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

    In fiscal 2003, the Company changed its reportable segments, and the amounts in the fiscal 2001 notes to the consolidated financial statements were revised to conform to fiscal 2003 presentations (see Note 14).

 

    In fiscal 2003, the Company is presenting a two-for-one stock split (see Note 6) retroactively in the fiscal 2001 consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity.

 

Note 17:    Subsequent Events (Unaudited)

 

In May of fiscal 2004, the Company issued $350.0 of ten-year, 7.75% senior unsecured notes. Net proceeds of the sale of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under the revolving credit facility. Thereafter, the Company expects to use availability under the revolving credit facility together with internally generated funds, for capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, including expansion of its processed meats business and strategic acquisitions.

 

In May of fiscal 2004, the Company notified Pennexx that it was in default under the Company’s credit agreement. At that time, the Company terminated its commitment to make further loans under the credit agreement, and demanded repayment of all amounts currently outstanding. In June of fiscal 2004, the Company took possession of Pennexx’s assets due to Pennexx’s inability to pay amounts owed to the Company under the credit agreement. The Company also assumed the $12.1 of Pennexx equipment lease obligations. As a result of operating losses at Pennexx subsequent to the Company’s original investment, the carrying value of the Company’s 41% equity investment in Pennexx is zero as of April 27, 2003. The Company is currently evaluating the value of the underlying assets securing the credit agreement and operating the assets under the name Showcase Foods, Inc. as a part of the Beef segment.

 

In July of fiscal 2004, the Company entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with Farmland Industries, Inc. (Farmland) under which the Company will acquire substantially all of the assets, and certain liabilities, of Farmland Foods, Farmland’s pork production and processing business, for approximately $363.5 in cash. The acquisition is subject to completion of the auction process and regulatory approval. Consistent with the Company’s acquisition strategy for larger acquisitions, the Company expects to finance this acquisition with a combination of equity and debt. Farmland Foods has annual sales of $1,800.0.

 

The Company anticipates entering into a definitive purchase agreement during the second quarter of fiscal 2004, for the acquisition of 90% of the outstanding shares of a privately-held producer of processed meats products located in the eastern U.S. The purchase price is expected to be in the range of $50.0—$60.0. This company has annual sales of approximately $70.0.

 

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Part II

Information not required in prospectus

 

Item 20.    Indemnification of directors and officers

 

Under the Articles of Incorporation (the “Smithfield Articles”) of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (“Smithfield”), the liability of officers and directors to Smithfield is eliminated to the fullest extent permitted by Virginia law. Under Virginia law, the liability of an officer or director cannot be limited or eliminated if the officer or director engages in willful misconduct or a knowing violation of the criminal law or of any federal or state securities law, including, without limitation, any claim of unlawful insider trading or manipulation of the market for any security.

 

To the fullest extent permitted by Virginia law, the Smithfield Articles require it to indemnify any director or officer who is made a party to any proceeding because he or she was or is a director or officer of Smithfield against any liability, including reasonable expenses and legal fees, incurred in the proceeding. Under the Smithfield Articles, “proceeding” is broadly defined to include pending, threatened or completed actions of all types, including actions by or in the right of Smithfield. Similarly, “liability” is defined to include not only judgments, but also settlements, penalties, fines and certain excise taxes. The Smithfield Articles also provide that it may, but is not obligated to, indemnify its other employees or agents. Smithfield must indemnify any person who is or was serving at the written request of Smithfield as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, to the full extent provided by Virginia law. The indemnification provisions also require Smithfield to pay reasonable expenses incurred by a director or officer of Smithfield in a proceeding in advance of the final disposition of any such proceeding, provided that the indemnified person undertakes to repay Smithfield if it is ultimately determined that such person was not entitled to indemnification. Virginia law does not permit indemnification against willful misconduct or a knowing violation of the criminal law.

 

The rights of indemnification provided in the Smithfield Articles are not exclusive of any other rights which may be available under any insurance or other agreement, by vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. In addition, the Smithfield Articles authorize Smithfield to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of Smithfield, whether or not Smithfield would have the power to provide indemnification to such person, to protect any such person against any liability arising from his or her service to the corporation or any other legal entity at the request of the corporation.

 

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Item 21.    Exhibits.

 


Exhibit No.    Description of Document

4.1

   Indenture between Smithfield and SunTrust Bank dated May 21, 2003 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 1-15321)).

4.2

   Purchase Agreement dated May 14, 2003.

4.3

   Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated May 14, 2003 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 1-15321)).

5.1

   Opinion of McGuireWoods LLP.

12

   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Reg. No. 333-106339)).

23.1

   Consent of McGuireWoods LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

23.2

   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

24.1

   Powers of Attorney (included herein).

25.1

   Statement of Eligibility of SunTrust Bank.

 

 

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Item 22.    Undertakings.

 

The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:

 

(1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i)  To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.

 

(iii)  To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

 

(2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of each such registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of each registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by a registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of such registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, each registrant agrees that it will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form,

 

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within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

 

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

 

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Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Smithfield Foods, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Town of Smithfield, Commonwealth of Virginia, on August             , 2003.

 

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

 

/s/    DANIEL G. STEVENS        


   

Daniel G. Stevens

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Each person whose signature appears below hereby appoints C. Larry Pope, Michael H. Cole and Daniel G. Stevens, and each of them singly, such person’s true and lawful attorneys, with full power to them and each of them to sign, for such person and in such person’s name and capacity indicated below, any and all amendments and post-effective amendments to this registration statement, and generally to do all things in their name in their capacities as officers and directors to enable the registrant to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Name


  

Title


/s/    JOSEPH W. LUTER, III        


Joseph W. Luter, III

  

Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/    DANIEL G. STEVENS        


Daniel G. Stevens

  

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/    JEFFREY A. DEEL        


Jeffrey A. Deel

  

Corporate Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/    ROBERT L. BURRUS, JR.        


Robert L. Burrus, Jr.

  

Director

/s/    CAROL T. CRAWFORD        


Carol T. Crawford

  

Director

/s/    RAY A. GOLDBERG        


Ray A. Goldberg

  

Director

/s/    FRANK S. ROYAL M.D.        


Frank S. Royal M.D.

  

Director

/s/    WENDELL H. MURPHY        


Wendell H. Murphy

  

Director

/s/    MELVIN O. WRIGHT        


Melvin O. Wright

  

Director

/s/    JOHN SCHWIETERS        


John Schwieters

  

Director

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit index

 


Exhibit No.    Description of Document

4.1

   Indenture between Smithfield and SunTrust Bank dated May 21, 2003 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 1-15321)).

4.2

   Purchase Agreement dated May 14, 2003.

4.3

   Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated May 14, 2003 (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 1-15321)).

5.1

   Opinion of McGuireWoods LLP.

12

   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Reg. No. 333-106339)).
23.1   

Consent of McGuireWoods LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

23.2   

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

24.1   

Powers of Attorney (included herein).

25.1

   Statement of Eligibility of SunTrust Bank.

 

II-6

EX-4.2 3 dex42.htm PURCHASE AGREEMENT Purchase Agreement

Exhibit 4.2

 

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

 

$350,000,000

 

7 ¾% Senior Notes due 2013

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

May 14, 2003

 

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

As representative of the several

Initial Purchasers listed in Schedule I hereto

c/o J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

270 Park Avenue

4th floor

New York, New York 10017

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Smithfield Foods, Inc., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell $350,000,0000 aggregate principal amount of its 7 ¾% Senior Notes due 2013 (the “Securities”). The Securities will be issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 (the “Indenture”) between the Company and SunTrust Bank, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Company hereby confirms its agreement with the Initial Purchasers listed in Schedule I hereto (the “Initial Purchasers”) concerning the purchase of the Securities from the Company by the Initial Purchasers.

 

The Securities will be offered and sold to the Initial Purchasers without being registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in reliance upon an exemption therefrom. The Company has prepared a preliminary offering memorandum dated May 12, 2003 (including the documents incorporated by reference therein, the “Preliminary Offering Memorandum”) and will prepare an offering memorandum dated the date hereof (including the documents incorporated by reference therein, the “Offering Memorandum”) setting forth information concerning the Company and the Securities. Copies of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum have been, and copies of the Offering Memorandum will be, delivered by the Company to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Any references herein to the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum shall be deemed to include all amendments and supplements thereto, unless otherwise noted. The Company hereby confirms that it has authorized the use of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum in connection with the offering and resale of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers in accordance with Section 2.


Holders of the Securities (including each Initial Purchaser and its direct and indirect transferees) will be entitled to the benefits of a Registration Rights Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company will agree to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement under the Securities Act (the “Exchange Offer Registration Statement”) registering an issue of senior notes of the Company (the “Exchange Securities”) and, under certain circumstances, a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (the “Shelf Registration Statement”).

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Offering Memorandum.

 

1. Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Company . The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the several Initial Purchasers on and as of the date hereof and the Closing Date (as defined in Section 3) as set forth below in this Section 1. Any reference to persons acting on behalf of the Company, or on behalf of any of the Company’s affiliates, does not include the Initial Purchasers, with respect to whom the Company makes no representation.

 

(a) Each of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum, as of their respective dates, did not, and on the Closing Date the Offering Memorandum will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation or warranty as to information contained in or omitted from the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or the Offering Memorandum in reliance upon and in conformity with written information relating to any Initial Purchaser furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Initial Purchasers specifically for use therein, (the “Initial Purchasers’ Information”), as specified in Section 16 hereof.

 

(b) Each of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum, as of its respective date, contains all of the information that, if requested by a prospective purchaser of the Securities, would be required to be provided to such prospective purchaser pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

 

(c) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Initial Purchasers contained in Section 2 and their compliance with the agreements set forth therein, it is not necessary, in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities to the Initial Purchasers and the offer, resale and delivery of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers in the manner contemplated by this Agreement and the Offering Memorandum, to register the Securities under the Securities Act or to qualify the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”).

 

(d) The documents incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum (the “Incorporated Documents”), when they were filed with the Commission, conformed in all

 

2


material respects to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and none of such documents contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and any further documents so filed and incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum or any further amendment or supplement thereto, when such documents are filed with the Commission, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The representation and warranty set forth in this paragraph (d) is given on the basis that any statement contained in an Incorporated Document shall be deemed not to be contained in the Offering Memorandum if the statement has been modified or superseded by any statement in a subsequently filed Incorporated Document or in the Offering Memorandum.

 

(e) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Offering Memorandum, and has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or conducts any business, so as to require such qualification, or is subject to no material liability or disability by reason of the failure to be so qualified in any such jurisdiction; and each of its subsidiaries listed on Schedule II hereto (the “Subsidiaries”) has been duly formed and is validly existing as a legal entity in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation and has been duly qualified as a foreign legal entity for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or conducts any business, so as to require such qualification, or is subject to no material liability or disability by reason of the failure to be so qualified in any such jurisdiction, except to the extent the failure to so qualify as a foreign legal entity could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below). The Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any corporation, association or other entity other than the Subsidiaries.

 

(f) The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Offering Memorandum under the heading “Capitalization,” and all the issued shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable; and all of the issued shares of capital stock of each of the Subsidiaries have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and other than as set forth or contemplated in the Offering Memorandum are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims.

 

(g) The Company has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Indenture, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Securities and the

 

3


Exchange Securities (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”) and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder; and all corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership action required to be taken for the due and proper authorization, execution and delivery of each of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly and validly taken.

 

(h) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and considerations of public policy as they relate to the enforcement of the indemnification provisions hereof.

 

(i) The Registration Rights Agreement has been duly authorized by the Company and, when duly executed and delivered in accordance with its terms by each of the parties thereto, will constitute a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and considerations of public policy as they relate to the enforcement of the indemnification provisions hereof.

 

(j) The Indenture has been duly authorized by the Company and, when duly executed and delivered in accordance with its terms by each of the parties thereto, will constitute a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). On the Closing Date, the Indenture will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission applicable to an indenture which is qualified thereunder.

 

(k) The Securities have been duly authorized by the Company and, when duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered as provided in the Indenture (assuming the Indenture is the valid and legally binding obligation of the Trustee and due authentication of the Securities by the Trustee) and paid for as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued and outstanding and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, as issuer, entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and enforceable against the Company, as issuer, in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

(l) The Exchange Securities have been duly authorized by the Company and, when duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered as provided in the Indenture and

 

4


the Registration Rights Agreement (assuming the Indenture is the valid and legally binding obligation of the Trustee and due authentication of the Exchange Securities by the Trustee), will be duly and validly issued and outstanding and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, as issuer, entitled to the benefits of the Indenture and enforceable against the Company, as issuer, in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

(m) Each Transaction Document conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Offering Memorandum.

 

(n) The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of its obligations under each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the issue and sale of the Securities and the Exchange Securities by the Company and the compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, except for any such conflicts, breaches, violations or defaults that would not have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below), nor will such action result in any violations of the provisions of the charter or by-laws (or other comparable organizational documents) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their properties, except any such violation that would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of its obligations under each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the issue, sale, authentication and delivery of the Securities, the issue, authentication and delivery of the Exchange Securities or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, except for such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications (i) which shall have been obtained or made prior to the Closing Date and as may be required to be obtained or made under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement or (ii) the failure of which to be obtained or made would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(o) Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”) is and Arthur Andersen LLP was, when serving as the Company’s independent auditor, independent certified public accountants with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) as required by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and (ii) within the meaning of Rule 101 of the Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) and its interpretations and rulings thereunder.

 

5


The historical financial statements (including the related notes) contained in, and incorporated by reference into, the Offering Memorandum comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and the related published rules and regulations; such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby and fairly present the financial position of the entities purported to be covered thereby at the respective dates indicated and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the respective periods indicated; and the financial information contained in the Offering Memorandum under the headings “Summary—Summary consolidated condensed financial information,” “Capitalization,” “Selected historical consolidated financial data” and “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations,” and the financial information contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders dated July 31, 2002, incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum, under the heading “Executive Compensation” are derived from the accounting records of the Company and its Subsidiaries and fairly present the information purported to be shown thereby. The other historical financial and statistical information and data included in, and incorporated by reference into, the Offering Memorandum are, in all material respects, fairly presented.

 

(p) Other than as set forth or contemplated in the Offering Memorandum, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or of which any property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is the subject which, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, individually or in the aggregate would have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole (“Material Adverse Effect”); and, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or threatened by others.

 

(q) No injunction, restraining order or order of any nature by any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction has been issued with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which would prevent or suspend the issuance or sale of the Securities or the use of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or the Offering Memorandum in any jurisdiction; no action, suit or proceeding is pending against or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or arbitrator or any governmental agency, body or official, domestic or foreign, which could reasonably be expected to interfere with or adversely affect the issuance of the Securities or in any manner draw into question the validity or enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents or any action taken or to be taken pursuant thereto; and the Company has complied with any and all known requests, or any and all requests that should have been reasonably known, by any securities authority in any jurisdiction for additional information to be included in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum.

 

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(r) Except with respect to the matters referred to in Section 5(q), neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its charter or by-laws (or other comparable organizational documents), (ii) in default, and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default, in the due performance or observance of any term, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its property or assets is subject or (iii) in violation in any respect of any law, ordinance, governmental rule, regulation or court decree to which it or its property or assets may be subject, which default under clause (ii) or violation under clause (iii) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(s) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries possess all material licenses, certificates, authorizations and permits issued by, and have made all declarations and filings with, the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies which are necessary or desirable for the ownership of their respective properties or the conduct of their respective businesses as described in the Offering Memorandum, except where the failure to possess or make the same would not have, singularly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notification of any revocation or modification of any such license, certificate, authorization or permit or has any reason to believe that any such license, certificate, authorization or permit will not be renewed in the ordinary course.

 

(t) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Offering Memorandum or such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its Subsidiaries; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company and its Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

(u) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights to use all material patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations, copyrights, licenses and know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures) necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses; and the conduct of their respective businesses will not conflict in any material respect with any such rights of others, and the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have not received any notice of any claim of infringement of or conflict with any such rights of others, which notice could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(v) No material labor disturbance by or dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exists or, to the best knowledge of the Company, is contemplated or threatened.

 

(w) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have paid all federal, state, local and foreign taxes and filed all tax returns required to be paid or filed through the date hereof (except for such taxes that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings, and against which adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles); and except as otherwise disclosed in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum, there is no material tax deficiency that has been, or could reasonably be expected to be, asserted against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets.

 

(x) Other than as set forth in the Offering Memorandum, there has been no storage, generation, transportation, handling, treatment, presence, disposal, discharge, emission or other release of any kind of toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances by, due to or caused by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their predecessors (or, to the best knowledge of the Company, any other entity for whose acts or omissions the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or could reasonably be expected to be liable) at any of the property now or previously owned or leased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or at any other property (i) in violation of any statute or any ordinance, rule (including rule of common law), regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit or (ii) which would, under any statute or any ordinance, rule (including rule of common law), regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit, give rise to any liability, except in the case of both clauses (i) and (ii), for any violation or liability which could not reasonably be expected to have, singularly or in the aggregate with all such violations and liabilities, a Material Adverse Effect; and there has been no presence, disposal, discharge, emission or other release of any kind at any of the property now or previously owned or leased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or into the environment surrounding such property of any toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances with respect to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any knowledge, except for any such presence, disposal, discharge, emission or other release of any kind which could not reasonably be expected to have, singularly or in the aggregate with all such discharges and other releases, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(y) Each employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), that is maintained, administered or contributed to by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any member of their respective “controlled groups” (defined as entities which are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) for employees or former employees of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any member of their respective controlled groups have been maintained in all material respects in compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); no prohibited transaction, within the

 

8


meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to any such plan excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or administrative exemption; and for each such plan that is subject to the funding rules of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, no “accumulated funding deficiency” as defined in Section 412 of the Code has been incurred, whether or not waived, and, except as otherwise disclosed in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum, the fair market value of the assets of each such plan (excluding for these purposes accrued but unpaid contributions) exceeds the present value of all benefits accrued under such plan determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions.

 

(z) The Company and its Subsidiaries maintain systems of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

(aa) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the best knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has (i) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made any direct or indirect unlawful payment to any foreign or domestic government official or employee from corporate funds; (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977; or (iv) made any bribe, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment.

 

(bb) Other than as set forth in the Offering Memorandum, no Subsidiary of the Company is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness to which it is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its properties or assets is subject, from paying any dividends to the Company or any other Subsidiary, from making any other distribution on such Subsidiary’s capital stock, from repaying to the Company or any Subsidiary any loans or advances to such Subsidiary from the Company or such Subsidiary or from transferring any of such Subsidiary’s properties or assets to the Company or any other Subsidiary.

 

(cc) None of the proceeds of the sale of the Securities will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin security, for the purpose of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry any margin security or for any other purpose which might cause any of the Securities to be considered a “purpose credit” within the meanings of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

 

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(dd) Other than this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any contract, agreement or understanding with any person that would give rise to a valid claim against the Company or the Initial Purchasers for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or like payment in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities.

 

(ee) None of the Company, any of its affiliates or any person acting on its or their behalf has engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts (as such term is defined in Rule 902(c) of Regulation S under the Securities Act (“Regulation S”)) with respect to the Securities, and all such persons have complied and will comply with the offering restrictions requirement of Regulation S to the extent applicable.

 

(ff) Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates has, directly or through any agent, sold, offered for sale, solicited offers to buy or otherwise negotiated in respect of, any security (as such term is defined in the Securities Act), which is or will be integrated with the sale of the Securities in a manner that would require registration of the Securities under the Securities Act.

 

(gg) None of the Company or any of its affiliates or any other person acting on its or their behalf has engaged, in connection with the offering of the Securities, in any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502(c) under the Securities Act.

 

(hh) When the Securities are delivered pursuant to this Agreement, none of the Securities will be of the same class (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Rule 144A”)) as securities of the Company that are listed on a national securities exchange registered under Section 6 of the Exchange Act, or quoted in a U.S. automated inter-dealer quotation system.

 

(ii) The Company has not taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act in connection with the offering of the Securities (other than actions taken by the Initial Purchasers, as to which the Company makes no representation).

 

(jj) No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or the Offering Memorandum has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.

 

(kk) Since the date as of which information is given in the Offering Memorandum (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto or any document incorporated by reference therein), except as otherwise stated or contemplated therein, (i) there has not been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, set aside for payment, paid or made by the Company on any class of capital stock, or any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in

 

10


or affecting the business, properties, management, financial position, results of operations or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any transaction, incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, where such transaction, liability or obligation is material, either individually or in the aggregate, to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has sustained any loss or interference with its business from any labor disturbance or dispute or any action, order or decree of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, where such occurrence or event is material, either individually or in the aggregate, to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except in each case as otherwise disclosed in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum.

 

(ll) No holder of securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries will be entitled to have such securities registered under the registration statements required to be filed by the Company pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, other than as expressly permitted thereby.

 

(mm) Nothing has come to the attention of the Company that has caused the Company to believe that the market-related data included in, or incorporated by reference into, the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum is not based on or derived from sources that are reliable and accurate in all material respects.

 

(nn) The Company has complied with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, the Company’s directors and officers, in their capacities as such, have complied with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

2. Purchase and Resale of the Securities. (a) On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements contained herein, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the Initial Purchasers, and each Initial Purchaser, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company, the principal amount of Securities set forth opposite the name of such Initial Purchaser on Schedule I hereto at a purchase price equal to 98.5% of the principal amount thereof. The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any of the Securities except upon payment for all of the Securities to be purchased as provided herein.

 

(b) Each Initial Purchaser has advised the Company that it proposes to offer the Securities for resale upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Offering Memorandum. Each Initial Purchaser, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Company that (i) it is purchasing the Securities pursuant to a private sale exempt from registration under the Securities Act, (ii) it has not solicited offers for, or offered or sold, and will not solicit offers for, or offer to sell, the Securities by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act (“Regulation D”) or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and (iii) it has solicited and will solicit offers for the Securities only from, and has offered or sold and will offer, sell or deliver

 

11


the Securities, at any time prior to the completion of its distribution of the Securities, only (A) within the United States to persons whom it reasonably believes to be qualified institutional buyers (“Qualified Institutional Buyers”) as defined in Rule 144A, or if any such person is buying for one or more institutional accounts for which such person is acting as fiduciary or agent, only when such person has represented to it that each such account is a Qualified Institutional Buyer to whom notice has been given that such sale or delivery is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and in each case, in transactions in accordance with Rule 144A and (B) outside the United States to persons other than U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S.

 

Terms used in this Section 2(b), and otherwise not defined herein, have the meanings given to them by Regulation S.

 

(c) In connection with the offer and sale of Securities in reliance on Regulation S, each Initial Purchaser, severally and not jointly, represents, warrants and agrees that:

 

(i) such Initial Purchaser is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, with such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as are necessary in order to evaluate the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities;

 

(ii) the Securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act;

 

(iii) such Initial Purchaser has offered and sold the Securities, and will offer and sell the Securities, (A) as part of its distribution at any time and (B) otherwise until 40 days after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Securities and the Closing Date, only in accordance with Regulation S or Rule 144A or any other available exemption from registration under the Securities Act;

 

(iv) none of such Initial Purchaser or any of its affiliates or any other person acting on its or their behalf has engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts (as such term is defined in Regulation S) with respect to the Securities, and all such persons have complied and will comply with the offering restrictions requirement of Regulation S;

 

(v) at or prior to the confirmation of sale of any Securities sold in reliance on Regulation S, it will have sent to each distributor, dealer or other person receiving a selling concession, fee or other remuneration that purchases Securities from it during the restricted period a confirmation or notice to substantially the following effect:

 

“The Securities covered hereby have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (i) as part of their distribution at any time or (ii) otherwise until 40 days after the later

 

12


of the commencement of the offering of the Securities and the date of original issuance of the Securities, except in accordance with Regulation S or Rule 144A or any other available exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Terms used above have the meanings given to them by Regulation S.”; and

 

(vi) it has not and will not enter into any contractual arrangement with any distributor with respect to the distribution of the Securities, except with its affiliates or with the prior written consent of the Company.

 

Terms used in this Section 2(c), and otherwise not defined herein, have the meanings given to them by Regulation S.

 

(d) Each Initial Purchaser, severally and not jointly, represents, warrants and agrees that (i) it has not offered or sold and prior to the date six months after the Closing Date will not offer or sell any Securities to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995 (as amended); (ii) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the United Kingdom Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the FSMA)) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any Securities in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Company; and (iii) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the Securities in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

 

(e) Each Initial Purchaser, severally and not jointly, agrees that, prior to or simultaneously with the confirmation of sale by such Initial Purchaser to any purchaser of any of the Securities purchased by such Initial Purchaser from the Company pursuant hereto, each Initial Purchaser shall furnish to that purchaser a copy of the Offering Memorandum (and any amendment or supplement thereto that the Company shall have furnished to such Initial Purchaser prior to the date of such confirmation of sale). In addition to the foregoing, each Initial Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Company and, for purposes of the opinions to be delivered to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to Sections 5(c) and (d), counsel for the Company and for the Initial Purchasers, respectively, may rely upon the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each Initial Purchaser and their compliance with their agreements contained in this Section 2, and each Initial Purchaser hereby consents to such reliance.

 

(f) The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Initial Purchasers may sell Securities to any of its affiliates and that any such affiliate may sell Securities purchased by it to an Initial Purchaser.

 

3. Delivery of and Payment for the Securities. (a) Delivery of and payment for the Securities shall be made at the offices of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New York, New York,

 

13


or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Initial Purchasers and the Company, at 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on May 21, 2003 or at such other time or date, not later than seven full business days thereafter, as shall be agreed upon by the Initial Purchasers and the Company (such date and time of payment and delivery being referred to herein as the “Closing Date”).

 

(b) On the Closing Date, payment of the purchase price for the Securities shall be made to the Company by wire or book-entry transfer of same-day funds to such account or accounts as the Company shall specify prior to the Closing Date or by such other means as the parties hereto shall agree prior to the Closing Date against delivery to the Initial Purchasers of the certificate(s) evidencing the Securities. Time shall be of the essence, and delivery by the Company at the time and place specified pursuant to this Agreement is a further condition of the obligations of each Initial Purchaser hereunder. Upon delivery, the Securities shall be in global form, registered in such names and in such denominations as J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (“JPMSI”) on behalf of the Initial Purchasers shall have requested in writing not less than two full business days prior to the Closing Date. The Company agrees to make one or more global certificates evidencing the Securities available for inspection by JPMSI on behalf of the Initial Purchasers in New York City at least 24 hours prior to the Closing Date.

 

4. Further Agreements of the Company. The Company agrees with the Initial Purchasers:

 

(a) at any time prior to the completion of the distribution by the Initial Purchasers of the Securities, to advise the Initial Purchasers promptly and, if requested, confirm such advice in writing, of the happening of any event which makes any statement of a material fact made in the Offering Memorandum untrue or which requires the making of any additions to or changes (whether through incorporation by reference or otherwise) in the Offering Memorandum (as amended or supplemented from time to time) in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; to advise the Initial Purchasers promptly of any order preventing or suspending the use of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or the Offering Memorandum, of any suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction and of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose; and to use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such order preventing or suspending the use of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or the Offering Memorandum or suspending any such qualification and, if any such suspension is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible time;

 

(b) at any time prior to the completion of the distribution by the Initial Purchasers of the Securities, to furnish promptly to each of the Initial Purchasers and counsel for the Initial Purchasers, without charge, as many copies of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum (and any amendments or supplements thereto) as may be reasonably requested;

 

(c) prior to making any amendment or supplement to the Offering Memorandum, to furnish a copy thereof to each of the Initial Purchasers and counsel for the Initial Purchasers and not to effect any such amendment or supplement to which the Initial

 

14


Purchasers shall reasonably object by notice to the Company after a reasonable period to review;

 

(d) if, at any time prior to completion of the resale of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers, any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Initial Purchasers or counsel for the Company, to amend or supplement (whether through incorporation by reference or otherwise) the Offering Memorandum in order that the Offering Memorandum will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if it is necessary to amend or supplement (whether through incorporation by reference or otherwise) the Offering Memorandum to comply with applicable law, to promptly prepare such amendment or supplement as may be necessary to correct such untrue statement or omission or so that the Offering Memorandum, as so amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law;

 

(e) for so long as the Securities are outstanding and are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, to furnish to holders of the Securities and prospective purchasers of the Securities designated by such holders, upon request of such holders or such prospective purchasers, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act, unless the Company is then subject to and in compliance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (the foregoing agreement being for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Securities and prospective purchasers of the Securities designated by such holders);

 

(f) unless such reports are available through the Commission’s EDGAR system, for so long as the Securities are outstanding, to furnish to the Initial Purchasers copies of any annual reports, quarterly reports and current reports filed by the Company with the Commission on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, or such other similar forms as may be designated by the Commission, and such other documents, reports and information as shall be furnished by the Company to the Trustee or to the holders of the Securities pursuant to the Indenture or the Exchange Act or any rule or regulation of the Commission thereunder;

 

(g) to promptly take from time to time such actions as the Initial Purchasers may reasonably request to qualify the Securities for offering and sale by the Initial Purchasers under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Initial Purchasers may designate and to continue such qualifications in effect for so long as required for the resale of the Securities; and to arrange for the determination of the eligibility for investment of the Securities under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Initial Purchasers may reasonably request; provided that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be obligated to qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction or subject itself to taxation in excess of a nominal dollar amount in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

 

15


(h) to assist the Initial Purchasers in arranging for the Securities to be designated Private Offerings, Resales and Trading through Automated Linkages (“PORTAL”) Market securities in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) relating to trading in the PORTAL Market and for the Securities to be eligible for clearance and settlement through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”);

 

(i) not to, and to cause its affiliates not to, sell, offer for sale or solicit offers to buy or otherwise negotiate in respect of any security (as such term is defined in the Securities Act) which could be integrated with the sale of the Securities in a manner which would require registration of the Securities under the Securities Act;

 

(j) except following the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, not to, and to cause its affiliates not to, and not to authorize or knowingly permit any person acting on their behalf to, solicit any offer to buy or offer to sell the Securities by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Regulation D or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act; and not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any securities under circumstances where such offer, sale, contract or disposition would cause the exemption afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act to cease to be applicable to the offering and sale of the Securities as contemplated by this Agreement and the Offering Memorandum;

 

(k) for a period of 45 days from the date of the Offering Memorandum, not to offer for sale, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file a registration statement for, or announce any offer, sale, contract for sale of or other disposition of any debt securities with a maturity greater than one year issued or guaranteed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Securities, the Exchange Securities or under the Revolving Credit Facilities (as defined in the Offering Memorandum)) without the prior written consent of JPMSI;

 

(l) during the period from the Closing Date until two years after the Closing Date, without the prior written consent of the Initial Purchasers, not to, and not permit any of its affiliates (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act) to, resell any of the Securities that have been reacquired by them, except for Securities purchased by the Company or any of its affiliates and resold in a transaction registered under the Securities Act;

 

(m) not to, for so long as the Securities are outstanding, be or become, or be or become owned by, an open-end investment company, unit investment trust or face-amount certificate company that is or is required to be registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act, and not to be or become, or be or become owned by, a closed-end investment company required to be registered, but not registered thereunder;

 

16


(n) in connection with the offering of the Securities, until JPMSI on behalf of the Initial Purchasers shall have notified the Company of the completion of the resale of the Securities, not to, and to cause its affiliated purchasers (as defined in Regulation M under the Exchange Act) not to, either alone or with one or more other persons, bid for or purchase, for any account in which it or any of its affiliated purchasers has a beneficial interest, any Securities, or attempt to induce any person to purchase any Securities; and not to, and to cause its affiliated purchasers not to, make bids or purchase for the purpose of creating actual, or apparent active trading in or of raising the price of the Securities;

 

(o) in connection with the offering of the Securities, to make its officers, employees, independent accountants and legal counsel reasonably available upon request by the Initial Purchasers;

 

(p) to do and perform all things required to be done and performed by it under this Agreement that are within its control prior to or after the Closing Date, and to use its reasonable best efforts to satisfy all conditions precedent on its part to the delivery of the Securities;

 

(q) to not take any action prior to the execution and delivery of the Indenture which, if taken after such execution and delivery, would have violated any of the covenants contained in the Indenture;

 

(r) to not take any action prior to the Closing Date which would in the Company’s reasonable judgment require the Offering Memorandum to be amended or supplemented pursuant to Section 4(d);

 

(s) prior to the Closing Date, not to issue any press release or other public communication directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, through a communication on the Company’s website) or hold any press conference with respect to the Company, its condition, financial or otherwise, or earnings, business affairs or business prospects (except for routine oral marketing communications in the ordinary course of business and consistent with the past practices of the Company and of which the Initial Purchasers are notified), without the prior written consent of the Initial Purchasers, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, unless in the judgment of the Company and its counsel, and after notification to the Initial Purchaser, such press release or communication is required by law; and

 

(t) to apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities as set forth in the Offering Memorandum under the heading “Use of proceeds.”

 

(u) not to take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Securities.

 

5. Conditions of Initial Purchasers’ Obligations. The respective obligations of the several Initial Purchasers hereunder are subject to the accuracy, on and as of the date hereof

 

17


and the Closing Date, of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein, to the accuracy of the statements of the Company and its officers made in any certificates delivered pursuant hereto, to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional terms and conditions:

 

(a) The Offering Memorandum (and any amendments or supplements thereto) shall have been printed and copies distributed to the Initial Purchasers as promptly as practicable on or following the date of this Agreement or at such other date and time as to which the Initial Purchasers may agree; and no stop order suspending the sale of the Securities in any jurisdiction shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been commenced or shall be pending or threatened.

 

(b) All requisite corporate, limited liability company and limited partnership proceedings and other legal matters incident to the authorization, form and validity of each of the Transaction Documents and the Offering Memorandum, and all other legal matters relating to the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby, shall be satisfactory in all material respects to the Initial Purchasers and the Company shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers all documents and information that they or their counsel may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters.

 

(c) McGuireWoods LLP shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers their written opinion, as counsel to the Company, addressed to the Initial Purchasers and dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers, substantially to the effect set forth in Annex B hereto.

 

(d) The Initial Purchasers shall have received from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, counsel for the Initial Purchasers, such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date, with respect to such matters as the Initial Purchasers may reasonably require, and the Company shall have furnished to such counsel such documents and information as they reasonably request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.

 

(e) The Company shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers a letter (the “Initial Letter”) of Ernst & Young, addressed to the Initial Purchasers and dated the date hereof, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory in all material respects to the Initial Purchasers and counsel for the Initial Purchasers.

 

(f) The Company shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers a letter (the “Bring-Down Letter”) of Ernst & Young, addressed to the Initial Purchasers and dated the Closing Date (A) confirming that they are independent public accountants with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries within the meaning of Rule 101 of the Code of Professional Conduct of the AICPA and its interpretations and rulings thereunder, (B) stating, as of the date of the Bring-Down Letter (or, with respect to matters involving changes or developments since the respective dates as of which specified financial information is given in the Offering Memorandum, as of a date not more than three business days prior to the date of the Bring-Down Letter), that the conclusions and findings of such accountants with respect to the financial information and other matters

 

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covered by the Initial Letter are accurate and (C) confirming in all material respects the conclusions and findings set forth in the Initial Letter.

 

(g) The Company shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of its Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and its Controller stating that (A) such officers have carefully examined the Offering Memorandum, (B) in their opinion, the Offering Memorandum, as of its date, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and since the date of the Offering Memorandum, no event has occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to the Offering Memorandum (whether through incorporation by reference or otherwise) so that the Offering Memorandum (as so amended or supplemented) would not include any untrue statement of a material fact and would not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (C) as of the Closing Date, the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects, (D) the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or prior to the Closing Date, (E) subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statements contained in the Offering Memorandum, (i) there has been no change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, set aside for payment, paid or made by the Company on any class of capital stock, or any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the business, properties, management, financial position, results of operations or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any transaction, incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, where such transaction, liability or obligation is material, either individually or in the aggregate, to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has sustained any loss or interference with its business from any labor disturbance or dispute or any action, order or decree of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, where such occurrence or event is material, either individually or in the aggregate, to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except in each case as otherwise disclosed in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum, and (F) subsequent to the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement (i) no downgrading has occurred in the rating accorded the Securities or any of the Company’s other debt securities or preferred stock by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization”, as such term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act and (ii) no such organization has publicly announced or notified the Company that it has under surveillance or review, or has changed its outlook with respect to, its rating of the Securities or any of the Company’s other debt securities or preferred stock (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading).

 

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(h) The Company shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers a certificate, dated the date hereof, of its Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and its Controller, with respect to financial information relating to fiscal years audited by Arthur Andersen, providing “Management Comfort” with respect to such information to the extent Ernst & Young is unable to provide such comfort, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers, to the effect set forth in Annex C hereto.

 

(i) The Company shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and its Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers, to the effect set forth in Annex D hereto.

 

(j) The Initial Purchasers shall have received a counterpart of the Registration Rights Agreement which shall have been executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Company.

 

(k) The Indenture shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and the Trustee, and the Securities shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and duly authenticated by the Trustee.

 

(l) The Securities shall have been approved by the NASD for trading in the PORTAL Market and shall be eligible for clearance and settlement through DTC.

 

(m) If any event shall have occurred that requires the Company under Section 4(d) to prepare an amendment or supplement to the Offering Memorandum, such amendment or supplement shall have been prepared, the Initial Purchasers shall have been given a reasonable opportunity to comment thereon, and copies thereof shall have been delivered to the Initial Purchasers reasonably in advance of the Closing Date.

 

(n) There shall not have occurred any invalidation of Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act by any court or any withdrawal or proposed withdrawal of any rule or regulation under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act by the Commission or any amendment or proposed amendment thereof by the Commission which in the reasonable judgment of the Initial Purchasers would materially impair the ability of the Initial Purchasers to purchase, hold or effect resales of the Securities contemplated hereby.

 

(o) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement or, if earlier, the dates as of which information is given in the Offering Memorandum (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto or document incorporated by reference therein), (i) there shall not have been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, set aside for payment, paid or made by the Company on any class of capital stock, or any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the business, properties, management, financial position, results of operations or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) neither

 

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the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any transaction, incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, where such transaction, liability or obligation is material, either individually or in the aggregate, to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has sustained any loss or interference with its business from any labor disturbance or dispute or any action, order or decree of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, where such occurrence or event is material, either individually or in the aggregate, to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except in each case as otherwise disclosed in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum, the effect of which, in any such case described above, in the judgment of JPMSI makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement and the Offering Memorandum (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto or document incorporated by reference therein).

 

(p) No action shall have been taken and no statute, rule, regulation or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any governmental agency or body which would, as of the Closing Date, prevent the issuance or sale of the Securities; and no injunction, restraining order or order of any other nature by any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction shall have been issued as of the Closing Date which would prevent the issuance or sale of the Securities.

 

(q) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement (i) no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the Securities or any of the Company’s other debt securities or preferred stock by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization”, as such term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act and (ii) no such organization shall have publicly announced or have notified the Company that it has under surveillance or review, or has changed its outlook with respect to, its rating of the Securities or any of the Company’s other debt securities or preferred stock (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading).

 

(r) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement there shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on the New York Stock Exchange or the over-the-counter market; (ii) trading of any securities issued by the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities or material disruption of securities clearance or settlement systems shall have been declared by federal or New York State authorities; or (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis, either within or outside the United States, that, in the judgment of JPMSI, is material and adverse and makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement and the Offering Memorandum.

 

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(s) The Initial Purchasers shall have received on and as of the Closing Date satisfactory evidence of the good standing of the Company and its significant subsidiaries, as defined pursuant to Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X, in their respective jurisdictions of organization and their good standing in the other jurisdictions as JPMSI may reasonably request, in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication, from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions.

 

(t) The Company shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of its Treasurer, with respect to the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ compliance with any term, covenant or condition restricting the extent to which the Company or its Subsidiaries may enter into loan agreements which prohibit the payment of dividends or the making of loans or transferring of property to the Company or to other Subsidiaries contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument evidencing indebtedness to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of their property or assets is subject, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers, to the effect set forth in Annex E hereto.

 

All opinions, letters, evidence and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.

 

6. Termination. The obligations of the Initial Purchasers hereunder may be terminated by the Initial Purchasers, in their sole absolute discretion, by notice given to and received by the Company prior to delivery of and payment for the Securities if, prior to that time, any of the events described in Section 5(n), (o), (p), (q) or (r) shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

7. Defaulting Initial Purchaser. (a) If, on the Closing Date, any Initial Purchaser defaults on its obligation to purchase the Securities that it has agreed to purchase hereunder, the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers may in their discretion arrange for the purchase of such Securities by other persons satisfactory to the Company on the terms contained in this Agreement. If, within 36 hours after any such default by any Initial Purchaser, the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers do not arrange for the purchase of such Securities, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of 36 hours within which to procure other persons satisfactory to the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers to purchase such Securities on such terms. If other persons become obligated or agree to purchase the Securities of a defaulting Initial Purchaser, either the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers or the Company may postpone the Closing Date for up to five full Business Days in order to effect any changes that in the opinion of counsel for the Company or counsel for the Initial Purchasers may be necessary in the Offering Memorandum or in any other document or arrangement, and the Company agrees to promptly prepare any amendment or supplement to the Offering Memorandum that effects any such changes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Initial Purchaser” includes, for all purposes of this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires, any person not listed in Schedule I hereto that, pursuant to this Section 7, purchases Securities that a defaulting Initial Purchaser agreed but failed to purchase.

 

 

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(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Securities of a defaulting Initial Purchaser or Initial Purchasers by the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of such Securities that remains unpurchased does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount of all the Securities, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Initial Purchaser to purchase the principal amount of Securities that such Initial Purchaser agreed to purchase hereunder plus such Initial Purchaser’s pro rata share (based on the principal amount of Securities that such Initial Purchaser agreed to purchase hereunder) of the Securities of such defaulting Initial Purchaser or Initial Purchasers for which such arrangements have not been made.

 

(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Securities of a defaulting Initial Purchaser or Initial Purchasers by the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of such Securities that remains unpurchased exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount of all the Securities, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in paragraph (b) above, then this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers or the Company, except that the Company will continue to be liable for the payment of expenses as set forth in Section 8 and Section 12 hereof and except that the provisions of Section 9 and Section 10 hereof shall not terminate and shall remain in effect.

 

(d) Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting Initial Purchaser of any liability it may have to the Company or any non-defaulting Initial Purchaser for damages caused by its default.

 

8. Reimbursement of Initial Purchasers’ Expenses. If (a) this Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Section 6 or Section 7, (b) the Company shall fail to tender the Securities for delivery to the Initial Purchasers for any reason other than by reason of a default by the Initial Purchasers or (c) the Initial Purchasers shall decline to purchase the Securities for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the Company shall reimburse the Initial Purchasers for such out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) as shall have been reasonably incurred by the Initial Purchasers in connection with this Agreement and the proposed purchase and resale of the Securities.

 

9. Indemnification. (a) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Initial Purchaser, its affiliates, their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents, and each person, if any, who controls any Initial Purchaser within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively referred to for purposes of this Section 9(a) and Section 10 as an Initial Purchaser), from and against any loss, claim, damage or liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof (including, without limitation, any loss, claim, damage, liability or action relating to purchases and sales of the Securities), to which that Initial Purchaser may become subject, whether commenced or threatened, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or the Offering Memorandum or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in

 

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any information provided by the Company pursuant to Section 4(e) or (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and shall reimburse each Initial Purchaser promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by that Initial Purchaser in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend against or appearing as a third party witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged omission from any of such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with any Initial Purchasers’ Information; and provided, further, that with respect to any such untrue statement in or omission from the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 9(a) shall not inure to the benefit of any such Initial Purchaser to the extent that the sale to the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action was an initial resale by such Initial Purchaser and any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action of or with respect to such Initial Purchaser results from the fact that both (A) to the extent required by applicable law a copy of the Offering Memorandum was not sent or given to such person at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such Securities to such person and (B) the untrue statement in or omission from the Preliminary Offering Memorandum was corrected in the Offering Memorandum unless, in either case, such failure to deliver the Offering Memorandum was a result of non-compliance by the Company with Section 4(b).

 

(b) Each Initial Purchaser shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates, their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively referred to for purposes of this Section 9(b) and Section 10 as the Company), from and against any loss, claim, damage or liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof, to which the Company may become subject, whether commenced or threatened, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or the Offering Memorandum or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, but in each case only to the extent that the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with any Initial Purchasers’ Information, and shall reimburse the Company promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend against or appearing as a third party witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred.

 

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 9 of notice of any claim or the commencement of any action, the indemnified party shall, if a claim in

 

24


respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party pursuant to Section 9(a) or 9(b), notify the indemnifying party in writing of the claim or the commencement of that action; provided, however, that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have under this Section 9 except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and, provided, further, that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to an indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 9. If any such claim or action shall be brought against an indemnified party, and it shall notify the indemnifying party thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly with any other similarly notified indemnifying party, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. After notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense of such claim or action, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to the indemnified party under this Section 9 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation; provided, however, that an indemnified party shall have the right to employ its own counsel in any such action, but the fees, expenses and other charges of such counsel for the indemnified party will be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (1) the employment of counsel by the indemnified party has been authorized in writing by the indemnifying party, (2) the indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based upon advice of counsel to the indemnified party) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party, (3) a conflict or potential conflict exists (based upon advice of counsel to the indemnified party) between the indemnified party and the indemnifying party (in which case the indemnifying party will not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party) or (4) the indemnifying party has not in fact employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to assume the defense of such action within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the commencement of the action, in each of which cases the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel will be at the expense of the indemnifying party or parties. It is understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to no more than one local counsel in any jurisdiction) at any one time for all such indemnified party or parties. Each indemnified party, as a condition of the indemnity agreements contained in Sections 9(a) and 9(b), shall use all reasonable efforts to cooperate with the indemnifying party in the defense of any such action or claim. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any such action effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), but if settled with its written consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceedings.

 

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The obligations of the Company and the Initial Purchasers in this Section 9 and in Section 10 are in addition to any other liability that the Company or the Initial Purchasers, as the case may be, may otherwise have, including in respect of any breaches of representations, warranties and agreements made herein by any such party.

 

10. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 9 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 9(a) or 9(b), then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, (i) in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Initial Purchasers on the other from the offering of the Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Initial Purchasers on the other with respect to the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Initial Purchasers on the other with respect to such offering shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Securities purchased under this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by or on behalf of the Company, on the one hand, and the total discounts and commissions received by the Initial Purchasers with respect to the Securities purchased under this Agreement, on the other, bear to the total gross proceeds from the sale of the Securities under this Agreement. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to the Company or information supplied by the Company on the one hand or to any Initial Purchasers’ Information on the other, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omissions. The Company and the Initial Purchasers agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 10 were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 10 shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this Section 10, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 10, the Initial Purchasers shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total discounts and commissions received by such Initial Purchaser with respect to the Securities purchased by it under this Agreement exceeds the amount of any damages which such Initial Purchaser has otherwise paid or become liable to pay by reason of any untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

 

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11. Persons Entitled to Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Initial Purchasers, the Company and their respective successors. This Agreement and the terms and provisions hereof are for the sole benefit of only those persons, except as provided in Sections 9 and 10 with respect to affiliates, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and controlling persons of the Company and the Initial Purchasers and in Section 4(e) with respect to holders and prospective purchasers of the Securities. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, other than the persons referred to in this Section 11, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein.

 

12. Expenses. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company agrees with the Initial Purchasers to pay (a) the costs incident to the authorization, issuance, sale, preparation and delivery of the Securities and any taxes payable in that connection; (b) the costs incident to the preparation, printing and distribution of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the Offering Memorandum and any amendments or supplements thereto; (c) the costs of reproducing and distributing each of the Transaction Documents; (d) the costs incident to the preparation, printing and delivery of the certificates evidencing the Securities, including stamp duties and transfer taxes, if any, payable upon issuance of the Securities; (e) the fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and independent accountants; (f) the reasonable fees and expenses of qualifying the Securities under the securities laws of the several jurisdictions as provided in Section 4(g) and of preparing, printing and distributing Blue Sky Memoranda (including related fees and expenses of counsel for the Initial Purchasers); (g) any fees charged by rating agencies for rating the Securities; (h) the fees and expenses of the Trustee and any paying agent (including related fees and expenses of any counsel to such parties); (i) all expenses and application fees incurred in connection with the application for the inclusion of the Securities on the PORTAL Market and the approval of the Securities for book-entry transfer by DTC; and (j) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement which are not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section 12; provided, however, that except as provided in this Section 12 and Section 8, the Initial Purchasers shall pay their own costs and expenses, including the fees, disbursements and expenses of its counsel, its road-show costs and any transfer taxes on the Securities that it may sell.

 

13. Survival. The respective indemnities, rights of contribution, representations, warranties and agreements of the Company and the Initial Purchasers contained in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of the Company or the Initial Purchasers pursuant to this Agreement or any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the delivery of and payment for the Securities and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination or cancellation of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of any of them or any of their respective affiliates, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents or controlling persons.

 

14. Notices, etc. All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and:

 

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(a) if to the Initial Purchasers, shall be delivered or sent by mail or telecopy transmission to J. P. Morgan Securities Inc., 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Mr. Gerry Murray (telecopier no.: (212) 270-0994); or

 

(b) if to the Company, shall be delivered or sent by mail or telecopy transmission to the address of the Company set forth in the Offering Memorandum, Attention: Mr. Daniel G. Stevens, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (telecopier no.: (757) 365-3025), with a copy to Jane Whitt Sellers., Esq., McGuireWoods LLP (telecopier no.: (804) 698-2170);

 

provided that any notice to an Initial Purchaser pursuant to Section 9(c) shall also be delivered or sent by mail to such Initial Purchaser at its address set forth on the signature page hereof. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect at the time of receipt thereof. The Company shall be entitled to act and rely upon any request, consent, notice or agreement given or made on behalf of the Initial Purchasers by JPMSI.

 

15. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) the term “business day” means any day on which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and commercial banks in New York, New York and Richmond, Virginia are open for trading or business, (b) the term “subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act and (c) except where otherwise expressly provided, the term “affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

16. Initial Purchasers’ Information. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, for all purposes of this Agreement, the Initial Purchasers’ Information consists solely of the following information in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum: the statements concerning the Initial Purchasers contained in the third and eleventh paragraphs, and the fifth and sixth sentences of the ninth paragraph under the heading “Plan of distribution,” the fifth and sixth sentences of the first paragraph under the heading “Summary—The offering—Transfer restrictions,” the second and third sentences of the second paragraph under the heading “Risk factors—The lack of a public market for the notes and restrictions on resale of the notes may limit the liquidity of the notes,” and, with respect to each Initial Purchaser, such Initial Purchaser’s name at it appears on the cover.

 

17. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by telecopier) and, if executed in more than one counterpart, the executed agreement, counterparts shall each be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

19. Amendments. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, nor any consent or approval to any departure therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto (it being understood that the successful delivery of and payment for the Securities shall constitute an effective waiver of any outstanding

 

28


pre-closing condition contained in Section 5 hereof, known to the Initial Purchasers on the Closing Date).

 

20. Headings. The headings herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement.

 

 

29


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, kindly sign and return to us a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument will become a binding agreement between the Company and the several Initial Purchasers in accordance with its terms.

 

 

 

Very truly yours,
SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By

 

 


   

Name:

   

Title:

 

Accepted:

 

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

RABO SECURITIES USA, INC.

SUNTRUST CAPITAL MARKETS INC.

BMO NESBIT BURNS CORP.

ING FINANCIAL MARKETS LLC

BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES CORP.

 

By: J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.

 

By

 

 


   

Authorized Signatory

EX-5.1 4 dex51.htm OPINION OF MCGUIREWOODS LLP Opinion of McGuireWoods LLP

EXHIBIT 5.1

 

[LETTERHEAD OF MCGUIREWOODS LLP]

 

August 22, 2003

 

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, VA 23430

 

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Registration Statement on Form S-4

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (the “Company”), has requested our opinion in connection with various legal matters relating to the filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), covering the offer to exchange $1,000 principal amount of 7¾% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2013 (the “Exchange Notes”) for each $1,000 principal amount of outstanding 7¾% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2013 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were, and the Exchange Notes are to be, issued under the Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2003 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and SunTrust Bank, as trustee. The exchange will be made pursuant to an exchange offer (the “Exchange Offer”) contemplated by the Registration Statement.

 

We have examined copies of such records of the Company and such other certificates and documents as we have deemed relevant and necessary for the opinions hereinafter set forth. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to authentic originals of all documents submitted to us as certified or reproduced copies. We have also assumed the legal capacity of all persons executing such documents and the truth and correctness of any representations or warranties therein contained. As to various questions of fact material to such opinions, we have relied upon certificates of officers of the Company and of public officials.

 

Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

 

1.    The Company is validly existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.


Smithfield Foods, Inc.

August 22, 2003

Page 2

 

2.    The execution and delivery of the Indenture has been duly authorized by the Company, and the Indenture constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with the terms thereof, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and except as enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

3.    The Exchange Notes will, upon the due issuance and authentication of the Exchange Notes and exchange thereof for the Senior Notes in the manner referred to in the Registration Statement and the Indenture, constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and except as enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

4.    This opinion is limited to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States of the type typically applicable to transactions contemplated by the Exchange Offer, and we do not express any opinion with respect to the laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

This letter speaks only as of the date hereof and is limited to present statutes, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations. We undertake no responsibility to update or supplement this letter after the date hereof.

 

We consent to being named in the Registration Statement and related Prospectus as counsel who are passing upon the legality of the Exchange Notes for the Company and to the reference to our name under the caption “Legal matters” in such Prospectus. We also consent to your filing copies of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the 1933 Act.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ McGuireWoods LLP

EX-23.1 5 dex231.htm CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

 

Exhibit 23.2

 

Consent of Independent Auditors

 

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement Form S-4 and related Prospectus of Smithfield Foods, Inc. for the registration of up to $350,000,000 of 7 3/4% Senior Notes, Due 2013 and to the inclusion and incorporation by reference therein of our report dated June 3, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Smithfield Foods, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended April 27, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Richmond, Virginia

August 20, 2003

 

EX-25.1 6 dex251.htm STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY Statement of Eligibility

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM T-1

 


 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE

TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A CORPORATION

DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 


 

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE

PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)  ¨

 


 

SUNTRUST BANK

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 


 

303 Peachtree Street

30th Floor

Atlanta, Georgia

  30308   58-0466330
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

 


 

Jack Ellerin

SunTrust Bank

25 Park Place, N.E.

24th Floor

Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2900

(404) 588-7296

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 


 

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

 

Virginia   52-0845861

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS employer

identification no.)

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia

  23430
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 


 

Smithfield Foods, Inc. 7 3/4% Senior Notes, Series B

 

pursuant to Registration Statement No.     -            

(Title of the indenture securities)

 



1.   General information.

 

Furnish the following information as to the trustee-

 

Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Department of Banking and Finance,

State of Georgia

2990 Brandywine Road, Suite 200

Atlanta, Georgia 30341-5565

 

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

1000 Peachtree Street, N.E.

Atlanta, Georgia 30309-4470

 

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

550 17th Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20429-9990

 

Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

 

Yes.

 

2.   Affiliations with Obligor.

 

If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

 

None.

 

3-12   No responses are included for Items 3 through 12. Responses to those Items are not required because, as provided in General Instruction B and as set forth in Item 13(b), the obligor is not in default on any securities issued under indentures under which SunTrust Bank is a trustee.

 

13.   Defaults by the Obligor.

 

  (a)   State whether there is or has been a default with respect to the securities under this indenture. Explain the nature of any such default.

 

There is not and has not been any default under this indenture.

 

  (b)   If the trustee is a trustee under another indenture under which any other securities, or certificates of interest or participation in any other securities, of the obligor are outstanding, or is trustee for more than one outstanding series of securities under the indenture, state whether there has been a default under any such indenture or series, identify the indenture or series affected, and explain the nature of any such default.

 

There has not been any such default.

 

2


14-15   No responses are included for Items 14 and 15. Responses to those Items are not required because, as provided in General Instruction (b) to Item 13, the obligor is not in default on any securities issued under indentures under which SunTrust Bank is a trustee.

 

16.   List of Exhibits.

 

List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of eligibility; exhibits identified in parentheses are filed with the Commission and are incorporated herein by reference as exhibits hereto pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and Rule 24 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

 

  (1)   A copy of the Articles of Amendment and Restated Articles of Association of the trustee as now in effect.

 

  (2)   A copy of the certificate of authority of the trustee to commence business. (Included in Exhibit 1).

 

  (3)   A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate trust powers. (Included in Exhibit 1).

 

  (4)   A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee as now in effect.

 

  (5)   Not applicable.

 

  (6)   The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

 

  (7)   A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority as of the close of business on June 30, 2003.

 

  (8)   Not applicable.

 

  (9)   Not applicable.

 

3


SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 the trustee, SunTrust Bank, a banking corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Georgia, has duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia, on the     th day of August, 2003.

 

SUNTRUST BANK

By:

 

/s/ Jack Ellerin


   

Jack Ellerin

   

Assistant Vice President

 

4


EXHIBIT 1 TO FORM T-1

 

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

OF

SUNTRUST BANK

 

(ATTACHED)

 

1


ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND

RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF

SUNTRUST BANK

 

Pursuant to the Financial Institutions Code of Georgia, SunTrust Bank, a Georgia banking corporation (the “Bank”), submits Articles of Amendment and Restated Articles of Incorporation and shows as follows:

 

1.

 

The Bank was chartered by a special act of the General Assembly of Georgia approved on September 21, 1891 with banking and trust powers.

 

2.

 

The Bank’s main office is located at 303 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, 30308.

 

3.

 

By a written consent and waiver of notice dated March 4, 2002, the sole shareholder of the 4,320,000 shares of Common Stock then outstanding and entitled to vote did authorize, approve and adopt these Articles of Amendment and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Bank, as submitted by a Resolution of the Board of Directors, and as set forth in Paragraph 4 below. The Bank has only two classes of stock authorized, its Common Stock and its Preferred Stock, of which only one class, its Common Stock, is issued and outstanding on the date hereof.

 

4.

 

The Articles of Incorporation of the Bank shall be amended by authorizing the issuance of Series C Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock in Article VI, and by restating in their entirety the Articles of Incorporation, as heretofore amended, and substituting therefor in all respects, the Restated Articles of Incorporation as follows:


RESTATED

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

 

SUNTRUST BANK

 

Article I

 

The name of the bank is SunTrust Bank (the “Bank”).

 

Article II

 

The Bank is organized pursuant to the provisions of the Financial Institutions Code of Georgia.

 

Article III

 

The Bank shall have perpetual duration.

 

Article IV

 

The principal place of business of the Bank is located in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, and the Bank may establish branches or agencies at other places in Georgia or elsewhere. The address of the main office of the Bank is 303 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia 30308.

 

Article V

 

The purposes for which the Bank is organized are to act as a bank and as a trust company and to enjoy and be subject to the powers and restrictions of a bank and a trust company under the laws of the State of Georgia, and to conduct any other businesses, to exercise any powers, and to engage in any other activities not specifically prohibited to corporations organized to act as a bank and as a trust company under the laws of the State of Georgia.

 

Article VI

 

Section 6.01. The aggregate number of common shares which the Bank has authority to issue is 4,750,000, all of which are of one class only, each such share having a par value of $5.00 (the “Common Stock”). The Bank shall also have authority to issue 100,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1,000 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).

 

Section 6.02. Pursuant to the provisions of this Article VI, a series of Preferred Stock, all designated as the Series A Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, consisting of 1,000 shares, is hereby established and authorized to be issued, and in addition to such matters specified elsewhere in this Article VI, such Series A Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock shall have the following powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions:

 

(a) Designation and Amount. The shares of such series of Preferred Stock shall be designated as the Series A Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), and the number of shares


constituting the Series A Preferred Stock shall be 1,000. The liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be $100,000 per share (“Series A Liquidation Value”).

 

(b) Maturity. The Series A Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption.

 

(c) Rank. The Series A Preferred Stock shall, with respect to dividend rights and upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Bank, rank (i) senior to all classes and series of Common Stock of the Bank and to all classes and series of equity securities of the Bank now or hereafter authorized, issued or outstanding, which by their terms expressly provide that they are junior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank, or which do not specify their rank (collectively with the Common Stock, the “Series A Junior Securities”); (ii) on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock and each other class or series of equity securities issued by the Bank after the date hereof, the terms of which specifically provide that such class or series will rank on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank (collectively with the Series B Preferred Stock, the “Series A Parity Securities”); and (iii) junior to each other class or series of equity securities issued by the Bank after the date hereof, the terms of which specifically provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank (collectively, the “Series A Senior Securities”), provided that any such Series A Senior Securities and Series A Parity Securities issued after the date hereof that are not approved by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock as required by Section 6.02(i)(i)(D) hereof shall be deemed to be Series A Junior Securities and not Series A Senior Securities or Series A Parity Securities, as the case may be.

 

(d) Dividends. Dividends are payable on the Series A Preferred Stock as follows:

 

(i) The holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock in preference to the Series A Junior Securities shall be entitled to receive, out of funds legally available for that purpose, and when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Bank, preferential non-cumulative dividends payable in cash at the annual rate of nine percent (9.00%) of the Series A Liquidation Value (the “Series A Dividend Rate”).

 

(ii) Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock shall be non-cumulative. Dividends not paid on any Series A Dividend Payment Date shall not accumulate thereafter. Dividends shall accumulate from the first day of any Series A Dividend Period to but excluding the immediately succeeding Series A Dividend Payment Date. Dividends, if and when declared, shall be payable in arrears in cash on each Series A Dividend Payment Date of each year with respect to the Series A Dividend Period ending on the day immediately prior to such Series A Dividend Payment Date at the Series A Dividend Rate to holders of record at the close of business on the applicable Record Date, commencing on March 31, 2001 with respect to any shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued prior to that Series A Dividend Payment Date; provided that dividends payable on the Series A Preferred Stock on the initial Series A Dividend Payment Date (and any dividend payable for a period less than a full semiannual period) shall be prorated for the period and computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and the actual number of days in such Series A Dividend Period; and provided, further, that dividends payable on the Series A Preferred Stock on the initial Series A Dividend Payment Date shall include any accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Series B Non-Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Corporation exchanged for the Series A Preferred Stock as of the Exchange Date for the then current dividend period. Dividends on such Series A Preferred Stock shall be paid only in cash.

 

(iii) No dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be declared by the Board of Directors or paid or set apart for payment by the Board of Directors or paid or set apart for payment by the Bank at such time as the terms and provisions of any agreement of the Bank, including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provides that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment


would constitute a breach thereof or a default thereunder, or if such declaration or payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law.

 

(iv) Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividends in excess of full non-cumulative dividends declared, as herein provided, on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock that may be in arrears.

 

(v) (A) So long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividends shall be declared, paid or set aside for payment or other distribution upon any Series A Junior Securities (other than dividends or distributions paid in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Series A Junior Securities and other than as provided in clause (B) below), nor shall any shares of any Series A Junior Securities or any Series A Parity Securities be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or set aside or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of any such stock) by the Bank (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, Series A Junior Securities) whenever, in each case, full non-cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock for the related Series A Dividend Period shall not have been declared and paid, when due, for the two consecutive Series A Dividend Periods terminating on or immediately prior to the date of payment in respect of such dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition.

 

(B) When dividends for any dividend period are not paid in full, as provided in clause (A) above, on the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock or any Series A Parity Securities, dividends may be declared and paid on any such shares for any dividend period therefor, but only if such dividends are declared and paid pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared and paid per share on the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock and any Series A Parity Securities, in all cases shall bear to each other the same ratio that the amount of unpaid dividends per share on the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock for such Series A Dividend Period and such Series A Parity Securities for the corresponding dividend period bear to each other.

 

(e) Liquidation Preference.

 

(i) In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Bank, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Bank available for distribution to its stockholders an amount in cash equal to the Series A Liquidation Value for each share outstanding, plus an amount in cash equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon for the then current Series A Dividend Period, whether or not earned or declared, before any payment shall be made or any assets distributed to the holders of Series A Junior Securities. If the assets of the Bank are not sufficient to pay in full the liquidation payments payable to the holders of outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock and any Series A Parity Securities, then the holders of all such shares shall share ratably in such distribution of assets in accordance with the amount which would be payable on such distribution if the amounts to which the holders of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of outstanding shares of such Series A Parity Securities are entitled were paid in full. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends for the then current Series A Dividend Period, to which holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled, holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any remaining assets of the Bank.


(ii) For the purpose of this Section 6.02(e), neither the voluntary sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property or assets of the Bank, nor the consolidation or merger of the Bank, shall be deemed to be a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank, unless such voluntary sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer shall be in connection with a plan of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank.

 

(f) Redemption. The Series A Preferred Stock is not redeemable prior to March 31, 2021. On or after such date, the Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Bank, but only with the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve and, if such approval is then required under any applicable law, rule, guideline or policy, with the prior written approval of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, for cash out of any source of funds legally available, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the Series A Liquidation Value per share plus unpaid dividends thereon accumulated since the immediately preceding Series A Dividend Payment Date (the “Series A Redemption Price”). Any date of such redemption is referred to as the “Series A Redemption Date.” If fewer than all the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the Bank will select those to be redeemed by lot or pro rata or by any other method as may be determined by the Board of Directors to be equitable.

 

(g) Procedure for Redemption.

 

(i) Upon redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 6.02(f) hereof, notice of such redemption (a “Series A Notice of Redemption”) shall be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the Series A Redemption Date to the holders of record of the shares to be redeemed at their respective addresses as they shall appear in the records of the Bank; provided, however, that failure to give such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall not affect the validity of the proceeding for the redemption of any shares so to be redeemed except as to the holder to whom the Bank has failed to give such notice or except as to the holder to whom notice was defective. Each such notice shall state: (A) the Series A Redemption Date; (B) the Series A Redemption Price; (C) the place or places where certificates for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the Series A Redemption Price; and (D) the CUSIP number of the shares being redeemed.

 

(ii) If a Series A Notice of Redemption shall have been given as aforesaid and the Bank shall have deposited on or before the Redemption Date a sum sufficient to redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock as to which a Series A Notice of Redemption has been given in trust with the Transfer Agent with irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Series A Redemption Price to the holders thereof, or if no such deposit is made, then upon the Series A Redemption Date (unless the Bank shall default in making payment of the Series A Redemption Price), all rights of the holders thereof as stockholders of the Bank by reason of the ownership of such shares (except their right to receive the Series A Redemption Price thereof without interest) shall cease and terminate, and such shares shall no longer be deemed outstanding for any purpose. The Bank shall be entitled to receive, from time to time, from the Transfer Agent the interest, if any, earned on such moneys deposited with it, and the holders of any shares so redeemed shall have no claim to any such interest. In case the holder of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall not claim the Series A Redemption Price for its shares within six months after the related Series A Redemption Date, the Transfer Agent shall, upon demand, pay over to the Bank such amount remaining on deposit, and the Transfer Agent shall thereupon be


relieved of all responsibility to the holder of such shares, and such holder shall look only to the Bank for payment thereof.

 

(iii) Not later than 1:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the Business Day immediately preceding the Series A Redemption Date, the Bank shall irrevocably deposit with the Transfer Agent sufficient funds for the payment of the Series A Redemption Price for the shares to be redeemed on the Series A Redemption Date and shall give the Transfer Agent irrevocable instructions to apply such funds, and, if applicable and so specified in the instructions, the income and proceeds therefrom, to the payment of such Series A Redemption Price. The Bank may direct the Transfer Agent to invest any such available funds, provided that the proceeds of any such investment will be available to the Transfer Agent in Atlanta, Georgia at the opening of business on such Series A Redemption Date.

 

(iv) Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Section 6.02(g), nothing contained in these Restated Articles of Incorporation shall limit any legal right of the Bank to purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Series A Preferred Stock at any price, whether higher or lower than the Series A Redemption Price, in private negotiated transactions, the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

(v) If the Bank shall not have funds legally available for the redemption of all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on any Series A Redemption Date, the Bank shall redeem on the Series A Redemption Date only the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock as it shall have legally available funds to redeem, as determined in an equitable manner, and the remainder of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemed, at the option of the Bank, on the earliest practicable date next following the day on which the Bank shall first have funds legally available for the redemption of such shares.

 

(h) Reacquired Shares. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock that have been redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Bank are not subject to reissuance or resale as shares of Series A Preferred Stock and shall be held in treasury. Such shares shall revert to the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, undesignated as to series, until the Board of Directors of the Bank shall designate them again for issuance as part of a series.

 

(i) Voting Rights. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as otherwise from time to time required by law and except as follows:

 

(i) In addition to any vote or consent of stockholders required by law, the approval of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting as a class, shall be required for the Bank: (A) to amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions of these Restated Articles of Incorporation in any manner that would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so as to materially and adversely affect them, except as permitted in Section 6.02(j)(i)(A); (B) to authorize the merger, consolidation, or reclassification of the Bank with or into another Person, except as permitted in Section 6.02(j)(i)(B); (C) to dissolve, liquidate or wind up the affairs of the Bank; and (D) to authorize or issue, or obligate itself to authorize or issue, any Series A Senior Securities or any Series A Parity Securities unless, for purposes of this clause (D) only, the Bank shall have received written notice from each of the Rating Agencies, and delivered a copy of such written notice to the Transfer Agent, confirming that any such issuance will not result in a reduction of the rating assigned by any of such Rating Agencies to the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding.

 

(ii) If at any time dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock or any Series A Parity Securities shall not have been declared and paid in an amount equal to three semiannual dividends, whether consecutive or not, the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors of the Bank shall be increased by two and the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and any Series A Parity Securities with similar voting rights, voting together as a single class, shall be entitled to


elect two additional persons to fill such newly created directorships. The directors so elected shall meet the qualifications set forth in the Bank’s bylaws and any applicable statutory or regulatory qualifications. At such time as dividends for at least two consecutive Series A Dividend Periods have been fully paid or set apart for full payment on the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and any Series A Parity Securities with similar voting rights, the rights of such holders to vote for the election of directors as provided in this Section 6.02(i)(ii) shall cease and such directors shall no longer serve on the Board of Directors of the Bank, subject to renewal from time to time in the event of each and every subsequent default in the aggregate amount equivalent of three full semiannual dividends.

 

During any period when the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and any Series A Parity Securities have the right to vote as a class for directors as provided above, the directors so elected by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and any Series A Parity Securities with similar voting rights shall continue in office until their successors shall have been elected or until termination of the right of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and any Series A Parity Securities to vote as a class for directors. For purposes of the foregoing, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and any Series A Parity Securities shall vote in proportion to their respective liquidation preference of the shares of such stock held by them.

 

(iii) With respect to any right of the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to vote on any matter, whether such right is created by this Section 6.02(i), by applicable law or otherwise, no holder of any share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote, and no share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of voting or determining the number of shares required to constitute a quorum, if prior to or concurrently with a determination of shares entitled to vote or of shares deemed outstanding for quorum purposes, as the case may be, funds sufficient for the redemption of such shares are irrevocably deposited with the Transfer Agent and a Series A Notice of Redemption has been given by the Bank or an affiliate thereof to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(j) Covenants. So long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Bank covenants and agrees with and for the benefit of the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock that:

 

(i) the Bank shall not, without the affirmative vote or consent of holders of two-thirds of the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, voting as a separate class:

 

(A) amend, alter or repeal any provisions of these Restated Articles of Incorporation (existing prior to and at the time of such vote) so as to materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or restrictions of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, except that this subsection (A) shall not apply to steps taken by the Bank to issue and the issuance of other preferred stock by the Bank; or

 

(B) consolidate, merge, or reclassify with or into any other Person, or permit any merger of another Person into the Bank, or enter into a voluntary liquidation or voluntary dissolution of the Bank or enter into a share exchange with another Person, except that (1) the Bank may consolidate, merge or reclassify with or into another Person or enter into a share exchange with another Person if such other Person is a consolidated subsidiary (in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) of SunTrust Banks, Inc., or (2) the Bank may consolidate, merge, or reclassify with or into another Person or enter into a share exchange with another Person if (a) such other Person is a Depository Institution or corporation organized under the laws of the United States or of a state of the United States, (b) such other Person expressly assumes all obligations and commitments of the Bank pursuant to such consolidation, merger, reclassification or share exchange, (c) the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are exchanged for, reclassified as or converted into shares of the surviving Depository Institution or corporation which have preferences, limitations and relative voting and other rights substantially identical to those of the Series A Preferred Stock, (d) after giving effect to such merger,


consolidation, reclassification or share exchange, no default, or event which with the giving of notice or passage of time or both could become a default by the Bank of its obligations under these Restated Articles of Incorporation, shall have occurred and be continuing, and (e) the Bank shall have received written notice from each of the Rating Agencies, and delivered a copy of such written notice to the Transfer Agent, confirming that such merger, consolidation, reclassification or share exchange will not result in a reduction of the rating assigned by any of such Rating Agencies to the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding; provided that, for purposes of this subsection (B)(2), the Bank shall have delivered to the Transfer Agent and caused to be mailed to each holder of record of Series A Preferred Stock, at least thirty days prior to any such merger, consolidation, reclassification or share exchange becoming effective, a notice describing such merger, consolidation, reclassification or share exchange, together with an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such merger, consolidation, reclassification or share exchange complies with the requirements of these Restated Articles of Incorporation and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.

 

(ii) the Bank will not issue additional shares of Series A Senior Securities or Series A Parity Securities unless the Bank shall have received written notice from each of the Rating Agencies, and delivered a copy of such written notice to the Transfer Agent, confirming that any such issuance will not result in a reduction of the rating assigned by any of such Rating Agencies to the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding.

 

Section 6.03. Pursuant to the provisions of this Article VI, a series of Preferred Stock, all designated as the Series B Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, consisting 9,000 shares, is hereby established and authorized to be issued, and in addition to such matters specified elsewhere in this Article VI, such Series B Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock shall have the following powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions:

 

(a) Designation and Amount. The shares of such series of Preferred Stock shall be designated as the Series B Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”), and the number of shares constituting the Series B Preferred Stock shall be 9,000. The liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred Stock shall be $100,000 per share (“Series B Liquidation Value”).

 

(b) Maturity. The Series B Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption.

 

(c) Rank. The Series B Preferred Stock shall, with respect to dividend rights and upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Bank, rank (i) senior to all classes and series of Common Stock of the Bank and to all classes and series of equity securities of the Bank now or hereafter authorized, issued or outstanding, which by their terms expressly provide that they are junior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank, or which do not specify their rank (collectively with the Common Stock, the “Series B Junior Securities”); (ii) on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock and each other class or series of equity securities issued by the Bank after the date hereof, the terms of which specifically provide that such class or series will rank on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank (collectively with the Series A Preferred Stock, the “Series B Parity Securities”); and (iii) junior to each other class or series of equity securities issued by the Bank after the date hereof, the terms of which specifically provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank (collectively, the “Series B Senior Securities”), provided that any such Series B Senior Securities or Series B Parity Securities issued after the date hereof that are not approved by the holders of Series B Preferred Stock as required by Section 6.03(i)(i)(D) hereof shall be deemed to be Series B Junior Securities and not Series B Senior Securities or Series B Parity Securities, as the case may be.


(d) Dividends. Dividends are payable on the Series B Preferred Stock as follows:

 

(i) The holders of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock in preference to the Series B Junior Securities shall be entitled to receive, out of funds legally available for that purpose, and when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Bank, preferential non-cumulative dividends payable in cash in an amount determined by applying the annual rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points to the Series B Liquidation Value (the “Series B Dividend Rate”).

 

(ii) Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock shall be non-cumulative. Dividends not paid on any Series B Dividend Payment Date shall not accumulate thereafter. Dividends shall accumulate from the first day of any Series B Dividend Period to but excluding the immediately succeeding Series B Dividend Payment Date. Dividends, if and when declared, shall be payable in arrears in cash on each Series B Dividend Payment Date of each year with respect to the Series B Dividend Period ending on the day immediately prior to such Series B Dividend Payment Date at the Series B Dividend Rate per share to holders of record at the close of business on the applicable Record Date, commencing on the Exchange Date with respect to any shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued prior to that Series B Dividend Payment Date; provided that dividends payable on the Series B Preferred Stock on the initial Series B Dividend Payment Date (and any dividend payable for a period less than a full quarterly period) shall be prorated for the period and computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days in such Series B Dividend Period; and provided, further, that dividends payable on the Series B Preferred Stock on the initial Series B Dividend Payment Date shall include any accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Series C Non-Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Corporation exchanged for the Series B Preferred Stock as of the Exchange Date for the then current dividend period. Dividends on such Series B Preferred Stock shall be paid only in cash.

 

(iii) No dividends on shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be declared by the Board of Directors or paid or set apart for payment by the Board of Directors or paid or set apart for payment by the Bank at such time as the terms and provisions of any agreement of the Bank, including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provides that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default thereunder, or if such declaration or payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law.

 

(iv) Holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividends in excess of full non-cumulative dividends declared, as herein provided, on the shares of Series B Preferred Stock. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment on the shares of Series B Preferred Stock that may be in arrears.

 

(v) (A) So long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividends shall be declared, paid or set aside for payment or other distribution upon any Series B Junior Securities (other than dividends or distributions paid in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Series B Junior Securities and other than as provided in clause (B) below), nor shall any shares of any Series B Junior Securities or any Series B Parity Securities be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or set aside or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of any such stock) by the Bank (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, Series B Junior Securities) whenever, in each case, full non-cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock for the related Series B Dividend Period shall not have been declared and paid, when due, for the four consecutive Series B Dividend Periods


terminating on or immediately prior to the date of payment in respect of such dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition.

 

(B) When dividends for any dividend period are not paid in full, as provided in clause (A) above, on the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock or any Series B Parity Securities, dividends may be declared and paid on any such shares for any dividend period therefor, but only if such dividends are declared and paid pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared and paid per share on the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock and any Series B Parity Securities, in all cases shall bear to each other the same ratio that the amount of unpaid dividends per share on the shares of the Series B Preferred Stock for such Series B Dividend Period and such Series B Parity Securities for the corresponding dividend period bear to each other.

 

(e) Liquidation Preference.

 

(i) In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Bank, the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Bank available for distribution to its stockholders an amount in cash equal to the Series B Liquidation Value for each share outstanding, plus an amount in cash equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon for the then current Series B Dividend Period, whether or not earned or declared, before any payment shall be made or any assets distributed to the holders of Series B Junior Securities. If the assets of the Bank are not sufficient to pay in full the liquidation payments payable to the holders of outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock and any Series B Parity Securities, then the holders of all such shares shall share ratably in such distribution of assets in accordance with the amount which would be payable on such distribution if the amounts to which the holders of outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock and the holders of outstanding shares of such Series B Parity Securities are entitled were paid in full. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends for the then current Series B Dividend Period, to which holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled, holders of Series B Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any remaining assets of the Bank.

 

(ii) For the purpose of this Section 6.03(e), neither the voluntary sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property or assets of the Bank, nor the consolidation or merger of the Bank, shall be deemed to be a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank, unless such voluntary sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer shall be in connection with a plan of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank.

 

(f) Redemption. The Series B Preferred Stock is not redeemable prior to March 31, 2011. On March 31, 2011 and on each Series B Dividend Payment Date thereafter, the Series B Preferred Stock shall be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Bank, but with the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve and, if approval is then required under any applicable law, rule, guideline or policy, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, for cash out of any source of funds legally available, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the Series B Liquidation Value per share plus unpaid dividends thereon accumulated since the immediately preceding Series B Dividend Payment Date (the “Series B Redemption Price”). Any date of such redemption is referred to as the “Series B Redemption Date.” If fewer than all


the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the Bank will select those to be redeemed by lot or pro rata or by any other method as may be determined by the Board of Directors to be equitable.

 

(g) Procedure for Redemption.

 

(i) Upon redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 6.03(f) hereof, notice of such redemption (a “Series B Notice of Redemption”) shall be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the Series B Redemption Date to the holders of record of the shares to be redeemed at their respective addresses as they shall appear in the records of the Bank; provided, however, that failure to give such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall not affect the validity of the proceeding for the redemption of any shares so to be redeemed except as to the holder to whom the Bank has failed to give such notice or except as to the holder to whom notice was defective. Each such notice shall state: (A) the Series B Redemption Date; (B) the Series B Redemption Price; (C) the place or places where certificates for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the Series B Redemption Price; and (D) the CUSIP number of the shares being redeemed.

 

(ii) If a Series B Notice of Redemption shall have been given as aforesaid and the Bank shall have deposited on or before the Redemption Date a sum sufficient to redeem the shares of Series B Preferred Stock as to which a Series B Notice of Redemption has been given in trust with the Transfer Agent with irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Series B Redemption Price to the holders thereof, or if no such deposit is made, then upon the Series B Redemption Date (unless the Bank shall default in making payment of the Series B Redemption Price), all rights of the holders thereof as stockholders of the Bank by reason of the ownership of such shares (except their right to receive the Series B Redemption Price thereof without interest) shall cease and terminate, and such shares shall no longer be deemed outstanding for any purpose. The Bank shall be entitled to receive, from time to time, from the Transfer Agent the interest, if any, earned on such moneys deposited with it, and the holders of any shares so redeemed shall have no claim to any such interest. In case the holder of any shares of Series B Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall not claim the Series B Redemption Price for its shares within six months after the related Series B Redemption Date, the Transfer Agent shall, upon demand, pay over to the Bank such amount remaining on deposit, and the Transfer Agent shall thereupon be relieved of all responsibility to the holder of such shares, and such holder shall look only to the Bank for payment thereof.

 

(iii) Not later than 1:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the Business Day immediately preceding the Series B Redemption Date, the Bank shall irrevocably deposit with the Transfer Agent sufficient funds for the payment of the Series B Redemption Price for the shares to be redeemed on the Series B Redemption Date and shall give the Transfer Agent irrevocable instructions to apply such funds, and, if applicable and so specified in the instructions, the income and proceeds therefrom, to the payment of such Series B Redemption Price. The Bank may direct the Transfer Agent to invest any such available funds, provided that the proceeds of any such investment will be available to the Transfer Agent in Atlanta, Georgia at the opening of business on such Series B Redemption Date.

 

(iv) Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Section 6.03(g), nothing contained in these Restated Articles of Incorporation shall limit any legal right of the Bank to purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Series B Preferred Stock at any price, whether higher


or lower than the Series B Redemption Price, in private negotiated transactions, the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

(v) If the Bank shall not have funds legally available for the redemption of all of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock on any Series B Redemption Date, the Bank shall redeem on the Series B Redemption Date only the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock as it shall have legally available funds to redeem, as determined in an equitable manner, and the remainder of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be redeemed, at the option of the Bank, on the earliest practicable date next following the day on which the Bank shall first have funds legally available for the redemption of such shares.

 

(h) Reacquired Shares. Shares of the Series B Preferred Stock that have been redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Bank are not subject to reissuance or resale as shares of Series B Preferred Stock and shall be held in treasury. Such shares shall revert to the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, undesignated as to series, until the Board of Directors of the Bank shall designate them again for issuance as part of a series.

 

(i) Voting Rights. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as otherwise from time to time required by law and except as follows:

 

(i) In addition to any vote or consent of stockholders required by law, the approval of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, voting as a class, shall be required for the Bank: (A) to amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions of these Restated Articles of Incorporation in any manner that would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock so as to materially and adversely affect them, except as permitted in Section 6.03(j)(i)(A); (B) to authorize the merger, consolidation, or reclassification of the Bank with or into another Person, except as permitted in Section 6.03(j)(i)(B); (C) to dissolve, liquidate or wind up the affairs of the Bank; and (D) to authorize or issue, or obligate itself to authorize or issue, any Series B Senior Securities or Series B Parity Securities, unless, for purposes of this clause (D), the Bank shall have received written notice from each of the Rating Agencies, and delivered a copy of such written notice to the Transfer Agent, confirming that any such issuance of Series B Parity Securities will not result in a reduction of the rating assigned by any of such Rating Agencies to the Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding.

 

(ii) If at any time dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock or any Series B Parity Securities shall not have been declared and paid in an amount equal to six quarterly dividends, whether consecutive or not, the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors of the Bank shall be increased by two and the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and any Series B Parity Securities with similar voting rights, voting together as a single class, shall be entitled to elect two additional persons to fill such newly created directorships. The directors so elected shall meet the qualifications set forth in the Bank’s bylaws and any applicable statutory or regulatory qualifications. At such time as dividends for at least four consecutive Series B Dividend Periods have been fully paid or set apart for full payment on the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and any Series B Parity Securities with similar voting rights, the rights of such holders to vote for the election of directors as provided in this Section 6.03(i)(ii) shall cease and such directors shall no longer serve on the Board of Directors of the Bank, subject to renewal from time to time upon the same terms and conditions in the event of each and every subsequent default in the aggregate amount equivalent of six full quarterly dividends.

 

During any period when the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and any Series B Parity Securities have the right to vote as a class for directors as provided above, the directors so elected by the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and any Series B Parity Securities with


similar voting rights shall continue in office until their successors shall have been elected or until termination of the right of the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and any Series B Parity Securities to vote as a class for directors. For purposes of the foregoing, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and any Series B Parity Securities shall vote in proportion to their respective liquidation preference of the shares of such stock held by them.

 

(iii) With respect to any right of the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock to vote on any matter, whether such right is created by this Section 6.03(i), by applicable law or otherwise, no holder of any share of Series B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote, and no share of Series B Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of voting or determining the number of shares required to constitute a quorum, if prior to or concurrently with a determination of shares entitled to vote or of shares deemed outstanding for quorum purposes, as the case may be, funds sufficient for the redemption of such shares are irrevocably deposited with the Transfer Agent and a Series B Notice of Redemption has been given by the Bank or an affiliate thereof to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock.

 

(j) Covenants. So long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Bank covenants and agrees with and for the benefit of the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock that:

 

(i) the Bank shall not, without the affirmative vote or consent of holders of two-thirds of the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding, voting as a separate class:

 

(A) amend, alter or repeal any provisions of these Restated Articles of Incorporation (existing prior to and at the time of such vote) so as to materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or restrictions of the holders of Series B Preferred Stock, except that this subsection (A) shall not apply to steps taken by the Bank to issue and the issuance of other preferred stock by the Bank; or

 

(B) consolidate, merge, or reclassify with or into any other Person, or permit any merger of another Person into the Bank, or enter into a voluntary liquidation or voluntary dissolution of the Bank or enter into a share exchange with another Person, except that (1) the Bank may consolidate, merge or reclassify with or into another Person or enter into a share exchange with another Person if such other Person is a consolidated subsidiary (in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) of SunTrust Banks, Inc., or (2) the Bank may consolidate, merge, or reclassify with or into another Person or enter into a share exchange with another Person if (a) such other Person is a Depository Institution or corporation organized under the laws of the United States or a state of the United States, (b) such other Person expressly assumes all obligations and commitments of the Bank pursuant to such consolidation, merger, reclassification or share exchange, (c) the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock are exchanged for, reclassified as or converted into shares of the surviving Depository Institution or corporation which have preferences, limitations and relative voting and other rights substantially identical to those of the Series B Preferred Stock, (d) after giving effect to such merger, consolidation, reclassification or share exchange, no default, or event which with the giving of notice or passage of time or both could become a default by the Bank of its obligations under these Restated Articles of Incorporation, shall have occurred and be continuing, and (e) the Bank shall have received written notice from each of the Rating Agencies, and delivered a copy of such written notice to the Transfer Agent, confirming that such merger, consolidation, reclassification or share exchange will not result in a reduction of the rating assigned by any of such Rating Agencies to the Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding; provided that, for purposes of this subsection (B)(2), the Bank shall have delivered to the Transfer Agent and caused to be mailed to each holder of record of Series B Preferred Stock, at least thirty days prior to any such merger, consolidation, reclassification or share exchange becoming effective, a notice describing such merger, consolidation, reclassification or share exchange, together with an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such merger, consolidation, reclassification or share


exchange complies with the requirements of these Restated Articles of Incorporation and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.

 

(ii) The Bank covenants and agrees with and for the benefit of the holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock that the Bank will not issue additional shares of Series B Senior Securities or Series B Parity Securities unless the Bank shall have received written notice from each of the Rating Agencies, and delivered a copy of such written notice to the Transfer Agent, confirming that any such issuance will not result in a reduction of the rating assigned by any of such Rating Agencies to the Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding.

 

Section 6.04. Definitions. For the purpose of Sections 6.02 and 6.03 hereof, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

 

Business Day” means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and which is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York or Atlanta, Georgia are authorized or required by law or executive order to close.

 

“Calculation Agent” means any Person authorized by the Bank to determine the Series B Dividend Rate, which initially shall be the Bank.

 

“Corporation” means SunTrust Real Estate Investment Corporation, a Virginia corporation, or any successor thereto.

 

“Depository Institution” has the meaning given to such term in 12 U.S.C. § 1813(c)(i), or any successor thereto.

 

“Determination Date” means, with respect to any Series B Dividend Period, the date that is two London Business Days prior to the first day of such Series B Dividend Period.

 

Dividend Payment Date” means, as the context requires, a Series A Dividend Payment Date or a Series B Dividend Payment Date.

 

“Exchange Date” means any date on which the Series B Non-Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Corporation is exchanged for the Series A Preferred Stock or any date on which the Series C Non-Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Corporation is exchanged for the Series B Preferred Stock

 

“Federal Reserve” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or any successor thereto.

 

“Issue Date” means, with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock, the first date on which shares of Series A Preferred Stock are issued and with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock, the first date on which shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are issued.

 

“LIBOR” means, with respect to a Series B Dividend Period relating to a Series B Dividend Payment Date (in the following order of priority):

 

(i) the rate (expressed as a percentage per annum) for Eurodollar deposits having a three-month maturity that appears on Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the related Determination Date;


(ii) if such rate does not appear on Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the related Determination Date, LIBOR will be the arithmetic mean (if necessary rounded upwards to the nearest whole multiple of .00001%) of the rates (expressed as percentages per annum) for Eurodollar deposits having a three-month maturity that appear on Reuters Monitor Money Rates Page LIBO (“Reuters Page LIBO”) as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such Determination Date;

 

(iii) if such rate does not appear on Reuters Page LIBO as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the related Determination Date, the Calculation Agent will request the principal London offices of four leading banks in the London interbank market of the Bank’s selection to provide such banks’ offered quotations (expressed as percentages per annum) to prime banks in the London interbank market for Eurodollar deposits having a three-month maturity as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such Determination Date. If at least two quotations are provided, LIBOR will be the arithmetic mean (if necessary rounded upwards to the nearest whole multiple of .00001%) of such quotations;

 

(iv) if fewer than two such quotations are provided as requested in clause (iii) above, the Calculation Agent will request four major New York City banks of the Bank’s selection to provide such banks’ offered quotations (expressed as percentages per annum) to leading European banks for loans in Eurodollars as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such Determination Date. If at least two such quotations are provided, LIBOR will be the arithmetic mean (if necessary rounded upwards to the nearest whole multiple of .00001%) of such quotations; and

 

(v) if fewer than two such quotations are provided as requested in clause (iv) above, LIBOR will be LIBOR determined with respect to the Series B Dividend Period immediately preceding such current Series B Dividend Period.

 

If the rate for Eurodollar deposits having a three-month maturity that initially appears on Telerate Page 3750 or Reuters Page LIBO, as the case may be, as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the related Determination Date is superseded on Telerate Page 3750 or Reuters Page LIBO, as the case may be, by a corrected rate before 12:00 noon (London time) on such Determination Date, the corrected rate as so substituted on the applicable page will be the applicable LIBOR for such Determination Date.

 

“London Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets are open for business, including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits, in London.

 

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or its successor, so long as such agency (or successor) is in the business of rating securities of the type of the Series A Preferred Stock or the Series B Preferred Stock.

 

Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed by the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Bank.

 

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be in-house counsel for the Bank.

 

Person” means any individual, firm, Depository Institution or other entity and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.


Rating Agencies” means Moody’s (and any successor thereto), Standard & Poor’s (and any successor thereto) and any other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations assigning, at the Bank’s request, ratings to the shares of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock.

 

Record Date” means the 15th day of the month in which the applicable Dividend Payment Date falls for dividends declared by the Board of Directors.

 

Series A Dividend Payment Date” means each March 31 and September 30 of each year.

 

Series A Dividend Period” is the period from a Series A Dividend Payment Date to, but excluding, the next succeeding Series A Dividend Payment Date; provided, however, that the initial Series A Dividend Period is the period from the Issue Date of the Series B Preferred Stock to the next succeeding Series A Dividend Payment Date.

 

Series A Dividend Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(d)(i) hereof.

 

Series A Junior Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(c) hereof.

 

Series A Liquidation Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(a) hereof.

 

Series A Notice of Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(g)(i) hereof.

 

Series A Parity Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(c) hereof.

 

Series A Preferred Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(a) hereof.

 

Series A Redemption Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(f) hereof.

 

Series A Redemption Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(f) hereof.

 

Series A Senior Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(c) hereof.

 

Series B Dividend Payment Date” means each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.

 

Series B Dividend Period” is the period from a Series B Dividend Payment Date to, but excluding, the next succeeding Series B Dividend Payment Date; provided, however, that the initial Series B Dividend Period is the period from the Issue Date of the Series B Preferred Stock to the next succeeding Series B Dividend Payment Date.

 

Series B Dividend Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(d)(i) hereof.


Series B Junior Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(c) hereof.

 

Series B Liquidation Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(a) hereof.

 

Series B Notice of Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(g)(i) hereof.

 

Series B Parity Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(c) hereof.

 

Series B Preferred Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(a) hereof.

 

Series B Redemption Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(f) hereof.

 

Series B Redemption Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(f) hereof.

 

Series B Senior Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(c) hereof.

 

Standard & Poor’s” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. or its successor, so long as such agency (or successor) is in the business of rating securities of the type of the Series A Preferred Stock or the Series B Preferred Stock.

 

Transfer Agent” means a bank or trust company as may be appointed from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Bank, or a committee thereof, to act as transfer agent, paying agent and registrar of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock.

 

Section 6.05. Pursuant to the provisions of this Article VI, a series of Preferred Stock, all designated as the Series C Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, consisting of 500 shares, is hereby established and authorized to be issued, and in addition to such matters specified elsewhere in this Article VI, such Series C Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock shall have the following powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions:

 

(a) Designation and Amount. The shares of such series of Preferred Stock shall be designated as the Series C Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”), and the number of shares constituting the Series C Preferred Stock shall be 500. The liquidation preference of the Series C Preferred Stock shall be $1,000,000 per share (“Series C Liquidation Value”).

 

(b) Maturity. The Series C Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption.

 

(c) Rank. The Series C Preferred Stock shall, with respect to dividend rights and upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Bank, rank (i) senior to all classes and series of Common Stock of the Bank and to all classes and series of equity securities of the Bank now or hereafter authorized, issued or outstanding, which by their terms expressly provide that they are junior to the Series C Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank, or which do not specify their rank (collectively with the Common Stock, the “Series C Junior Securities”); (ii) on a parity with each other class or series of equity securities issued by the Bank after the date hereof, the terms of which specifically provide that such class or series will rank on a parity with the


Series C Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and distribution upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank (the “Series C Parity Securities”); and (iii) junior to the Series A Preferred Stock, the Series B Preferred Stock and to each other class or series of equity securities issued by the Bank after the date hereof, the terms of which specifically provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Series C Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank (collectively with the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock, the “Series C Senior Securities”).

 

(d) Dividends. Dividends are payable on the Series C Preferred Stock as follows:

 

(i) The holders of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock in preference to the Series C Junior Securities shall be entitled to receive, out of funds legally available for that purpose, and when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Bank, preferential non-cumulative dividends payable in cash at the annual rate of seven and one quarter percent (7.25%) of the Series C Liquidation Value (the “Series C Dividend Rate”).

 

(ii) Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock shall be non-cumulative. Dividends not paid on any Series C Dividend Payment Date shall not accumulate thereafter. Dividends shall accumulate from the first day of any Series C Dividend Period to but excluding the immediately succeeding Series C Dividend Payment Date. Dividends, if and when declared, shall be payable in arrears in cash on each Series C Dividend Payment Date of each year with respect to the Series C Dividend Period ending on the day immediately prior to such Series C Dividend Payment Date as the Series C Dividend Rate to holders of record at the close of business on the applicable Record Date, commencing on September 15, 2002, with respect to any shares of Series C Preferred Stock issued prior to that Series C Dividend Payment Date; provided that any dividend payable for a period less than a full semiannual period shall be prorated for the period and computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and the actual number of days in such Series C Dividend Period; and provided, further, that dividends payable on the Series C Preferred Stock on the initial Series C Dividend Payment Date shall include any accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Non-Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company exchanged for the Series C Preferred Stock as of the Exchange Date for the then current dividend period. Dividends on such Series C Preferred Stock shall be paid only in cash.

 

(iii) No dividends on shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall be declared by the Board of Directors or paid or set apart for payment by the Board of Directors or paid or set apart for payment by the Bank at such time as the terms and provisions of any agreement of the Bank, including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provides that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default thereunder, or is such declaration or payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law.

 

(iv) Holders of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividends in excess of full non-cumulative dividends declared, as herein provided, on the shares of Series C Preferred Stock. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment on the share of Series C Preferred Stock that may be in arrears.

 

(v) So long as any shares of Series C Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividends shall be declared, paid or set aside for payment or other distribution upon any Series C Junior Securities for any Series C Dividend Period (other than dividends or distributions paid in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Series C Junior Securities and other than as provided in clause (B) below), nor, during any Series C Dividend Period, shall any shares of any Series C Junior Securities or any Series C Parity Securities be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or set aside or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of any such stock) by the Bank (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, Series C Junior Securities) whenever, in each case, full non-cumulative dividends on


all outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock for such Series C Dividend Period shall not have been declared and paid or set aside for payment.

 

(e) Liquidation Preference.

 

(i) In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Bank, the holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Bank available for distribution to its stockholders an amount in cash equal to the Series C Liquidation Value for each share outstanding, plus an amount in cash equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon for the then current Series C Dividend Period, whether or not earned or declared, before any payment shall be made or any assets distributed to the holders of Series C Junior Securities. If the assets of the Bank are not sufficient to pay in full the liquidation payments payable to the holders of outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock and any Series C Parity Securities, then the holders of all such shares shall share ratably in such distribution of assets in accordance with the amount which would be payable on such distribution if the amounts to which the holders of outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock and the holders of outstanding shares of such Series C Parity Securities are entitled were paid in full. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends for the then current Series C Dividend Period, to which holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled, holders of Series C Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any remaining assets of the Bank.

 

(ii) For the purpose of this Section 6.05(e), neither the voluntary sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property or assets of the Bank nor the consolidation or merger of the Bank shall be deemed to be a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank unless such voluntary sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer shall be in connection with a plan of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank.

 

(f) Redemption. After the Issue Date, the Series C Preferred Stock shall be redeemable, in whole or part, at the option of the Bank, but not with the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve and, if such approval is then required under any applicable law, rule, guideline or policy, with the prior written of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, for cash out of any source of funds legally available, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the Series C Liquidation Value per share plus declared and unpaid dividends thereon, if any accumulated since the immediately preceding Series C Dividend Payment Date (the “Series C Redemption Price”). Any date of such redemption is referred to as the “Series C Redemption Date.” If fewer than all the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the Bank will select those to be redeemed by lot or pro rata or by any other method as may be determined by the Board of Directors to be equitable.

 

(g) Procedure for Redemption.

 

(i) Upon redemption of the Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 6.05(f) hereof, notice of such redemption (a “Series C Notice of Redemption”) shall be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the Series C Redemption Date tot he holders of record of the shares to be redeemed at their respective addresses as they shall appear in the records of the Bank; provided, however, that failure to give such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall not affect the validity of the proceeding for the redemption of any shares so to be redeemed except as tot he holder to whom the Bank has failed to give such notice or except as to the holder to whom notice was defective. Each such notice shall state: (A) the Series C Redemption Date; (B) the Series C Redemption Price; and (C) the place or places where certificates for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the Series C Redemption Price.


(ii) If a Series C Notice of Redemption shall have been given as aforesaid and the Bank shall have deposited on or before the Redemption Date a sum sufficient to redeem the shares of Series C Preferred Stock as to which a Series C Notice of Redemption has been given in trust with the Transfer Agent with irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Series C Redemption Price to the holders thereof, or if no such deposit is made, then upon the Series C Redemption Date (unless the Bank shall default in making payment of the Series C Redemption Price), all rights of the holders thereof as stockholders of the Bank by reason of the ownership of such shares (except their right to receive the Series C Redemption Price thereof without interest) shall cease and terminate, and such shares shall no longer be deemed outstanding for any purpose. The Bank shall be entitled to receive, from time to time, from the Transfer Agent the interest, if any, earned on such moneys deposited with it, and the holders of any shares so redeemed shall have no claim to any such interest. In case the holder of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall not claim the Series C Redemption Price for its shares within six months after the related Series C Redemption Date, the Transfer Agent shall, upon demand, pay over to the Bank such amount remaining on deposit, and the Transfer Agent shall thereupon be relieved of all responsibility to the holder of such shares, and such holder shall look only to the Bank for payment thereof.

 

(iii) Not later than 1:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the Business Day immediately preceding the Series C Redemption Date, the Bank shall irrevocably deposit with the Transfer Agent sufficient funds for the payment of the Series C Redemption Price for the shares to be redeemed on the Series C Redemption Date and shall give the Transfer Agent irrevocable instructions to apply such funds, and, if applicable and so specified in the instructions, the income and proceeds therefrom, to the payment of such Series C Redemption Price. The Bank may direct the Transfer Agent to invest any such available funds, provided that the proceeds of any such investment will be available to the Transfer agent in Atlanta, Georgia at the opening of business on such Series C Redemption Date.

 

(iv) Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Section 6.05(g), nothing contained in these Restated Articles of Incorporation shall limit any legal right of the Bank to purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Series C Preferred Stock at any price, whether higher or lower than the Series C Redemption Price, in private negotiated transactions, the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

(v) If the Bank shall not have funds legally available for the redemption of all of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock on any Series C Redemption date, the Bank shall redeem on the Series C Redemption Date only the number of shares of Series C Preferred stock as it shall have legally available funds to redeem, as determined in an equitable manner, the remainder of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall be redeemed, at the option of the Bank, on the earliest practice date next following the day on which the Bank shall first have funds legally available for the redemption of such shares.

 

(h) Reacquired Shares. Shares of the Series C Preferred Stock that have been redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Bank are not subject to reissuance or resale as shares of Series C Preferred Stock and shall be held in treasury. Such shares shall revert to the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, undesignated as to series, until the Board of Directors of the Bank shall designate them again for issuance as part of a series.

 

(i) Voting Rights. Except as otherwise from time to time required by law, the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock shall not have any voting rights.

 

Section 6.06. Definitions. For the purpose of section 6.05 hereof, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:


“Business Day” means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and which is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York or Atlanta, Georgia are authorized or required by law or executive order to close.

 

“Company” means STB Capital, LLC, a limited liability company, or any successor thereto.

 

Exchange Date” means any date on which the 7.25% Non-Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Securities of the Company are exchanged for the Series C Preferred Stock.

 

“Federal Reserve” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or any successor thereto.

 

“Issue Date” means with respect to the Series C Preferred Stock, the first date on which shares of Series C Preferred Stock are issued.

 

Record Date” means the Business Day immediately preceding the applicable Series C Dividend Payment Date.

 

Series C Dividend Payment Date” means March 15 and September 15 of each year.

 

Series C Dividend Period” is the period from a Series C Divided Payment Date, to but excluding, the next succeeding Series C Dividend Payment Date; provided, however, that the initial Series C Dividend Period is the period from the Issue Date of the Series C Preferred Stock to the next succeeding Series C Dividend Payment Date.

 

Series C Dividend Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(d)(i).

 

Series C Junior Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(c) hereof.

 

Series C Liquidation Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(a).

 

Series C Notice of Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(g)(i) hereof.

 

Series C Parity Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(c) hereof.

 

Series C Preferred Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(a) hereof.

 

Series C Redemption Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(f) hereof.

 

Series C Redemption Price” has the meaning set forth Section 6.05(f) hereof.

 

Series C Senior Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(c) hereof.

 

Transfer Agent” means a bank or trust company as may be appointed from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Bank, or a committee thereof, to act as transfer agent, paying agent and registrar of the Series C Preferred Stock.

 

Section 6.07. Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of Directors from time to time to issue additional Preferred Stock, for such consideration and on such terms as it may determine, as Preferred Stock of one or more series and in connection with the creation of any such series to fix by the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of shares thereof the designation, powers and relative participating, optional, or


other special rights of such series, and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof.

 

Article VII

 

No stockholder shall have any preemptive right to subscribe for or to purchase any shares or other securities issued by the Bank.

 

Article VIII

 

The number of directors shall be not less than eleven nor more than twenty-five, which number shall be fixed as provided by law.

 

Article IX

 

Section 9.01. No director of the Bank shall be personally liable to the shareholders of the Bank for monetary damages for breach of his duty of care or other duty as a director, provided that this provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of a director only to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by the Financial Institutions Code of Georgia or any successor law or laws.

 

Section 9.02. Any repeal or modification of clause (a) of this Article IX by the shareholders of the Bank shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Bank existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SunTrust Bank has caused these Restated Articles of Incorporation to be executed and its corporate seal to be affixed and has caused the foregoing to be attested, all by its duly authorized officers on this 4th day of March, 2002.

 

SUNTRUST BANK

By:

 

/s/ L. Phillip Humann


   

Name: L. Phillip Humann

   

Title: Chairman of the Board, President

            and Chief Executive Officer

By:

 

/s/ John W. Spiegel


   

Name: John W. Spiegel

   

Title: Executive Vice President

            and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(SEAL)

Attest:

 

/s/ Raymond D. Fortin


Name:

 

Raymond D. Fortin

Title:

 

Corporate Secretary


EXHIBIT 2 TO FORM T-1

 

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY

OF

SUNTRUST BANK TO COMMENCE BUSINESS

 

(Included in Exhibit 1)


EXHIBIT 3 TO FORM T-1

 

AUTHORIZATION

OF

SUNTRUST BANK TO EXERCISE

CORPORATE TRUST POWERS

 

(Included in Exhibit 1)


EXHIBIT 4 TO FORM T-1

 

BY-LAWS

OF

SUNTRUST BANK

 

(ATTACHED)


SUNTRUST BANK

BYLAWS

 

(As Amended and Restated August 13, 2002)

 

ARTICLE I

SHAREHOLDERS

 

SECTION 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the shareholder for the election of Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held at such place, on such date and at such time as the Board of Directors may by resolution provide. If the Board of Directors fails to provide such date and time, the meeting shall be held at the Bank’s headquarters at 10:00 AM local time on the third Tuesday in April of each year, or, if that date is a legal holiday, on the next succeeding business day. The Board of Directors may specify by resolution prior to any special meeting of the shareholder that such meeting shall be in lieu of the annual meeting.

 

SECTION 2. Special Meeting; Call of Meetings. Special meetings of the shareholder may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the President, or the Board itself, and shall be held at such place as is stated in the notice.

 

ARTICLE II

DIRECTORS

 

SECTION 1. Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall manage the business and affairs of the Bank and may exercise all of the powers of the Bank, subject to whatever restrictions are imposed by law.

 

SECTION 2. Composition of the Board. The Board of Directors of the Bank shall consist of not less than ten (10) nor more than twenty (20) natural persons, the exact number to be set from time to time by the Board of Directors. In the absence of the Board setting the number of Directors, the number shall be sixteen (16). Each Director, unless he or she dies, resigns, retires or is removed from office, shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the shareholder, and may be reelected for successive terms.

 

SECTION 3. Election of Directors. Nominations for election to the Board of Directors may be made by the Board, or by the Bank’s shareholder. Nominations shall specify the class of Directors to which each person is nominated.

 

SECTION 4. Vacancies. Vacancies resulting from retirement, resignation, removal from office (with or without cause), death or an increase in the number of Directors comprising the Board, shall be filled by the Board of Directors. Any Director so elected shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the shareholder. No decrease in the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.


SECTION 5. Retirement. Each Director serving as an officer of the Bank or any of its affiliates shall cease to be a Director on the date of the first to occur of (a) his or her 65th birthday, or (b) the date of his or her termination, resignation or retirement of employment. Each Director who is not an officer of the Bank or any of its affiliates shall cease to be a Director at the end of his or her term that coincides with or follows his or her 70th birthday.

 

SECTION 6. Removal. Any or all Directors may be removed from office at any time with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the shareholder.

 

SECTION 7. Resignations. Any Director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Corporate Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect when delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective, unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

 

ARTICLE III

ACTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; COMMTTEES

 

SECTION I. Quorum; Vote Requirement. A majority of the Directors holding office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the Board’s business. If a quorum is present, a vote of a majority of the Directors present at such time shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless a greater vote is required by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

 

SECTION 2. Executive Committee. An Executive Committee, consisting of not less than four (4) Directors, is hereby established. The members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by the Board at its meeting immediately following the annual shareholder’s meeting, or at such other time as the Board determines to be appropriate. The Executive Committee shall have and may exercise all the authority of the Board as permitted by law. In addition, the Executive Committee shall serve as the Nominating Committee and shall have the power to recommend candidates for election to the Board and consider other issues related to the size and composition of the Board. The Board shall elect the Chairman of the Executive Committee, who shall be entitled to preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Committee. The Executive Committee shall exercise oversight for the Bank’s fiduciary actions and duties.

 

SECTION 3. Audit Committee. An Audit Committee, consisting of not less than four (4) Directors, is hereby established. No Director who is an officer of the Bank or any affiliate shall be a member of the Audit Committee. The members of the Audit Committee shall be elected by the Board at its meeting immediately following the annual shareholder’s meeting, or at such other time as the Board determines to be appropriate. The Audit Committee shall require that an audit of the books and records of the affairs of the Bank be made at such time or times as the members of the Audit Committee choose, and shall review the scope of the audit and approve of any non-audit services to be performed for the Bank by the independent accountants. The Audit Committee shall also review examination reports by the independent accountants and regulatory agencies; review credit issues, loan policies and procedures, the classification of loans and the

 

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adequacy of the allowance for loan losses; monitor the credit process review function; review the Bank’s CRA policy, plans and performance; review internal programs to assure compliance with laws and regulations and the adequacy of internal controls. The Board shall elect the Chairman of the Audit Committee who shall be entitled to preside at all meetings of the Committee and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Committee.

 

SECTION 4. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may designate one or more other committees, each consisting of one or more Directors, and each of which, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all authority of the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 5. Committee Meetings. Regular meetings of each committee, of which no notice is necessary, shall be held at such times and places as fixed, from time to time, by resolution adopted by the committee. Special meetings of any committee may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board or the President, by the Chairman of such committee or by two members of the committee. Notice of any special meeting of any committee may be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws for giving notice of a special meeting of the Board of Directors. However, notice of any special meeting need not be given to any member of the committee who is present at the meeting or who, before or after the meeting, waives notice in writing (including telegram, cablegram, facsimile, or radiogram). Any regular or special meeting of any committee shall be a legal meeting, without any notice being given, if all the members are present. A majority of the members of any committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of those present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the committee.

 

SECTION 6. Committee Records. Each committee shall keep a record of its acts and proceedings and shall report them from time to time to the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 7. Alternate Members; Vacancies. The Board of Directors may designate one or more Directors as alternate members of any committee, to act in the place and stead of one or more members who are absent from such committee. The Board of Directors may fill any vacancy or vacancies occurring in any committee.

 

SECTION 8. Place, Time, Notice and Call of Directors’ Meetings. The annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held each year immediately following the annual meeting of the shareholder or at such other time and place as the Chairman of the Board may designate. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such times and places as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held upon notice of the date, time and place of the meeting as given to each Director orally, by telephone or in person, or in writing, by personal delivery or by mail, telegram, facsimile, or cablegram. Notice of special meetings shall be given no later than the day before the meeting, except that notice of a special meeting need not be given to any Director who signs and delivers to the Bank, either before or after the meeting, a waiver of notice. Attendance of a Director at a Board meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of that meeting, as well as a waiver of any and all objections to the place of the meeting, the time of the meeting, or the manner in which it has been called or

 

3


convened, except when a Director states, at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon his or her arrival), any such objection or objections to the transaction of business and thereafter does not vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting. The business to be transacted at, and the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need not be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of the meeting unless required by law or these Bylaws.

 

A majority of the Directors present, whether or not a quorum exists, may adjourn any meeting of the Board of Directors to another time and place. No notice of any adjourned meeting need be given. Meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or any two Directors.

 

SECTION 9. Action by Directors Without a Meeting; Participation in Meeting by Telephone. Except as limited by law, any action to be taken at a meeting of the Board, or by any committee of the Board, may be taken without a meeting if written consent, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all the members of the Board or such Committee and shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or such committee. Such written consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the Board or such committee and any document executed on behalf of the Corporation may recite that the action was duly taken at a meeting of the Board or such committee.

 

Participation at Board and committee meetings may occur by conference telephone or similar communication equipment so long as all persons participating in the meeting can hear and speak to one other, and such participation shall constitute personal presence at the meeting.

 

SECTION 10. Directors’ Compensation. The Board of Directors shall have authority to determine, from time to time, the amount of compensation paid to its members for attendance at meetings of, or services on, the Board or any committee thereof. The Board shall also have the power to reimburse Directors for reasonable expenses of attendance at Directors’ meetings and committee meetings.

 

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

 

SECTION 1. Executive Structure. The Board of Directors shall elect a Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer, and may elect one or more Vice Chairmen and Executive Vice Presidents as the Board of Directors may deem necessary. The Board of Directors shall designate a Chief Executive Officer from among these officers. The Chief Executive Officer shall designate duties of each designated officer and may appoint assistant officers, to assist one or more of the designated officers in discharging their duties. Titles of the assistant officers will be designated by the Chief Executive Officer as he or she deems appropriate. The Chief Executive Officer may also appoint other officers and may delegate the authority to appoint officers to other officers of the Bank. The local or regional boards or the local or regional chief executive officers or their designees may appoint officers of SunTrust Bank. Each officer elected by the Board and each officer appointed by the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee shall serve until the next annual meeting of the Board, or

 

4


until he or she earlier resigns, retires, dies or is removed from office. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.

 

SECTION 2. Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall be the most senior officer of the Bank and all other officers and agents of the Bank shall be subject to his or her direction. He or she shall be accountable to the Board of Directors for the fulfillment of his or her duties and responsibilities and, in the performance and exercise of all such duties, responsibilities and powers, he or she shall be subject to the supervision and direction of, and any limitations imposed by, the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer shall be responsible for interpretation and implementation of the policies of the Bank as determined and specified from time to time by the Board of Directors, and shall be responsible for the general management and direction of the business and affairs of the Bank. For the purpose of fulfilling his or her duties and responsibilities and subject to these Bylaws and the direction of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall have plenary authorities and powers, including general executive powers, the authority to delegate and assign duties, responsibilities and authorities, and, in the name of the Bank and on its behalf, the authority to negotiate and make any agreements, waivers or commitments that do not require the express approval of the Board.

 

SECT1ON 3. Chairman of the Board. The Chairman shall be a member of the Board of Directors and shall be entitled to preside at all meetings of the Board.

 

SECTION 4. President. The President shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

 

SECTION 5. Vice Chairman. Any Vice Chairman elected shall have such duties and authority as may be conferred upon him by the Board or delegated to him by the Chief Executive Officer.

 

SECTION 6. Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall have the care, custody, control and handling of the funds and assets of the Bank, and shall render a statement of the assets, liabilities and operations of the Bank to the Board at its regular meetings.

 

SECTION 7. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him or her and shall report to the Chief Financial Officer or, in the absence of the Chief Financial Officer, to the President.

 

SECTION 8. Corporate Secretary. Due notice of all meetings of the shareholder and Directors shall be given by the Corporate Secretary or the person or persons calling such meeting. The Corporate Secretary shall report the proceedings of all meetings in a book of minutes and shall perform all the duties pertaining to his or her office, including authentication of corporate documents, and shall have custody of the Seal of the Bank. Each Assistant Corporate Secretary appointed by the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee may perform all duties of the Corporate Secretary.

 

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SECTION 9. Bank Officers. Each officer, employee and agent of the Bank shall have the duties and authority conferred upon him or her by the Board of Directors or delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive Officer, or his or her designee.

 

SECTION 10. Removal of Officers. Any officer may be removed by the Board of Directors with or without cause whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Bank will be served thereby. In addition, an officer of the Bank shall cease to be an officer upon ceasing to be an employee of the Bank or its affiliates.

 

ARTICLE V

STOCK

 

SECTION 1. Stock Certificates. The shares of stock of the Bank shall be represented by certificates in such form as may be approved by the Board of Directors, which certificates shall be issued to the shareholder of the Bank and shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board, or the President, together with the Corporate Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Bank; and which shall be sealed with the seal of the Bank. The described signatures on any certificate may be a facsimile signature if the certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent or registrar other than the Bank itself or an employee of the Bank. No share certificates shall be issued until consideration for the shares represented thereby has been fully paid. If any officer who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate ceases to be such officer before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Bank with the same effect as if he or she was such officer at the date of issue.

 

SECTION 2. Transfer of Stock. Shares of stock of the Bank shall be transferred on the books of the Bank only upon surrender to the Bank of the certificate or certificates representing the shares to be transferred, accompanied by an assignment in writing of such shares, properly executed by the shareholder of record or his or her duly authorized attorney-in-fact, and after payment of all taxes due upon the transfer. The Bank may refuse any requested transfer until furnished evidence satisfactory to it that such transfer is proper. Upon the surrender of a certificate for transfer of stock, such certificate shall be marked on its face “Canceled”. The Board of Directors may make such additional rules concerning the issuance, transfer and registration of stock and requirements regarding the establishment of lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken stock certificates (including any requirement of an indemnity bond prior to issuance of any replacement certificate and provision for appointment of a transfer agent and a registrar) as it deems appropriate.

 

SECTION 3. Registered Shareholder. The Bank may deem and treat the holder of record of any stock as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes and shall not be required to take any notice of any right or claim of right of any other person.

 

SECTION 4. Record Date. For the purpose of determining the shareholder entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of shareholder or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination of the shareholder for any other

 

6


purpose, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a date as the record date for determination of the shareholder.

 

ARTICLE VI

DEPOSITORIES, SIGNATURES AND SEAL

 

SECTION 1. Depositories. All funds of the Bank shall be deposited in the name of the Bank in such bank, banks, or other financial institutions as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate and shall be drawn out on checks, drafts or other orders signed on behalf of the Bank by such person or persons as the Board, its Executive Committee or the Chief Executive Officer may, from time to time, direct.

 

SECTION 2. Seal. The seal of the Bank shall be in such form as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, direct. Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the official seal of the Bank shall be as follows:

 

If the seal is affixed to a document, the signature of the Corporate Secretary or his or her designee shall attest to the seal. The seal and its attestation may be lithographed or otherwise printed on any document and shall have, to the extent permitted by law, the same force and effect as if it has been affixed and attested manually.

 

SECTION 3. Execution of Instruments. All bills, notes, checks, and other instruments for the payment of money, all agreements, indentures, mortgages, deeds, conveyances, transfers, certificates, declarations, receipts, discharges, releases, satisfactions, settlements, petitions, schedules, accounts, affidavits, bonds, undertakings, proxies and other instruments or documents may be signed, executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered, or accepted on behalf of the Bank by the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Secretary or the Treasurer. Any such instrument may also be signed, executed, acknowledged, verified, delivered or accepted on behalf of the Bank in such manner and by such other officers, employees or agents of the Bank as the Board of Directors, Executive Committee or Chief Executive Officer may, from time to time, direct.

 

ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND EMPLOYEES

 

SECTION 1. Definitions. The following terms are defined, for purposes of this Article, as:

 

(A) “Bank” includes any domestic or foreign predecessor entity of this Bank in merger or other transaction in which the predecessor’s existence ceased upon consummation of the transaction.

 

7


(B) “Director” means an individual who is or was a director of the Bank or an individual who, while a director of the Bank, is or was serving at the Bank’s request as director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity. A Director is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the Bank’s request if his or her duties to the Bank also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, him or her to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan. Director includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of a Director.

 

(C) “Disinterested Director” means a Director who, at the time of a vote referred to in Section 3(C) or a vote or selection referred to in Section 4(B), 4(C) or 7(A) is not: (I) a party to the proceedings; or (ii) an individual who is a party to a proceeding having a familial, financial, professional, or employment relationship with the Director whose indemnification or advance for expenses is the subject of the decision being made with respect to the proceeding, which relationship would, in the circumstances, reasonably be expected to exert an influence on the Director’s judgement when voting on the decision being made.

 

(D) “Employee” means an individual who is or was an employee of the Bank or an individual who, while an employee of the Bank, is or was serving at the Bank’s request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise. An Employee is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the Bank’s request if his or her duties to the Bank also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, him or her to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan. Employee includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of an Employee.

 

(E) “Expenses” includes counsel fees.

 

(F) “Liability” means the obligation to pay a judgment, settlement, penalty, fine (including an excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan), or reasonable expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding.

 

(G) “Officer” means an individual who is or was an officer of the Bank, including an assistant officer, or an individual who, while an officer of the Bank, is or was serving at the Bank’s request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity. An Officer is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the Bank’s request if his or her duties to the Bank also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, him or her to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan. Officer includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of an Officer.

 

(H) “Official Capacity” means: (i) when used with respect to a director, the office of a director in a corporation; and (ii) when used with respect to an officer, the office in a corporation held by the officer. Official Capacity does not include service for any other domestic or foreign corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity.

 

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(I) “Party” means an individual who was, is, or is threatened to be made, a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding.

 

(J) “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative or investigative and whether formal or informal.

 

Section 2. Basic Indemnification Arrangement. (A) Except as provided in subsection 2(D) below and, if required by Section 4 below, upon a determination pursuant to Section 4 in the specific case that such indemnification is permissible in the circumstances under this subsection because the individual has met the standard of conduct set forth in this subsection (A), the Bank shall indemnify an individual who is made a party to a proceeding because he or she is or was a Director or Officer against liability incurred by him or her in the proceeding if he or she conducted himself or herself in good faith and, in the case of conduct in his or her official capacity, he or she reasonably believed such conduct was in the best interest of the Bank, or in all other cases, he or she reasonably believed such conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the Bank and, in the case of any criminal proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful.

 

(B) A person’s conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan for a purpose he or she believes in good faith to be in the interests of the participants in and beneficiaries of the plan is conduct that satisfies the requirement of subsection 2(A) above.

 

(C) The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, is not, of itself, determinative that the proposed indemnitee did not meet the standard of conduct set forth in subsection 2(A) above.

 

(D) The Bank shall not indemnify a person under this Article (i) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the Bank, except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined that such person has met the relevant standard of conduct under this section, or (ii) with respect to conduct for which such person was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him or her, whether or not involving action in his official capacity.

 

SECTION 3. Advances for Expenses. (A) The Bank may advance funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a Director or Officer who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is a Director or Officer in advance of final disposition of the proceeding if (i) such person furnishes the Bank a written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the relevant standard of conduct set forth in subsection 2(A) above or that the proceeding involves conduct for which liability has been eliminated under the Bank’s Articles of Incorporation; and (ii) such person furnishes the Bank a written undertaking meeting the qualifications set forth below in subsection 3(B), executed personally or on his or her behalf, to repay any funds advanced if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to any indemnification under this Article or otherwise.

 

9


(B) The undertaking required by subsection 3(A)(ii) above must be an unlimited general obligation of the Director or Officer but need not be secured and shall be accepted without reference to financial ability to make repayment.

 

(C) Authorizations under this Section shall be made: (i) by the Board of Directors (a) when there are two or more Disinterested Directors, by a majority vote of all Disinterested Directors (a majority of whom shall for such purpose constitute a quorum) or by a majority of the members of a committee of two or more Disinterested Directors appointed by such a vote; or (b) when there are fewer than two Disinterested Directors, by a majority of the Directors present in a meeting in which Directors who do not qualify as Disinterested Directors may participate; or (ii) by the shareholder.

 

SECTION 4. Authorization of and Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification.

 

(A) The Bank shall not indemnify a Director or Officer under Section 2 above unless authorized thereunder and a determination has been made for a specific proceeding that indemnification of such person is permissible in the circumstances because he or she has met the relevant standard of conduct set forth in subsection 2(A) above; provided, however, that regardless of the result or absence of any such determination, to the extent that a Director or Officer has been wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she was a party because he or she is or was a Director or Officer, the Bank shall indemnify such person against reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in connection therewith.

 

(B) The determination referred to in subsection 4(A) above shall be made (i) if there are two or more Disinterested Directors, by a majority vote of all the Disinterested Directors (a majority of whom shall for such purpose constitute a quorum) or by a majority of the members of a committee of two or more Disinterested Directors appointed by such a vote; (ii) by special legal counsel (1) selected by the Board of Directors or its committee in the manner prescribed in subdivision (i), or (2) if there are fewer than two Disinterested Directors, selected by the Board of Directors (in which selection Directors who do not qualify as Disinterested Directors may participate); or (iii) by the shareholder; but shares owned by or voted under the control of a Director who at the time does not qualify as a Disinterested Director may not be voted on the determination.

 

(C) Authorization of indemnification or an obligation to indemnify, and evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses of a Director or Officer in the specific case shall be made in the same manner as the determination that indemnification is permissible, as described in subsection 4(B) above, except that if there are fewer than two Disinterested Directors or if the determination is made by special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made by those entitled under subsection 4(B)(ii)(2) above to select counsel.

 

(D) The Board of Directors, a committee thereof, or special legal counsel acting pursuant to subsection (B) above or Section 5 below, shall act expeditiously upon an application for indemnification or advances, and cooperate in the procedural steps required to obtain a judicial determination under Section 5 below.

 

10


(E) The Bank may, by a provision in its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or in a resolution adopted or a contract approved by its Board of Directors or shareholder, obligate itself in advance of the act or omission giving rise to a proceeding to provide indemnification or advance funds to pay for or reimburse expenses consistent with this part. Any such obligatory provision shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements referred to in Section 3(C) or Section 4(C).

 

SECTION 5. Court-Ordered Indemnification and Advances for Expenses. A Director or Officer who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is a Director or Officer may apply for indemnification or advances for expenses to the court conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. After receipt of an application and after giving any notice it considers necessary, the court shall order indemnification or advances for expenses if it determines that: (i) the Director is entitled to indemnification under this part; or (ii) in view of all the relevant circumstances, it is fair and reasonable to indemnify the Director or Officer or to advance expenses to the Director or Officer, even if the Director or Officer has not met the relevant standard of conduct set forth in subsection 2(A) above, failed to comply with Section 3, or was adjudged liable in a proceeding referred to in subsections (i) or (ii) of Section 2(D), but if the Director or Officer was adjudged so liable, the indemnification shall be limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding, unless the Articles of Incorporation of the Bank or a Bylaw, contract or resolution approved or ratified by the shareholder pursuant to Section 7 below provides otherwise.

 

If the court determines that the Director or Officer is entitled to indemnification or an advance for expenses, it may also order the Bank to pay the Director’s or Officer’s reasonable expenses to obtain court-ordered indemnification or advance for expenses.

 

SECTION 6. Indemnification of Officers and Employees. (A) Unless the Bank’s Articles of Incorporation provide otherwise, the Bank shall indemnify and advance expenses under this Article to an employee of the Bank who is not a Director or Officer to the same extent, consistent with public policy, as to a Director or Officer.

 

(B) The Bank may indemnify and advance expenses under this Article to an officer of the Bank who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is an Officer of the Bank: (i) to the same extent as a Director; and (ii) if he is not a Director, to such further extent as may be provided by the Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws, a resolution of the Board of Directors, or contract except for liability arising out of conduct that is enumerated in subsections (A)(i) through (A)(iv) of Section 7. The provisions of this Section shall also apply to an Officer who is also a Director if the sole basis on which he or she is made a party to the proceeding is an act or omission solely as an Officer.

 

SECTION 7. Shareholder Approved Indemnification. (A) If authorized by the Articles of Incorporation or a Bylaw, contract or resolution approved or ratified by shareholder of the Bank, the Bank may indemnify or obligate itself to indemnify a person made a party to a proceeding, including a proceeding brought by or in the right of the Bank, without regard to the limitations in other sections of this Article, but shares owned or voted under the control of a Director who at the time does not qualify as a Disinterested Director with respect to any existing or threatened

 

11


proceeding that would be covered by the authorization may not be voted on the authorization. The Bank shall not indemnify a person under this Section 7 for any liability incurred in a proceeding in which the person is adjudged liable to the Bank or is subjected to injunctive relief in favor of the Bank: (i) for any appropriation, in violation of his duties, of any business opportunity of the Bank; (ii) for acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) for the types of liability set forth in Section 14-2-832 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code; or (iv) for any transaction from which he or she received an improper personal benefit.

 

(B) Where approved or authorized in the manner described in subsection 7(A) above, the Bank may advance or reimburse expenses incurred in advance of final disposition of the proceeding only if: (i) the proposed indemnitee furnishes the Bank a written affirmation of his good faith belief that his or her conduct does not constitute behavior of the kind described in subsection 7(A)(i)-(iv) above; and (ii) the proposed indemnitee furnishes the Bank a written undertaking, executed personally, or on his or her behalf, to repay any advances if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.

 

SECTION 8. Liability Insurance. The Bank may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an individual who is a Director, Officer, Employee, or agent of the Bank or who, while a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Bank, is or was serving at the request of the Bank as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity against liability asserted against or incurred by him in that capacity or arising from his status as a director, officer, employee, or agent, whether or not the Bank would have power to indemnify him against the same liability under Section 2 or Section 3 above.

 

SECTION 9. Witness Fees. Nothing in this Article shall limit the Bank’s power to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a person in connection with his appearance as a witness in a proceeding at a time when he is not a party.

 

SECTION 10. Report to Shareholders. If the Bank indemnifies or advances expenses to a Director in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the Bank, the Bank shall report the indemnification or advance, in writing, to the shareholder.

 

SECTION 11. Severability. In the event that any of the provisions of this Article (including any provision within a single section, subsection, division or sentence) is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Article shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

SECTION 12. Indemnification Not Exclusive. The rights of indemnification provided in this Article VII shall be in addition to any rights which any such Director, Officer, Employee or other person may otherwise be entitled by contract or as a matter of law.

 

12


ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS

 

SECTION 1. Amendments. The Board of Directors shall have the power to alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws, but any Bylaws adopted by the Board of Directors may be altered, amended or repealed and new Bylaws adopted by the shareholder. Action by the Directors with respect to the Bylaws shall be taken by an affirmative vote of a majority of all of the Directors then elected and serving, unless a greater vote is required by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE IX

EMERGENCY TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY

 

SECTION 1. Emergency Defined. In the event of a national emergency threatening national security or a major disaster declared by the President of the United States or the person performing his functions, which directly or severely affects the operations of the Bank, the officers and employees of the Bank will continue to conduct the affairs of the Bank under such guidance from the Directors as may be available except as to matters which by law or regulation require specific approval of the Board of Directors and subject to conformance with any applicable laws, regulations, and governmental directives during the emergency.

 

SECTION 2. Officers Pro Tempore. The Board of Directors shall have the power, in the absence or disability of any officer, or upon the refusal of any officer to act as a result of said national emergency directly and severely affecting the operations of the Bank, to delegate and prescribe such officer’s powers and duties to any other officer, or to any Director.

 

In the event of a national emergency or state of disaster of sufficient severity to prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Bank by its Directors and officers as contemplated by the Bylaws, any two or more available members or alternate members of the then incumbent Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum of such Committee for the full conduct and management of the Bank in accordance with the provisions of Articles II and III of the Bylaws. If two members or alternate members of the Executive Committee cannot be expeditiously located, then three available Directors shall constitute the Executive Committee for the full conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Bank until the then remaining Board can be convened. These provisions shall be subject to implementation by resolutions of the Board of Directors passed from time to time, and any provisions of the Bylaws (other than this Section) and any resolutions which are contrary to the provisions of this Section or the provisions of any such implementary resolutions shall be suspended until it shall be determined by any such interim Executive Committee acting under this Section that it shall be to the advantage of this Corporation to resume the conduct and management of its affairs and business under all of the other provisions of these Bylaws.

 

SECTION 3. Officer Succession. If, in the event of a national emergency or disaster which directly and severely affects the operations of the Bank, the Chief Executive Officer cannot be located expeditiously or is unable to assume or to continue normal duties, then the authority and

 

13


duties of the office shall be automatically assumed, without Board of Directors action, in order of title, and subject only to willingness and ability to serve, by the Chairman of the Board, President, Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Vice President, Corporate Secretary or their successors in office at the time of the emergency or disaster. Where two or more officers hold equivalent titles and are willing and able to serve, seniority in title controls initial appointment. If, in the same manner, the Corporate Secretary or Treasurer cannot be located or is unable to assume or continue normal duties, the responsibilities attached thereto shall, in like manner as described immediately above, be assumed by any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, or Vice President. Any officer assuming authority and position hereunder shall continue to serve until the earlier of his resignation or the elected officer or a more senior officer shall become available to perform the duties of the position of Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Secretary, or Treasurer.

 

SECTION 4. Certification of Authority. In the event of a national emergency or disaster that directly and severely affects the operations of the Bank, anyone dealing with the Bank shall accept a certification by the Corporate Secretary or any three officers that a specified individual is acting as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Corporate Secretary, or Treasurer, in accordance with these Bylaws; and that anyone accepting such certification shall continue to consider it in force until notified in writing of a change, such notice of change to carry the signature of the Corporate Secretary or three officers of the Bank.

 

SECTION 5. Alternative Locations. In the event of a national emergency or disaster which destroys, demolishes, or renders the Bank’s offices or facilities unserviceable, or which causes, or in the judgment of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee probably will cause, the occupancy or use thereof to be a clear and imminent hazard to personal safety, the Bank shall temporarily lease or acquire sufficient facilities to carry on its business as may be designated by the Board of Directors. Any temporarily relocated place of business of this Bank shall be returned to its legally authorized location as soon as practicable and such temporary place of business shall then be discontinued.

 

SECTION 6. Amendments to Article IX. At any meeting called in accordance with Section 2 of this Article IX, the Board of Directors or Executive Committee, as the case may be, may modify, amend or add to the provisions of this Article IX so as to make any provision that may be practical or necessary for the circumstances of the emergency.

 

14


EXHIBIT 5 TO FORM T-1

 

(INTENTIONALLY OMITTED. NOT APPLICABLE.)


EXHIBIT 6 TO FORM T-1

 

CONSENT OF TRUSTEE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, in connection with the proposed exchange of up to $350,000,000 of Smithfield Foods, Inc. 73/4% Senior Notes, Series B, for any and all Smithfield Foods, Inc. 73/4% Senior Notes, Series A, SunTrust Bank hereby consents that reports of examinations by Federal, State, Territorial or District Authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor.

 

SUNTRUST BANK

By:

 

    /s/ Jack Ellerin


   

Jack Ellerin

   

Assistant Vice President


EXHIBIT 7 TO FORM T-1

 

REPORT OF CONDITION

(ATTACHED)


   

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

OWB Number: 7100-0036

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

OWB Number: 3064-0052

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

OWB Number: 1557-0081

Expires April 30, 2005

Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council    

    1
   

Please refer to page 1,

Table of Contents, for

the required disclosure

of estimated burden.


 

Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income for A Bank With Domestic and Foreign Offices—FFIEC 031

 

Report at the close of business June 30, 2003

 

This report is required by law: 12 U.S.C. §324 (State member banks); 12 U.S.C. §1817 (State nonmember banks); and 12 U.S.C. §161 (National banks).

 

(20030630)


(RCRI 9999)

 

This report form is to be filed by banks with branches and consolidated subsidiaries in U.S. territories and possessions, Edge or Agreement subsidiaries, foreign branches, consolidated foreign subsidiaries, or International Banking Facilities.

 

NOTE: The Reports of Condition and Income must be signed by an authorized officer and the Report of Condition must be attested to by not less than two directors (trustees) for State nonmember banks and three directors for State member and National banks.

 

I, Jorge Arrieta, SVP & Controller


    Name and Title of Officer Authorized to Sign Report

 

of the named bank do hereby declare that the Reports of Condition and Income (including the supporting schedules) for this report date have been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

 

/s/    Jorge Arrieta


Signature of Officer Authorized to Sign Report

07/25/2003


Date of Signature

 

The Reports of Condition and Income are to be prepared in accordance with Federal regulatory authority instructions.

 

We, the undersigned directors (trustees), attest to the correctness of the Report of Condition (including the supporting schedules) for this report date and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.

 


Director (Trustee)

Director (Trustee)

Director (Trustee)

 

Submission of Reports

 

Each bank must prepare its Reports of Condition and Income either:

 

(a)   in electronic form and then file the computer data file directly with the banking agencies collection agent, Electronic Data Systems Corporation (EDS), by modem or on computer diskette; or

 

(b)   in hard-copy (paper) form and arrange for another party to convert the paper report to electronic form. That party (if other than EDS) must transmit the bank’s computer data file to EDS.

 

For electronic filing assistance, contact EDS Call Report Services, 13890 Bishops Drive, Suite 110, Brookfield, WI 53005, telephone (800) 255-1571.

 

To fulfill the signature and attestation requirement for the Report of Condition and Income for this report date, attach this signature page (or a photocopy or a computer-generated version of this page) to the hard-copy record of the completed report that the bank places in its files.

 

FDIC Certificate Number:

 

00867


(RCRI 9050)

           

 

SUNTRUST BANK


Legal Title of Bank (TEXT 9010)

   

ATLANTA


   

City (TEXT 9130)

   

GA


 

30302


State Abbrev. (TEXT 9200)

 

Zip Code (TEXT 9220)

 

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.


    

FFIEC 031

Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income for   

Page i

A Bank With Domestic and Foreign Offices    2

 

Table of Contents

 

Signature Page

   Cover

Contact Information

   ii

Report of Income

    

Schedule RI - Income Statement

   RI-1, 2, 3

Schedule RI-A - Changes in Equity Capital

   RI-4

Schedule RI-B - Charge-offs and Recoveries on Loans and Leases and Changes in Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

   RI-4, 5, 6

Schedule RI-D - Income from International Operations

   RI-6

Schedule RI-E - Explanations

   RI-7, 8

 

Disclosure of Estimated Burden

 

The estimated average burden associated with this information collection is 37.0 hours per respondent and is estimated to vary from 15 to 550 hours per response, depending on individual circumstances. Burden estimates include the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data in the required form, and completing the information collection, but exclude the time for compiling and maintaining business records in the normal course of a respondent’s activities. A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and an organization (or a person) is not required to respond to a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden estimate and suggestions for reducing this burden should be directed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, D.C. 20503, and to one of the following:

 

Secretary

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Washington, D.C. 20551

 

Legislative and Regulatory Analysis Division

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Washington, D.C. 20219

 

Assistant Executive Secretary

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Washington, D.C. 20429

 

Report of Condition

    

Schedule RC - Balance Sheet

   RC-1, 2

Schedule RC-A - Cash and Balances Due From Depository Institutions

   RC-3

Schedule RC-B - Securities

   RC-3, 4, 5

Schedule RC-C - Loans and Lease Financing Receivables:

    

Part I. Loans and Leases

   RC-6, 7

Part II. Loans to Small Businesses and Small Farms (to be completed for the June report only; not included in the forms for the September and December reports)

   RC-7a, 7b

Schedule RC-D - Trading Assets and Liabilities (to be completed only by selected banks)

   RC-8

Schedule RC-E - Deposit Liabilities

   RC-9, 10

Schedule RC-F - Other Assets

   RC-11

Schedule RC-G - Other Liabilities

   RC-11

Schedule RC-H - Selected Balance Sheet Items for Domestic Offices

   RC-12

Schedule RC-I - Assets and Liabilities of IBFs

   RC-12

Schedule RC-K - Quarterly Averages

   RC-13

Schedule RC-L - Derivatives and Off-Balance Sheet Items

   RC-14, 15

Schedule RC-M - Memoranda

   RC-16

Schedule RC-N - Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans, Leases, and Other Assets

   RC-17, 18

Schedule RC-O - Other Data for Deposit Insurance and FICO Assessments

   RC-19, 20

Schedule RC-R - Regulatory Capital

   RC-21, 22, 23, 24

Schedule RC-S - Servicing, Securitization, and Asset Sales Activities

   RC-25, 26, 27

Schedule RC-T - Fiduciary and Related Services

   RC-28, 29, 30

Optional Narrative Statement Concerning the Amounts Reported in the Reports of Condition and Income

   RC-31

Special Report (to be completed by all banks)

    

 

For information or assistance, National and State nonmember banks should contact the FDIC’s Reports Analysis and Quality Control Section, 550 17th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20429, toll free on (800) 688-FDIC(3342), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern time. State member banks should contact their Federal Reserve District Bank.


    

1.g¨10¨Ot

    

Page ii

     3

 

Emergency Contact Information

 

This information is being requested so the Agencies can distribute critical, time sensitive information to emergency contacts at banks. Please provide primary contact information for a senior official of the bank who has decision-making authority. Also provide information for a secondary contact if available. Enter “none” for the contact’s e-mail address or fax number if not available. Emergency contact information is for the confidential use of the Agencies and will not be released to the public.

 

Primary Contact   Secondary Contact

Deborah Barnhart


Name (TEXT C366)

 

Name (TEXT C371)

AVP


Title (TEXT C367)

 

Title (TEXT C372)

Deborah.Barnhart@Suntrust.com


E-Mail Address (TEXT C368)

 

E-Mail Address (TEXT C373)

404-827-6622


Telephone: Area code/phone number/extension (TEXT C369)

 

Telephone: Area code/phone number/extension (TEXT C374)

404-827-6501


Fax: Area code/phone number (TEXT C370)

 

Fax: Area code/phone number (TEXT C375)

 

USA PATRIOT Act Section 314(a) Anti-Money Laundering Contact Information

 

This information is being requested to identify points-of-contact who are in charge of your depository institution’s Section 314(a) searches and who could be contacted by federal law enforcement officers for additional information related to anti-terrorist financing and anti-money laundering. Please provide information for a secondary contact if available. Enter “none” for the contacts’s e-mail address or fax number if not available. USA PATRIOT Act contact information is for the confidential use of the Agencies and will not be released to the public.

 

Primary Contact   Secondary Contact

Deborah Barnhart


Name (TEXT C437)

 

Name (TEXT C442)

AVP


Title (TEXT C438)

 

Title (TEXT C443)

Deborah.Barnhart@suntrust.com


E-Mail Address (TEXT C439)

 

E-Mail Address (TEXT C444)

404-827-6622


Telephone: Area code/phone number/extension (TEXT C440)

 

Telephone: Area code/phone number/extension (TEXT C445)

404-827-6501


Fax: Area code/phone number (TEXT C441)

 

Fax: Area code/phone number (TEXT C446)


SUNTRUST BANK


      

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

      

RI-1

ATLANTA


        

City

       4

GA


 

30302


        

State

 

Zip Code

        

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

        

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

        

 

Consolidated Report of Income for the period January 1, 2003—June 30, 2003

 

All Report of Income schedules are to be reported on a calendar year-to-date basis in thousands of dollars.

 

Schedule RI—Income Statement

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands

   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Interest Income:               
     a.    Interest and fee income on loans:               
          (1)    In domestic offices:               
               (a)     Loans secured by real estate    4011    1,117,909    1.a.1.a
               (b)     Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers    4024    2,226    1.a.1.b
               (c)     Commercial and industrial loans    4012    363,319    1.a.1.c
               (d)     Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures:               
                     (1)    Credit cards    B485    0    1.a.1.d.1
                     (2)    Other (includes single payment, installment, all student loans, and revolving credit plans other than credit cards)    B486    387,211    1.a.1.d.2
               (e )   Loans to foreign governments and official institutions    4056    167    1.a.1.e
               (f )   All other loans in domestic offices    B487    81,324    1.a.1.f
          (2)    In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs    4059    0    1.a.2
          (3)    Total interest and fee income on loans (sum of items 1.a.(1)(a) through 1.a.(2))    4010    1,952,156    1.a.3
     b.    Income from lease financing receivables    4065    76,083    1.b
     c.    Interest income on balances due from depository institutions: (1)    4115    133    1.c
     d.    Interest and dividend income on securities:               
          (1)    U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (excluding
mortgage-backed securities)
   B488    49,003    1.d.1
          (2)    Mortgage-backed securities    B489    148,786    1.d.2
          (3)    All other securities (includes securities issued by states and political subdivisions in
the U.S.)
   4060    110,652    1.d.3
     e.    Interest income from trading assets    4069    3,105    1.e
     f.    Interest income on federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell    4020    24,799    1.f
     g.    Other interest income    4518    13,410    1.g
     h.    Total interest income (sum of items 1.a.(3) through 1.g)    4107    2,378,127    1.h
2.    Interest expense:               
     a.    Interest on deposits:               
          (1)    Interest on deposits in domestic offices:               
               (a)     Transaction accounts (NOW accounts, ATS accounts, and telephone and preauthorized transfer accounts)    4508    2,582    2.a.1.a
               (b)     Nontransaction accounts:               
                     (1)    Savings deposits (includes MMDAs)    0093    169,963    2.a.1.b.1
                     (2)    Time deposits of $100,000 or more    A517    103,824    2.a.1.b.2
                     (3)    Time deposits of less than $100,000    A518    112,647    2.a.1.b.3
          (2)    Interest on deposits in foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs    4172    42,242    2.a.2
     b.    Expense of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase    4180    77,253    2.b
     c.    Interest on trading liabilities and other borrowed money    4185    151,738    2.c

(1)   Includes interest income on time certificates of deposits not held for trading.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RI-2

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   5

 

Schedule RI—Continued

 

                    Year-to-date

               

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

               
2.    Interest expense (continued):                          
     d.    Interest on subordinated notes and debentures    4200    45,946               2.d
     e.    Total interest expense (sum of items 2.a through 2.d)    4073    706,195               2.e
3.    Net interest income (item 1.h minus 2.e)               4074    1,671,932    3
4.    Provision for loan and lease losses               4230    162,443    4
5.    Noninterest income:                          
     a.    Income from fiduciary activities (1)    4070    210,474               5.a
     b.    Service charges on deposit accounts in domestic offices    4080    315,775               5.b
     c.    Trading revenue (2)    A220    26,609               5.c
     d.    Investment banking, advisory, brokerage, and underwriting fees and commissions    B490    116,647               5.d
     e.    Venture capital revenue    B491    0               5.e
     f.    Net servicing fees    B492    (24,069 )             5.f
     g.    Net securitization income    B493    0               5.g
     h.    (1)    Insurance and reinsurance underwriting income    C386    0               5.h.1
          (2)    Income from other insurance activities    C387    13,697               5.h.2
     i.    Net gains (losses) on sales of loans and leases    5416    (19,687 )             5.i
     j.    Net gains (losses) on sales of other real estate owned    5415    1,354               5.j
     k.    Net gains (losses) on sales of other assets (excluding securities)    B496    (234 )             5.k
     l.    Other noninterest income*    B497    293,636               5.l
     m.    Total noninterest income (sum of items 5.a through 5.l)               4079    934,202    5.m
6.    a.    Realized gains (losses) on held-to-maturity securities               3521    0    6.a
     b.    Realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities               3196    56,456    6.b
7.    Noninterest expense:                          
     a.    Salaries and employee benefits    4135    831,397               7.a
     b.    Expenses of premises and fixed assets (net of rental income) (excluding salaries and employee benefits and mortgage interest)    4217    209,717               7.b
     c.    (1)    Goodwill impairment losses    C216    0               7.c.1
          (2)    Amortization expense and impairment losses for other intangible assets    C232    31,869               7.c.2
     d.    Other noninterest expense *    4092    464,012               7.d
     e.    Total noninterest expense (sum of items 7.a through 7.d)               4093    1,536,995    7.e
8.    Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary items, and other adjustments (item 3 plus or minus items 4, 5.m, 6.a, 6.b, and 7.e)               4301    963,152    8
9.    Applicable income taxes (on item 8)               4302    291,846    9
10.    Income (loss) before extraordinary items and other adjustments                          
     (item 8 minus item 9)               4300    671,306    10
11.    Extraordinary items and other adjustments, net of income taxes *               4320    0    11
12.    Net income (loss) (sum of items 10 and 11)               4340    671,306    12

*   Describe on Schedule RI-E - Explanations.
(1)   For banks required to complete Schedule RC-T, items 12 through 19, income from fiduciary activities reported in Schedule RI, item 5.a, must equal the amount reported in Schedule RC-T, item 19.
(2)   For banks required to complete Schedule RI, Memorandum item 8, trading revenue reported in Schedule RI, item 5.c must equal the sum of Memorandum items 8.a through 8.d.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RI-3

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   6

 

Schedule RI—Continued

 

                    Year-to-Date

     

Memoranda


  

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

     
1.    Interest expense incurred to carry tax-exempt securities, loans, and leases acquired after August 7, 1986, that is not deductible for federal income tax purposes    4513    1,920     M.1
2.    Income from the sale and servicing of mutual funds and annuities in domestic offices (included in Schedule RI, item 8)    8431    70,554     M.2
3.    Income on tax-exempt loans and leases to states and political subdivisions in the U.S. (included in Schedule RI, items 1.a and 1.b)    4313    47,932     M.3
4.    Income on tax-exempt securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S. (included in Schedule RI, item 1.d.(3))    4507    5,893     M.4
               Number

     
5.    Number of full-time equivalent employees at end of current period (round to nearest whole number)    4150    25,872     M.5
6.    Not applicable                
          CCYY / MM / DD

     
7.    If the reporting bank has restated its balance sheet as a result of applying push down accounting this calendar year, report the date of the bank’s acquisition (1)    9106    N/A     M.7
8.    Trading revenue (from cash instruments and derivative instruments) (sum of Memorandum items 8.a through 8.d must equal Schedule RI, item 5.c)                
     (To be completed by banks that reported average trading assets (Schedule RC-K, item 7) of $2 million or more for any quarter of the preceding calendar year.):                
          RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

     
     a.    Interest rate exposures    8757    16,226     M.8.a
     b.    Foreign exchange exposures    8758    10,383     M.8.b
     c.    Equity security and index exposures    8759    0     M.8.c
     d.    Commodity and other exposures    8760    0     M.8.d
               RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

     
9.    Impact on income of derivatives held for purposes other than trading:                
     a.    Net increase (decrease) to interest income    8761    (332 )   M.9.a
     b.    Net (increase) decrease to interest expense    8762    (16,412 )   M.9.b
     c.    Other (noninterest) allocations    8763    0     M.9.c
10.    Credit losses on derivatives (see instructions)    A251    0     M.10
               YES / NO

     
11.    Does the reporting bank have a Subchapter S election in effect for federal income tax purposes for the current tax year ?                
               A530    NO     M.11

(1)   For example, a bank acquired on June 1, 2001, would report 20010601


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RI-4

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   7

 

Schedule RI-A—Changes in Equity Capital

 

Indicate decreases and losses in parentheses.

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

     
1.    Total equity capital most recently reported for the December 31, 2002, Reports of Condition and Income (i.e., after adjustments from amended Reports of Income)    3217    9,025,108     1
2.    Restatements due to corrections of material accounting errors and changes in accounting principles*    B507    0     2
3.    Balance end of previous calendar year as restated (sum of items 1 and 2)    B508    9,025,108     3
4.    Net income (loss) (must equal Schedule RI, item 12)    4340    671,306     4
5.    Sale, conversion, acquisition, or retirement of capital stock, net (excluding treasury stock transactions)    B509    0     5
6.    Treasury stock transactions, net    B510    0     6
7.    Changes incident to business combinations, net    4356    126,158     7
8.    LESS: Cash dividends declared on preferred stock    4470    0     8
9.    LESS: Cash dividends declared on common stock    4460    400,000     9
10.    Other comprehensive income (1)    B511    (895 )   10
11.    Other transactions with parent holding company * (not included in items 5, 6, 8, or 9 above)    4415    72,030     11
12.    Total equity capital end of current period (sum of items 3 through 11) (must equal Schedule RC, item 28)    3210    9,493,707     12

*   Describe on Schedule RI-E - Explanations.
(1)   Includes changes in net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, changes in accumulated net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, foreign currency translation adjustments, and changes in minimum pension liability adjustments.

 

Schedule RI-B—Charge-offs and Recoveries on Loans and Leases and Changes in Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

Part I. Charge-offs and Recoveries on Loans and Leases

 

Part I includes charge-offs and recoveries through the allocated transfer risk reserve.

 

    

( Column A )

Charge-offs (1)


  

( Column B )

Recoveries


    
     Calendar year-to-date

    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Loans secured by real estate:                         
     a.    Construction, land development, and other land loans in domestic
offices
   3582    674    3583    371    1.a
     b.    Secured by farmland in domestic offices    3584    0    3585    0    1.b
     c.    Secured by 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices:                         
          (1)   Revolving, open-end loans secured by 1-4 family residential
properties and extended under lines of credit
   5411    2,268    5412    718    1.c.1
          (2)   Closed-end loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties:                         
              (a)   Secured by first liens    C234    5,110    C217    1,479    1.c.2.a
              (b)   Secured by junior liens    C235    690    C218    200    1.c.2.b
     d.    Secured by multifamily (5 or more) residential properties in domestic
offices
   3588    0    3589    0    1.d
     e.    Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties in domestic offices    3590    1,359    3591    555    1.e
     f.    In foreign offices    B512    0    B513    0    1.f
2.    Loans to depository institutions and acceptances of other banks:                         
     a.    To U.S. banks and other U.S. depository institutions    4653    0    4663    0    2.a
     b.    To foreign banks    4654    0    4664    0    2.b
3.    Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers    4655    0    4665    0    3
4.    Commercial and industrial loans:                         
     a.    To U.S. addressees (domicile)    4645    99,806    4617    12,934    4.a
     b.    To non-U.S. addressees (domicile)    4646    0    4618    11    4.b

(1)   Include write-downs arising from transfers of loans to a held-for-sale account.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RI-5

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   8

 

Schedule RI-B—Continued

 

Part I. Continued

 

              

( Column A )

Charge-offs (1)


  

( Column B )

Recoveries


    
               Calendar year-to-date

    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
5.    Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal
expenditures:
                        
     a.    Credit cards    B514    0    B515    0    5.a
     b.    Other (includes single payment, installment, all student loans and revolving credit plans other than credit cards)    B516    78,408    B517    18,035    5.b
6.    Loans to foreign governments and official institutions    4643    0    4627    0    6
7.    All other loans    4644    6,694    4628    2,776    7
8.    Lease financing receivables:                         
     a.    To U.S. addressees (domicile)    4658    3,402    4668    726    8.a
     b.    To non-U.S. addressees (domicile)    4659    0    4669    0    8.b
9.    Total (sum of items 1 through 8)    4635    198,411    4605    37,805    9

 

Memoranda   

( Column A )

Charge-offs (1)


  

( Column B )

Recoveries


    
        

Calendar

year-to-date


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.   Loans to finance commercial real estate, construction, and land development activities (not secured by real estate) included in Schedule RI-B, part I, items 4 and 7, above    5409    178    5410    0    M.1
2.   Loans secured by real estate to non-U.S. addresses (domicile) (included in Schedule RI-B, part I, item 1, above):    4652    0    4662    0    M.2
3.   Not applicable.                         
                  

Calendar

year-to-date


    
                   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
4)   Memorandum item 4 is to be completed by banks that (1) together with affiliated institutions, have outstanding credit card receivables (as defined in the instructions) that exceed $500 million as of the report date or (2) are credit card specialty banks as defined for Uniform Bank Performance Report purposes.                         
    Uncollectible retail credit card fees and finance charges reversed against income (i.e., not included in charge-offs against the allowance for loan and lease losses)              C388    0    M.4

(1)   Include write-downs arising from transfers of loans to a held-for-sale account.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RI-6

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   9

 

Part II. Changes in Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands

   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.   Balance most recently reported for the December 31, 2002, Reports of Condition and Income (i.e., after adjustments from amended Reports of Income)    B522    912,350    1
2.   Recoveries (must equal part I, item 9, column B above)    4605    37,805    2
3.   LESS: Charge-offs (must equal part I, item 9, column A above less Schedule RI-B, part II, item 4)    C079    198,411    3
4.   LESS: Write-downs arising from transfers of loans to a held-for-sale account    5523    0    4
5.   Provision for loan and lease losses (must equal Schedule RI, item 4)    4230    162,443    5
6.   Adjustments * (see instructions for this schedule)    C233    18,623    6
7.   Balance end of current period (sum of items 1, 2, 5, and 6, less items 3 and 4) (must equal Schedule RC, item 4.c)    3123    932,810    7

 

 

Memoranda            
Dollar Amounts in Thousands

  RIAD

  Bil | Mil | Thou

   
1.   Allocated transfer risk reserve included in Schedule RI-B, part II, item 7, above   C435   0   M.1
Memorandum items 2 and 3 are to be completed by banks that (1) together with affiliated institutions,
have outstanding credit card receivables (as defined in the instructions) that exceed $500 million as of
the report date or (2) are credit card specialty banks as defined for Uniform Bank Performance Report
purposes.
           
2.   Separate valuation allowance for uncollectible retail credit card fees and finance charges   C389   0   M.2
3.   Amount of allowance for loan and leases losses attributable to retail credit card fees and finance charges   C390   0   M.3

*   Describe on Schedule RI-E—Explanations.

 

Schedule RI-D—Income from International Operations

 

For all banks with foreign offices, Edge or Agreement subsidiaries, or IBFs where international operations account for more than 10 percent of total revenues, total assets, or net income.

 

          Year-to-Date

    
Dollar Amounts in Thousands

   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.   Interest income and expense attributable to international operations:               
    a.   Gross interest income    B523    0    1.a
    b.   Gross interest expense    B524    0    1.b
2.   Net interest income attributable to international operations (item 1.a minus 1.b)    B525    0    2.
3.   Noninterest income and expense attributable to international operations:               
    a.   Noninterest income attributable to international operations    4097    0    3.a
    b.   Provision for loan and lease losses attributable to international operations    4235    0    3.b
    c.   Other noninterest expense attributable to international operations    4239    0    3.c
    d.   Net noninterest income (expense) attributable to international operations (item 3.a minus 3.b and 3.c)   

4843

   0    3.d
4.   Estimated pretax income attributable to international operations before capital allocation adjustment
(sum of items 2 and 3.d)
   4844    0   

4

5.   Adjustment to pretax income for internal allocations to international operations to reflect the effects of
equity capital on overall bank funding costs
   4845    0    5
6.   Estimated pretax income attributable to international operations after capital allocation adjustment (sum
of items 4 and 5)
   4846    0    6
7.   Income taxes attributable to income from international operations as estimated in item 6    4797    0    7
8.   Estimated net income attributable to international operations (item 6 minus 7)    4341    0    8


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RI-7

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   10

 

Schedule RI-E—Explanations

 

Schedule RI-E is to be completed each quarter on a calendar year-to-date basis.

 

Detail all adjustments in Schedules RI-A and RI-B, all extraordinary items and other adjustments in Schedule RI, and all significant items of other noninterest income and other noninterest expense in Schedule RI. (See instructions for details.)

 

          Year-to-Date

    
Dollar Amounts in Thousands

   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Other noninterest income (from Schedule RI, item 5.l) Itemize and describe amounts that
exceed 1% of the sum of Schedule RI, items 1.h and 5.m:
              
              TEXT               
     a.        Income and fees from the printing and sale of checks    C013    0    1.a
     b.        Earnings on/increase in value of cash surrender value of life insurance    C014    0    1.b
     c.        Income and fees from automated teller machines (ATMs)    C016    33,696    1.c
     d.        Rent and other income from other real estate owned    4042    0    1.d
     e.        Safe deposit box rent    C015    0    1.e
     f.   4461    Orig Mtg Srv Rights    4461    111,338    1.f
     g.   4462         4462    N/A    1.g
     h.   4463         4463    N/A    1.h
2.    Other noninterest expense (from Schedule RI, item 7.d): Itemize and describe amounts that
exceed 1% of the sum of of Schedule RI, items 1.h and 5.m:
              
              TEXT               
     a.        Data processing expenses    C017    59,858    2.a
     b.        Advertising and marketing expenses    0497    46,545    2.b
     c.        Director’s fees    4136    0    2.c
     d.        Printing, stationery, and supplies    C018    0    2.d
     e.        Postage    8403    33,944    2.e
     f.        Legal fees and expenses    4141    0    2.f
     g.        FDIC deposit insurance assessments    4146    0    2.g
     h.   4464         4464    N/A    2.h
     i.   4467         4467    N/A    2.I
     j.   4468         4468    N/A    2.j
3.    Extraordinary items and other adjustments and applicable income tax effect (from Schedule
RI, Item 11) (itemize and describe all extraordinary items and other adjustments):
              
              TEXT                        
a.    (1)   4469             4469    N/A    3.a.1
         (2) Applicable income tax effect   4486    0              3.a.2
b.    (1)   4487             4487    N/A    3.b.1
         (2) Applicable income tax effect   4488    0              3.b.2
c.    (1)   4489             4489    N/A    3.c.1
         (2) Applicable income tax effect   4491    0              3.c.2


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RI-8

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   11

 

Schedule RI-E—Continued

 

          Year-to-Date

    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

4.

   Restatements due to corrections of material accounting errors and changes in accounting
principles (from Schedule RI-A, item 2) (itemize and describe all restatements):
              
               TEXT               
     a.    B526         B526    N/A    4.a
     b.    B527         B527    N/A    4.b

5.

   Other transactions with parent holding company (from Schedule RI-A, item 11) (itemize and
describe all such transactions):
              
               TEXT               
     a.    4498    Capital Contribution    4498    72,030    5.a
     b.    4499         4499    N/A    5.b

6.

   Adjustments to allowance for loan and lease losses (from Schedule RI-B, part II, item 6)
(itemize and describe all adjustments):
              
               TEXT               
     a.    4521    PAC Allowance for loan losses    4521    9,299    6.a
     b.    4522    Lighthouse Acquisition              4522    9,324    6.b

7.

   Other explanations (the space below is provided for the bank to briefly describe, at
its option, any other significant items affecting the Report of Income):
   RIAD                    
                   
                   
     X = NO COMMENT—Y = COMMENT    4769    X               
     Other explanations (please type or print clearly):               
               TEXT ( 70 characters per line )                         
          4769   

 


              
              

 


              
              

 


              
              

 


              
              

 


              
              

 


              
              

 


              
              

 


              
              

 


              
              

 


              


SUNTRUST BANK


      

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

      

RC-1

ATLANTA


        

City

       12

GA


 

30302


        

State

 

Zip Code

        

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

        

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

        

 

Consolidated Report of Condition for Insured Commercial

and State-Chartered Savings Banks for June 30, 2003

 

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the quarter.

 

Schedule RC—Balance Sheet

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
ASSETS               
1.    Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):               
     a.    Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin (1)    0081    4,469,018    1.a
     b.    Interest-bearing balances (2)    0071    15,820    1.b
2.    Securities:               
     a.    Held-to-maturity securities (from Schedule RC-B, column A)    1754    0    2.a
     b.    Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D)    1773    19,854,955    2.b
3.    Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:               
                         RCON

         
     a.    Federal funds sold in domestic offices    B987    436,600    3.a
               RCFD

         
     b.    Securities purchased under agreements to resell (3)    B989    3,771,321    3.b
4.    Loans and lease financing receivables (from Schedule RC-C):               
     a.    Loans and leases held for sale    5369    9,037,490    4.a
     b.    Loans and leases, net of unearned income    B528    75,008,023              4.b
     c.    LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses    3123    932,810              4.c
     d.    Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance (item 4.b minus 4.c)    B529    74,075,213    4.d
5.    Trading assets (from Schedule RC-D)    3545    1,472,750    5
6.    Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)    2145    1,296,757    6
7.    Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)    2150    29,826    7
8.    Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies (from Schedule RC-M)    2130    0    8
9.    Customers’ liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding    2155    84,980    9
10.    Intangible assets:               
     a.    Goodwill    3163    862,393    10.a
     b.    Other intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)    0426    607,990    10.b
11.    Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)    2160    2,730,050    11
12.    Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)    2170    118,745,163    12

(1)   Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2)   Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
(3)   Includes all securities resale agreements in domestic and foreign offices, regardless of maturity.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-2

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   13

 

Schedule RC—Continued

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


        Bil | Mil | Thou

    
LIABILITIES               
13.    Deposits:               
                              RCON

         
     a.   

In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C

from Schedule RC-E, part I)

   2200    74,459,262    13.a
          (1)    Noninterest-bearing (1)    6631    10,248,343              13.a.1
          (2)    Interest-bearing    6636    64,210,919              13.a.2
                              RCFN

         
     b.   

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and

IBFs (from Schedule RC-E, part II)

   2200    2,934,964    13.b
          (1)    Noninterest-bearing    6631    0              13.b.1
          (2)    Interest-bearing    6636    2,934,963              13.b.2
14.   

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to

repurchase:

              
                              RCON

         
     a.    Federal funds purchased in domestic offices (2)    B993    8,979,352    14.a
                              RCFD

         
     b.    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (3)    B995    8,422,227    14.b
15.    Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D)    3548    1,179,121    15
16.   

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and

obligations under capitalized leases) (from Schedule RC-M)

   3190    7,252,577    16
17.    Not applicable               
18.    Bank’s liability on acceptances executed and outstanding    2920    84,980    18
19.    Subordinated notes and debentures(4)    3200    2,149,629    19
20.    Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)    2930    2,777,007    20
21.    Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)    2948    108,239,119    21
22.    Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries    3000    1,012,337    22
EQUITY CAPITAL               
23.    Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus    3838    0    23
24.    Common stock    3230    21,600    24
25.    Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)    3839    2,734,106    25
26.    a.    Retained earnings    3632    5,845,041    26.a
     b.    Accumulated other comprehensive income (5)    B530    892,960    26.b
27.    Other equity capital components (6)    A130    0    27
28.    Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)    3210    9,493,707    28
29.   

Total liabilities, minority interest, and equity capital

(sum of items 21, 22, and 28)

   3300    118,745,163    29

 

Memorandum

 

To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.

 

          RCFD

   Number

    

1.

   Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external auditors as of any date during 2002    6724    N/A    M.1

 

1 =   Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank

 

2 =   Independent audit of the bank’s parent holding company conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm which submits a report on the consolidated holding company (but not on the bank separately)

 

3 =   Attestation on bank management’s assertion on the effectiveness of the bank’s internal control over financial reporting by a certified public accounting firm

 

4 =   Directors’ examination of the bank conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by state chartering authority)

 

5 =   Directors’ examination of the bank performed by other external auditors (may be required by state chartering authority)

 

6 =   Review of the bank’s financial statements by external auditors

 

7 =   Compilation of the bank’s financial statements by external auditors

 

8 =   Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)

 

9 =   No external audit work

(1)   Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings deposits.
(2)   Report overnight Federal Home Loan Bank advances in Schedule RC, item 16, “other borrowed money.”
(3)   Includes all securities repurchase agreements in domestic and foreign offices, regardless of maturity.
(4)   Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.
(5)   Includes net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, accumulated net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, and minimum pension liability adjustments.
(6)   Includes treasury stock and unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-3

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   14

 

Schedule RC-A—Cash and Balances Due From Depository Institutions

 

Exclude assets held for trading.

 

    

(Column A)
Consolidated

Bank


  

(Column B)

Domestic

Offices


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Cash items in process of collection, unposted debits, and currency and Coin    0022    4,375,206              1
     a.    Cash items in process of collection and unposted debits              0020    3,665,333    1.a
     b.    Currency and coin              0080    709,873    1.b
2.    Balance due from depository institutions in the U.S.              0082    67,174    2
     a.    U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks (including their IBFs)    0083    0              2.a
     b.    Other commercial banks in the U.S. and other depository institutions in the U.S. (including their IBFs)    0085    67,174              2.b
3.    Balances due from banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks              0070    42,458    3
     a.    Foreign branches of other U.S. banks    0073    0              3.a
     b.    Other banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks    0074    42,458              3.b
4.    Balances due from Federal Reserve Banks    0090    0    0090    0    4
5.    Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (total of column A must equal Schedule RC, sum of items 1.a and 1.b)    0010    4,484,838    0010    4,484,838    5

 

Schedule RC-B—Securities

 

Exclude assets held for trading.

 

     Held-to-maturity

   Available-for-sale

    
    

(Column A)

Amortized Cost


  

(Column B)

Fair Value


  

(Column C)

Amortized Cost


  

(Column D)

Fair Value


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    U.S. Treasury securities    0211    0    0213    0    1286    58,488    1287    60,506    1
2.    U.S. Government agency obligations (exclude mortgage-backed securities):                                             
     a.    Issued by U.S. Government agencies (1)    1289    0    1290    0    1291    0    1293    0    2.a
     b.    Issued by U.S. Government-sponsored agencies (2)    1294    0    1295    0    1297    2,813,927    1298    2,869,301    2.b
3.    Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S.    8496    0    8497    0    8498    345,171    8499    367,541    3

(1)   Includes Small Business Administration ‘Guaranteed Loan Pool Certificates,’ U.S. Maritime Administration obligations, and Export—Import Bank participation certificates.
(2)   Includes obligations (other than mortgage-backed securities) issued by the Farm Credit System, the Federal Home Loan Bank System, The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Financing Corporation, Resolution Funding Corporation, the Student Loan Marketing Association, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-4

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   15

 

Schedule RC-B—Continued

 

                Held-to-maturity

  Available-for-sale

   
    (Column A)
Amortized Cost


 

(Column B)

Fair Value


  (Column C)
Amortized Cost


  (Column D)
Fair Value


   

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


  RCFD

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  RCFD

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  RCFD

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  RCFD

  Bil | Mil | Thou

   
4.   Mortgage-backed securities (MBS):                                    
    a.   Pass-through securities:                                    
        (1)   Guaranteed by GNMA   1698   0   1699   0   1701   102,855   1702   106,031   4.a.1
        (2)   Issued by FNMA and FHLMC   1703   0   1705   0   1706   2,530,005   1707   2,590,741   4.a.2
        (3)   Other pass-through securities   1709   0   1710   0   1711   348,712   1713   348,510   4.a.3
    b.  

Other mortgage-backed securities

(include CMOs, REMICs and stripped MBS):

                                   
        (1)   Issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA   1714   0   1715   0   1716   5,024,580   1717   5,021,426   4.b.1
        (2)   Collateralized by MBS issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA   1718   0   1719   0   1731   211   1732   211   4.b.2
        (3)   All other mortgage-backed securities   1733   0   1734   0   1735   514,364   1736   513,872   4.b.3
5.   Asset-backed securities (ABS):                                    
    a.   Credit card receivables   B838   0   B839   0   B840   825,609   B841   835,458   5.a
    b.   Home equity lines   B842   0   B843   0   B844   2,318,053   B845   2,331,669   5.b
    c.   Automobile loans   B846   0   B847   0   B848   957,355   B849   968,230   5.c
    d.   Other consumer loans   B850   0   B851   0   B852   66,249   B853   66,313   5.d
    e.   Commercial and industrial loans   B854   0   B855   0   B856   4,100   B857   4,131   5.e
    f.   Other   B858   0   B859   0   B860   285,795   B861   284,986   5.f
6.   Other debt securities:                                    
    a.   Other domestic debt securities   1737   0   1738   0   1739   1,543,071   1741   1,605,276   6.a
    b.   Foreign debt securities   1742   0   1743   0   1744   3,300   1746   3,300   6.b
7.   Investments in mutual funds and other equity securities with readily determinable fair values (1)                   A510   699,848   A511   1,877,453   7
8.   Total (sum of items 1 through 7) (total of Column A must equal Schedule RC item 2.a) (total of column D must equal Schedule RC, item 2.b)   1754   0   1771   0   1772   18,441,693   1773   19,854,955   8

(1)   Report Federal Reserve stock, Federal Home Loan Bank stock, and banker’s bank stock in Schedule RC-F, item 4.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-5

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   16

 

Schedule RC-B—Continued

 

Memoranda


  

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

1.

   Pledged securities (1)    0416    11,291,115    M.1

2.

   Maturity and repricing data for debt securities (1, 2) (excluding those in nonaccrual status):               
     a.    Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies, and states and political subdivisions in the U.S.; other non-mortgage debt securities; and mortgage pass-through securities other than those backed by closed-end first lien 1-4 family residential mortgages with a remaining maturity or next repricing date of: (3,4)               
          (1)    Three months or less    A549    2,857,078    M.2.a.1
          (2)    Over three months through 12 months    A550    486,090    M.2.a.2
          (3)    Over one year through three years    A551    3,413,268    M.2.a.3
          (4)    Over three years through five years    A552    1,258,134    M.2.a.4
          (5)    Over five years through 15 years    A553    1,071,714    M.2.a.5
          (6)    Over 15 years    A554    317,493    M.2.a.6
     b.    Mortgage pass-through securities backed by closed-end first lien 1-4 family residential mortgages with a remaining maturity or next repricing date of: (3,5)               
          (1)    Three months or less    A555    2,196,227    M.2.b.1
          (2)    Over three months through 12 months    A556    65,268    M.2.b.2
          (3)    Over one year through three years    A557    24,253    M.2.b.3
          (4)    Over three years through five years    A558    428,271    M.2.b.4
          (5)    Over five years through 15 years    A559    271,513    M.2.b.5
          (6)    Over 15 years    A560    52,684    M.2.b.6
     c.    Other mortgage-backed securities (include CMOs, REMICs, and stripped MBS; exclude mortgage pass-through securities) with an expected average life of: (6)               
          (1)    Three years or less    A561    4,945,656    M.2.c.1
          (2)    Over three years    A562    589,853    M.2.c.2
     d.    Debt securities with a REMAINING MATURITY of one year or less (included in Memorandum items 2.a through 2.c above)    A248    578,451    M.2.d

3.

   Amortized cost of held-to-maturity securities sold or transferred to available-for-sale or trading
securities during the calendar year-to-date (report the amortized cost at date of sale or transfer)
   1778    0    M.3

4.

   Structured notes (included in the held-to-maturity and available-for-sale accounts in Schedule
RC-B, items 2, 3, 5, and 6):
              
     a.    Amortized cost    8782    3,000    M.4.a
     b.    Fair value    8783    3,088    M.4.b

(1)   Includes held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost and available-for-sale securities at fair value.
(2)   Exclude investments in mutual funds and other equity securities with readily determinable fair values.
(3)   Report fixed rate debt securities by remaining maturity and floating rate debt securities by next repricing date.
(4)   Sum of Memorandum items 2.a.(1) through 2.a.(6) plus any nonaccrual debt securities in the categories of debt securities reported in Memorandum item 2.a that are included in Schedule RC-N, item 9, column C, must equal Schedule RC-B, sum of items 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6, columns A and D, plus mortgage pass-through securities other than those backed by closed-end first lien 1-4 family residential mortgages included in Schedule RC-B, item 4.a, columns A and D.
(5)   Sum of Memorandum items 2.b.(1) through 2.b.(6) plus any nonaccrual mortgage pass-through securities backed by closed-end first lien 1-4 family residential mortgages included in Schedule RC-N, item 9, column C, must equal Schedule RC-B, item 4.a, sum of columns A and D, less the amount of mortgage pass-through securities other than those backed by closed-end first lien 1-4 family residential mortgages included in Schedule RC-B, item 4.a, columns A and D.
(6)   Sum of Memorandum items 2.c.(1) and 2.c.(2) plus any nonaccrual “Other mortgage-backed securities” included in Schedule RC-N, item 9, column C, must equal Schedule RC-B, item 4.b, sum of columns A and D.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-6

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   17

 

Schedule RC-C—Loans and Lease Financing Receivables

 

Part I. Loans and Leases

 

Do not deduct the allowance for loan and lease losses or the allocated transfer risk reserve from amounts reported in this schedule. Report (1) loans and leases held for sale at the lower of cost or market value and (2) loans and leases held for investment, net of unearned income. Exclude assets held for trading and commercial paper.

 

    

(Column A)

Consolidated

Bank


  

(Column B)

Domestic

Offices


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Loans secured by real estate    1410    43,319,452              1
     a.    Construction, land development, and other land loans              1415    4,281,075    1.a
     b.    Secured by farmland (including farm residential and other improvements)              1420    185,399    1.b
     c.    Secured by 1-4 family residential properties:                         
          (1)    Revolving, open-end loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties and extended under lines of credit              1797    6,171,234    1.c.1
          (2)    Closed-end loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties:                         
               (a)    Secured by first liens              5367    21,809,843    1.c.2.a
               (b)    Secured by junior liens              5368    1,732,737    1.c.2.b
     d.    Secured by multifamily (5 or more) residential properties              1460    477,464    1.d
     e.    Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties              1480    8,661,700    1.e
2.    Loans to depository institutions and acceptances of other banks:                         
     a.    To commercial banks in the U.S.              B531    281,129    2.a
          (1)    To U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks    B532    0              2.a.1
          (2)    To other commercial banks in the U.S.    B533    281,129              2.a.2
     b.    To other depository institutions in the U.S.    B534    1,980    B534    1,980    2.b
     c.    To banks in foreign countries              B535    23,175    2.c
          (1)    To foreign branches of other U.S. banks    B536    67              2.c.1
          (2)    To other banks in foreign countries    B537    23,108              2.c.2
3.    Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers    1590    78,731    1590    78,731    3
4.    Commercial and industrial loans:                         
     a.    To U.S. addressees (domicile)    1763    20,221,986    1763    20,221,986    4.a
     b.    To non-U.S. addressees (domicile)    1764    412,931    1764    412,931    4.b
5.    Not applicable.                         
6.    Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures (i.e., consumer loans) (includes purchased paper):                         
     a.    Credit cards    B538    0    B538    0    6.a
     b.    Other revolving credit plans    B539    134,846    B539    134,846    6.b
     c.    Other consumer loans (includes single payment, installment, and and all student loans    2011    12,380,541    2011    12,380,541    6.c
7.    Loans to foreign government and official institutions (including foreign central banks)    2081    16,901    2081    16,901    7
8.    Obligations (other than securities and leases) of states and political subdivisions in the U.S.    2107    1,698,262    2107    1,698,262    8
9.    Other loans    1563    2,337,514              9
     a.    Loans for purchasing or carrying securities (secured and unsecured)              1545    987,766    9.a
     b.    All other loans (exclude consumer loans)              1564    1,349,748    9.b
10.    Lease financing receivables (net of unearned income)              2165    3,138,065    10
     a.    Of U.S. addressees (domicile)    2182    3,138,065              10.a
     b.    Of non-U.S. addressees (domicile)    2183    0              10.b
11.    LESS: Any unearned income on loans reflected in items 1-9 above    2123    0    2123    0    11
12.    Total loans and leases, net of unearned income (sum of items 1 through 10 minus item 11) (total of column A must equal Schedule RC, item 4.a and 4.b)    2122    84,045,513    2122    84,045,513    12


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-7

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   18

 

Schedule RC-C—Continued

 

Part I. Continued

 

Memoranda


  

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

1.

   Loans and Leases restructured and in compliance with modified terms (included in Schedule RC-C, part I, and not reported as past due or nonaccrual in Schedule RC-N, Memorandum item 1) (exclude loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties and loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures)    1616    0    M.1

2.

   Maturity and repricing data for loans and leases (excluding those in nonaccrual status):               
     a.    Closed-end loans secured by first liens on 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices (reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.c.(2)(a), column B) with a remaining maturity or next repricing date of: (1, 2)               
               RCON

         
          (1)    Three months or less    A564    1,396,440    M.2.a.1
          (2)    Over three months through 12 months    A565    1,887,114    M.2.a.2
          (3)    Over one year through three years    A566    4,001,281    M.2.a.3
          (4)    Over three years through five years    A567    3,562,703    M.2.a.4
          (5)    Over five years through 15 years    A568    3,884,329    M.2.a.5
          (6)    Over 15 years    A569    7,010,040    M.2.a.6
     b.    All loans and leases (reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, items 1 through 10, column A) EXCLUDING closed-end loans secured by first liens on 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices (reported in Schedule RC-C, part I item 1.c.(2)(a), column B) with a remaining maturity or next repricing date of: (1,3)               
               RCFD

         
          (1)    Three months or less    A570    34,080,528    M.2.b.1
          (2)    Over three months through 12 months    A571    2,545,530    M.2.b.2
          (3)    Over one year through three years    A572    4,417,870    M.2.b.3
          (4)    Over three years through five years    A573    10,960,694    M.2.b.4
          (5)    Over five years through 15 years    A574    5,361,499    M.2.b.5
          (6)    Over 15 years    A575    4,455,987    M.2.b.6
     c.    Loans and leases (reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, items 1 through 10, column A) with a REMAINING MATURITY of one year or less (excluding those in nonaccrual status)    A247    15,746,300    M.2.c

3.

   Loans to finance commercial real estate, construction, and land development activities (not secured by real estate) included in Schedule RC-C, part I, items 4 and 9, column A (4)    2746    1,754,129    M.3

4.

   Adjustable rate closed-end loans secured by first liens on 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices               
          RCON

         
     (included in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.c.(2)(a), column B)    5370    19,098,711    M.4
                
     RCFD

         

5.

   Loans secured by real estate to non-U.S. addresses (domicile) (included in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1, column A)    B837    31,428    M.5

6)

   Memorandum item 6 is to be completed by banks that (1) together with affiliated institutions, have outstanding credit card receivables (as defined in the instructions) that exceed $500 million as of the report date or (2) are credit card specialty banks as defined for Uniform Bank Performance Report purposes.               
     Outstanding credit card fees and finance charges included in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 6.a., column A    C391    0    M.6

(1)   Report fixed rate loans and leases by remaining maturity and floating rate loans by next repricing date.
(2)   Sum of Memorandum items 2.a.(1) through 2.a.(6) plus total nonaccrual closed-end loans secured by first liens on 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices included in Schedule RC-N, item 1.c.(2)(a), column C must equal total closed-end loans secured by first liens on 1-4 family residential properties from . Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.c.(2)(a), column B
(3)   Sum of Memorandum items 2.b.(1) through 2.b.(6) plus total nonaccrual loans and leases from Schedule RC-N, sum of items 1 through 8, column C, minus nonaccrual closed-end loans secured by first liens on 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices included in Schedule RC-N, item 1.c.(2)(a), column C, must equal total loans and leases from Schedule RC-C, Part I, sum of items 1 through 10, column A, minus total closed-end loans secured by first liens on 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices from Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.c.(2)(a), column B.
(4)   Exclude loans secured by real estate that are included in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1, column A.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-7a

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   18a

 

Schedule RC-C—Continued

 

Part II. Loans to Small Businesses and Small Farms

 

Schedule RC-C, Part II is to be reported only with the June Report of Condition.

 

Report the number and amount currently outstanding as of June 30 of business loans with “original amounts” of $1,000,000 or less and farm loans with “original amounts” of $500,000 or less. The following guidelines should be used to determine the “original amount” of a loan: (1) For loans drawn down under lines of credit or loan commitments, the “original amount” of the loan is the size of the line of credit or loan commitment when the line of credit or loan commitment was most recently approved, extended, or renewed prior to the report date. However, if the amount currently outstanding as of the report date exceeds this size, the “original amount” is the amount currently outstanding on the report date. (2) For loan participations and syndications, the “original amount” of the loan participation or syndication is the entire amount of credit originated by the lead lender. (3) For all other loans, the “original amount” is the total amount of the loan at origination or the amount currently outstanding as of the report date, whichever is larger.

 

Loans to Small Businesses

 

1.    Indicate in the appropriate box at the right whether all or substantially all of the dollar volume of your bank’s
“Loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I,
item 1.e, column B, and all or substantially all of the dollar volume of your bank’s “Commercial and industrial
loans to U.S. addressees” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 4.a, column B, have
original amounts of $100,000 or less (If your bank has no loans outstanding in BOTH of these two loan
categories, place an “X” in the box marked “NO.”)
   RCON

   YES / NO

    
          6999    NO    1

 

If YES, complete items 2.a and 2.b below, skip items 3 and 4, and go to item 5.

If NO and your bank has loans outstanding in either loan category, skip items 2.a and 2.b, complete items 3 and 4 below, and go to item 5. If NO and your bank has no loans outstanding in both loan categories, skip items 2 through 4, and go to item 5.

 

                         RCON

   Number of
Loans


    
2.    Report the total number of loans currently outstanding for each of the following Schedule RC-C,
part I, loan categories:
              
     a.    “Loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.e, column B (Note: Item 1.e, column B, divided by the number of loans should NOT exceed $100,000.)    5562    N/A    2.a
     b.    “Commercial and industrial loans to U.S. addressees” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 4.a, column B (Note: Item 4.a, column B, divided by the number of loans should NOT exceed $100,000.)    5563    N/A    2.b
    

(Column A)

Number of

Loans


  

(Column B)

Amount

Currently

Outstanding


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCON

        RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
3.    Number and amount currently outstanding of “Loans secured by nonfarm
nonresidential properties” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I,
item 1.e, column B (sum of items 3.a through 3.c must be less than or equal to
Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.e, column B):
                        
     a.    With original amounts of $100,000 or less    5564    4,852    5565    230,784    3.a
     b.    With original amounts of more than $100,000 through $250,000    5566    5,700    5567    805,959    3.b
     c.    With original amounts of more than $250,000 through $1,000,000    5568    6,165    5569    2,644,449    3.c
4.    Number and amount currently outstanding of “Commercial and industrial loans
to U.S addressees” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item
4.a, column B (sum of items 4.a through 4.c must be less than or equal to
Schedule RC-C, part I, item 4.a, column B):
                        
     a.    With original amounts of $ 100,000 or less    5570    40,057    5571    916,784    4.a
     b.    With original amounts of more than $100,000 through $250,000    5572    5,232    5573    586,786    4.b
     c.    With original amounts of more than $250,000 through $1,000,000    5574    4,161    5575    1,383,783    4.c


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-7b

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   18b

 

Schedule RC-C—Continued

 

Part II. Continued

 

Agricultural Loans to Small Farms

 

          RCON

   YES / NO

    

5.

   Indicate in the appropriate box at the right whether all or substantially all of the dollar volume of your bank’s “Loans secured by farmland (including farm residential and other improvements)” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.b, column B, and all or substantially all of the dollar volume of your bank’s “Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 3, column B, have original amounts of $100,000 or less (If your bank has no loans outstanding in BOTH of these two loan categories, place an “X” in the box marked “NO.”)    6860    NO    5

 

If YES, complete items 6.a and 6.b below, and do not complete items 7 and 8. If NO, and your bank has loans outstanding in either loan category, skip items 6.a and 6.b and complete items 7 and 8 below. If NO and your bank has no loans outstanding in both loan categories, do not complete items 6 through 8.

 

              

Number of

Loans


    
               RCON

         

6.

   Report the total number of loans currently outstanding for each of the following Schedule RC-C, part I, loan categories:               
     a.    “Loans secured by farmland (including farm residential and other improvements)” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.b, column B (Note: Item 1.b, column B, divided by the number of loans should NOT exceed $100,000.)   

5576

   N/A    6.a
     b.    “Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 3, column B (Note: Item 3, column B, divided by the number of loans should NOT exceed $100,000.)    5577    N/A    6.b

 

 

          (Column A)
Number of
Loans


  

(Column B)

Amount

Currently

Outstanding


    
    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCON

  
   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

  

7.

   Number and amount currently outstanding of “Loans secured by farmland (including farm residential and other improvements)” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.b, column B (sum of items 7.a through 7.c must be less than or equal to Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.b, column B):                         
     a.    With original amounts of $100,000 or less    5578    248    5579    9,621    7.a
     b.    With original amounts of more than $100,000 through $250,000    5580    177    5581    24,742    7.b
     c.    With original amounts of more than $250,000 through $500,000    5582    127    5583    37,590    7.c

8.

   Number and amount currently outstanding of “Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers” in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 3, column B, (sum of items 8.a through 8.c must be less than or equal to Schedule RC-C, part I, item 3 column B):                         
     a.    With original amounts of $100,000 or less    5584    603    5585    10,266    8.a
     b.    With original amounts of more than $100,000 through $250,000    5586    80    5587    8,524    8.b
     c.    With original amounts of more than $250,000 through $500,000    5588    52    5589    8,073    8.c


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-8

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   19

 

Schedule RC-D—Trading Assets and Liabilities

 

Schedule RC-D is to be completed by banks that reported average trading assets (Schedule RC-K, item 7) of $2 million or more for any quarter of the preceding year.

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCON

   Bil| Mil| Thou

    

ASSETS

              

1.

   U.S. Treasury securities in domestic offices    3531    46,462    1

2.

   U.S. Government agency obligations in domestic offices (exclude mortgage - backed securities)    3532    0    2

3.

   Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S. in domestic offices    3533    0    3

4.

   Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) in domestic offices:               
     a. Pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA    3534    0    4.a
     b.    Other mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA (include CMOs, REMICs, and stripped MBS)    3535    0    4.b
     c.    All other mortgage-backed securities    3536    0    4.c

5.

   Other debt securities in domestic offices    3537    0    5

6.- 8.

   Not applicable               

9.

   Other trading assets in domestic offices    3541    36,054    9
          RCFN

         

10.

   Trading assets in foreign offices    3542    0    10
          RCON

         

11.

   Revaluation gains on derivative contracts:               
     a.    In domestic offices    3543    1,390,234    11.a
               RCFN

         
     b.    In foreign offices    3543    0    11.b
               RCFD

         

12.

   Total trading assets (sum of items 1 through 11) (must equal Schedule RC, item 5)    3545    1,472,750    12
               RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

LIABILITIES

              

13.

   Liability for short positions    3546    143    13

14.

   Revaluation losses on derivative contracts    3547    1,178,978    14

15.

   Total trading liabilities (sum of items 13 and 14) (must equal Schedule RC, item 15)    3548    1,179,121    15


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-9

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   20

 

Schedule RC-E—Deposit Liabilities

 

Part I. Deposits in Domestic Offices

 

          Transaction Accounts

   Nontransaction
Accounts


    
         

(Column A)

Total

transaction

accounts

(including total
demand deposits)


  

(Column B)

Memo: Total

demand

deposits

(included in

column A)


  

(Column C)

Total

nontransaction

accounts

(including

MMDAs)


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

Deposits of:

                                  

1.

   Individuals, partnerships and corporations (include all certified and official checks)    B549    8,576,981              B550    62,718,937    1

2.

   U.S. Government    2202    5,389              2520    0    2

3.

   States and political subdivisions in the U.S.    2203    2,068,415              2530    456,659    3

4.

   Commercial banks and other depository institutions in the U.S.    B551    618,240              B552    0    4

5.

   Banks in foreign countries    2213    14,641              2236    0    5

6.

   Foreign governments, and official institutions (including foreign central banks)    2216    0              2377    0    6

7.

   Total (sum of items 1 through 6) (sum of columns A and C must equal Schedule RC, item 13.a)    2215    11,283,666    2210    10,248,343    2385    63,175,596    7

 

 

Memoranda


  

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

1.

   Selected components of total deposits (i.e., sum of item 7, columns A and C):               
     a.    Total Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Keogh Plan accounts    6835    2,089,683    M.1.a
     b.    Total brokered deposits    2365    3,207,876    M.1.b
     c.    Fully insured brokered deposits (included in Memorandum item 1.b above):               
          (1)    Issued in denominations of less than $100,000    2343    5,725    M.1.c.1
          (2)    Issued either in denominations of $100,000 or in denominations greater than $100,000 and participated out by the broker in shares of $100,000 or less    2344    103,255    M.1.c.2
     d.    Maturity data for brokered deposits:               
          (1)    Brokered deposits issued in denominations of less than $100,000 with a remaining maturity of one year or less (included in Memorandum item 1.c.(1) above)    A243    3,944    M.1.d.1
          (2)    Brokered deposits issued in denominations of $100,000 or more with a remaining maturity of one year or less (included in Memorandum item 1.b above)    A244    3,199,651    M.1.d.2
     e.    Preferred deposits (uninsured deposits of states and political subdivisions in the U.S. reported in item 3 above which are secured or collaterlized as required under state law) (to be completed for the December report only)    5590    N/A    M.1.e

2.

   Components of total nontransaction accounts (sum of Memorandum items 2.a through 2.c must equal item 7, column C, above):               
     a.    Savings deposits:               
          (1)    Money market deposit accounts (MMDAs)    6810    42,446,588    M.2.a.1
          (2)    Other savings deposits (excludes MMDAs)    0352    6,284,083    M.2.a.2
     b.    Total time deposits of less than $100,000    6648    7,785,732    M.2.b
     c.    Total time deposits of $100,000 or more    2604    6,659,193    M.2.c


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-10

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   21

 

Schedule RC-E—Continued

 

Part I. Continued

 

Memoranda (continued)


 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
3.   Maturity and repricing data for time deposits of less than $100,000 :               
    a.   Time deposits of less than $100,000 with a remaining maturity or next repricing date of (1,2)               
        (1)   Three months or less    A579    516,821    M.3.a.1
        (2)   Over three months through 12 months    A580    4,053,483    M.3.a.2
        (3)   Over one year through three years    A581    2,571,295    M.3.a.3
        (4)   Over three years    A582    644,132    M.3.a.4
    b.   Time deposits of less than $100,000 with a REMAINING MATURITY of one year or less (included in Memorandum items 3.a.(1) and 3.a.(2) above) (3)    A241    4,444,139    M.3.b
4.   Maturity and repricing data for time deposits of $100,000 or more:               
    a.   Time deposits of $100,000 or more with a remaining maturity or next repricing date of (1,4)               
        (1)   Three months or less    A584    3,386,914    M.4.a.1
        (2)   Over three months through 12 months    A585    1,824,495    M.4.a.2
        (3)   Over one year through three years    A586    1,014,917    M.4.a.3
        (4)   Over three years    A587    432,867    M.4.a.4
    b.   Time deposits of $100,000 or more with a REMAINING MATURITY of one year or less (included in Memorandum items 4.a.(1) and 4.a.(2) above) (3)    A242    5,211,409    M.4.b

(1)   Report fixed rate time deposits by remaining maturity and floating rate time deposits by next repricing date.
(2)   Sum of Memorandum items 3.a.(1) through 3.a.(4) must equal Schedule RC-E Memorandum item 2.b.
(3)   Report both fixed and floating rate time deposits by remaining maturity. Exclude floating rate time deposits with a next repricing date of one year or less that have a remaining maturity of over one year.
(4)   Sum of Memorandum items 4.a.(1) through 4.a.(4) must equal Schedule RC-E, Memorandum item 2.c.

 

Part II. Deposits in Foreign Offices (including Edge and Agreement subsidiaries and IBFs)

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFN

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
Deposits of:               
1.   Individuals, partnerships, and corporations (include all certified and official checks)    B553    2,817,089    1
2.   U.S. banks (including IBFs and foreign branches of U.S. banks) and other U.S. depository institutions    B554    0    2
3.   Foreign banks (including U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks, including their IBFs)    2625    117,875    3
4.   Foreign governments and official institutions (including foreign central banks)    2650    0    4
5.   U.S. Government and states and political subdivisions in the U.S.    B555    0    5
6.   Total (sum of items 1 through 5 ) (must equal Schedule RC, item 13.b)    2200    2,934,964    6

 

Memorandum


 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFN

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.   Time deposits with a remaining maturity of one year or less (included in Part II, item 6 above)    A245    2,934,964    M.1


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-11

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   22

 

Schedule RC-F—Other Assets

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands

   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.   Accrued interest receivable (1)    B556    370,642    1
2.   Net deferred tax assets (2)    2148    0    2
3.   Interest-only strips receivable (not in the form of a security) (3) on:               
    a.   Mortgage loans    A519    0    3.a
    b.   Other financial assets    A520    0    3.b
4.   Equity securities that DO NOT have readily determinable fair values (4)    1752    390,998    4
5.   All other assets (itemize and describe amounts greater than $25,000 that exceed 25% of this item)    2168    1,968,410    5
            TEXT                         
    a.       Prepaid expenses    2166    0              5.a
    b.       Cash surrender value of life insurance    C009    0              5.b
    c.       Repossessed personal property (including vehicles)    1578    0              5.c
    d.       Deriviatives with a positive fair value held for purposes other than trading    C010    0              5.d
    e.       Retained interests in accrued interest receivable related to securitized credit cards    C436    0              5.e
    f.   3549   A/R Other    3549    932,150              5.f
    g.   3550        3550    N/A              5.g
    h.   3551        3551    N/A              5.h
6.   Total (sum of items 1 through 5) (must equal Schedule RC, item 11)              2160    2,730,050    6

 

Schedule RC-G—Other Liabilities

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands

   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.   a.   Interest accrued and unpaid on deposits in domestic offices(5)    3645    50,896    1.a
    b.   Other expenses accrued and unpaid (includes accrued income taxes payable)               
             RCFD

         
             3646    411,138    1.b
2.   Net deferred tax liabilities (2)    3049    1,062,810    2
3.   Allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures    B557    0    3
4.   All other liabilities (itemize and describe amounts greater than $25,000 that exceed 25% of this item)    2938    1,252,163    4
            TEXT                         
    a.       Accounts payable    3066    377,179              4.a
    b.       Deferred compensation liabilities    C011    0              4.b
    c.       Dividends declared but not yet payable    2932    0              4.c
    d.       Derivatives with a negative fair value held for purposes other than trading    C012    0              4.d
    e.   3552        3552    N/A              4.e
    f.   3553        3553    N/A              4.f
    g.   3554        3554    N/A              4.g
5.   Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (must equal Schedule RC, item 20)    2930    2,777,007    5

(1)   Include accrued interest receivable on loans, leases, debt securities, and other interest-bearing assets.
(2)   See discussion of deferred income taxes in Glossary entry on “income taxes.”
(3)   Report interest-only strips receivable in the form of a security as available-for sale securities in Schedule RC, item 2.b, or as trading assets in Schedule RC, item 5, as appropriate.
(4)   Include Federal Reserve stock, Federal Home Loan Bank stock, and bankers’ bank stock
(5)   For savings banks, includes “dividends” accrued and unpaid on deposits.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-12

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   23

 

Schedule RC-H—Selected Balance Sheet Items for Domestic Offices

 

     Domestic Offices

    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Customers’ liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding    2155    84,980    1
2.    Bank’s liability on acceptances executed and outstanding    2920    84,980    2
3.    Securities purchased under agreements to resell    B989    3,771,321    3
4.    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase    B995    8,422,227    4
5.    Other borrowed money    3190    7,252,577    5
     EITHER               
6.    Net due from own foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs    2163    N/A    6
     OR               
7.    Net due to own foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs    2941    3,216,056    7
8.    Total assets (excludes net due from foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs)    2192    118,745,162    8
9.    Total liabilities (excludes net due to foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs)    3129    105,023,062    9
In items 10-17 report the amortized (historical) cost of both held-to-maturity and available-for-
sale securities in domestic offices.
              
     RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
10.    U.S. Treasury securities    1039    58,488    10
11.    U.S. Government agency obligations (exclude mortgage-backed securities)    1041    2,813,927    11
12.    Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S.    1042    345,171    12
13.    Mortgage-backed securities (MBS):               
     a.    Pass-through securities:               
          (1)    Issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA    1043    2,632,860    13.a.1
          (2)    Other pass-through securities    1044    348,712    13.a.2
     b.    Other mortgage-backed securities (include CMOs, REMICs, and stripped MBS):               
          (1)    Issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA    1209    5,024,580    13.b.1
          (2)    All other mortgage-backed securities    1280    514,575    13.b.2
14.    Other domestic debt securities (include domestic asset-backed securities)    1281    6,000,232    14
15.    Foreign debt securities (include foreign asset-backed securities)    1282    3,300    15
16.    Investments in mutual funds and other equity securities with readily determinable fair values    A510    699,848    16
17.    Total amortized (historical) cost of both held-to-maturity and available-for-sale secutities (sum of items 10 through 16)    1374    18,441,693    17
18.    Equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values    1752    390,998    18
Schedule RC-I—Selected Assets and Liabilities of IBFs

 

To be completed only by banks with IBFs and other “foreign” offices.

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFN

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Total IBF assets of the consolidated bank (component of Schedule RC, item 12)    2133    0    1
2.    Total IBF liabilities (component of Schedule RC, item 21)    2898    67,052    2


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-13

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   24

 

Schedule RC-K—Quarterly Averages (1)

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
ASSETS               
1.    Interest-bearing balances due from depository institutions    3381    18,389    1
2.    U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (2) (excluding mortgage-backed securities)    B558    3,074,396    2
3.    Mortgage-backed securities (2)    B559    9,274,316    3
4.    All other securities (2, 3)(includes securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S.)    B560    6,972,953    4
5.    Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell    3365    4,046,699    5
6.    Loans:               
     a.    Loans in domestic offices:               
               RCON

         
          (1)    Total loans    3360    79,474,286    6.a.1
          (2)    Loans secured by real estate    3385    41,700,726    6.a.2
          (3)    Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers    3386    95,232    6.a.3
          (4)    Commercial and industrial loans    3387    23,038,817    6.a.4
          (5)    Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures:               
               (a)    Credit cards    B561    0    6.a.5.a
               (b)    Other (includes single payment, installment, all student loans, and revolving credit plans other than credit cards)    B562    12,477,594    6.a.5.b
                         RCFN

         
     b.    Total loans in foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs    3360    0    6.b
                         RCFD          
7.    Trading assets    3401    1,265,017    7
8.    Lease financing receivables (net of unearned income)    3484    3,152,209    8
9.    Total assets(4)    3368    114,789,856    9
LIABILITIES               
     RCON

         
10.    Interest-bearing transaction accounts in domestic (NOW accounts, ATS accounts, and telephone and preauthorized transfer accounts) (exclude demand deposits)    3485    963,376    10
11.    Nontransaction accounts in domestic offices:               
     a.    Savings deposits (includes MMDAs)    B563    43,188,580    11.a
     b.    Time deposits of $100,000 or more    A514    6,968,943    11.b
     c.    Time deposits of less than $100,000    A529    7,823,562    11.c
          RCFN

         
12.    Interest-bearing deposits in foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs    3404    7,137,548    12
          RCFD

         
13.    Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase    3353    14,180,126    13
14.    Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)    3355    6,530,392    14

(1)   For all items, banks have the option of reporting either (1) an average of DAILY figures for the quarter, or (2) an average of WEEKLY figures (i.e., the Wednesday of each week of the quarter).
(2)   Quarterly averages for all debt securities should be based on amortized cost.
(3)   Quarterly averages for all equity securities should be based on historical cost.
(4)   The quarterly averages for total assets should reflect all debt securities (not held for trading) at amortized cost, equity securities with readily determinable fair values at the lower of cost or fair value, and equity securities without readily determinable fair values at historical cost.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-14

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   25

 

Schedule RC-L—Derivatives and Off-Balance Sheet Items

 

Please read carefully the instructions for the preparation of Schedule RC-L. Some of the amounts reported in Schedule RC-L are regarded as volume indicators and not necessarily as measures of risk.

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Unused commitments:               
     a.    Revolving, open-end lines secured by 1-4 family residential properties, e.g., home equity lines              3814    6,238,052    1.a
     b.    Credit card lines              3815    0    1.b
     c.    Commercial real estate, construction, and land development:                         
          (1)    Commitments to fund loans secured by real estate              3816    2,897,088    1.c.1
          (2)    Commitments to fund loans not secured by real estate              6550    1,052,786    1.c.2
     d.    Securities underwriting              3817    0    1.d
     e.    Other unused commitments              3818    45,638,141    1.e
2.    Financial standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees              3819    10,638,430    2
     a.    Amount of financial standby letters of credit conveyed to others    3820    342,199              2.a
3.    Performance standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees              3821    356,858    3.
     a.    Amount of performance standby letters of credit conveyed to others    3822    5,671              3.a
4.    Commercial and similar letters of credit              3411    129,724    4
5.    Participations in acceptances (as described in the instructions) conveyed to others by the reporting bank              3428    1,974    5
6.    Securities lent (including customers’ securities lent where the customer is indemnified against loss by the reporting bank)              3433    0    6
7.    Credit derivatives :                         
     a.    Notional amount of credit derivatives on which the reporting bank is the guarantor              A534    225,000    7.a
          (1)    Gross positive fair value              C219    1,542    7.a.1
          (2)    Gross negative fair value              C220    173    7.a.2
     b.    Notional amount of credit derivatives on which the reporting bank is the beneficiary              A535    126,000    7.b
          (1)    Gross positive fair value              C221    86    7.b.1
          (2)    Gross negative fair value              C222    887    7.b.2
8.    Spot foreign exchange contracts              8765    482,422    8
9.    All other off-balance sheet liabilities (exclude derivatives) (itemize and describe each component of this item over 25% of Schedule RC, item 28, “Total equity capital”)              3430    0    9
               TEXT                         
     a.         Securities borrowed    3432    0              9.a
     b.         Commitments to purchase when-issued securities    3434    0              9.b
     c.    3555    3555    N/A              9.c
     d.    3556    3556    N/A              9.d
     e.    3557    3557    N/A              9.e
10.    All other off-balance sheet assets (exclude derivatives)(itemize and describe each component of this item over 25% Schedule RC item 28., “Total equity capital”)              5591    0    10
               TEXT                         
     a.         Commitments to sell when-issued securities    3435    0              10.a
     b.    5592    5592    N/A              10.b
     c.    5593    5593    N/A              10.c
     d.    5594    5594    N/A              10.d
     e.    5595    5595    N/A              10.e
          RCFD

   Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

    
11.    Year-to-date merchant credit card sales volume:                         
     a.    Sales for which the reporting bank is the acquiring bank              C223    0    11.a
     b.    Sales for which the reporting bank is the agent bank with risk              C224    0    11.b


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-15

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   26

 

Schedule RC-L—Continued

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


  (Column A)
Interest
Rate
Contracts


  (Column B)
Foreign
Exchange
Contracts


  (Column C)
Equity
Derivative
Contracts


  (Column D)
Commodity
and Other
Contracts


   

Derivatives Position Indicators


  Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

  Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

  Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

  Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

   
12.    Gross amounts (e.g., notional amounts) (for each column, sum of items 12.a through 12.e must equal sum of items 13 and 14):                    
    

a.

  

Futures contracts

 

RCFD 8693

5,996,000

 

RCFD 8694

0

 

RCFD 8695

0

 

RCFD 8696

0

  12.a
     b.    Forward contracts  

RCFD 8697

11,605,879

 

RCFD 8698

3,504,009

 

RCFD 8699

0

 

RCFD 8700

0

  12.b
     c.    Exchange-traded option contracts:                    
          (1)    Written options  

RCFD 8701

0

 

RCFD 8702

0

 

RCFD 8703

0

 

RCFD 8704

0

  12.c.1
          (2)    Purchased options  

RCFD 8705

500,000

 

RCFD 8706

0

 

RCFD 8707

0

 

RCFD 8708

0

  12.c.2
     d.    Over-the-counter option contracts:                    
          (1)    Written options  

RCFD 8709

13,601,984

 

RCFD 8710

267,198

 

RCFD 8711

1,008,359

 

RCFD 8712

0

  12.d.1
          (2)    Purchased options  

RCFD 8713

2,959,640

 

RCFD 8714

270,139

 

RCFD 8715

1,007,774

 

RCFD 8716

0

  12.d.2
     e.    Swaps  

RCFD 3450

42,228,593

 

RCFD 3826

344,572

 

RCFD 8719

0

 

RCFD 8720

2,400

  12.e
13.    Total gross notional amount of derivative contracts held for trading  

RCFD A126

50,116,101

 

RCFD A127

4,359,587

 

RCFD 8723

2,016,133

 

RCFD 8724

2,400

  13
14.    Total gross notional amount of derivative contracts held for purposes other than trading  

RCFD 8725

26,775,995

 

RCFD 8726

26,331

 

RCFD 8727

0

 

RCFD 8728

0

  14
     a.    Interest rate swaps where the bank has agreed to pay a fixed rate  

RCFD A589

1,665,288

              14.a
15.    Gross fair values of derivative contracts:                    
     a.    Contracts held for trading:                    
          (1)    Gross positive fair value  

RCFD 8733

1,536,581

 

RCFD 8734

125,676

 

RCFD 8735

417,016

 

RCFD 8736

264

  15.a.1
          (2)    Gross negative fair value  

RCFD 8737

1,409,918

 

RCFD 8738

118,231

 

RCFD 8739

415,223

 

RCFD 8740

255

  15.a.2
     b.    Contracts held for purposes other than trading:                    
          (1)    Gross positive fair value  

RCFD 8741

199,860

 

RCFD 8742

36

 

RCFD 8743

0

 

RCFD 8744

0

  15.b.1
          (2)    Gross negative fair value  

RCFD 8745

156,656

 

RCFD 8746

735

 

RCFD 8747

0

 

RCFD 8748

0

  15.b.2


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-16

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   27

 

Schedule RC-M—Memoranda

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Extensions of credit by the reporting bank to its executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, and their related interests as of the report date:               
     a.    Aggregate amount of all extensions of credit to all executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, and their related interests    6164    753,667    1.a
     b.    Number of executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders to whom the amount of all extensions of credit by the reporting bank (including extensions of credit to related interests) equals or exceeds the lesser of $500,000 or 5 percent of total capital as defined for this purpose in agency regulations                    
                         Number

              
          6165    8              1.b
2.    Intangible assets other than goodwill:                    
     a.    Mortgage servicing Assets         3164    402,221    2.a
          (1)    Estimated fair value of mortgage servicing assets    A590    418,042              2.a.1
     b.    Purchased credit card relationships and nonmortgage servicing assets    B026    0    2.b
     c.    All other identifiable intangible assets    5507    205,769    2.c
     d.    Total (sum of items 2.a, 2.b, and 2.c) (must equal Schedule RC, item 10.b)    0426    607,990    2.d
3.    Other real estate owned:               
     a.    Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures    5372    0    3.a
     b.    All other real estate owned:               
                              RCON

         
          (1)    Construction, land development, and other land in domestic offices    5508    7,239    3.b.1
          (2)    Farmland in domestic offices    5509    0    3.b.2
          (3)    1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices    5510    16,290    3.b.3
          (4)    Multifamily (5 or more) residential properties in domestic offices    5511    54    3.b.4
          (5)    Nonfarm nonresidential properties in domestic offices    5512    6,243    3.b.5
          RCFN

         
          (6)    In foreign offices    5513    0    3.b.6
          RCFD

         
     c.    Total (sum of items 3.a and 3.b) (must equal Schedule RC, item 7)    2150    29,826    3.c
4.    Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies:               
     a.    Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures    5374    0    4.a
     b.    All other investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies    5375    0    4.b
     c.    Total (sum of items 4.a and 4.b) (must equal Schedule RC, item 8)    2130    0    4.c
5.    Other borrowed money:               
     a.    Federal Home Loan Bank advances:               
          (1)    With a remaining maturity of one year or less (1)    2651    4,035    5.a.1
          (2)    With a remaining maturity of more than one year through three years    B565    428,329    5.a.2
          (3)    With a remaining maturity of more than three years    B566    5,718,787    5.a.3
     b.    Other borrowings:               
          (1)    With a remaining maturity of one year or less    B571    1,050,117    5.b.1
          (2)    With a remaining maturity of more than one year through three years    B567    12,380    5.b.2
          (3)    With a remaining maturity of more than three years    B568    38,929    5.b.3
     c.    Total (sum of items 5.a.(1) through 5.b.(3)) (must equal Schedule RC, item 16)    3190    7,252,577    5.c
               YES /NO

    
6.    Does the reporting bank sell private label or third party mutual funds and annuities?    B569    NO    6
          RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
7.    Assets under the reporting bank’s management in proprietary mutual funds and annuities    B570    0    7
8.    Primary Internet Web site address of the bank (home page), if any:               
     (example: http://www.examplebank.com)               
TEXT    4087    http://WWW.SUNTRUST.COM         8     
               YES / NO

    
9.    Do any of the bank’s Internet Web sites have transactional capability, i.e., allow the bank’s customers to execute transactions on their accounts through the Web site?    4088    YES    9

(1)   Includes overnight Federal Home Loan Bank advances.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-17

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   28

 

Schedule RC-N—Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans, Leases, and Other Assets

 

     (Column A)
Past due
30 through 89
days and still
accruing


  (Column B)
Past due 90
days or more
and still
accruing


  (Column C)
Nonaccrual


   

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

  RCON

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  RCON

  Bil | Mil | Thou

   
1.    Loans secured by real estate:                              
     a.    Construction, land development, and other land loans in domestic offices    2759    45,150   2769   5,297   3492   8,354   1.a
     b.    Secured by farmland in domestic offices    3493    1,892   3494   58   3495   807   1.b
     c.    Secured by 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices:                              
          (1)    Revolving, open-end loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties and extended under lines of credit    5398    20,262   5399   3,498   5400   4,036   1.c.1
          (2)    Closed-end loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties:                              
               (a)    Secured by first liens    C236    139,294   C237   21,793   C229   67,936   1.c.2.a
               (b)    Secured by junior liens    C238    15,718   C239   361   C230   6,755   1.c.2.b
     d.    Secured by multifamily (5 or more) residential properties in domestic offices    3499    2,277   3500   901   3501   750   1.d
     e.    Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties properties in domestic offices    3502    50,351   3503   2,844   3504   45,964   1.e
     RCFN        RCFN       RCFN        
     f.    In foreign offices    B572    0   B573   0   B574   0   1.f
2.    Loans to depository institutions and acceptances of other banks:                              
     a.    To U.S. banks and other U.S. depository institutions    RCFD        RCFD       RCFD        
     5377    0   5378   0   5379   0   2.a
     b.    To foreign banks    5380    0   5381   0   5382   0   2.b
3.    Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers    1594    683   1597   853   1583   4,052   3
4.    Commercial and industrial loans:                              
     a.    To U.S. addressees (domicile)    1251    158,628   1252   32,357   1253   300,904   4.a
     b.    To non-U.S. addressees (domicile)    1254    300   1255   0   1256   73   4.b
5.    Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures:                              
     a.    Credit cards    B575    0   B576   0   B577   0   5.a
     b.    Other (includes single payment, installment, all student loans, and revolving credit plans other than credit cards)    B578    235,464   B579   87,018   B580   40,702   5.b
6.    Loans to foreign governments and official institutions    5389    0   5390   0   5391   0   6
7.    All other loans    5459    8,162   5460   183   5461   1,165   7
8.    Lease financing receivables:                              
     a.    Of U.S. addressees (domicile)    1257    0   1258   0   1259   0   8.a
     b.    Of non-U.S. addressees (domicile)    1271    0   1272   0   1791   0   8.b
9.    Debt securities and other assets (exclude other real estate owned and other repossessed assets)    3505    0   3506   0   3507   0   9


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-18

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   29

 

Schedule RC-N—Continued

 

Amounts reported in Schedule RC-N, items 1 through 8, above include guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of past due and nonaccrual loans and leases. Report in item 10 below certain guaranteed loans and leases that have already been included in the amounts reported in items 1 through 8.

 

    

(Column A)

Past due

30 through 89

days and still

accruing


  

(Column B)

Past due 90

days or more

and still

accruing


  

(Column C)

Nonaccrual


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

10.

   Loans and leases reported in items 1
through 8 above which are wholly or
partially guaranteed by the U.S.
Government
   5612    82,432    5613    85,872    5614    3,907    10
     a.    Guaranteed portion of loans and leases included in item 10 above    5615    61,394    5616    64,905    5617    3,126    10.a
    

(Column A)

Past due

30 through 89

days and still

accruing


  

(Column B)

Past due 90

days or more

and still

accruing


  

(Column C)

Nonaccrual


    

Memoranda


  

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

1.

   Restructured loans and leases included in
Schedule RC-N, items 1 through 8, above
(and not reported in Schedule RC-C, Part I,
Memorandum item 1)
   1658    0    1659    0    1661    0    M.1

2.

   Loans to finance commercial real estate,
construction, and land development
activities (not secured by real estate)
included in Schedule RC-N, items 4 and 7,
above
   6558    8,593    6559    234    6560    8,484    M.2

3.

   Loans secured by real estate to non-U.S.
addresses (domicile) (included in Schedule
RC-N, item 1, above)
   1248    0    1249    0    1250    0    M.3

4.

   Not applicable                                   

5.

   Loans and leases held for sale (included in
Schedule RC-N, items 1 through 8, above)
   C240    0    C241    0    C226    0    M.5
    

(Column A)

Past due

30 through

89 days


  

(Column B)

Past due 90

days or more


              
          RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

              

6.

   Interest rate, foreign exchange rate, and
other commodity and equity contracts:
                                  
     Fair value of amounts carried as assets    3529    0    3530    0              M.6

 

Person to whom questions about the Reports of Condition and Income should be directed:

 

Deborah Barnhart, AVP


Name and Title (TEXT 8901)

Deborah.Barnhart@SunTrust.com


E-mail Address (TEXT 4086)

404-827-6622


Telephone: Area code/phone number/extension (TEXT 8902)

 

404-827-6501


FAX: Area code/phone number (TEXT 9116)


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-19

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   79

 

Schedule RC-O—Other Data for Deposit Insurance and FICO Assessments

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

1.

  Unposted debits (see instructions):               
    a. Actual amount of all unposted debits    0030    0    1.a
   

OR

                      
    b. Separate amount of unposted debits:               
   

(1)

  Actual amount of unposted debits to demand deposits    0031    N/A    1.b.1
   

(2)

  Actual amount of unposted debits to time and savings deposits (1)    0032    N/A    1.b.2

2.

  Unposted credits (see instructions):               
    a. Actual amount of all unposted credits    3510    0    2.a
   

OR

                      
    b. Separate amount of unposted credits:               
   

(1)

  Actual amount of unposted credits to demand deposits    3512    N/A    2.b.1
   

(2)

  Actual amount of unposted credits to time and savings deposits (1)    3514    N/A    2.b.2

3.

  Uninvested trust funds (cash) held in bank’s own trust department (not included in total deposits in domestic offices)    3520    0    3

4.

  Deposits of consolidated subsidiaries in domestic offices and in insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions ( not included in total deposits ) :               
    a. Demand deposits of consolidated subsidiaries    2211    130,690    4.a
    b. Time and savings deposits (1) of consolidated subsidiaries    2351    0    4.b
    c. Interest accrued and unpaid on deposits of consolidated subsidiaries    5514    0    4.c

5.

  Deposits in insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions:               
    a. Demand deposits in insured branches (included in Schedule RC-E, Part II)    2229    0    5.a
    b. Time and saving deposits (1) in insured branches (included in Schedule RC-E, Part II)    2383    0    5.b
    c. Interest accrued and unpaid on deposits in insured branches (included in Schedule RC-G, item 1.b)    5515    0    5.c

6.

  Reserve balances actually passed through to the Federal Reserve by the reporting bank on behalf of its respondent depository institutions that are also reflected as deposit liabilities of the reporting bank:               
    a. Amount reflected in demand deposits (included in Schedule RC-E, Part I, Item 7 column B)    2314    0    6.a
   

b. Amount reflected in time and savings deposits (1) (included in Schedule RC-E, Part I, Item 7, column A or C, but not column B)

   2315    0    6.b

7.

  Unamortized premiums and discounts on time and savings deposits: (1,2)               
    a. Unamortized premiums    5516    4,919    7.a
    b. Unamortized discounts    5517    0    7.b
8.   To be completed by banks with “ Oakar deposits”.               
   

a. Deposits purchased or acquired from other FDIC-insured institutions during the quarter (exclude deposits purchased or acquired from foreign offices other than insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions):

              
   

(1) Total deposits purchased or acquired from other FDIC-insured institutions during the quarter

   A531    428,934    8.a.1
   

(2) Amount of purchased or acquired deposits reported in item 8.a.(1) above attributable to a secondary fund (i.e., BIF members report deposits attributable to SAIF; SAIF members report deposits attributable to BIF)

   A532    249,074    8.a.2
   

b. Total deposits sold or transferred to other FDIC-insured institutions during the quarter (exclude sales or transfers by the reporting bank of deposits in foreign offices other than insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions)

   A533    0    8.b

(1)   For FDIC and FICO insurance assessment purposes, “time and savings deposits” consists of nontransaction accounts and all transaction accounts other than demand deposits.
(2)   Exclude core deposit intangibles.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-20

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   31

 

Schedule RC-O—Continued

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands

   RCON

   Bil | Mil  | Thou

    
9.    Deposits in lifeline accounts    5596         9
10.    Benefit-responsive “Depository Institution Investment Contracts” (included in total deposits in domestic offices)    8432    0    10
11.    Adjustments to demand deposits in domestic offices and in insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions reported in Schedule RC-E for certain reciprocal demand balances :               
    

a. Amount by which demand deposits would be reduced if the reporting bank’s reciprocal demand balances with the domestic offices of U.S. banks and savings associations and insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions that were reported on a gross basis in Schedule RC-E had been reported on a net basis

   8785    0    11.a
    

b. Amount by which demand deposits would be increased if the reporting bank’s reciprocal demand balances with foreign banks and foreign offices of other U.S. banks (other than insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions) that were reported on a net basis in Schedule RC-E had been reported on a gross basis

   A181    0    11.b
    

c. Amount by which demand deposits would be reduced if cash items in process of collection were included in the calculation of the reporting bank’s net reciprocal demand balances with the domestic offices of U.S. banks and savings associations and insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions in Schedule RC-E

   A182    0    11.c
12.    Amount of assets netted against deposit liabilities in domestic offices and in insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions on the balance sheet (Schedule RC) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (exclude amounts related to reciprocal demand balances):               
     a. Amount of assets netted against demand deposits    A527    0    12.a
     b. Amount of assets netted against time and savings deposits    A528    0    12.b
Memoranda (to be completed each quarter except as noted)               
Dollar Amounts in Thousands

   RCON

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Total deposits in domestic offices of the bank and in insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions (sum of Memorandum items 1.a.(1) and 1.b.(1) must equal the sum of Schedule RC, item 13.a, and Schedule RC-O, items 5.a and 5.b):               
     a. Deposit accounts of $100,000 or less (1):               
     (1)    Amount of deposit accounts of $100,0000 or less    2702    39,352,005    M.1.a 1
     (2)    Number of deposit accounts of $100,000 or less                         
                         Number

              
          (to be completed for the June report only)    3779    4,590,059              M.1.a 2
     b. Deposit accounts of more than $100,000 (1):               
     (1)    Amount of deposit accounts of more than $100,000    2710    35,107,257    M.1.b 1
                    Number

              
     (2)    Number of deposit accounts of more than $100,000    2722    103,360              M.1.b 2
2.   

Memorandum item 2 is to be completed by all banks.

Estimated amount of uninsured deposits in domestic offices of the bank and in insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions (see instructions)

   5597    22,447,253    M.2
3.    Has the reporting institution been consolidated with a parent bank or savings association in that parent bank’s or parent savings association’s Call Report or Thrift Financial Report ?               
     If so, report the legal title and FDIC Certificate Number of the parent bank or parent savings association:               
          Text    RCON

   FDIC Cert No.

    
     A545         A545    N/A    M.3

(1)   The dollar amounts used as the basis for reporting in Memoranda items 1.a and 1.b reflect the deposit insurance limits in effect on the report date.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-21

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   32

 

Schedule RC-R—Regulatory Capital

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands    RCFD    Bil | Mil | Thou      

   

Tier 1 capital

               

1.

   Total equity capital (from Schedule RC, item 28)    3210    9,493,707     1

2.

  

LESS: Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities (1)

(if a gain, report as a positive value; if a loss, report as a negative value)

   8434    918,620     2

3.

   LESS: Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale EQUITY securities (1) (report loss as a positive value)    A221    0     3

4.

  

LESS: Accumulated net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges (1)

(if a gain, report as a positive value; if a loss, report as a negative value)

   4336    (25,660 )   4

5.

   LESS: Nonqualifying perpetual preferred stock    B588    0     5

6.

   Qualifying minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries    B589    1,012,337     6

7.

   LESS: Disallowed goodwill and other disallowed intangible assets    B590    1,068,162     7

8.

   Subtotal (sum of items 1 and 6, less items 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7)    C227    8,544,922     8

9.

   a. LESS: Disallowed servicing assets and purchased credit card relationships    B591    25,983     9.a
     b. LESS: Disallowed deferred tax assets    5610    0     9.b

10.

   Other additions to (deductions from) Tier 1 capital    B592    0     10

11.

   Tier 1 capital (sum of items 8 and 10, less items 9.a and 9.b)    8274    8,518,939     11

Tier 2 Capital

               

12.

   Qualifying subordinated debt and redeemable preferred stock    5306    1,859,517     12

13.

   Cumulative perpetual preferred stock includible in Tier 2 capital    B593    0     13

14.

   Allowance for loan and lease losses includible in Tier 2 capital    5310    932,810     14

15.

   Unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities includible in Tier 2 capital    2221    529,922     15

16.

   Other Tier 2 capital components    B594    0     16

17.

   Tier 2 capital (sum of items 12 through 16)    5311    3,322,249     17

18.

   Allowable Tier 2 capital (lesser of item 11 or 17)    8275    3,322,249     18

19.

   Tier 3 capital allocated for market risk    1395    0     19

20.

   LESS: Deductions for total risk-based capital    B595    0     20

21.

   Total risk-based capital (sum of items 11, 18, and 19, less item 20)    3792    11,841,188     21

Total assets for leverage ratio

               

22.

   Average total assets (from Schedule RC-K, item 9)    3368    114,789,856     22

23.

   LESS: Disallowed goodwill and other disallowed intangible assets (from item 7 above)    B590    1,068,162     23

24.

   LESS: Disallowed servicing assets and purchased credit card relationships (from item 9.a above)    B591    25,983     24

25.

   LESS: Disallowed deferred tax assets (from item 9.b above)    5610    0     25

26.

   LESS: Other deductions from assets for leverage capital purposes    B596    0     26

27.

   Average total assets for leverage capital purposes (item 22 less items 23 through 26)    A224    113,695,711     27

Adjustments for financial subsidiaries

               

28.

   a Adjustment to Tier 1 capital reported in item 11    C228    0     28.a
     b. Adjustment to total risk-based capital reported in item 21    B503    0     28.b

29.

   Adjustment to risk-weighted assets reported in item 62    B504    0     29

30.

   Adjustment to average total assets reported in item 27    B505    0     30

Capital Ratios

               
(Column B is to be completed by all banks. Column A is to be completed by banks with financial subsidiaries)                
          RCFD

  

(Column A)

Percentage


   RCFD

  

(Column B)

Percentage


     

31.

   Tier 1 leverage ratio (2)    7273    N/A    7204    7.49 %   31

32.

   Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (3)    7274    N/A    7206    7.71 %   32

33.

   Total risk-based capital ratio (4)    7275    N/A    7205    10.72 %   33

(1)   Report amount included in Schedule RC, item 26.b, “Accumulated other comprehensive income.”
(2)   The ratio for column B is item 11 divided by item 27. The ratio for column A is item 11 minus item 28.a divided by (item 27 minus item 30).
(3)   The ratio for column B is item 11 divided by item 62. The ratio for column A is item 11 minus item 28.a divided by (item 62 minus item 29).
(4)   The ratio for column B is item 21 divided by item 62. The ratio for column A is item 21 minus item 28.b divided by (item 62 minus item 29).


1.g


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-22

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   33

 

Schedule RC-R—Continued

 

Banks are not required to risk-weight each on-balance sheet asset and the credit equivalent amount of each off-balance sheet item that qualifies for a risk weight of less than 100 percent (50 percent for derivatives) at its lower risk rate. When completing items 34 through 54 of Schedule RC-R, each bank should decide for itself how detailed a risk-weight analysis it wishes to perform. In other words, a bank can choose from among its assets and off-balance sheet items that have a risk weight of less than 100 percent which ones to risk-weight at an appropriate lower risk, or it can simply risk-weight some or all of these items at a 100 percent risk weight (50 percent for derivatives).

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


  

(Column A)

Totals

(from Schedule
RC)


  

(Column B)

Items Not

Subject to

Risk-Weighting


   (Column C)

   (Column D)

   (Column E)

   (Column F)

    
         Allocation by Risk Weight Category

    
         0%

   20%

   50%

   100%

    
     Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
Balance Sheet Asset Catagories                                   

34.

   Cash and balances due from depository institutions (Column A equals the sum of Schedule RC, items 1.a and 1.b)   

RCFD 0010

4,484,838

       

RCFD B600

709,942

  

RCFD B601

3,774,896

       

RCFD B602

0

   34

35.

   Held-to-maturity securities   

RCFD 1754

0

  

RCFD B603

0

  

RCFD B604

0

  

RCFD B605

0

  

RCFD B606

0

  

RCFD B607

0

   35

36.

   Available-for-sale securities   

RCFD 1773

19,854,955

  

RCFD B608

889,179

  

RCFD B609

161,343

  

RCFD B610

15,434,029

  

RCFD B611

957,503

  

RCFD B612

2,412,901

   36

37.

   Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell   

RCFD C225

4,207,921

       

RCFD C063

0

  

RCFD C064

4,207,921

       

RCFD B520

0

   37

38.

   Loans and leases held for sale   

RCFD 5369

9,037,490

  

RCFD B617

0

  

RCFD B618

0

  

RCFD B619

572,585

  

RCFD B620

8,464,905

  

RCFD B621

0

   38

39.

   Loans and leases, net of unearned income   

RCFD B528

75,008,023

  

RCFD B622

0

  

RCFD B623

60,681

  

RCFD B624

1,914,554

  

RCFD B625

15,401,356

  

RCFD B626

57,631,432

   39

40.

   LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses   

RCFD 3123

932,810

  

RCFD 3123

932,810

                       40

41.

   Trading assets   

RCFD 3545

1,472,750

  

RCFD B627

1,472,750

  

RCFD B628

0

  

RCFD B629

0

  

RCFD B630

0

  

RCFD B631

0

   41

42.

   All other assets (1)   

RCFD B639

5,611,996

  

RCFD B640

1,068,162

  

RCFD B641

76,711

  

RCFD B642

314,158

  

RCFD B643

0

  

RCFD 5339

4,152,965

   42

43.

   Total assets (sum of items 34 through 42)   

RCFD 2170

118,745,163

  

RCFD B644

2,497,281

  

RCFD 5320

1,008,677

  

RCFD 5327

26,218,143

  

RCFD 5334

24,823,764

  

RCFD 5340

64,197,298

   43

(1)   Includes premises and fixed assets, other real estate owned, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies, customers’ liability on acceptances outstanding, intangible assets, and other assets.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RI-23

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   34

 

Schedule RC-R—Continued

 

    (Column A)
Face Value
or Notional
Amount


  Credit
Conversion
Factor


  (Column B)
Credit
Equivalent
Amount (1)


  (Column C)

  (Column D)

  (Column E)

  (Column F)

   
          Allocation by Risk Weight Category

          0%

  20%

  50%

  100%

   

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


  Bil | Mil | Thou

    Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

   
Derivatives and Off-Balance Sheet Items   RCFD B546   See footnote 2   RCFD B547   RCFD B548   RCFD B581   RCFD B582   RCFD B583    
44.   Financial standby letters of credit   10,638,430   M   10,638,430   225   342,199   0   10,296,006   44
45.   Performance standby letters of of credit  

RCFD 3821

356,858

  .50  

RCFD B650

178,429

 

RCFD B651

0

 

RCFD B652

2,836

 

RCFD B653

0

 

RCFD B654

175,594

  45
46.   Commercial and similar letters of credit  

RCFD 3411

129,724

  .20  

RCFD B655

25,945

 

RCFD B656

0

 

RCFD B657

0

 

RCFD B658

0

 

RCFD B659

25,945

  46
47.   Risk participations in bankers acceptances acquired by the reporting institution  

RCFD 3429

33

  1.00  

RCFD B660

33

 

RCFD B661

0

 

RCFD B662

0

     

RCFD B663

33

  47
48.   Securities lent  

RCFD 3433

0

  1.00  

RCFD B664

0

 

RCFD B665

0

 

RCFD B666

0

 

RCFD B667

0

 

RCFD B668

0

  48
49.   Retained recourse on small business obligations sold with recourse  

RCFD A250

0

  1.00  

RCFD B669

0

 

RCFD B670

0

 

RCFD B671

0

 

RCFD B672

0

 

RCFD B673

0

  49
50.   Recourse and direct credit substitutes (other than financial standby letters of credit) subject to the low-level exposure rule and residual interests subject to a dollar-for-dollar capital requirement  

RCFD B541

6,373

 

* Below

12.500

 

RCFD B542

79,663

             

RCFD B543

79,663

  50
51.   All other financial assets sold with recourse  

RCFD B675

4,651,268

  1.00  

RCFD B676

4,651,268

 

RCFD B677

0

 

RCFD B678

3,599,833

 

RCFD B679

1,051,435

 

RCFD B680

0

  51
52.   All other off-balance sheet liabilities  

RCFD B681

0

  1.00  

RCFD B682

0

 

RCFD B683

0

 

RCFD B684

0

 

RCFD B685

0

 

RCFD B686

0

  52
53.   Unused commitments with an original maturity exceeding one year  

RCFD 3833

30,028,193

  .50  

RCFD B687

15,014,097

 

RCFD B688

0

 

RCFD B689

0

 

RCFD B690

0

 

RCFD B691

15,014,097

  53
54.   Derivative contracts          

RCFD A167

2,727,374

 

RCFD B693

0

 

RCFD B694

0

 

RCFD B695

2,727,374

      54

(1)   Column A multiplied by credit conversion factor.
(2)   For financial standby letters of credit to which the low-level exposure rule applies, use a credit conversion factor of 12.5 or an institution-specific factor. For other financial standby letters of credit, use a credit conversion factor of 1.00. See instructions for further information.
(3)   Or institution-specific factor.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-24

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   35

 

Schedule RC-R—Continued

 

         (Column C)

    (Column D)

    (Column E)

    (Column F)

     
         Allocation by Risk Weight Category

     
         0%

    20%

    50%

    100%

     

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   Bil | Mil | Thou

    Bil | Mil | Thou

    Bil | Mil | Thou

    Bil | Mil | Thou

     
    Totals                             

55.

  Total assets, derivatives, and off-balance sheet items by risk weight category (for each column, sum of items 43 through 54)    RCFD B696     RCFD B697     RCFD B698     RCFD B699      
         1,008,902     30,163,011     28,602,573     89,788,636     55

56.

  Risk weight factor    * 0 %   * 20 %   * 50 %   * 100 %   56

57.

  Risk-weighted assets by risk weight category (for each column, item 55 multiplied by item 56)    RCFD B700     RCFD B701     RCFD B702     RCFD B703      
         0     6,032,602     14,301,287     89,788,636     57

58.

  Market risk equivalent assets                      RCFD 1651      
                           360,175     58

59.

  Risk-weighted assets before deductions for excess allowance for loan and lease losses and allocated transfer risk reserve (sum of item 57, columns C through F, and item 58)                      RCFD B704      
                           110,482,700     59

60.

  LESS: Excess allowance for loan and lease losses                      RCFD A222      
                           0     60

61.

  LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve                      RCFD 3128      
                           0     61

62.

  Total risk-weighted assets (item 59 minus items 60 and 61)                      RCFD A223      
                           110,482,700     62

 

   

Memoranda


              
   

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

1.

  Current credit exposure across all derivative contracts covered by the risk-based capital standards    8764    2,279,433    M.1

 

            

With a remaining maturity of


    
            

(Column A)

One year

or less


  

(Column B)

Over one year

through

five years


  

(Column C)

Over

five years


    
2.   Notional principal amounts of
derivative contracts: (1)
   RCFD

   Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

   RCFD

   Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

    
    a.   Interest rate contracts    3809    23,251,167    8766    21,327,941    8767    12,715,004    M.2.a
    b.   Foreign exchange contracts    3812    3,021,782    8769    957,105    8770    0    M.2.b
    c.   Gold contracts    8771    0    8772    0    8773    0    M.2.c
    d.   Other precious metals contracts    8774    0    8775    0    8776    0    M.2.d
    e.   Other commodity contracts    8777    2,400    8778    0    8779    0    M.2.e
    f.   Equity derivative contracts    A000    417,917    A001    589,857    A002    0    M.2.f

(1)   Exclude foreign exchange contracts with an original maturity of 14 days or less and all futures contracts.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-25

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   36

 

Schedule RC-S—Securitization and Asset Sale Activities

 

    (Column A)
1-4 Family
Residential
Loans


  (Column B)
Home
Equity
Loans


  (Column C)
Credit
Card
Receivables


  (Column D)
Auto
Loans


  (Column E)
Other
Consumer
Loans


  (Column F)
Commercial
and Industrial
Loans


  (Column G)
All Other
Loans and
All Leases


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

    
Bank Securitization Activities                                 

1.

   Outstanding principal balance of assets sold and securitized by the reporting bank with servicing retained or with recourse or other seller-provided credit enhancements  

RCFD B705

44,041,696

 

RCFD B706

0

 

RCFD B707

0

 

RCFD B708

0

 

RCFD B709

57,951

 

RCFD B710

0

 

RCFD B711

0

   1

2.

   Maximum amount of credit exposure arising from recourse or other seller-provided credit enhancements provided to structurs reported in item 1 in the form of:                                 
     a.    Credit-enhancing interest-only strips (included in Schedules RC-B or RC-F or in Schedule RC, item 5)  

RCFD B712

0

 

RCFD B713

0

 

RCFD B714

0

 

RCFD B715

0

 

RCFD B716

0

 

RCFD B717

0

 

RCFD B718

0

   2.a
     b.    Subordinated securities and other residual interests  

RCFD C393

0

 

RCFD C394

0

 

RCFD C395

0

 

RCFD C396

0

 

RCFD C397

0

 

RCFD C398

0

 

RCFD C399

0

   2.b
     c.    Standby letters of credit and other enhancements  

RCFD C400

1,055,127

 

RCFD C401

0

 

RCFD C402

0

 

RCFD C403

0

 

RCFD C404

0

 

RCFD C405

0

 

RCFD C406

0

   2.c

3.

   Reporting bank’s unused commitments to provide liquidity to structures reported in item 1  

RCFD B726

0

 

RCFD B727

0

 

RCFD B728

0

 

RCFD B729

0

 

RCFD B730

0

 

RCFD B731

0

 

RCFD B732

0

   3

4.

   Past due loan amounts included in item 1:                                 
     a.    30-89 days past due  

RCFD B733

919,522

 

RCFD B734

0

 

RCFD B735

0

 

RCFD B736

0

 

RCFD B737

3,326

 

RCFD B738

0

 

RCFD B739

0

   4.a
     b.    90 days or more past due  

RCFD B740

153,300

 

RCFD B741

0

 

RCFD B742

0

 

RCFD B743

0

 

RCFD B744

2,494

 

RCFD B745

0

 

RCFD B746

0

   4.b

5.

   Charge-offs and recoveries on assets sold and securitized with servicing retained or with recourse or other seller-provided credit enhancements (calendar year-to-date):                                 
     a.    Charge-offs  

RIAD B747

1,967

 

RIAD B748

0

 

RIAD B749

0

 

RIAD B750

0

 

RIAD B751

1

 

RIAD B752

0

 

RIAD B753

0

  

5.a

    

b.

  

Recoveries

 

RIAD B754

619

 

RIAD B755

0

 

RIAD B756

0

 

RIAD B757

0

 

RIAD B758

0

 

RIAD B759

0

 

RIAD B760

0

  

5.b


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-26

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   37

 

Schedule RC-S—Continued

 

             

(Column A)

1-4 Family

Residential
Loans


 

(Column B)

Home

Equity

Loans


 

(Column C)

Credit

Card

Receivables


 

(Column D)
Auto

Loans


  (Column E)
Other
Consumer
Loans


  (Column F)
Commercial
and Industrial
Loans


 

(Column G)
All Other
Loans and

All Leases


   

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

  Bil | Mil | Thou

   

6.

   Amount of ownership (or seller’s) interest carried as:                                
     a.    Securities (included in RC-B or RC, item 5)      

RCFD B761

0

 

RCFD B762

0

         

RCFD B763

0

      6.a
     b.    Loans (included in Schedule RC-C)      

RCFD B500

0

 

RCFD B501

0

         

RCFD B502

0

      6.b

7.

   Past due loan amounts included in interests reported in item 6.a:                                
     a.    30-89 days past due      

RCFD B764

0

 

RCFD B765

0

         

RCFD B766

0

      7.a
     b.    90 days or more past due      

RCFD B767

0

 

RCFD B768

0

         

RCFD B769

0

      7.b

8.

   Charge-offs and recoveries on loan amounts included in interests reported in item 6.a (calendar year-to-date):                                
     a.    Charge-offs      

RIAD B770

0

 

RIAD B771

0

         

RIAD B772

0

      8.a
     b.    Recoveries      

RIAD B773

0

 

RIAD B774

0

         

RIAD B775

0

      8.b
For Securitization Facilities Sponsored By or Otherwise Established By Other Institutions                                

9.

   Maximum amount of credit exposure arising from credit enhancements provided by the reporting bank to other institutions’ securitization structures in the form of standby letters of credit, purchased subordinated securities, and other enhancements  

RCFD B776

0

 

RCFD B777

0

 

RCFD B778

0

 

RCFD B779

0

 

RCFD B780

0

 

RCFD B781

0

 

RCFD B782

0

  9

10.

   Reporting bank’s unused commitments to provide liquidity to other institutions’ securitization structures  

RCFD B783

0

 

RCFD B784

0

 

RCFD B785

0

 

RCFD B786

0

 

RCFD B787

0

 

RCFD B788

0

 

RCFD B789

0

  10


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-27

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   38

 

Schedule RC-S—Continued

 

         (Column A)
1-4 Family
Residential
Loans


   (Column B)
Home
Equity
Loans


   (Column C)
Credit
Card
Receivables


   (Column D)
Auto
Loans


   (Column E)
Other
Consumer
Loans


   (Column F)
Commercial
and Industrial
Loans


   (Column G)
All Other
Loans and
All Leases


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

Bank Asset Sales

                                       

11.

  Assets sold with recourse or other seller- provided credit enhancements and not securitized by the reporting bank   

RCFD B790

0

  

RCFD B791

0

  

RCFD B792

0

  

RCFD B793

0

  

RCFD B794

31,886

  

RCFD B795

11,720

  

RCFD B796

0

   11

12.

  Maximum amount of credit exposure arising from recourse or other seller- provided credit enhancements pro-vided to assets reported in item 11   

RCFD B797

0

  

RCFD B798

0

  

RCFD B799

0

  

RCFD B800

0

  

RCFD B801

2,250

  

RCFD B802

11,720

  

RCFD B803

0

   12

 

Memoranda


  

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    

1.

   Small Business obligations transferred with recourse under Section 208 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994:               
     a.    Outstanding principal balance    A249    0    M.1.a
     b.    Amount of retained recourse on these obligations as of the report date    A250    0    M.1.b

2.

   Outstanding principal balance of assets serviced for others:               
     a.    1-4 family residential mortgages serviced with recourse or other servicer-provided credit enhancements    B804    4,771,501    M.2.a
     b.    1-4 family residential mortgages serviced with no recourse or other servicer-provided credit enhancements    B805    58,713,848    M.2.b
     c.    Other financial assets (1)    A591    57,951    M.2.c

3.

   Asset-backed commercial paper conduits:               
     a.    Maximum amount of credit exposure arising from credit enhancements provided to conduit structures in the form of standby letters of credit, subordinated securities, and other enhancements:               
          (1)    Conduits sponsored by the bank, a bank affiliate, or the bank’s holding company    B806    351,060    M.3.a.1
          (2)    Conduits sponsored by other unrelated institutions    B807    0    M.3.a.2
     b.    Unused commitments to provide liquidity to conduit structures:               
          (1)    Conduits sponsored by the bank, a bank affiliate, or the bank’s holding company    B808    4,180,667    M.3.b.1
          (2)    Conduits sponsored by other unrelated institutions    B809    0    M.3.b.2

4.

   Outstanding credit card fees and finance charges included in Schedule RC-S, item 1, column c (2)    C407    0    M.4

(1)   Memorandum item 2.c is to be completed if the principal balance of other financial assets serviced for others is more than $10 million.
(2)   Memorandum item 4 is to be completed by banks that (1) together with affiliated institutions, have outstanding credit card receivables (as defined in the instructions) that exceed $500 million as of the report date or (2) are credit card specialty banks as defined for Uniform Bank Performance Report purposes.


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-28

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   39

 

Schedule RC-T—Fiduciary and Related Services

 

Items 12 through 23 and Memorandum item 4 will not be made available to the public on an individual institution basis.

 

         

RCFD


   YES / NO

    
1.    Does the bank have fiduciary powers? (If “NO”, do not complete Schedule RC-T.)    A345    YES    1
         

RCFD


   YES / NO

    
2.    Does the bank exercise the fiduciary powers it has been granted?    A346    YES    2
         

RCFD


   YES / NO

    
3.   

Does the institution have any fiduciary or related activity (in the form of assets or accounts)?

(If “NO,” do not complete the rest of Schedule RC-T.)

   B867    YES    3

 

If the answer to item 3 is “YES”, complete the applicable items of Schedule RC-T, as follows:

 

Institutions with total fiduciary assets (item 9, sum of columns A and B) greater than $250 million (as of the preceding December 31) or with gross fiduciary and related services income greater than 10% of revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income) for the preceeding calendar year must complete:

 

    Items 4 through 19.a quarterly,

 

    Items 20 through 23 annually with the December report, and

 

    Memorandum items 1 through 4 annually with the December report.

 

Institutions with total fiduciary assets (item 9, sum of columns A and B) greater than $100 million but less than or equal to $250 million (as of the preceding December 31) that do not meet the fiduciary income test for quarterly reporting must complete:

 

    Items 4 through 23 annually with the December report, and

 

    Memorandum items 1 through 4 annually with the December report.

 

Institutions with total fiduciary assets (item 9, sum of columns A and B) of $100 million or less (as of the preceding December 31) that do not meet the fiduciary income test for quarterly reporting must complete:

 

    Items 4 through 11 annually with the December report, and

 

    Memorandum items 1 through 3 annually with the December report.

 

     (Column A)
Managed Assets


   (Column B) Non-
Managed Assets


   (Column C)
Number of
Managed
Accounts


   (Column D)
Number of
Non-Managed
Accounts


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

   Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

              

FIDUCIARY AND RELATED ASSETS

                        
4.    Personal trust and agency accounts   

RCFD B868

28,151,417

  

RCFD B869

3,097,639

  

RCFD B870

22,744

  

RCFD B871

1,364

  

4

5.    Retirement related trust and agency accounts:                         
     a.    Employee benefit-defined contribution   

RCFD B872

403,151

  

RCFD B873

5,613,576

  

RCFD B874

320

  

RCFD B875

1,149

  

5.a

     b.    Employee benefit-defined benefit   

RCFD B876

4,124,553

  

RCFD B877

7,441,123

  

RCFD B878

370

  

RCFD B879

455

   5.b
     c.    Other retirement accounts   

RCFD B880

2,510,240

  

RCFD B881

2,487,994

  

RCFD B882

3,048

  

RCFD B883

756

   5.c
6.         Corporate trust and agency accounts   

RCFD B884

42,455

  

RCFD B885

17,106,710

  

RCFD C001

8,051

  

RCFD C002

696

   6
7.         Inventment management agency accounts   

RCFD B886

16,850,431

       

RCFD B888

8,065

        7
8.         Other fiduciary accounts   

RCFD B890

0

  

RCFD B891

199,024

  

RCFD B892

0

  

RCFD B893

258

   8


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-29

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867    40

 

Schedule RC-T—Continued

 

    

(Column A)
Managed

Assets


  

(Column B)

Non-Managed
Assets


           (Column C)        
Number of Managed
Accounts


  

        (Column D)        

Number of Non-
Managed Accounts


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

   Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou

              
FIDUCIARY AND RELATED ASSETS—Continued                         
9.    Total fiduciary accounts (sum of items 4 through 8)   

RCFD B894

52,082,247

  

RCFD B895

35,946,066

  

RCFD B896

42,598

  

RCFD B897

4,678

  

9

10.    Custody and safekeeping accounts        

RCFD B898

46,648,715

       

RCFD B899

5,134

   10
11.    Fiduciary accounts held in foreign ofices (included in items 9 and 10)   

RCFN B900

0

  

RCFN B901

0

  

RCFN B902

0

  

RCFN B903

0

   11

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RIAD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
FIDUCIARY AND RELATED SERVICES INCOME                    
12.    Personal trust and agency accounts         B904    103,847    12
13.    Retirement related trust and agency accounts:                    
     a.    Employee benefit—defined contribution         B905    15,921    13.a
     b.    Employee benefit—defined benefit         B906    13,086    13.b
     c.    Other retirement accounts         B907    11,800    13.c
14.    Corporate trust and agency accounts         A479    15,381    14
15.    Investment management agency accounts         B908    41,431    15
16.    Other fiduciary accounts         A480    416    16
17.    Custody and safekeeping accounts         B909    8,592    17
18.    Other fiduciary and related services income         B910    0    18
19.    Total gross fiduciary and related services income (sum of items 12 through 18)                    
     (must equal Schedule RI, item 5.a)         4070    210,474    19
     a.    Fiduciary and related services income-foreign offices (included in item 19)    B912    0              19.a
20.    Less: Expenses         C058    N/A    20
21.    Less: Net losses from fiduciary and related services         A488    N/A    21
22.    Plus: Intracompany income credits for fiduciary and related services         B911    N/A    22
23.    Net fiduciary and related services income         A491    N/A    23

Memoranda


  

Managed

Assets


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
1.    Managed assets held in personal trust and agency accounts:               
     a.    Non interest-bearing deposits    B913    N/A    M.1.a
     b.    Interest-bearing deposits    B914    N/A    M.1.b
     c.    U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government agency obligations    B915    N/A    M.1.c
     d.    State, county and municipal obligations    B916    N/A    M.1.d
     e.    Money market mutual funds    B917    N/A    M.1.e
     f.    Other short-term obligations    B918    N/A    M.1.f
     g.    Other notes and bonds    B919    N/A    M.1.g
     h.    Common and preferred stocks    B920    N/A    M.1.h
     i.    Real estate mortgages    B921    N/A    M.1.i
     j.    Real estate    B922    N/A    M.1.j
     k.    Miscellaneous assets    B923    N/A    M.1.k
     l.    Total assets of managed personal trust and agency accounts (sum of Memorandum items 1.a through 1.k) (must equal Schedule RC-T, item 4, column A)    B868    N/A    M.1.l


SUNTRUST BANK


  

FFIEC 031

Legal Title of Bank

  

RC-30

 

FDIC Certificate Number - 00867

   41

 

Schedule RC-T—Continued

 

Memoranda—Continued

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


  

(Column A)

Number of
Issues


  

(Column B)

Principal Amount
Outstanding


    
   RCFD

        RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
2.    Corporate trust and agency accounts:                         
     a.    Corporate and municipal trusteeships    B927    N/A    B928    N/A    M.2.a
     b.    Transfer agent, registrar, paying agent, and other corporate agency    B929    N/A              M.2.b
     (Column A)
Number of
Funds


  

(Column B)

Market Value of

Fund Assets


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RCFD

        RCFD

   Bil | Mil | Thou

    
3.    Collective investment funds and common trust funds:                         
     a.    Domestic equity    B931    N/A    B932    N/A    M.3.a
     b.    International/Global equity    B933    N/A    B934    N/A    M.3.b
     c.    Stock/Bond blend    B935    N/A    B936    N/A    M.3.c
     d.    Taxable bond    B937    N/A    B938    N/A    M.3.d
     e.    Municipal bond    B939    N/A    B940    N/A    M.3.e
     f.    Short term investments/Money market    B941    N/A    B942    N/A    M.3.f
     g.    Specialty/Other    B943    N/A    B944    N/A    M.3.g
     h.    Total collective investment funds (sum of Memorandum items 3.a through 3.g)    B945    N/A    B946    N/A    M.3.h

 

    

(Column A)

Gross Losses
Managed

Accounts


  

(Column B)

Gross Losses

Non-Managed
Accounts


   (Column C)
Recoveries


    

Dollar Amounts in Thousands


   RIAD

   Mil | Thou

   RIAD

   Mil | Thou

   RIAD

   Mil | Thou

    
4.   Fiduciary settlements, surcharges and other losses:                                   
    a.   Personal trust and agency accounts    B947    N/A    B948    N/A    B949    N/A    M.4.a
    b.   Retirement related trust and agency accounts    B950    N/A    B951    N/A    B952    N/A    M.4.b
    c.   Investment management agency accounts    B953    N/A    B954    N/A    B955    N/A    M.4.c
    d.   Other fiduciary accounts and related services    B956    N/A    B957    N/A    B958    N/A    M.4.d
    e.   Total fiduciary settlements, surcharges, and other losses (sum of Memorandum items 4.a through 4.d) (sum of columns A and B minus column C must equal Schedule RC-T, item 21)    B959    N/A    B960    N/A    B961    N/A    M.4.e

 

Person to whom questions about Schedule RC-T—Fiduciary and Related Services should be directed:

 

        Teresa Brightly


        Name and Title (TEXT B962)

        Teresa.Brightly@SunTrust.com


        E-mail Address (TEXT B926)

        804-782-7107


        Telephone: Area code/phone number/extension (TEXT B963)

 

FAX: Area code/phone number (TEXT B964)


Optional Narrative Statement Concerning the Amounts   

FFIEC 031

Reported in the Reports of Condition and Income   

RC-31

at close of business on June 30, 2003

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - 0008111

   42

 

SUNTRUST BANK   ATLANTA   GA
Legal Title of Bank   City   State

 

The management of the reporting bank may, if it wishes, submit a brief narrative statement on the amounts reported in the Reports of Condition and Income. This optional statement will be made available to the public, along with the publicly available data in the Reports of Condition and Income, in response to any request for individual bank report data. However, the information reported in Schedule RC-T, items 12 through 23 and Memorandum item 4, is regarded as confidential and will not be released to the public. BANKS CHOOSING TO SUBMIT THE NARRATIVE STATEMENT SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE STATEMENT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE NAMES OR OTHER IDENTIFICATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL BANK CUSTOMERS, REFERENCES TO THE AMOUNTS REPORTED IN THE CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS IN SCHEDULE RC-T, OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HAVE MADE PUBLIC OR THAT WOULD COMPROMISE THE PRIVACY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. Banks choosing not to make a statement may check the “No comment’ box below and should make no entries of any kind in the space provided for the narrative statement; I.e., DO NOT enter in this space such phrases as “No statement,” “Not applicable,” “N/A,” “No comment,” and “None.”

 

The optional statement must be entered on this sheet. The statement should not exceed 100 words. Further, regardless of the number of words, the statement must not exceed 750 characters, including punctuation, indentation, and standard spacing between words and sentences. If any submission should exceed 750 characters, as defined, it will be truncated at 750 characters with no notice to the submitting bank and the truncated statement will appear as the bank’s statement both on agency computerized records and in computer-file releases to the public.

 

All information furnished by the bank in the narrative statement must be accurate and not misleading. Appropriate efforts shall be taken by the submitting bank to ensure the statement’s accuracy. The statement must be signed, in the space provided below, by a senior officer of the bank who thereby attests to its acuracy.

 

If, subsequent to the original submission, material changes are submitted for the data reported in the Reports of Condition and Income, the existing narrative statement will be deleted from the files, and from disclosure; the bank, at its option, may replace it with a statement, under signature, appropriate to the amended data.

 

The optional narrative statement will appear in agency records and in release to the public exactly as submitted (or amended as described in the preceding paragraph) by the management of the bank (except for the trucnation of the statements exceeding the 750-character limit described above.) THE STATEMENT WILL NOT BE EDITED OR SCREENED IN ANY WAY BY THE SUPERVISORY AGENCIES FOR ACCURACY OR RELEVANCE. DISCLOSURE OF THE STATEMENT SHALL NOT SIGNIFY THAT ANY FEDERAL SUPERVISORY AGENCY HAS VERIFIED OR CONFIRMED THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN. A STATEMENT TO THIS EFFECT WILL APPEAR ON ANY PUBLIC RELEASE OF THE OPTIONAL STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY THE MANAGEMENT OF THE REPORTING BANK.

 

X = NO COMMENT Y = COMMENT

   6979    X

BANK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT (please type or print clearly):

         

TEXT ( 70 characters per line )

         
    6980              
   

 


         
   

 


         
   

 


         
   

 


         
   

 


         
   

 


         
   

 


         
   

 


         
   

 


         
   

 


         
   

 


         

 

                Signature of Executive Officer of Bank   Date of Signature


THIS PAGE IS TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL BANKS

 

Transmitted to InterCept on 07/30/2003. Confirmation Number - - 0008111

               43

NAME AND ADDRESS OF BANK

 

SUNTRUST BANK

P.O. BOX 4418 CENTER 632

ATLANTA, GA 30302

  

OMB No. For OCC: 1557-0081

OMB No. For FDIC: 3064-0052

OMB No. For Federal Reserve: 7100-0036

Expiration Date: 4/30/2006

 

SPECIAL REPORT

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

  

 

CLOSE OF BUSINESS DATE

  

 

FDIC Certificate Number

  

 

6/30/2003

   867

 

LOANS TO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (Complete as of each Call Report Date)

    

 

The following information is required by Public Laws 90-44 and 102-242, but does not constitute a part of the Report of Condition. With each Report of Condition, these Laws require all banks to furnish a report of all loans or other extensions of credit to their excutive officers made since the date of the previous Report of Condition. Data regarding individual loans or other extensions of credit are not required. If no such loans or other extensions of credit were made during the period, insert “none” against subitem (a).

(Excluded the first $15,000 of indebtedness of each executive officer under bank credit card plan.)

See Sections 215.2 and 215.3 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Federal Reserve Board Regulation O) for the definitions of “executive officer” and “extension of credit,” respectively. Exclude loans and other extensions of credit to directors and principal shareholders who are not executive officers.

 

                     RCFD

          
a.    Number of loans made to executive officers since the previous Call Report date   3561    0     a
b.    Total dollar amount of above loans (in thousands of dollars)   3562    0     b
c.    Range of interest charged on above loans    From       

To

 

   
     (example: 9-3/4% = 9.75)    7701    0.00 %   7702    0.00 %   c
SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF OFFICER AUTHORIZED TO SIGN REPORT    DATE (Month, Day, Year)


REPORT OF CONDITION

 

Consolidating domestic and foreign subsidiaries of the

SUNTRUST BANK

in the state of GA at close of business on June 30, 2003

published in response to call made by (Enter additional information below)

 

Statement of Resources and Liabilities

 

     Dollar Amounts in Thousands

ASSETS

         

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

         

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

        4,469,018

Interest-bearing balances

        15,820

Securities:

         

Held-to-maturity securities

        0

Available-for-sale securities

        19,854,955

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

         

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

        436,600

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

        3,771,321

Loans and lease financing receivables:

         

Loans and leases held for sale

        9,037,490

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

   75,008,023     

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

   932,810     

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance

        74,075,213

Trading Assets

        1,472,750

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

        1,296,757

Other real estate owned

        29,826

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

        0

Customers’ liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding

        84,980

Intangible assets:

         

Goodwill

        862,393

Other intangible assets

        607,990

Other assets

        2,730,050

Total assets

        118,745,163

 

FDIC /54C (3-90)


REPORT OF CONDITION (Continued)

 

LIABILITIES

 

     Dollar Amounts in Thousands

Deposits:

         

In domestic offices

        74,459,262

Noninterest-bearing

   10,248,343     

Interest-bearing

   64,210,919     

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

        2,934,964

Noninterest-bearing

   0     

Interest-bearing

   2,934,963     

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

         

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

        8,979,352

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

        8,422,227

Trading liabilities

        1,179,121

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

        7,252,577

Bank’s liability on acceptances executed and outstanding

        84,980

Subordinated notes and debentures

        2,149,629

Other liabilities

        2,777,007

Total liabilities

        108,239,119

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

        1,012,337

EQUITY CAPITAL

         

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

        0

Common stock

        21,600

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

        2,734,106

Retained earnings

        5,845,041

Accumulated other comprehensive income

        892,960

Other equity capital components

        0

Total equity capital

        9,493,707

Total liabilities, minority interest, and equity capital

        118,745,163

 

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this statement of resources and liabilities. We declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions and is true and correct.  

I, Jorge Arrieta, SVP & Controller


 

( Name, Title )

 

of the above named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

 

Director #1


 

 


Director #2


 

 


Director #3


 

 



EXHIBIT 8 TO FORM T-1

 

(INTENTIONALLY OMITTED. NOT APPLICABLE.)


EXHIBIT 9 TO FORM T-1

 

(INTENTIONALLY OMITTED. NOT APPLICABLE)

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-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----