As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 26, 2023

Registration No. 333-                

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY

(Exact name of the Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware		41-0129150
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4600

Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 634-8100

(Address and telephone number of the Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

D. Cameron Findlay

Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4600

Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 634-8100

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Dawn Holicky Pruitt W. Morgan Burns Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-3901		Edward S. Best Mayer Brown LLP 71 South Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60603

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.    ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, 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, please 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(c) 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 registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box:    ☒

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box:    ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer		☒		Accelerated filer		☐
Non-accelerated filer		☐		Smaller reporting company		☐
				Emerging growth company		☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.    ☐

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

 

Debt Securities and Warrants to Purchase Debt Securities

Preferred Stock

Common Stock and Warrants to Purchase Common Stock

Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units

 

 

We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable supplement carefully before you invest.

 

 

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ADM.”

 

 

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

 

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should consider the risk factors in any supplement to this prospectus and in any documents that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus. See “Risk Factors” on page 4.

The date of this prospectus is July 26, 2023.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			2
THE COMPANY			3
RISK FACTORS			4
USE OF PROCEEDS			5
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			6
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK			19
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS			21
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS			23
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			24
LEGAL MATTERS			25
EXPERTS			25

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell debt securities, warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants to purchase common stock, stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units in one or more offerings. We may sell these securities either separately or in units.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. That prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.” We may also prepare free writing prospectuses that describe particular securities we may offer. Any free writing prospectus should also be read in connection with this prospectus and with any prospectus supplement referred to in such free writing prospectus. For purposes of this prospectus, any reference to an applicable prospectus supplement may also refer to a related free writing prospectus unless the context otherwise requires.

The registration statement that contains this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement, contains additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. That registration statement can be accessed at the SEC’s website or at our website set forth under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

The distribution of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and the offering of the securities we may offer in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement come should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. This prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our filings are also available on our website at www.adm.com. Information on our website does not form a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated herein by reference.

We “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information we file with the SEC, 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. Some information contained in this prospectus updates the information incorporated by reference, and information that we file subsequently with the SEC will automatically update this prospectus. In other words, in the case of a conflict or inconsistency between information set forth in this prospectus and information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in the document that was filed later. We incorporate by reference our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (which incorporates by reference certain portions of our definitive Notice and Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May  4, 2023); our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March  31, 2023 and June 30, 2023; our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April  3, 2023 and May 8, 2023; the descriptions of our common stock contained in registration statements and reports filed with the SEC; and any filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on or after the date of this prospectus and prior to the time that we sell all the securities offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless specifically stated otherwise, none of the information that we disclose under Items 2.02 and 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K that we may from time to time furnish to the SEC will be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise included in, this prospectus.

You may request a copy of these filings, other than an exhibit to a filing unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing, at no cost, by writing to or telephoning us at the following address:

Secretary

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4600

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: (312) 634-8100

Neither we, nor any underwriters or agents, have authorized anyone to provide you with any information other than information incorporated by reference or presented in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement. We, any underwriters and agents take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We may only use this prospectus to sell securities if it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement. We are only offering these securities in jurisdictions where the offer is permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the dates on the front of those documents.

 

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THE COMPANY

We are a global agricultural supply chain manager and processor and a premier human and animal nutrition provider. We are one of the world’s leading producers of ingredients for sustainable nutrition. From staple foods, such as flour, oils, and sweeteners, to innovative alternatives like plant-based meat and dairy, we offer a broad portfolio of food and beverage solutions. We are also a leader in animal nutrition and offer a range of ingredients, flavors, and solutions from nature to meet every animal’s needs. We are a global leader in health and well-being, with an industry-leading range of probiotics, enzymes, supplements, and more to meet the needs of consumers. In addition, we have significant investments in joint ventures that aim to expand or enhance the market for our products or offer other benefits including, but not limited to, geographic or product-line expansion.

We were incorporated in Delaware in 1923 as the successor to a business formed in 1902. Our executive offices are located at 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Our telephone number is (312) 634-8100. We maintain an Internet website at www.adm.com. The website is not a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference herein.

When we refer to “our company,” “we,” “our” and “us” in this prospectus under the headings “The Company” and “Use of Proceeds,” we mean Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, its subsidiaries and their predecessors unless the context indicates otherwise. When such terms are used elsewhere in this prospectus, we refer only to Archer-Daniels-Midland Company unless the context indicates otherwise.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Your investment in our securities involves risks and uncertainties. Before purchasing any securities, you should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the risk factors incorporated by reference from our  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as may be updated in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings we make with the SEC. We encourage you to read these risk factors in their entirety. You should consult your financial, legal, tax and other professional advisors as to the risks associated with an investment in our securities and the suitability of the investment for you.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, the net proceeds from the sale of the offered securities will be added to our general funds and will be available for general corporate purposes, including, among other things:

 

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meeting our working capital requirements;

 

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funding capital expenditures and possible acquisitions of, or investments in, businesses and assets; and

 

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repaying indebtedness originally incurred for general corporate purposes.

We will have significant discretion in the use of any net proceeds. Until we use net proceeds from the sale of offered securities, such net proceeds may be held in cash or cash equivalents or we may invest such net proceeds in short-term or long-term marketable securities or use them to repay short-term borrowings.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

This section describes the general terms and provisions of our debt securities. The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the debt securities offered through that prospectus supplement and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those debt securities.

The debt securities will be issued under an indenture dated as of July 26, 2023 between us and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (the “trustee”), referred to herein as the “indenture.” We have summarized certain terms and provisions of the indenture in this section. We have also filed the indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. You should read the indenture for additional information before you buy any debt securities.

Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities. This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the indenture, including definitions of certain terms used in the indenture. For example, in this section we use capitalized words to signify terms that have been specifically defined in the indenture. Some of the definitions are repeated herein, but for the rest you will need to read the indenture. We also include references in parentheses to certain sections of the indenture so that you can more easily locate these provisions. Whenever we refer to particular sections or defined terms of the indenture in this prospectus or in the applicable prospectus supplement, such sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference herein or in the prospectus supplement.

General

The debt securities will be our unsecured and unsubordinated obligations ranking on parity with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue and provides that we may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series. (Section 301). Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may, without the consent of the holders of a series of debt securities, issue additional debt securities of that series having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity date and other terms (except for the price to public and issue date) as such debt securities. Any such additional debt securities, together with the initial debt securities, will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable indenture. No additional debt securities of a series may be issued if an event of default under the applicable indenture has occurred and is continuing with respect to that series of debt securities.

A prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. (Section 301). These terms will include some or all of the following:

 

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the title of the debt securities of the series and related CUSIP, if available;

 

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any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series;

 

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the date or dates on which the principal of and any premium on the debt securities will mature and our ability to extend such date or dates;

 

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if the debt securities bear interest:

 

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the interest rate or rates on the debt securities (or the formula or methodology by which the interest rate or rates shall be determined);

 

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the date or dates from which any interest will accrue;

 

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any circumstances under which we may defer interest payments;

 

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the record and interest payment dates for debt securities that are registered securities; and

 

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whether the interest rate or interest rate formula or methodology can be reset and, if so, the date or dates on which the interest rate or interest rate formula or methodology can be reset;

 

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the place or places where:

 

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we can make payments on the debt securities;

 

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the debt securities can be presented for registration of transfer or exchange; and

 

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notice and demands can be given to us relating to the debt securities and under the indenture;

 

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whether the debt securities will be issuable as registered securities, bearer securities or both;

 

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whether any of the debt securities are to be issuable in permanent global form;

 

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the person to whom interest on the debt securities is payable, if such person is not the person in whose name the debt securities are registered;

 

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whether any of the debt securities are to be issuable initially in temporary global form;

 

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the date, if any, after which and the price or prices (and other applicable terms and provisions) at which we may redeem the offered debt securities pursuant to any optional or mandatory redemption provisions that would permit or require us or the holders of the debt securities to redeem or repay, as applicable, the debt securities prior to their final maturity;

 

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any sinking fund or analogous provisions that would obligate us to redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities, in whole or in part, before their final maturity;

 

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the denominations in which any debt securities which are registered securities will be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof;

 

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the denominations in which any debt securities which are bearer securities will be issuable, if other than denominations of $5,000;

 

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whether the debt securities will be convertible into shares of common stock or preferred stock and, if so, the terms and conditions of any such conversion and, if convertible into shares of preferred stock, the terms of such preferred stock;

 

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the currency or currencies of denomination, including the depositary, exchange rate and exchange rate agent, of the debt securities of any series if other than the currency of the United States;

 

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any index used to determine the amount of payments on the debt securities;

 

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the portion of the principal payable upon acceleration of the debt securities following an Event of Default, if such portion is other than the principal amount of the debt securities;

 

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any Events of Default which will apply to the debt securities in addition to those contained in the indenture;

 

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any additional covenants applicable to the debt securities and whether certain covenants can be waived;

 

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whether the provisions described below under the heading “Defeasance” apply to the debt securities;

 

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the identity of any paying agent or security registrar if other than the trustee;

 

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if the debt securities are to be issuable as bearer securities, the required certifications; and

 

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any other terms and provisions of the debt securities not inconsistent with the terms and provisions of the indenture. (Section 301).

If the purchase price of any of the debt securities is denominated in a foreign currency or currencies, or if the principal of and any premium and interest on any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or currencies, then the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to such issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

When we use the term “holder” in this prospectus with respect to a registered security, we mean the person in whose name such debt security is registered in the security register. (Section 101).

Denominations, Registration and Transfer

We may issue the debt securities as registered securities, bearer securities or both. We may issue debt securities in the form of one or more global securities, as described below under “Global Securities.” Unless we state otherwise in the applicable

 

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prospectus supplement, registered securities denominated in U.S. dollars will be issued only in denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Bearer securities denominated in U.S. dollars will be issued only in denominations of $5,000 with coupons attached. A global security will be issued in a denomination equal to the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities represented by that global security. The prospectus supplement relating to debt securities denominated in a foreign currency will specify the denominations of the debt securities. (Sections 201, 203, 301 and 302).

You may exchange any debt securities of a series for other debt securities of that series if the other debt securities are denominated in authorized denominations and have the same aggregate principal amount and the same terms as the debt securities that were surrendered for exchange. In addition, if debt securities of any series are issuable as both registered securities and as bearer securities, you may, subject to the terms of the indenture, exchange bearer securities (with all unmatured coupons, except as provided below, and all matured coupons in default attached) of the series for registered securities of the same series of any authorized denominations and that have the same aggregate principal amount and the same terms as the debt securities that were surrendered for exchange.

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, any bearer security surrendered in exchange for a registered security between a record date and the relevant date for payment of interest must be surrendered without the coupon relating to such date for payment of interest attached. Interest will not be payable on the registered security on the relevant date for payment of interest issued in exchange for the bearer security, but will be payable only to the holder of such coupon when due in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, bearer securities will not be issued in exchange for registered securities. (Section 305).

Registered securities may be presented for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or accompanied by a satisfactorily written instrument of transfer, at the office or agency maintained by us for that purpose in a place of payment. There will be no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but we may require you to pay any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange of the debt securities. (Section 305). If the applicable prospectus supplement refers to any office or agency, in addition to the security registrar, initially designated by us where you can surrender the debt securities for registration of transfer or exchange, we may at any time rescind the designation of any such office or agency or approve a change in the location. If debt securities of a series are issuable only as registered securities, we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for such series. If debt securities of a series are issuable as bearer securities, we will be required to maintain, in addition to the security registrar, a transfer agent in a place of payment for such series located outside the United States. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to any series of debt securities. (Section 1002).

We shall not be required to:

 

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issue, register the transfer of or exchange debt securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the selection of debt securities of that series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on:

 

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the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, if debt securities of the series are issuable only as registered securities; or

 

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the day of the first publication of the relevant notice of redemption, if debt securities of the series are issuable as bearer securities; or

 

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the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, if debt securities of that series are also issuable as registered securities and there is no publication;

 

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register the transfer of or exchange any registered security selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any registered security being redeemed in part; or

 

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exchange any bearer security selected for redemption, except to exchange the bearer security for a registered security of that series and like tenor which is simultaneously surrendered for redemption. (Section 305).

 

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Original Issue Discount Securities

Debt securities may be issued as original issue discount securities and sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. If a debt security is an original issue discount security, an amount less than the principal amount of the debt security will be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt security under the applicable indenture. (Sections 101 and 502). The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax consequences and other special factors you should consider before purchasing any original issue discount securities.

Payments and Paying Agents

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment of principal and any premium and interest on registered securities, other than a global security, will be made at the office of the paying agent or paying agents we may designate from time to time. (Section 1002). At our option, payment of any interest may be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the payee entitled to payment at the address listed in the security register, or (ii) by wire transfer to an account maintained by the payee as specified in the security register. Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment of any installment of interest on registered securities will be made to the person in whose name the registered security is registered at the close of business on the record date for such interest payment. (Section 307). Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the “record date” means, for any interest payment date, the date 15 calendar days prior to that interest payment date, whether or not that day is a business day.

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment of principal and any premium and interest on bearer securities will be payable, subject to applicable laws and regulations, at the offices of the paying agent or paying agents outside the United States that we may designate from time to time. (Section 1002). At our option, payment of any interest may be made by check or by wire transfer to an account maintained by the payee outside the United States. Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment of interest on bearer securities on any interest payment date will be made only upon presentation and surrender of the coupon relating to that interest payment date. (Section 1001). No payment on any bearer security will be made:

 

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at any of our offices or agencies in the United States;

 

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by check mailed to any address in the United States; or

 

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by transfer to an account maintained in the United States.

Neither we nor our paying agents will make payment on bearer securities or coupons, or upon any other demand for payment, if you present them to us or our paying agents within the United States. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payment of principal of and any premium and interest on bearer securities denominated and payable in U.S. dollars will be made at the office of our paying agent in the United States if, and only if, payment of the full amount payable in U.S. dollars at all offices or agencies outside the United States is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or other similar restrictions. (Section 1002).

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal office of the trustee in New York City will be designated as our sole paying agent for payments on debt securities that are issuable only as registered securities. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any paying agent outside the United States, and any other paying agent in the United States, initially designated by us for the debt securities. We may, at any time:

 

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designate additional paying agents;

 

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rescind the designation of any paying agent; or

 

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approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts.

If debt securities of a series are issuable only as registered securities, we will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for that series. If debt securities of a series are issuable as bearer securities, we will be required to maintain:

 

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a paying agent in each place of payment for that series in New York City for payments on any registered securities of that series;

 

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a paying agent in each place of payment located outside the United States where debt securities of that series and any coupons may be presented and surrendered for payment. If the debt securities of that series are listed on the London Stock Exchange, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange located outside the United States and such stock exchange shall so require, then we will maintain a paying agent in London, Luxembourg City or any other required city located outside the United States for debt securities of that series; and

 

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a paying agent in each place of payment located outside the United States where, subject to applicable laws and regulations, registered securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon us may be served. (Section 1002).

Any money that we pay to a paying agent for the purpose of making payments on the debt securities and that remains unclaimed two years after the payments were due will be returned to us. After that time, any holder of a debt security or any coupon may only look to us for payments on the debt security or coupon. (Section 1003).

Global Securities

Global Securities. The debt securities may be issued initially in book-entry form and represented by one or more global securities in fully registered form without interest coupons which will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company, which we refer to as “DTC,” and registered in the name of Cede & Co. or another nominee designated by DTC. Except as set forth below, the global securities may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to DTC or another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the global securities may not be exchanged for certificated securities except in the limited circumstances described below.

All interests in the global securities will be subject to the rules and procedures of DTC.

Certain Book-Entry Procedures for the Global Securities. The descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC set forth below are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of DTC and are subject to change by DTC from time to time. We do not take any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and investors are urged to contact DTC or its participants directly to discuss these matters.

DTC is:

 

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a limited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York;

 

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a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law;

 

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a member of the Federal Reserve System;

 

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a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, as amended; and

 

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a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act.

DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical transfer and delivery of certificates. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Indirect access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies, which we refer to collectively as the “indirect participants,” that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant either directly or indirectly. Investors who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through participants or indirect participants.

We expect that, pursuant to procedures established by DTC:

 

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upon deposit of each global security, DTC will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the accounts of participants with an interest in the global security; and

 

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ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the

 

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interests of participants) and the participants and the indirect participants (with respect to the interests of persons other than participants).

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities in definitive form. Accordingly, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the securities represented by a global security to those persons may be limited. In addition, because DTC can act only on behalf of its participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons who hold interests through participants, the ability of a person holding a beneficial interest in a global security to pledge or transfer that interest to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC’s system, or to otherwise take actions in respect of that interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical security in respect of that interest.

So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global security, DTC or that nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole legal owner or holder of the securities represented by that global security for all purposes of the securities and the indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by that global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated securities and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities represented by that beneficial interest under the indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the trustee. Accordingly, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that holder is not a participant or an indirect participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that holder owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of securities under the indenture or that global security. We understand that under existing industry practice, in the event that we request any action of holders of securities, or a holder that is an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to take any action that DTC, as the holder of that global security, is entitled to take, DTC would authorize the participants to take that action and the participants would authorize holders owning through those participants to take that action or would otherwise act upon the instruction of those holders. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of securities by DTC or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to the securities.

Payments with respect to the principal of and interest on a global security will be payable by the trustee to or at the direction of DTC or its nominee in its capacity as the registered holder of the global security under the indenture. Under the terms of the indenture, we and the trustee may treat the persons in whose names the debt securities, including the global securities, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payment thereon and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Accordingly, neither we nor the trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of those amounts to owners of beneficial interests in a global security. Payments by the participants and the indirect participants to the owners of beneficial interests in a global security will be governed by standing instructions and customary industry practice and will be the responsibility of the participants and indirect participants and not of DTC.

Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTC’s procedures and will be settled in same-day funds.

Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the global securities among participants in DTC, it is under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform those procedures, and those procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

We obtained the information in this section and elsewhere in this prospectus concerning DTC and its book-entry system from sources that we believe are reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of any of this information.

Certificated Securities. We will issue certificated securities to each person that DTC identifies as the beneficial owner of the securities represented by the global securities upon surrender by DTC of the global securities only if:

 

•

DTC notifies us that it is no longer willing or able to act as a depository for the global securities, and we have not appointed a successor depository within 90 days of that notice;

 

•

DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when such registration is required, and we have not appointed a successor depository within 90 days after becoming aware of that cessation;

 

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•

circumstances specified with respect to a particular series of debt securities as triggering the ability to exchange global securities occur; or

 

•

we determine (subject to the procedures of DTC) not to have the securities represented by a global security. (Section 305).

Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC, its nominee or any direct or indirect participant in identifying the beneficial owners of the related securities. We and the trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes, including with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the securities to be issued in certificated form.

Bearer Debt Securities

If we issue bearer securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe all of the special terms and provisions of debt securities in bearer form, and the extent to which those special terms and provisions are different from the terms and provisions described in this prospectus, which generally apply to debt securities in registered form, and will summarize provisions of the applicable indenture that relate specifically to bearer debt securities.

Covenants Contained in the Indenture

The following definitions are used in this prospectus to describe certain covenants contained in the indenture.

“Attributable Debt” means:

 

•

the balance sheet liability amount in respect of finance leases, plus

 

•

the amount of future minimum operating lease payments, less any amounts required to be paid on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates and similar charges, discounted using the methodology used to calculate the present value of operating lease payments in our most recent Annual Report to Stockholders reflecting that calculation.

The amount of Attributable Debt relating to an operating lease that can be terminated by the lessee with the payment of a penalty will be calculated based on the lesser of:

 

•

the aggregate amount of lease payments required to be made until the first date the lease can be terminated by the lessee plus the amount of the penalty, or

 

•

the aggregate amount of lease payments required to be made during the remaining term of the lease. (Section 101).

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the total amount of our assets, minus applicable reserves and other properly deductible items, minus

 

•

all current liabilities, excluding Funded Debt classified as such by reason of being renewable or extendible, and

 

•

all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense, and other similar intangibles to the extent not deducted as reserves and deductible items set forth above,

all as set forth on our most recent consolidated balance sheet. (Section 101).

“Funded Debt” means:

 

•

Indebtedness that matures more than 12 months after the time of the computation of the amount thereof or that is extendible or renewable to a time more than 12 months after the time of the computation of the amount thereof;

 

•

all guarantees of any such Indebtedness or of dividends, other than any guarantee in connection with the sale or discount by us or any Restricted Subsidiary of accounts receivable, trade acceptances and other paper arising in the ordinary course of business; and

 

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•

all preferred stock of any Subsidiary, taken at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation price at the time of any calculation hereunder, but exclusive of accrued dividends, if any.

Funded Debt does not, however, include any amount in respect of obligations under leases, or guarantees of obligations, whether or not such obligations or guarantees would be included as liabilities on a balance sheet. (Section 101).

“Indebtedness” means:

 

•

all items of indebtedness or liability, except capital and surplus, that would be included in total liabilities on the liability side of a balance sheet as of the date that indebtedness is being determined; and

 

•

guarantees, endorsements (other than for purposes of collection) and other contingent obligations relating to, or to purchase or otherwise acquire, indebtedness of others, unless the amount is included in the preceding bullet point.

Indebtedness does not, however, include any obligations or guarantees of obligations relating to lease rentals, even if the obligations or guarantees of obligations relating to lease rentals would be included as liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet of us and our Restricted Subsidiaries. (Section 101).

“Principal Domestic Manufacturing Property” means any building, structure or other facility, together with the land on which it is erected and fixtures that are part of such building, located in the United States that is used by us or our Subsidiaries primarily for manufacturing, processing or warehousing, the gross book value of which exceeds 1% of our Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, other than any such building,

 

•

that is financed by obligations issued by a state, territory or possession of the United States, or any of their political subdivisions, the interest on which is excludable from gross income of the holders pursuant to Section 103(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or

 

•

that is not of material importance to the total business conducted by us and our Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. (Section 101).

A “Restricted Subsidiary” means any of our Subsidiaries, but does not include a Subsidiary (i) that does not transact any substantial portion of its business in the United States and does not regularly maintain any substantial portion of its fixed assets in the United States, or (ii) that is engaged primarily in financing our operations or the operations of our Subsidiaries, or both. (Section 101).

“Secured Funded Debt” means Funded Debt which is secured by a mortgage, lien or other similar encumbrance upon any of our assets or those of our Restricted Subsidiaries. (Section 101).

A “Subsidiary” means a corporation or other entity in which we, or one or more of our other Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, own more than 50% of the outstanding voting equity interests. (Section 101).

“Wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary in which we and our other Wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiaries own all of the outstanding Funded Debt and capital stock (other than directors’ qualifying shares). (Section 101).

Restrictions on Secured Funded Debt

The indenture limits the amount of Secured Funded Debt that we and our Restricted Subsidiaries may incur or otherwise create, including by guarantee. Neither we nor our Restricted Subsidiaries may incur or otherwise create any new Secured Funded Debt unless immediately after the incurrence or creation:

 

•

the sum of:

 

•

the aggregate principal amount of all of our outstanding Secured Funded Debt and that of our Restricted Subsidiaries (other than certain categories of Secured Funded Debt discussed below), plus

 

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•

the aggregate amount of our Attributable Debt and that of our Restricted Subsidiaries relating to sale and leaseback transactions,

 

•

does not exceed 15% of our Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

This limitation does not apply if the outstanding debt securities are secured equally and ratably with or prior to the new Secured Funded Debt.

The following categories of Secured Funded Debt will not be considered in determining whether we are in compliance with the covenant described in the first paragraph under the heading “Restrictions on Secured Funded Debt”:

 

•

Secured Funded Debt of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to us or to one of our Wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

•

Secured Funded Debt resulting from a mortgage, lien or other similar encumbrance in favor of the U.S. government or any state or any instrumentality thereof to secure certain payments;

 

•

Secured Funded Debt resulting from a mortgage, lien or other similar encumbrance on property, shares of stock or Indebtedness of any company existing at the time that the company becomes one of our Subsidiaries;

 

•

Secured Funded Debt resulting from a mortgage, lien or other similar encumbrance on property, shares of stock or Indebtedness which (1) exists at the time that the property, shares of stock or Indebtedness is acquired by us or one of our Restricted Subsidiaries, including acquisitions by merger or consolidation, (2) secures the payment of any part of the purchase price of or construction cost for the property, shares of stock or Indebtedness or (3) secures any Indebtedness incurred prior to, at the time of, or within 120 days after, the acquisition of the property, shares of stock or Indebtedness or the completion of any construction of the property for the purpose of financing all or a part of the purchase price or construction cost of the property, shares of stock or Indebtedness, provided that, in all cases, we continue to comply with the covenant relating to mergers and consolidations discussed under the heading “Restrictions on Mergers and Sales of Assets” below;

 

•

Secured Funded Debt resulting from a mortgage, lien or other similar encumbrance in connection with the issuance of revenue bonds on which the interest is exempt from federal income tax under the Code; and

 

•

any extension, renewal or refunding of (1) any Secured Funded Debt permitted under the first paragraph under the heading “Restrictions on Secured Funded Debt” or (2) any Secured Funded Debt outstanding as of the date of the indenture. (Section 1007).

Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions

Under the indenture, neither we nor any Restricted Subsidiary may enter into any sale and leaseback transaction involving a Principal Domestic Manufacturing Property, except a sale by a Restricted Subsidiary to us or another Restricted Subsidiary or a lease not exceeding three years, by the end of which we intend to discontinue use of the property, and except for any transaction with a local or state authority that provides financial or tax benefits, unless:

 

•

the net proceeds of the sale are at least equal to the fair market value of the property; and

 

•

within 120 days of the transfer, or two years if we hold the net proceeds of the sale in cash or cash equivalents, we purchase and retire debt securities and/or repay Funded Debt and/or make expenditures for the expansion, construction or acquisition of a Principal Domestic Manufacturing Property at least equal to the net proceeds of the sale.

In addition, the restriction does not apply if the sum of the aggregate fair market value of the property transferred in a sale and leaseback transaction and all Secured Funded Debt (other than the categories of Secured Funded Debt discussed above as not being included in the consideration of the covenant restricting Secured Funded Debt) does not exceed 15% of our Consolidated Net Tangible Assets. (Section 1008).

 

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Restrictions on Mergers and Sales of Assets

The indenture generally permits a consolidation or merger between us and another entity. It also permits the sale or transfer by us of all or substantially all of our property and assets. These transactions are permitted so long as:

 

•

the resulting or acquiring entity, if other than us, is organized and existing under the laws of a United States jurisdiction and assumes responsibility for the payment of all amounts due on the debt securities and performance of the covenants in the indenture;

 

•

immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default under the indenture exists;

 

•

steps have been taken to secure the debt securities equally and ratably with all indebtedness secured by a mortgage, lien or other similar encumbrance if as a result of such transaction, our properties or assets or any Restricted Subsidiaries’ properties or assets would become subject to such mortgage, lien or other similar encumbrance not permitted pursuant to the provisions discussed above under the heading “Restrictions on Secured Funded Debt” without equally and ratably securing the debt securities; and

 

•

we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that the transaction and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with the transaction, the supplemental indenture comply with the indenture and that all conditions precedent to the transaction contained in the indenture have been satisfied. (Section 801).

If we consolidate or merge with or into any other entity or sell or lease all or substantially all of our assets according to the terms and conditions of the indenture, the resulting or acquiring entity will be substituted for us in the indenture with the same effect as if it had been an original party to the indenture. As a result, such successor entity may exercise our rights and powers under the indenture, in our name and, except in the case of a lease, we will be released from all obligations and covenants under the indenture and under the debt securities and coupons. (Section 802).

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, we may transfer all of our property and assets to another corporation if, immediately after giving effect to the transfer, such corporation is our Wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary and we would be permitted to become liable for an additional amount of Secured Funded Debt. (Section 803).

Modification and Waiver

Under the indenture, certain of our rights and obligations and certain of the rights of the holders of the debt securities may be modified or amended with the consent of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series of debt securities affected by the modification or amendment, acting together as a class. However, the following modifications and amendments will not be effective against any holder without its consent:

 

•

a change in the stated maturity date of any payment of principal or interest;

 

•

a reduction in the principal amount of, or rate of interest on, any debt security or any change in the interest rate or formula for or method of calculating the interest rate applicable to any debt security;

 

•

a reduction in the premium payable upon redemption of any debt security;

 

•

a reduction in the amount of principal of an original issue discount debt security due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of such debt security;

 

•

a change in place of payment where, or the currency in which, any payment on the debt securities is payable;

 

•

an impairment of a holder’s right to sue us for the enforcement of payments due on the debt securities; or

 

•

a reduction in the percentage of outstanding debt securities of any series required to consent to a modification or amendment of the indenture or required to consent to a waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or certain defaults under the indenture. (Section 902).

Under the indenture, the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series of debt securities may waive compliance by us with certain restrictive provisions of the indenture, on behalf of all holders of all series of debt securities to which such restrictive provision applies. (Section 1010).

 

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Under the indenture, the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities may, on behalf of all holders of such series of debt securities, waive any past default under the indenture, except:

 

•

a default in the payment of the principal of, or any premium or interest on, any debt securities of that series; or

 

•

a default under any provision of the indenture which itself cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of each outstanding debt security of that series. (Section 513).

Events of Default

“Event of Default,” when used in the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities, means any of the following:

 

•

failure to pay interest on any debt security of that series for 30 days after the payment is due;

 

•

failure to pay the principal of, or any premium on, any debt security of that series when due;

 

•

failure to deposit any sinking fund payment on debt securities of that series when due;

 

•

failure to perform any other covenant in the indenture that applies to debt securities of that series for 90 days after we have received written notice of the failure to perform in the manner specified in the indenture;

 

•

default in respect of any Indebtedness for money borrowed by us or any consolidated Subsidiary, or under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which such Indebtedness is issued or secured, including a default with respect to debt securities of any other series, which default results in the acceleration of Indebtedness with an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of $50,000,000, unless the acceleration is rescinded, or such debt is paid or waived within 10 days after we have received written notice of the default in the manner specified in the indenture;

 

•

certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or

 

•

any other Event of Default that may be specified for the debt securities of that series when that series is created. (Section 501).

If an Event of Default for any series of debt securities occurs and continues, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series may declare the entire principal of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, except that, if the Event of Default is caused by certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the entire principal of all of the debt securities of the series will become due and payable immediately without any act on the part of the trustee or holders of the debt securities. If such a declaration occurs, the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series can, subject to conditions, rescind the declaration. (Section 502).

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities which are original issue discount securities will describe the particular provisions that relate to the acceleration of maturity of a portion of the principal amount of the series when an Event of Default occurs and continues.

The indenture requires us to file an officers’ certificate with the trustee each year that states, to the knowledge of the certifying officers, no defaults exist under the terms of the indenture. (Section 1009). The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default, except defaults in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any sinking fund installment, if it considers the withholding of notice to be in the best interests of the holders. For purposes of this paragraph, “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default under the indenture with respect to the debt securities of the applicable series. (Section 602).

Other than its duties in the case of an Event of Default, a trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request, order or direction of any holders of debt securities, unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable indemnification. (Sections 601, 603). If reasonable indemnification is provided, then, subject to other rights of the trustee, the

 

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holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, with respect to the debt securities of that series, direct the time, method and place of:

 

•

conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee; or

 

•

exercising any trust or power conferred upon the trustee. (Sections 512, 603).

The holder of a debt security of any series will have the right to begin any proceeding with respect to the indenture or for any remedy only if:

 

•

the holder has previously given the trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of that series;

 

•

the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made a written request to the trustee to begin such proceeding;

 

•

the holder has offered to the trustee reasonable indemnification;

 

•

the trustee has not started such proceeding within 60 days after receiving the request; and

 

•

the trustee has not received directions inconsistent with such request from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series during those 60 days. (Section 507).

However, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute right to receive payment of principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt security when due and to institute suit to enforce this payment. (Section 508).

Defeasance

The indenture includes provisions allowing defeasance of the debt securities of any series. In order to defease a series of debt securities, we would deposit with the trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations sufficient to make all payments on those debt securities. If we make a defeasance deposit with respect to a series of debt securities, we may elect either:

 

•

to be discharged from all of our obligations on that series of debt securities, except for our obligations to register transfers and exchanges; to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities; to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust; or

 

•

to be released from our restrictions described above relating to mergers and sales of assets, Secured Funded Debt and sale and leaseback transactions.

To establish the trust, we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of our counsel that the holders of that series of debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the defeasance had not occurred. (Sections 403 and 1011).

The term “U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations of the United States of America backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. (Section 101).

Notices

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will give notices to holders of bearer securities by publication in a daily newspaper in the English language of general circulation in New York City. We will give notices by mail to holders of registered securities at the addresses listed in the security register. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, any notices required to be given to the holders of any global securities will be given to the depositary. (Section 106).

Persons Deemed Owners

Title to any bearer securities and any coupons issued with any bearer securities will pass by delivery. We and the trustee, and any of our or the trustee’s agents, may treat the bearer of any bearer security, the bearer of any coupon and the registered owner of

 

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any registered security as the owner of the security or coupon, whether or not the debt security or coupon shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, for the purpose of making payment and for all other purposes. (Section 308).

Replacement of Securities and Coupons

We will replace any mutilated security, or a mutilated coupon issued with a security, at the holder’s expense upon surrender of the security to the trustee. We will replace destroyed, lost or stolen securities or coupons at the holder’s expense upon delivery to the trustee of evidence of the destruction, loss or theft satisfactory to us and the trustee. If any coupon becomes destroyed, stolen or lost, we will replace it by issuing a new security in exchange for the security with which the coupon was issued. In the case of a destroyed, lost or stolen security or coupon, an indemnity satisfactory to the trustee and us may be required at the holder’s expense before we will issue a replacement security. (Section 306).

Conversion and Exchange

If any offered debt securities are convertible into preferred stock or common stock at the option of the holders or exchangeable for preferred stock or common stock at our option, the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities will include the terms and conditions governing any conversions and exchanges.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. (Section 114).

Information Concerning the Trustee

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas is the trustee under the indenture. From time to time, we maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions with the trustee in the ordinary course of business.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

The following description of our capital stock is subject to and qualified in its entirety by our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and by the provisions of applicable Delaware law. Under our certificate of incorporation, we are authorized to issue up to 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock without par value and 500,000 shares of preferred stock without par value.

Common Stock

Shares Outstanding

As of July 24, 2023, 536,101,643 shares of common stock were outstanding.

Voting Rights

Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders.

Dividends

Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose.

Rights Upon Liquidation

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding.

Preemptive or Conversion Rights

The holders of our common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock.

Preferred Stock

The board of directors has the authority, without action by the stockholders, to designate and issue preferred stock in one or more series and to designate certain rights, preferences and privileges of each series, including whether and on what terms the preferred stock may be convertible, which may be greater than the rights of the common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of the common stock until the board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of such preferred stock. However, the effects might include, among other things:

 

•

restricting dividends on the common stock;

 

•

diluting the voting power of the common stock;

 

•

impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; or

 

•

delaying or preventing a change in control of us without further action by the stockholders.

No shares of preferred stock are outstanding, and we have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Certificate and Bylaws and Delaware Law

Some provisions of Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make the following more difficult:

 

•

acquisition of us by means of a tender offer;

 

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•

acquisition of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise; or

 

•

removal of our incumbent officers and directors.

These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board. We believe that these provisions give our board the flexibility to exercise its fiduciary duties in a manner consistent with the interests of our stockholders.

 

•

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCE NOTIFICATION OF STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS. Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors.

 

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DELAWARE LAW. We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless the “business combination” or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. Generally, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Generally, an “interested stockholder” is a person (i) who, together with affiliates and associates, owns 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock or (ii) who is an affiliate of the corporation and did, together with affiliates and associates, own 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status. The existence of this provision may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the board of directors, including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by stockholders.

 

•

CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT OR MEETINGS. Our certificate of incorporation provides that certain procedures, including notifying the board of directors and awaiting a record date, must be followed for stockholders to act by written consent without a meeting. Our bylaws provide that stockholders owning not less than 10% of our outstanding shares may call special meetings of stockholders, but certain requirements apply both to how the 10% share ownership is measured and to the mechanics of calling a meeting.

 

•

NO CUMULATIVE VOTING. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

 

•

UNDESIGNATED PREFERRED STOCK. The authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for the board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of us.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Hickory Point Bank & Trust, fsb.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities issued under the indenture or for the purchase of our common stock. We may issue warrants alone or together with any debt securities or common stock offered by any prospectus supplement, and warrants may be attached to or separate from the debt securities or common stock. As stated in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants, we will issue the warrants under one or more warrant agreements that we will enter into with a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrant certificates. The warrant agent will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holder of warrant certificates or beneficial owners of warrants.

General

If we offer warrants, the applicable prospectus supplement will identify the warrant agent and describe the terms of the warrants, including the following:

 

•

the offering price;

 

•

the currency for which warrants may be purchased;

 

•

the designation, aggregate principal amount, currency of denomination and payment, and terms of the debt securities or common stock purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

 

•

if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities or common stock issued with the warrants and the number of warrants issued with the debt securities or common stock;

 

•

if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related debt securities or common stock will be separately transferable;

 

•

the principal amount of debt securities or common stock purchasable upon exercise of one warrant, and the price at and the currency in which the principal amount of debt securities or common stock may be purchased upon such exercise;

 

•

the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and the date on which the right to exercise shall expire;

 

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United States federal income tax considerations;

 

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whether the warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form; and

 

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any other terms of the warrants.

You may, at the corporate trust offices of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement:

 

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exchange warrant certificates for new warrant certificates of different denominations;

 

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if the warrant certificates are in registered form, present them for registration of transfer; and

 

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exercise warrant certificates.

Before exercising warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities or common stock purchasable upon exercise, including the right to receive payments on the debt securities or common stock purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the indenture.

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the principal amount of debt securities or common stock at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. You may exercise warrants at any time up to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date (or such later date to which we may extend the expiration date), unexercised warrants will become void.

 

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You may exercise warrants by delivering payment to the warrant agent as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement of the amount required to purchase the debt securities or common stock, together with certain information set forth on the reverse side of the warrant certificate. Warrants will be deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of the exercise price, subject to the receipt within five business days of the warrant certificate evidencing such warrants. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent, or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the debt securities or common stock purchased. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of warrants.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

The following is a general description of the terms of the stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units we may issue from time to time.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units and, if applicable, prepaid stock purchase contracts. The description in the prospectus supplement will be qualified in its entirety by reference to (1) the stock purchase contracts, (2) the collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements, if applicable, relating to such stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units and (3) if applicable, the prepaid stock purchase contracts and the document pursuant to which such prepaid stock purchase contracts will be issued.

Stock Purchase Contracts

We may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to holders, a fixed or varying number of shares of common stock at a future date or dates. The consideration per share of common stock may be fixed at the time that the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. Any stock purchase contract may include anti-dilution provisions to adjust the number of shares issuable pursuant to such stock purchase contract upon the occurrence of certain events.

Stock Purchase Units

The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as a part of units (“stock purchase units”), consisting of a stock purchase contract and debt securities, or debt or equity obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities, in each case securing holders’ obligations to purchase shares of common stock under the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to holders of the stock purchase units, or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded and may be paid on a current or on a deferred basis. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations thereunder in a specified manner and in certain circumstances we may deliver newly issued prepaid stock purchase contracts upon release to a holder of any collateral securing such holder’s obligations under the original stock purchase contract. Any one or more of the above securities, common stock or the stock purchase contracts or other collateral may be pledged as security for the holders’ obligations to purchase or sell the shares of common stock under the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may also allow the holders, under certain circumstances, to obtain the release of the security for their obligations under such contracts by depositing with the collateral agent as substitute collateral U.S. Treasury securities with a principal amount at maturity equal to the collateral so released or the maximum number of shares deliverable by such holders under stock purchase contracts requiring the holders to sell shares of common stock to us.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell securities to or through underwriters, agents or broker-dealers or directly to purchasers. As set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may offer debt securities or common stock alone or with warrants (which may or may not be detachable from the debt securities or common stock), and we may offer the warrants alone. If we issue any warrants, debt securities or common stock will be issuable upon exercise of the warrants. We may also offer preferred stock, and we may offer stock purchase contracts alone, or as part of stock purchase units.

Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities offered under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and any profit on the resale of the offered securities by them may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any underwriters or agents will be identified and their compensation, including any underwriting discounts and commissions, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe other terms of the offering, including the initial public offering price, any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers, and any securities exchanges on which the offered securities may be listed.

The distribution of the securities offered under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement may occur from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

We may determine the price or other terms of the securities offered under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement by use of an electronic auction. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement how any auction will be conducted to determine the price or any other terms of the securities, how potential investors may participate in the auction and, where applicable, the nature of the underwriters’ obligations with respect to the auction.

We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act or to contribute with respect to payments that the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make as a result of those certain civil liabilities.

When we issue the securities offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, they may be new securities without an established trading market. If we sell a security offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement to an underwriter for public offering and sale, the underwriter may make a market for that security, but the underwriter will not be obligated to do so and could discontinue any market making without notice at any time. Therefore, we cannot give any assurances to you concerning the liquidity of any security offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement.

Underwriters and agents and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of their businesses.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities we are offering will be passed upon for us by Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for any underwriters, dealers or agents by Mayer Brown LLP or any other law firm identified as counsel to the underwriters in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company appearing in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the effectiveness of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The expenses of this offering (all of which are to be paid by the registrant) are estimated to be as follows:

 

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee		$	*
Legal services			**
Accounting services			**
Charges of Trustee			**
Charges of Warrant Agent			**
Rating agency fees			**
Printing			**
Miscellaneous			**
Total		$	**

 

*	In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) of the Securities Act, the registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fee.

**	These fees are calculated based on the number and nature of issuances and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. An estimate of the aggregate amount of these expenses for any offering will be reflected in the applicable prospectus supplement for such offering.

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to an action (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of his or her service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or his or her service, at the corporation’s request, as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) that are actually and reasonably incurred by him or her (“Expenses”), and judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement that are actually and reasonably incurred by him or her, in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, provided that he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. Although Delaware law permits a corporation to indemnify any person referred to above against Expenses in connection with the defense or settlement of an action by or in the right of the corporation, provided that he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests, if such person has been judged liable to the corporation, indemnification is only permitted to the extent that the Court of Chancery (or the court in which the action was brought) determines that, despite the adjudication of liability, such person is entitled to indemnity for such Expenses as the court deems proper. The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware also provides for mandatory indemnification of any director, officer, employee or agent against Expenses to the extent such person has been successful in any proceeding covered by the statute. In addition, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware permits (i) Delaware corporations to include a provision in their certificates of incorporation limiting or eliminating the personal liability of a director to a corporation or its stockholders, under certain circumstances, for monetary damages or breach of fiduciary duty as a director and (ii) the advancement of a director’s or officer’s litigation expenses, upon receipt of an undertaking to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification. In addition, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides that indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by the statute shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement or otherwise.

The Fourteenth Article of the Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant and Article VI of the Bylaws of the registrant provide for the indemnification of the directors and officers of the registrant and limit the personal monetary liability of directors of

 

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the registrant to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The registrant has also entered into indemnification contracts with certain of its directors and officers. The registrant also maintains insurance coverage relating to certain liabilities of its directors and officers.

Item 16. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.		Exhibit		Method of Filing
1.1		Form of Underwriting Agreement for Debt Securities.*
1.2		Form of Underwriting Agreement for Preferred Stock.*
1.3		Form of Underwriting Agreement for Common Stock.*
4.1		Composite Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 filed on November 13, 2001 (SEC File No. 1-44).
4.2		Bylaws, as amended.		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2022.
4.3		Indenture dated as of July 26, 2023 between the Registrant and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee.		Filed herewith.
4.4		Form of Debt Securities.*
4.5		Form of Certificate of Designation of Powers, Preferences and Rights of Preferred Stock.*
4.6		Form of Preferred Stock Certificate.*
4.7		Form of Common Stock Certificate.*
4.8		Form of Debt Warrant Agreement, including Form of Debt Warrant Certificate.*
4.9		Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement, including Form of Common Stock Warrant Certificate.*
4.10		Form of Stock Purchase Contract.*
4.11		Form of Stock Purchase Unit Contract.*
4.12		Form of Unit Certificate.*
5		Opinion of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.		Filed herewith.
23.1		Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.		Filed herewith.
23.2		Consent of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (included in Exhibit 5).
24		Powers of Attorney.		Filed herewith.
25		Statement of Eligibility of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee for the Indenture dated as of July 26, 2023.		Filed herewith.
107		Filing Fee Table.		Filed herewith.

 

*	To be filed as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated herein by reference or by a post-effective amendment to this registration statement.

 

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Item 17. Undertakings

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Filing Fee Table” in an exhibit to the effective 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;

provided, however, that: paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of 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.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the

 

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securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 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.

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has 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 the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the 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, the registrant 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.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, on July 26, 2023.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed on July 26, 2023 by the following persons in the capacities indicated:

 

* Juan R. Luciano		Chair, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Vikram Luthar Vikram Luthar		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Molly Strader Fruit Molly Strader Fruit		Vice President and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
* Michael S. Burke		Director
* Theodore Colbert		Director
* James C. Collins, Jr.		Director
* Terrell K. Crews		Director
* Ellen de Brabander		Director
* Suzan F. Harrison		Director
* Patrick J. Moore		Director
* Debra A. Sandler		Director
* Lei Z. Schlitz		Director

 

*	Vikram Luthar, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document on behalf of each of the above named officers and directors of the Registrant pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons.

 

 

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