AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 12, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
AND
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENTS
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC. DELAWARE 13-2740599
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS (STATE OF INCORPORATION) (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING IV, L.P. DELAWARE 13-3982446
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING V, L.P. DELAWARE APPLIED FOR
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS (STATE OF ORGANIZATION) (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SPECIFIED IN CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP)
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST IV DELAWARE 13-7139561
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST V DELAWARE APPLIED FOR
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS (STATE OF ORGANIZATION) (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
SPECIFIED IN CERTIFICATE OF TRUST)
WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
NORTH TOWER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10281-1334
(212) 449-1000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
--------------
MARK B. GOLDFUS, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
NORTH TOWER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10281-1334
(212) 449-6990
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
--------------
"COPIES TO:"
NORMAN D. SLONAKER, ESQ. DONALD R. CRAWSHAW, ESQ. RICHARD T. PRINS, ESQ.
BROWN & WOOD LLP SULLIVAN & CROMWELL SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER 125 BROAD STREET 919 THIRD AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement as determined
by market conditions.
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If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please 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. [X]
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 delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [X]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED
TITLE OF EACH CLASS AMOUNT TO BE AGGREGATE MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED(1) REGISTERED(2)(3) PRICE PER UNIT(4) OFFERING PRICE(4) REGISTRATION FEE
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Debt Securities and
Warrants(5)........... --
Preferred Stock, par
value $1.00 per
share(5).............. --
Depositary Shares
representing Preferred
Stock(6).............. --
Common Stock, par value
$1.33 per share
(including preferred
share purchase
Rights)(7)(8)......... --
Trust Originated
Preferred Securities of
Merrill Lynch Preferred
Capital Trust IV and
Merrill Lynch Preferred
Capital Trust V (the
"Trusts") (the "Trust
Preferred
Securities")........... $8,000,000,000 N/A $8,000,000,000(2) $2,360,000
Partnership Preferred
Securities of Merrill
Lynch Preferred Funding
IV, L.P. and Merrill
Lynch Preferred Funding
V, L.P. (each, a
"Partnership") (the
"Partnership Preferred
Securities")(9)....... --
Guarantees of Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. with
respect to Trust
Preferred Securities.. --
Guarantees of Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. with
respect to Partnership
Preferred Securities.. --
Guarantees of Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. with
respect to certain
debentures of its
wholly owned
subsidiaries (the
"Affiliate
Debentures").......... --
Subordinated Debentures
of Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Inc. to be issued with
respect to Trust
Originated Preferred
Securities............ --
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Totals............... $2,360,000
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(Footnotes on next page)
(Footnotes from previous page)
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(1) This Registration Statement also registers delayed delivery contracts which
may be issued by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") under which the
counterparty may be required to purchase Debt Securities, Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares and/or Warrants. Such contracts would be issued with the
Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares and/or Warrants covered
hereby. In addition, securities registered hereunder may be sold
separately, together or as units with other securities registered
hereunder.
(2) Such amount shall be increased, if any Debt Securities are issued at an
original issue discount, by an amount such that the net proceeds to be
received by the Registrant shall be equal to the above amount to be
registered. Any offering of Debt Securities denominated other than in U.S.
dollars will be treated as the equivalent in U.S. dollars based on the
official exchange rate applicable to the purchase of such Debt Securities
from the Registrant. Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933,
the Prospectus included in this Post-Effective Amendment relates to the
remaining unsold Debt Securities and Warrants having an aggregate principal
amount of $5,355,372,580 which were previously registered by the Registrant
under Registration Statement No. 333-28537 on Form S-3. The following
registration statements, each having the original effective date indicated
parenthetically, are amended hereby (the number of such post-effective
amendment applicable to a registration statement being also indicated
parenthetically), all as follows: 2-78338 (July 23, 1982-No. 23); 2-83477
(May 9, 1983-No. 22); 2-89519 (February 23, 1984-No. 21); 2-96315 (March
20, 1985-No. 19); 33-03079 (February 6, 1986-No. 18); 33-03602 (April 15,
1986-No. 15); 33-05125 (April 28, 1986-No. 7); 33-09910 (November 5, 1986-
No. 16); 33-16165 (August 11, 1987-No. 15); 33-17965 (November 5, 1987-No.
14); 33-19820 (January 29, 1988-No. 14); 33-23605 (August 16, 1988-No. 13);
33-27512 (March 20, 1989-No. 12); 33-27594 (March 20, 1989-No. 12); 33-
35456 (August 10, 1990-No. 12); 33-38879 (February 12, 1991-No. 11); 33-
42041 (August 16, 1991-No. 11); 33-45327 (February 12, 1992-No. 10); 33-
54218 (November 19, 1992-No. 9); 33-49947 (August 25, 1993-No. 8); 33-51489
(January 14, 1994-No. 7); 33-52647 (March 22, 1994-No. 6); 33-61559 (August
23, 1995-No. 5); 33-65135 (January 12, 1996-No. 9); 333-13649 (November 25,
1996-No. 3); 333-25255 (April 30, 1997-No.2) and 333-28537 (June 13, 1997-
No. 1). Each such post-effective amendment shall hereafter become effective
concurrently with the effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment in
accordance with Section 8(c) of the Securities Act of 1933.
(3) This Registration Statement also registers, where required, an
indeterminate amount of securities to be sold by Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated in market-making transactions.
(4) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457. The proposed maximum offering price per unit will be
determined from time to time by the Registrants in connection with the
issuance of securities registered hereunder or previously registered under
the Securities Act. No separate consideration will be received for Common
Stock, Preferred Stock, Debt Securities or Warrants that are issued upon
conversion or exchange of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary
Shares or Warrants nor will any separate consideration be received for the
Guarantees or the Subordinated Debentures registered hereunder. The
Subordinated Debentures and the Affiliate Debentures will be purchased by
the Partnerships with proceeds of the sale of the Partnership Preferred
Securities, together with a capital contribution of the Company.
(5) There is also registered hereunder such indeterminate amount of Debt
Securities and an indeterminate number of shares of Preferred Stock as may
from time to time be issued upon conversion or exchange of Debt Securities,
Preferred Stock or Warrants registered hereunder.
(6) To be represented by Depositary Receipts representing an interest in all or
a specified portion of a share of Preferred Stock.
(7) The aggregate amount of Common Stock of the Company registered hereunder is
limited to that which is permissible under Rule 415(a)(4) under the
Securities Act. There is also registered hereunder such indeterminate
number of shares of Common Stock as may from time to time be issued upon
conversion or exchange of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock or Warrants
registered hereunder.
(8) Prior to the occurrence of certain events, the preferred share purchase
Rights will not be evidenced separately from the Common Stock; value
attributable to such Rights, if any, is reflected in the market price of
the Common Stock.
(9) The Partnership Preferred Securities will be purchased by one of the Trusts
with the proceeds of the sale of the Trust Preferred Securities, together
with the proceeds received from the Company in respect of the common
securities to be issued by such Trust. No separate consideration will be
received for the Partnership Preferred Securities.
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THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
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EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement contains a number of forms of Prospectuses: (i)
a Prospectus which is to be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company")
in connection with offerings of debt securities, warrants, preferred stock,
depositary shares and common stock, (ii) a Prospectus which is to be used by
the Company in connection with offerings of Structured Yield Product
Exchangeable for Stock SM and (iii) a Prospectus, including certain alternate
pages, which is to be used in connection with offerings of preferred
securities of Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust IV and Merrill Lynch
Preferred Capital Trust V (the "Trusts"), severally; preferred securities of
Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding IV, L.P. and Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding
V, L.P. (the "Partnerships"), severally; subordinated debentures of the
Company; and guarantees by the Company of preferred securities issued
severally by the Trusts, of preferred securities issued severally by the
Partnerships, and of certain debentures issued severally by wholly-owned
subsidiaries of the Company. Additionally, there are a Prospectus Supplement
and a number of Prospectuses to be used by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated in connection with market-making transactions.
The complete Prospectus for the offering of any of the securities listed in
clause (iii) above will indicate the relevant Trust and Partnership to which
it relates and will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Rule 424 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF +
+ANY SUCH STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO]
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
DEBT SECURITIES, WARRANTS, PREFERRED STOCK,
DEPOSITARY SHARES AND COMMON STOCK
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Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") intends to sell from time to time
senior debt securities ("Senior Debt Securities") and subordinated debt
securities ("Subordinated Debt Securities" and, together with the Senior Debt
Securities, the "Debt Securities"), both of which may be convertible into
common stock, par value $1.33 1/3 per share, of the Company ("Common Stock"),
preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company ("Preferred Stock")
or Depositary Shares representing Preferred Stock ("Depositary Shares");
warrants to purchase Debt Securities ("Debt Warrants"); warrants entitling the
holders thereof to receive from the Company a payment or delivery determined by
reference to decreases or increases in the level of an index or portfolio based
on one or more equity or debt securities (including, but not limited to, the
price or yield of such securities), any statistical measure of economic or
financial performance (including, but not limited to, any consumer price,
currency or mortgage index) or the price or value of any commodity or any other
item or index or a combination thereof ("Index Warrants"); warrants to receive
from the Company the cash value in U.S. dollars of the right to purchase
("Currency Call Warrants") or to sell ("Currency Put Warrants" and, together
with the Currency Call Warrants, the "Currency Warrants") specified foreign
currencies or units of two or more such currencies; shares of Preferred Stock
which may be convertible into Preferred Stock or Common Stock or exchangeable
for Debt Securities; shares of Preferred Stock, which may be represented by
Depositary Shares; warrants to purchase shares of Preferred Stock ("Preferred
Stock Warrants"); shares of Common Stock; and warrants to purchase shares of
Common Stock ("Common Stock Warrants"), in each case as shall be designated by
the Company at the time of offering. The Debt Warrants, Index Warrants,
Currency Warrants, Preferred Stock Warrants and Common Stock Warrants are
collectively hereinafter called the "Warrants", and the Debt Securities, the
Warrants, the Preferred Stock, the Depositary Shares and the Common Stock are
collectively called the "Securities". The Securities may be offered
independently or together with other Securities and may be attached to, or
separate from such other Securities. The Securities will be offered to the
public on terms determined by market conditions at the time of sale and set
forth in a prospectus supplement.
The Debt Securities (except for Debt Securities that are convertible into
Common Stock or Preferred Stock), Debt Warrants, Index Warrants and Currency
Warrants offered pursuant to this Prospectus may be offered separately or
together in one or more series of up to $ aggregate public offering price
or its equivalent in such foreign currencies or units of two or more
currencies, based on the applicable exchange rate at the time of offering, as
shall be designated by the Company at the time of offering, subject to
reduction on account of the sale of other securities under the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The Common Stock, Preferred
Stock, Depositary Shares, Common Stock Warrants, Preferred Stock Warrants and
the Debt Securities that are convertible into Common Stock or Preferred Stock
offered pursuant to this Prospectus may be offered separately or together in
one or more series of up to $8,000,000,000 aggregate public offering price or
its equivalent in such foreign currencies or units of two or more currencies,
based on the applicable exchange rate at the time of offering, as shall be
designated by the Company at the time of offering, subject to reduction on
account of the sale of other securities under the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus is a part.
The Debt Securities will be unsecured and, except in the case of Subordinated
Debt Securities, will rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated
indebtedness of the Company. The Subordinated Debt Securities will be
subordinated to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company.
Each issue of Securities may vary, where applicable, as to aggregate
principal amount, maturity date, public offering or purchase price, interest
rate or rates, if any, and timing of payments thereof, provisions, if any, for
redemption, exchangeability or conversion, sinking fund requirements, if any,
exercise provisions, ranking, detachability, currencies of denomination or
currencies otherwise applicable thereto, the option of the Company to satisfy
its obligations upon maturity, any redemption or required repurchase or in
connection with any exchange provisions by delivering securities (whether or
not issued by, or the obligations of, the Company) or a combination of cash,
other securities and/or property, the right of the Company to defer payment of
interest and the maximum length of any such deferral period, put options, if
any, number of shares, liquidation preference per share, dividend or
distribution rate (or method of calculation thereof), if any, and timing of
payments thereof, dates from which dividends or distributions shall accrue, any
voting rights, whether interests in the Preferred Stock will be represented by
Depositary Shares and, if so, the fraction of a share of Preferred Stock which
each such Depositary Share will represent, any rights, preferences, limitations
or restrictions relating to the Preferred Stock of a specific series, the
applicable type and amount of Securities covered by any Warrants, and any other
variable terms and method of distribution. The accompanying Prospectus
Supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement") sets forth the specific terms with
regard to the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being
delivered. The Company may elect to deliver to purchasers of Securities an
abbreviated term sheet setting forth a description of the Securities being
offered, or a summary thereof (a "Terms Sheet"), instead of a Prospectus
Supplement. This Prospectus may be delivered prior to or concurrently with a
Terms Sheet.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------
The Securities may be sold through Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S") as agent or may be offered and
reoffered through, or through underwriting syndicates managed or co-managed by,
one or more underwriters, including MLPF&S, or directly to purchasers by the
Company. The Securities may not be sold without delivery of a Prospectus
Supplement describing such issue of Securities, the method and terms of
offering thereof or of a Terms Sheet, the names of any agents or underwriters
and any applicable commissions or discounts. The Company may also issue
contracts under which the counterparty may be required to purchase Debt
Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares and/or Warrants in amounts and
on terms set forth in a Prospectus Supplement.
----------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1998.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional
Offices of the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven
World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and
information statements and other information concerning the Company may also
be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock
Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission
maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding registrants, including
the Company, that file electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 28, 1997,
June 27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated
January 13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April
15, 1997, May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30,
1997, August 1, 1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15,
1997, October 29, 1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2,
1997, December 16, 1997 and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of
the Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date hereof and prior to the
termination of the offering of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of
the initial Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the
Registration Statement, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.
Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE)
OF ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS.
REQUESTS FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR.,
CORPORATE SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET,
12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of
the largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and
are engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute
one of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment
advisory services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary
dealer in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its
agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative
Products AG, and Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary
derivative product dealers and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and
other derivative transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The
Company's insurance underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of
life insurance and annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending
operations conducted through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing
certificates of deposit, offering money market deposit accounts, making
secured loans, and providing currency exchange facilities and other related
services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities
for general corporate purposes, unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such Securities. Such general corporate purposes may
include the funding of investments in, or extensions of credit to, its
subsidiaries, the funding of assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, the
lengthening of the average maturity of the Company's borrowings, and the
financing of acquisitions. Pending such applications, the net proceeds will be
applied to the reduction of short-term indebtedness or temporarily invested.
Management of the Company expects that it will, on a recurrent basis, engage
in additional financings as the need arises to finance the growth of the
Company, through acquisitions or otherwise, or to lengthen the average
maturity of its borrowings. To the extent that Securities being purchased for
resale by MLPF&S are not resold, the aggregate proceeds to the Company and its
subsidiaries would be reduced.
3
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED
CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges and ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends for the periods indicated:
NINE MONTHS
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY ENDED
IN DECEMBER SEPTEMBER 26,
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- -------------
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges..... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock divi-
dends................................. 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consist of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consist of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of
interest factor.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On November 19, 1997, the Company, through ML Invest plc, an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary, offered (the "Offer") to acquire all of the
outstanding share capital of Mercury Asset Management Group plc ("MAM") at a
price of (Pounds)17 per share, with an aggregate offer value for the
outstanding shares of approximately (Pounds)3.1 billion (approximately $5.3
billion). On December 22, 1997, the Company announced that its Offer had
become unconditional in all respects. As of January 6, 1998, ML Invest plc has
received acceptances relating to more than 90 percent of the outstanding
shares of MAM. The Offer will remain open for acceptances until further
notice. Upon confirmation that requisite thresholds have been attained, the
Company will commence the statutory procedure to compulsorily acquire all MAM
shares not tendered into the Offer.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Senior Debt
Securities are to be issued under an indenture (the "1983 Indenture"), dated
as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, between the Company and The
Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as Chemical Bank (successor by merger to
Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as trustee or issued under an indenture
(the "1993 Indenture"), dated as of October 1, 1993, between the Company and
The Chase Manhattan Bank (successor by merger to The Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A.), as trustee (each, a "Senior Debt Trustee"). The 1983 Indenture and the
1993 Indenture are referred to herein as the "Senior Indentures". The
Subordinated Debt Securities are to be issued under an indenture (the
"Subordinated Indenture"), between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as trustee (the "Subordinated Debt Trustee"). The Senior Debt Securities and
Subordinated Debt Securities may also be issued under one or more other
indentures (each, a "Subsequent Indenture") and have one or more other
trustees (each, a "Subsequent Trustee"). Any Subsequent Indenture relating to
Senior Debt Securities will have terms and conditions identical in all
material respects to the above-referenced Senior Indentures and any Subsequent
Indenture relating to Subordinated Debt Securities will have terms and
conditions identical in all material respects to the above-referenced
Subordinated Indenture, including, but not limited to, the applicable terms
and conditions described below. Any Subsequent Indenture relating to a series
of Debt Securities, and the trustee with respect thereto, will be identified
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Senior Indentures, the
Subordinated Indenture and any Subsequent Indentures (whether senior or
subordinated) are referred to herein as the "Indentures"; and the Senior Debt
Trustees, the Subordinated Debt Trustee and any Subsequent Trustees are
referred to herein as the "Trustees". A copy of each Indenture is filed (or,
in the case of a Subsequent Indenture, will be filed) as an exhibit to the
registration statements relating to the Securities (collectively, the
"Registration Statement"). The following summaries of certain provisions of
the Indentures do not purport to
4
be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to, all provisions of the respective Indentures, including the
definitions therein of certain terms.
GENERAL
Each Indenture provides that Debt Securities (Senior Debt Securities in the
case of the Senior Indentures or a Subsequent Indenture for Senior Debt
Securities, and Subordinated Debt Securities in the case of the Subordinated
Indenture or a Subsequent Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities) may be
issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal amount, in one
or more series, by the Company from time to time upon satisfaction of certain
conditions precedent, including the delivery by the Company to the applicable
Trustee of a resolution of the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee
thereof, of the Company which fixes or provides for the establishment of terms
of such Debt Securities, including: (1) the aggregate principal amount of such
Debt Securities and whether there is any limit upon the aggregate principal
amount of such Debt Securities that may be subsequently issued; (2) the date
on which such Debt Securities will mature; (3) the principal amount payable
with respect to such Debt Securities whether at maturity or upon earlier
acceleration, and whether such principal amount will be determined with
reference to an index, formula or other method; (4) the rate or rates per
annum (which may be fixed or variable) at which such Debt Securities will bear
interest, if any; (5) the dates on which such interest, if any, will be
payable; (6) the provisions for redemption of such Debt Securities, if any,
the redemption price and any remarketing arrangements relating thereto; (7)
the sinking fund requirements, if any, with respect to such Debt Securities;
(8) whether such Debt Securities are denominated or provide for payment in
United States dollars or a foreign currency or units of two or more of such
foreign currencies; (9) the form (registered or bearer or both) in which such
Debt Securities may be issued and any restrictions applicable to the exchange
of one form for another and to the offer, sale and delivery of such Debt
Securities in either form; (10) whether and under what circumstances the
Company will pay additional amounts ("Additional Amounts") in respect of such
Debt Securities held by a person who is not a U.S. person (as defined in the
Prospectus Supplement, as applicable) in respect of specified taxes,
assessments or other governmental charges and whether the Company has the
option to redeem the affected Debt Securities rather than pay such Additional
Amounts; (11) whether such Debt Securities are to be issued in global form;
(12) the title of the Debt Securities and the series of which such Debt
Securities shall be a part; (13) the denominations of such Debt Securities;
(14) whether, and the terms and conditions relating to when, the Company may
satisfy certain of its obligations with respect to such Debt Securities with
regard to payment upon maturity, or any redemption or required repurchase or
in connection with any exchange provisions by delivering to the Holders
thereof securities (whether or not issued by, or the obligation of, the
Company) or a combination of cash, other securities and/or property; (15) any
additions or deletions in the terms of the Debt Securities with respect to the
Events of Default set forth in the respective Indentures; (16) the terms, if
any, upon which the Debt Securities may be convertible into Common Stock or
Preferred Stock of the Company and the terms and conditions upon which such
conversion will be effected, including the initial conversion price or rate,
the conversion period and any other provisions in addition to or in lieu of
those described herein; (17) whether, and the terms and conditions relating to
when, the Debt Securities may be transferred separately from Warrants when
such Debt Securities and Warrants are issued together; and (18) any other
terms of the Debt Securities (which shall not be inconsistent with the
provisions of the respective Indentures). Reference is made to the Prospectus
Supplement for the terms of the Debt Securities being offered thereby,
including whether such Debt Securities are Senior Debt Securities or
Subordinated Debt Securities. The Company may elect to deliver to purchasers
of Securities a Terms Sheet instead of a Prospectus Supplement. This
Prospectus may be delivered prior to or concurrently with a Terms Sheet. Debt
Securities may also be issued under the Indentures upon the exercise of Debt
Warrants. See "Description of Debt Warrants". Nothing in the Indentures or in
the terms of the Debt Securities will prohibit the issuance of securities
representing subordinated indebtedness that is senior or junior to the
Subordinated Debt Securities.
Prospective purchasers of Debt Securities should be aware that special U.S.
federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be applicable to
instruments such as Debt Securities. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any
issue of Debt Securities will describe such considerations.
5
The Debt Securities will be issued, to the extent provided in the Prospectus
Supplement, in fully registered form without coupons, and/or in bearer form
with or without coupons, and in denominations set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer of
registered Debt Securities or exchange of Debt Securities, but the Company may
require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charges that may be imposed in connection therewith. Each Indenture provides
that Debt Securities issued thereunder may be issued in global form. If any
series of Debt Securities is issuable in global form, the applicable
Prospectus Supplement will describe the circumstances, if any, under which
beneficial owners of interest in any such global Debt Securities may exchange
such interests for Debt Securities of such series and of like tenor and
principal amount in any authorized form and denomination. Principal of, and
any premium, Additional Amounts and interest on, a global Debt Security will
be payable in the manner described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
The provisions of the Indentures described above provide the Company with
the ability, in addition to the ability to issue Debt Securities with terms
different from those of Debt Securities previously issued, to "reopen" a
previous issue of a series of Debt Securities and issue additional Debt
Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities will be unsecured and will rank pari passu with
all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The
Subordinated Debt Securities will be unsecured and will be subordinated to all
existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) of the Company.
Since the Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence
the right of creditors of the Company (including the Holders of the Debt
Securities), to participate in any distribution of the assets of any
subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily
subject to the prior claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the
extent that claims of the Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may
be recognized. In addition, dividends, loans and advances from certain
subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to the Company are restricted by net capital
requirements under the Exchange Act and under rules of certain exchanges and
other regulatory bodies.
Principal and any interest, premium and Additional Amounts will be payable
in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the
applicable Indenture, the Debt Securities and the Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto, provided that payment of any interest and any Additional
Amounts may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to the
holders of registered Debt Securities at their registered addresses.
Debt Securities may be presented for exchange, and registered Debt
Securities may be presented for transfer, in the manner, at the places and
subject to the restrictions set forth in the applicable Indenture, the Debt
Securities and the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Debt Securities in
bearer form and the coupons, if any, pertaining thereto will be transferable
by delivery. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of
Debt Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to
cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Company may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, and
the Company may sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets
to any corporation, provided that (i) the corporation (if other than the
Company) formed by or resulting from any such consolidation or merger or which
shall have received such assets shall be a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof and shall
assume payment of the principal of, and any premium, Additional Amounts or
interest on, the Debt Securities and the performance and observance of all of
the covenants and conditions of the Indentures to be performed or observed by
the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor corporation, as the case
may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default under the Indentures.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of each Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the applicable Trustee with the consent of the Holders of at least 66 2/3%
in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of
6
each series issued pursuant to such Indenture and affected thereby, provided
that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the Holder
of each Outstanding Debt Security affected thereby, (a) change the Stated
Maturity of, or any installment of interest or Additional Amounts on, any Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated
Maturity; (c) change the place or currency of any payment of principal of, or
any premium, interest or Additional Amounts on, any Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal amount of
the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is
required to modify or amend such Indenture; or (f) modify the foregoing
requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Debt Securities necessary
to waive any past default to less than a majority. No modification or
amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent Indenture for
Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of any Holder of
Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except with respect to
certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a majority in
principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities of any series may, with
respect to such series, waive past defaults under the applicable Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of such Indenture.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under each Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with respect
to Debt Securities of any series issued thereunder: (a) default in the payment
of any interest or Additional Amounts upon any Debt Security of that series
when due, and such default has continued for 30 days; (b) default in the
payment of any principal of or premium, if any, on any Debt Security of that
series when due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when
due, in respect of any Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in such Indenture
for the benefit of such series or in the Debt Securities of such series, and
such default has continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in
such Indenture; (e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization; and (f) any other Event of Default provided with respect to
Debt Securities of that series. The applicable Trustee or the Holders of 25%
in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series may
declare the principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in
the Debt Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Debt Securities of that
series and the interest accrued thereon and Additional Amounts payable in
respect thereof, if any, to be due and payable immediately if an Event of
Default with respect to Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be
continuing at the time of declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Debt Securities of any series but
before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by the
applicable Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, provided that all payments due (other than
those due as a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of
Default have been remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to
Debt Securities of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of all Outstanding Debt Securities of that series, except in
a case of failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, or interest or
Additional Amounts, if any, on any Debt Security of that series for which
payment had not been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or
provision which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
Holder of each Outstanding Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable Trustee or exercising
any trust or power conferred on such Trustee with respect to Debt Securities
of such series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any
rule of law or the applicable Indenture. Subject to the provisions of each
Indenture relating to the duties of the appropriate Trustee, before proceeding
to exercise any right or power under an Indenture at the direction of such
Holders, the applicable Trustee shall be entitled to receive from such Holders
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
which might be incurred by it in complying with any such direction.
The Company will be required to furnish to each Trustee annually a statement
as to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the
applicable Indenture.
7
SPECIAL TERMS RELATING TO THE SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
"LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS"
The Senior Indentures provide that the Company may not, and may not permit
any Subsidiary to, create, assume, incur or permit to exist any indebtedness
for borrowed money secured by a pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for
certain liens specifically permitted by the Senior Indentures) on the Voting
Stock owned directly or indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other
than a Subsidiary which, at the time of incurrence of such secured
indebtedness, has a net worth of less than $3,000,000) without making
effective provision whereby the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities will be
secured equally and ratably with such secured indebtedness.
"LIMITATIONS ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
BY, MLPF&S"
The Senior Indentures provide that the Company may not sell, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue,
sell or otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving
effect to any such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary
(defined in the Senior Indentures to mean a corporation more than 80% of the
outstanding shares of Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly
by the Company). In addition, the Senior Indentures provide that the Company
may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless the surviving
company is a Controlled Subsidiary, or (ii) convey or transfer its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more Controlled
Subsidiaries.
SPECIAL TERMS RELATING TO THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
Upon any distribution of assets of the Company resulting from any
dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, payments on
Subordinated Debt Securities are to be subordinated to the extent provided in
the Subordinated Indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of
all Senior Indebtedness, but the obligation of the Company to make payments on
the Subordinated Debt Securities will not otherwise be affected. No payment on
Subordinated Debt Securities may be made at any time when there is a default
in the payment of any principal, premium, interest, Additional Amounts, if
any, or sinking fund of or on any Senior Indebtedness. Holders of Subordinated
Debt Securities will be subrogated to the rights of holders of Senior
Indebtedness to the extent of payments made on Senior Indebtedness upon any
distribution of assets in any such proceedings out of the distributive shares
of Subordinated Debt Securities. By reason of such subordination, in the event
of a distribution of assets upon insolvency, certain creditors of the Company
may recover more, ratably, than Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities.
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
Subordinated Debt Securities offered thereby, Senior Indebtedness shall mean
any payment in respect of indebtedness of the Company for money borrowed,
except for any such indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated to or pari
passu with securities issued pursuant to the Subordinated Indenture. As of
September 26, 1997, a total of approximately $77.4 billion of the Company's
indebtedness would have been Senior Indebtedness as so defined.
SPECIAL TERMS RELATING TO CONVERTIBLE DEBT SECURITIES
The following provisions will apply to Debt Securities that will be
convertible into Common Stock or Preferred Stock (the "Convertible Debt
Securities") unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to Debt Securities being offered thereby.
The Holder of any Convertible Debt Securities will have the right,
exercisable at any time during the time period specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, unless previously redeemed by the Company, to convert
such Convertible Debt Securities into shares of Common Stock or Preferred
Stock, as specified in the Prospectus Supplement, at the conversion rate per
principal amount of Convertible Debt Securities set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement. In the case of Convertible Debt Securities called for redemption,
conversion rights will expire at the close of business on the date fixed for
the redemption specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, except that,
in the case of redemption at the option of the Holder, if applicable, such
right will terminate upon receipt of written notice of the exercise of such
option.
8
In certain events, the conversion price or rate will be subject to
adjustment as contemplated in the applicable Indenture. Unless otherwise
provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, such events will include the
issuance of shares of Common Stock of the Company as a dividend; subdivisions
and combinations of Common Stock; the issuance to all holders of Common Stock
of rights or warrants entitling such holders (for a specified period) to
subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share less
than the current market price per share of Common Stock; and the distribution
to all holders of Common Stock of shares of capital stock of the Company
(other than Common Stock), evidences of indebtedness of the Company or assets
(excluding cash dividends paid from retained earnings and dividends payable in
Common Stock for which adjustment is made as referred to above) or
subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above). In any
of such cases, no adjustment of the conversion price or rate will be required
unless an adjustment would require a cumulative increase or decrease of at
least 1% in such price or rate. Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be
issued upon conversion, but, in lieu thereof, the Company will pay a cash
adjustment. If indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Convertible
Debt Securities convertible into Common Stock surrendered for conversion
between the record date for an interest payment, if any, and the interest
payment date (except such Convertible Debt Securities called for redemption on
a redemption date during such period) must be accompanied by payment of an
amount equal to the interest thereon which the registered Holder is entitled
to receive.
The adjustment provisions for Convertible Debt Securities will be determined
at the time of issuance of such Convertible Debt Securities and will be set
forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement related thereto.
Except as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any Convertible
Debt Securities called for redemption, unless surrendered for conversion on or
before the close of business on the redemption date, are subject to being
purchased from the holder of such Convertible Debt Securities by one or more
investment banking firms or other purchasers who may agree with the Company to
purchase such Convertible Debt Securities and convert them into Common Stock
or Preferred Stock, as the case may be.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT WARRANTS
The Company may issue Debt Warrants for the purchase of Debt Securities.
Debt Warrants may be issued independently or together with other Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or separate from
such other Securities. The Debt Warrants are to be issued under debt warrant
agreements (each a "Debt Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the
Company and a bank or trust company, as debt warrant agent (the "Debt Warrant
Agent"), all as shall be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
the Debt Warrants being offered thereby. A copy of the form of Debt Warrant
Agreement, including the form of warrant certificates representing the Debt
Warrants (the "Debt Warrant Certificates"), reflecting the alternative
provisions to be included in the Debt Warrant Agreements that will be entered
into with respect to particular offerings of Debt Warrants, is filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement. The following summaries of certain
provisions of the Debt Warrant Agreement and the Debt Warrant Certificates do
not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Debt Warrant Agreement and
the Debt Warrant Certificates, respectively, including the definitions therein
of certain terms.
GENERAL
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of Debt
Warrants offered thereby, the Debt Warrant Agreement relating to such Debt
Warrants and the Debt Warrant Certificates representing such Debt Warrants,
including the following: (1) the designation, aggregate principal amount,
price at which such principal amount may be purchased upon exercise and terms
of the Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of such Debt Warrants,
including whether such Debt Securities are Senior Debt Securities or
Subordinated Debt Securities, and the procedures and conditions relating to
the exercise of such Debt Warrants; (2) the designation and terms of any
related Debt Securities with which such Debt Warrants are issued, including
whether such Debt
9
Securities are Senior Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities, the
number of such Debt Warrants issued with each such Debt Security, and the
Indenture under which the Debt Securities will be issued; (3) the date, if
any, on and after which such Debt Warrants and the related Debt Securities
will be separately transferable; (4) the date on which the right to exercise
such Debt Warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall
expire (the "Expiration Date"); (5) whether the Debt Warrants represented by
the Debt Warrant Certificates will be issued in registered or bearer form,
and, if registered, where they may be transferred and registered; (6) the
circumstances, if any, which will cause the Debt Warrants to be deemed to be
automatically exercised; (7) any material risk factors relating to such Debt
Warrants; (8) the identity of the Debt Warrant Agent; and (9) any other terms
of such Debt Warrants (which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of
the Debt Warrant Agreement).
Debt Warrant Certificates will be exchangeable for new Debt Warrant
Certificates of different denominations and Debt Warrants may be exercised at
the corporate trust office of the Debt Warrant Agent or any other office
indicated in the Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise of their Debt
Warrants, holders of Debt Warrants will not have any of the rights of Holders
of the Debt Securities that may be purchased upon such exercise and will not
be entitled to payments of principal of, and any premium, Additional Amounts,
if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise.
Prospective purchasers of Debt Warrants should be aware that special U.S.
federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be applicable to
instruments such as Debt Warrants and to the Debt Securities purchasable upon
exercise thereof. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any issue of Debt
Warrants will describe such considerations.
BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES
Except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
the Debt Warrants will be issued in the form of global Debt Warrant
Certificates, registered in the name of a depository or its nominee. Except as
may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, beneficial
owners will not be entitled to receive definitive certificates representing
Debt Warrants unless the depository is unwilling or unable to continue as
depository or the Company decides to have the Debt Warrants represented by
definitive certificates. A beneficial owner's interest in a Debt Warrant will
be recorded on or through the records of the brokerage firm or other entity
that maintains a beneficial owner's account. In turn, the total number of Debt
Warrants held by an individual brokerage firm for its clients will be
maintained on the records of the depository in the name of such brokerage firm
or its agent. Transfer of ownership of any Debt Warrant will be effected only
through the selling beneficial owner's brokerage firm.
EXERCISE OF DEBT WARRANTS
Each Debt Warrant will entitle the Holder to purchase for cash such
principal amount of Debt Securities at such exercise price as shall in each
case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the Prospectus
Supplement relating to the Debt Warrants offered thereby. Debt Warrants may be
exercised at any time up to the close of business on the Expiration Date set
forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Debt Warrants offered
thereby. After the close of business on the Expiration Date, unexercised Debt
Warrants will become void.
Debt Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to the Debt Warrants offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the
Debt Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate
trust office of the Debt Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the
Prospectus Supplement, the Company will, as soon as practicable, forward the
Debt Securities purchased upon such exercise. If less than all of the Debt
Warrants represented by such Debt Warrant Certificate are exercised, a new
Debt Warrant Certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of Debt
Warrants.
LISTING
An issue of Debt Warrants may be listed on a national securities exchange,
as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
10
DESCRIPTION OF CURRENCY WARRANTS
The Company may issue Currency Warrants either in the form of Currency Put
Warrants entitling the Holders thereof to receive from the Company the cash
settlement value in U.S. dollars of the right to sell a specified amount of a
specified foreign currency or currency units for a specified amount of U.S.
dollars, or in the form of Currency Call Warrants entitling the Holders
thereof to receive from the Company the cash settlement value in U.S. dollars
of the right to purchase a specified amount of a specified foreign currency or
units of two or more currencies for a specified amount of U.S. dollars.
Currency Warrants may be issued independently or together with other
Securities offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or
separate from such other Securities. The Currency Warrants are to be issued
under a currency put warrant agreement or a currency call warrant agreement,
as applicable (each a "Currency Warrant Agreement"), to be entered into
between the Company and a bank or trust company, as currency warrant agent
(the "Currency Warrant Agent"), all as shall be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to Currency Warrants being offered thereby. Copies of the
forms of Currency Put Warrant Agreement and Currency Call Warrant Agreement,
including the forms of warrant certificates representing the Currency Put
Warrants and Currency Call Warrants (the "Currency Warrant Certificates"),
reflecting the provisions to be included in the Currency Warrant Agreements
that will be entered into with respect to particular offerings of Currency
Warrants, are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Currency Warrant Agreements and the
Currency Warrant Certificates do not purport to be complete and are subject
to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of
the Currency Warrant Agreements and the Currency Warrant Certificates,
respectively, including the definitions therein of certain terms.
GENERAL
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of Currency
Warrants offered thereby, the Currency Warrant Agreement relating to such
Currency Warrants and the Currency Warrant Certificates representing such
Currency Warrants, including the following: (1) whether such Currency Warrants
shall be Currency Put Warrants, Currency Call Warrants, or both; (2) the
formula for determining the cash settlement value of each Currency Warrant;
(3) the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of such Currency
Warrants; (4) the circumstances, if any, which will cause the Currency
Warrants to be deemed to be automatically exercised; (5) any minimum number of
Currency Warrants which must be exercised at any one time, other than upon
automatic exercise; (6) the date on which the right to exercise such Currency
Warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire (the
"Expiration Date"), provided that the commencement date and the Expiration
Date may be the same date; (7) any material risk factors relating to such
Currency Warrants; (8) the identity of the Currency Warrant Agent; and (9) any
other terms of such Currency Warrants (which shall not be inconsistent with
the provisions of the applicable Currency Warrant Agreement).
Prospective purchasers of Currency Warrants should be aware that special
U.S. federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be applicable
to instruments such as Currency Warrants. The Prospectus Supplement relating
to any issue of Currency Warrants will describe such considerations.
BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES
Except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
the Currency Warrants will be issued in the form of global Currency Warrant
Certificates, registered in the name of a depository or its nominee. Except as
may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, beneficial
owners will not be entitled to receive definitive certificates representing
Currency Warrants unless the depository is unwilling or unable to continue as
depository or the Company decides to have the Currency Warrants represented by
definitive certificates. A beneficial owner's interest in a Currency Warrant
will be recorded on or through the records of the brokerage firm or other
entity that maintains a beneficial owner's account. In turn, the total number
of Currency Warrants held by an individual brokerage firm for its clients will
be maintained on the records of the depository in the name of such brokerage
firm or its agent. Transfer of ownership of any Currency Warrant will be
effected only through the selling beneficial owner's brokerage firm.
11
EXERCISE OF CURRENCY WARRANTS
Each Currency Warrant will entitle the Holder to the cash settlement value
of such Currency Warrant on the applicable Exercise Date, in each case as such
terms will be defined in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. If a Currency
Warrant has more than one exercise date and is not exercised prior to the time
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, on the fifth New York
Business Day preceding the Expiration Date, Currency Warrants will be deemed
automatically exercised.
LISTING
Each issue of Currency Warrants will be listed on a national securities
exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance, as a condition of sale
of any such Currency Warrants. In the event that the Currency Warrants are
delisted from, or permanently suspended from trading on, such exchange, the
Expiration Date for such Currency Warrants will be the date such delisting or
trading suspension becomes effective and Currency Warrants not previously
exercised will be deemed automatically exercised on the business day
immediately preceding such Expiration Date. The applicable Currency Warrant
Agreement will contain a covenant of the Company not to seek delisting of the
Currency Warrants, or suspension of their trading, on such exchange.
DESCRIPTION OF INDEX WARRANTS
The Company may issue from time to time Index Warrants consisting of put
warrants (the "Index Put Warrants") or call warrants (the "Index Call
Warrants"). The Index Warrants will entitle the holders to receive from the
Company a payment or delivery, subject to applicable law, determined by
reference to decreases (in the case of Index Put Warrants) or to increases (in
the case of Index Call Warrants) in the level or value of an index, an equity
or debt security, or a portfolio or basket of indices or securities
(including, but not limited to, the price or yield of such securities), any
statistical measure of economic or financial performance (including, but not
limited to, any consumer price, currency or mortgage index) or the price or
value of any commodity or any other item or index or any combination thereof
(the "Index"). Unless otherwise specified in the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement, payments, if any, upon exercise (or deemed exercise) of the Index
Warrants will be made in U.S. dollars. The Index Warrants will be offered on
terms to be determined at the time of sale. Index Warrants may be issued
independently or together with other Securities offered by any Prospectus
Supplement and may be attached to or separate from such other Securities.
GENERAL
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the Index Warrants
offered thereby, the Index Warrant Agreement or Index Warrant Trust Indenture
(each as defined below), as the case may be, relating to such Index Warrants
and the warrant certificates representing the Index Warrants (the "Index
Warrant Certificates"), including the following: (1) whether the Index
Warrants to be issued will be Index Put Warrants, Index Call Warrants or both;
(2) the aggregate number and initial public offering price or purchase price;
(3) the Index for such Index Warrants; (4) whether the Index Warrants will be
deemed exercised as of a specified date or whether the Index Warrants may be
exercised during a period and the date on which the right to exercise such
Index Warrants commences and the date on which such right expires; (5) the
manner in which such Index Warrants may be exercised and any restrictions on,
or other special provisions relating to, the exercise of such Index Warrants;
(6) the minimum number, if any, of such Index Warrants exercisable at any one
time; (7) the maximum number, if any, of such Index Warrants that may, subject
to the Company's election, be exercised by all Index Warrantholders (or by any
person or entity) on any day; (8) any provisions permitting an Index
Warrantholder to condition an exercise notice on the absence of certain
specified changes in the level of the applicable Index after the exercise
date, any provisions permitting the Company to suspend exercise of such Index
Warrants based on market conditions or other circumstances and any other
special provision relating to the exercise of such Index Warrants; (9) any
provisions for the automatic exercise of such Index Warrants other than at
expiration; (10) any provisions permitting the Company to cancel such Index
Warrants upon the occurrence of certain events; (11) any additional
circumstances which would constitute an Event of Default with respect to such
Index Warrants;
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(12) the method of determining (a) the payment or delivery, if any, to be made
in connection with the exercise or deemed exercise of such Index Warrants (the
"Settlement Value"), (b) the minimum payment or delivery, if any, to be made
upon expiration of such Index Warrants (the "Minimum Expiration Value"), (c)
the payment or delivery to be made upon the exercise of any right which the
Company may have to cancel such Index Warrants and (d) the value of the Index;
(13) in the case of Index Warrants relating to an Index for which the trading
prices of underlying securities, commodities or rates are expressed in a
foreign currency, the method of converting amounts in the relevant foreign
currency or currencies into U.S. dollars (or such other currency or composite
currency in which the Index Warrants are payable); (14) the method of
providing for a substitute index or otherwise determining the payment or
delivery, if any, to be made in connection with the exercise of such Index
Warrants if the Index changes or ceases to be made available by its publisher;
(15) the time or times at which payment or delivery, if any, will be made in
respect of such Index Warrants following exercise or deemed exercise; (16) any
provisions for issuing such Index Warrants in other than book-entry form; (17)
if such Index Warrants are not issued in book-entry form, the place or places
at which payment or delivery on cancellation, if any, and the Minimum
Expiration Value, if any, of such Index Warrants is to be made by the Company;
(18) the circumstances, if any, which will cause the Index Warrants to be
deemed to be automatically exercised; (19) any material risk factors relating
to such Index Warrants; (20) the identity of the Index Warrant Agent; and (21)
any other terms of the Index Warrants (which shall not be inconsistent with
the provisions of the Index Warrant Agreement).
Prospective purchasers of Index Warrants should be aware that special U.S.
federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be applicable to
instruments such as the Index Warrants. The Prospectus Supplement relating to
any issue of Index Warrants will describe such considerations.
Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, each
issue of Index Warrants will contain the terms set forth below.
The Index Warrants which are issued without a Minimum Expiration Value will
be issued under one or more index warrant agreements (each, an "Index Warrant
Agreement") to be entered into between the Company and a bank or trust
company, as warrant agent (the "Index Warrant Agent"), all as described in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such Index Warrants. The Index Warrant Agent
will act solely as the agent of the Company under the applicable Index Warrant
Agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or
trust for or with any Index Warrantholders. A single bank or trust company may
act as Index Warrant Agent for more than one issue of Index Warrants.
The Index Warrants which are issued with a Minimum Expiration Value will be
issued under one or more index warrant trust indentures (each an "Index
Warrant Trust Indenture") to be entered into between the Company and a
corporation (or other person permitted to so act by the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended from time to time (the "Trust Indenture Act")), to act as
trustee (the "Index Warrant Trustee"), all as described in the Prospectus
Supplement relative to such Index Warrants. Any Index Warrant Trust Indenture
will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. To the extent allowed by the
Trust Indenture Act, a single qualified corporation may act as Index Warrant
Trustee for more than one issue of Index Warrants.
Forms of Index Warrant Agreement and Index Warrant Trust Indenture and the
respective global index warrant certificates related thereto are filed as
exhibits to the Registration Statement. The summaries herein of certain
provisions of the Index Warrant Agreement, the Index Warrant Trust Indenture
and global index warrant certificates do not purport to be complete and are
subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the
provisions of the Index Warrant Agreement, the Index Warrant Trust Indenture
and global index warrant certificates, respectively.
The Company will have the right to "reopen" a previous issue of Index
Warrants and to issue additional Index Warrants of such issue without the
consent of any Index Warrantholder.
The Index Warrants involve a high degree of risk, including the risk that
the Index Warrants will expire worthless except for the Minimum Expiration
Value, if any, of such Index Warrants. Investors should therefore
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be prepared to sustain a total loss of the purchase price of the Index
Warrants (except for the Minimum Expiration Value, if applicable). Investors
who consider purchasing Index Warrants should be experienced with respect to
options and option transactions and reach an investment decision only after
carefully considering the suitability of the Index Warrants in light of their
particular circumstances and the information set forth below as well as
additional information contained in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
Index Warrants.
Unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement, each Index Warrant
will entitle the Holder thereof to receive from the Company upon exercise the
Settlement Value of such Index Warrant. Certain Index Warrants issued pursuant
to an Index Warrant Trust Indenture will, if specified in the Prospectus
Supplement, entitle the Index Warrantholder to receive from the Company, under
certain circumstances specified in the Prospectus Supplement, a payment or
delivery equal to the greater of the applicable Settlement Value and a Minimum
Expiration Value of such Index Warrants. In addition, certain Index Warrants
will, if specified in the Prospectus Supplement, entitle Index Warrantholders
to receive from the Company a certain payment or delivery upon cancellation of
the Index Warrants by the Company, upon the occurrence of specified events. In
addition, if so specified in the Prospectus Supplement, following the
occurrence of an extraordinary event, the Settlement Value of an Index Warrant
may, at the option of the Company, be determined on a different basis,
including in connection with automatic exercise at expiration.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Index
Warrants will be deemed to be automatically exercised upon expiration or such
earlier date that may be specified. Upon such automatic exercise, Index
Warrantholders will be entitled to receive a payment or delivery equal to the
Settlement Value of the Index Warrants, except that holders of Index Warrants
having a Minimum Expiration Value will be entitled to receive a payment or
delivery equal to the greater of such Settlement Value and the applicable
Minimum Expiration Value. The Minimum Expiration Value may be either a
predetermined payment or delivery or a payment or delivery that varies during
the term of the Index Warrants in accordance with a schedule or formula. Any
Minimum Expiration Value applicable to an issue of Index Warrants, as well as
any additional circumstances resulting in the automatic exercise of such Index
Warrants, will be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
If so specified in the Prospectus Supplement, the Index Warrants may be
canceled by the Company, or the exercise or valuation of, or payment or
delivery for, such Index Warrants may be delayed or postponed upon the
occurrence of an extraordinary event. Any extraordinary events relating to an
issue of Index Warrants will be set forth in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Upon cancellation, the related Index Warrantholders will be
entitled to receive only the applicable payment or delivery on cancellation
specified in such Prospectus Supplement. The payment or delivery on
cancellation may be either a predetermined payment or delivery or a payment or
delivery that varies during the term of the Index Warrants in accordance with
a schedule or formula.
If the Company defaults with respect to any of its obligations under Index
Warrants which are issued with a Minimum Expiration Value pursuant to an Index
Warrant Trust Indenture, such default may be waived by the Index
Warrantholders of a majority in interest of all outstanding Index Warrants,
except a default in the payment or delivery of the Settlement Value, Minimum
Expiration Value or cancellation payment or delivery (if applicable) on such
Index Warrants or in respect of a covenant or provision of the applicable
Index Warrant Trust Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the
consent of the Index Warrantholder of each outstanding Index Warrant affected.
The Index Warrants are unsecured contractual obligations of the Company and
will rank pari passu with the Company's other unsecured contractual
obligations and with the Company's unsecured and unsubordinated debt. Since
the Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the
right of creditors of the Company (including the Holders of the Debt
Securities), to participate in any distribution of the assets of any
subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily
subject to the prior claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the
extent that claims of the Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may
be recognized. In addition, dividends, loans and advances from certain
subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to the Company are restricted by net capital
requirements under the Exchange Act and under rules of certain exchanges and
other regulatory bodies.
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BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES
Except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
Index Warrants will be issued in book-entry form and represented by global
Index Warrants, registered in the name of a depository or its nominee. Except
as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Index
Warrantholders will not be entitled to receive definitive certificates
representing Index Warrants, unless the depository is unwilling or unable to
continue as depository or the Company decides to have the Index Warrants
represented by definitive certificates. A beneficial owner's interest in an
Index Warrant represented by a global Index Warrant will be recorded on or
through the records of the brokerage firm or other entity that maintains such
beneficial owner's account. In turn, the total number of Index Warrants held
by an individual brokerage firm or other entity for its clients will be
maintained on the records of the depository in the name of such brokerage firm
or other entity or its agent. Transfer of ownership of any Index Warrant will
be effected only through the selling beneficial owner's brokerage firm.
LISTING
An issue of Index Warrants may be listed on a national securities exchange,
as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
MODIFICATION
Any Index Warrant Agreement or Index Warrant Trust Indenture and the terms
of the related Index Warrants may be amended by the Company and the Index
Warrant Agent or Index Warrant Trustee, as the case may be (which amendment
shall take the form of a supplemental index warrant agreement or supplemental
index warrant trust indenture (collectively referred to as "Supplemental
Agreements")), without the consent of the holders of any Index Warrants, for
the purpose of (i) curing any ambiguity, or of curing, correcting or
supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision contained therein, or of
making any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under
the Index Warrant Agreement or Index Warrant Trust Indenture, as the case may
be, which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions thereof or of the
Index Warrants, (ii) evidencing the succession of another corporation to the
Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the
Company contained in the Index Warrant Agreement or the Index Warrant Trust
Indenture, as the case may be, and the Index Warrants, (iii) appointing a
successor depository, (iv) evidencing and providing for the acceptance of
appointment by a successor Index Warrant Agent or Index Warrant Trustee with
respect to the Index Warrants, as the case may be, (v) adding to the covenants
of the Company, for the benefit of the Index Warrantholders or surrendering
any right or power conferred upon the Company under the Index Warrant
Agreement or Index Warrant Trust Indenture, as the case may be, (vi) issuing
Index Warrants in definitive form, or (vii) amending the Index Warrant
Agreement or Index Warrant Trust Indenture, as the case may be, in any manner
which the Company may deem to be necessary or desirable and which will not
materially and adversely affect the interests of the Index Warrantholders.
The Company and the Index Warrant Agent may also amend any Index Warrant
Agreement or Index Warrant Trust Indenture, as the case may be, and the terms
of the related Index Warrants (which amendment shall take the form of a
Supplemental Agreement) with the consent of the Index Warrantholders holding
not less than 66 2/3% in number of the then outstanding unexercised Index
Warrants affected by such amendment, for the purpose of adding any provisions
to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the Index
Warrant Agreement or Index Warrant Trust Indenture, as the case may be, or of
modifying in any manner the rights of the Index Warrantholders; provided that
no such amendment that (i) changes the determination of the Settlement Value
or the payment or delivery to be made on cancellation, if any, or Minimum
Expiration Value, if any, of the Index Warrants (or any aspects of such
determination) so as to reduce the payment or delivery to be made upon
exercise or deemed exercise, (ii) shortens the period of time during which the
Index Warrants may be exercised, or otherwise materially and adversely affects
the exercise rights of the Index Warrantholders or (iii) reduces the number of
outstanding Index Warrants, the consent of whose holders is required for
amendment of the Index Warrant Agreement, the Index Warrant Trust Indenture or
the terms of the related Index Warrants, may be made without the consent of
each Index Warrantholder affected thereby.
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EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company
will constitute an Event of Default with respect to Index Warrants having a
Minimum Expiration Value which are issued under an Index Warrant Trust
Indenture. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the holders of 25% of
unexercised Index Warrants may elect to receive a settlement payment or
delivery for such unexercised Index Warrants, which will immediately become
due to the Index Warrantholders upon such election in an amount equal to the
market value of such Index Warrants (assuming the Company's ability to satisfy
its obligations under such Index Warrants as they would become due) as of the
date the Company is notified of the intended liquidation, as determined by a
nationally recognized securities broker-dealer unaffiliated with the Company
and mutually selected by the Company and the Index Warrant Trustee.
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, SALE, LEASE OR OTHER DISPOSITIONS
The Company may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation and
the Company may sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets
to any corporation, provided that (i) the corporation (if other than the
Company) formed by or resulting from any such consolidation or merger or which
shall have received such assets shall be a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the United States of America or a State thereof and shall
assume the Company's obligations in respect of the payment or delivery of the
Settlement Value (or any Minimum Expiration Value or cancellation payment or
delivery, if applicable) with respect to all the unexercised Index Warrants
and the performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of
the Index Warrant Agreement or Index Warrant Trust Indenture, as the case may
be, to be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such
successor corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately be in default
under the Index Warrant Agreement or Index Warrant Trust Indenture, as the
case may be.
ENFORCEABILITY OF RIGHTS BY INDEX WARRANTHOLDERS
Any Index Warrantholder may, without the consent of the related Index
Warrant Agent, enforce by appropriate legal action, in and for its own behalf,
its right to exercise, and receive payment or delivery for, its Index
Warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
The following description sets forth certain general terms of Preferred
Stock which may be issued by the Company. The terms of any series of the
Preferred Stock will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
Preferred Stock being offered thereby. The description set forth below and in
any Prospectus Supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to,
and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the "Certificate of Incorporation"),
which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and the
Certificate of Designation (the "Certificate of Designation") relating to each
particular series of the Preferred Stock, which was or will be filed with the
Commission at or prior to the time of sale of such Preferred Stock.
16
GENERAL
Pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to
issue up to 25,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, par value $1.00
per share. The Board of Directors of the Company has the authority, without
approval of the stockholders, to issue all of the shares of preferred stock
which are currently authorized in one or more series and to fix the number of
shares and the rights, preferences, privileges, qualifications, restrictions
and limitations of each series. As of September 26, 1997, the Company had
19,957,500 shares available for issuance as Preferred Stock.
The Company has authorized the issuance of shares of Series A Junior
Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Series A Junior Preferred
Stock"), of the Company upon exercise of certain preferred share purchase
rights associated with each share of Common Stock outstanding. See
"Description of Common Stock -- Rights Agreement".
In addition, as described under "Description of Depositary Shares" the
Company, at its option, may elect to offer depositary shares ("Depositary
Shares") evidenced by depositary receipts, each representing a fraction (to be
specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Depositary Shares
offered thereby) of a share of the particular series of Preferred Stock issued
and deposited with a depositary, in lieu of offering full shares of such
series of Preferred Stock.
The Preferred Stock shall have the dividend, liquidation, redemption, voting
and conversion or exchange rights set forth below unless otherwise specified
in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series of Preferred
Stock offered thereby. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the
terms of such Preferred Stock, including, where applicable, the following: (1)
the designation, stated value and liquidation preference of such Preferred
Stock and the number of shares offered; (2) the offering price or prices; (3)
the dividend rate or rates (or method of calculation), the dividend periods,
the date on which dividends shall be payable and whether such dividends shall
be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which
dividends shall commence to cumulate; (4) any redemption or sinking fund
provisions; (5) any conversion or exchange provisions; (6) voting rights, if
any; (7) to the extent permitted by applicable law, whether such Preferred
Stock will be issued in certificated or book-entry form; (8) whether such
Preferred Stock will be listed on a national securities exchange; (9)
information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and (10) any
additional rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of
such Preferred Stock (which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of
the Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of Designation
establishing such series of Preferred Stock).
The Preferred Stock will be, when issued against payment therefor, fully
paid and nonassessable. Holders thereof shall have no preemptive rights to
subscribe for any additional securities which may be issued by the Company.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the shares
of each series of Preferred Stock will rank on a parity with all other
outstanding series of preferred stock issued by the Company as to payment of
dividends (except with respect to cumulation thereof) and as to the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the
Company. As of September 26, 1997, there were 42,500 shares of 9% Cumulative
Preferred Stock, Series A (the "9% Preferred Stock") outstanding. Each series
of Preferred Stock will rank prior to the Common Stock, and any other stock of
the Company that is expressly made junior to such series of Preferred Stock.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
Citibank, N.A., will be the transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and
registrar for the shares of the Preferred Stock.
Because the Company is a holding company, its rights and the rights of
holders of its securities, including the holders of Preferred Stock, to
participate in the distribution of assets of any subsidiary of the Company
upon the latter's liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to the prior
claims of such subsidiary's creditors and
17
preferred stockholders, except to the extent the Company may itself be a
creditor with recognized claims against such subsidiary or a holder of
preferred stock of such subsidiary.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Holders of shares of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, as, if
and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company (or a duly
authorized committee thereof) out of funds legally available for the payment
of dividends, cash dividends at the rate set forth in, or calculated in
accordance with the formula set forth in, the Prospectus Supplement relating
to the Preferred Stock offered thereby.
Dividends on the Preferred Stock may be cumulative ("Cumulative Preferred
Stock") or noncumulative ("Noncumulative Preferred Stock") as provided in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus
Supplement, dividends on the Cumulative Preferred Stock will be cumulative
from the date of original issue of such series and will be payable quarterly
in arrears on the dates specified in the Prospectus Supplement. If any date so
specified as a dividend payment date is not a business day, dividends (if
declared) on the Preferred Stock (unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus
Supplement) will be paid on the immediately succeeding business day, without
interest. The Prospectus Supplement will set forth the applicable dividend
period with respect to a dividend payment date. If the Board of Directors of
the Company (or a duly authorized committee thereof) fails to declare a
dividend on any series of Noncumulative Preferred Stock for any dividend
period, the Company shall have no obligation to pay a dividend for such
period, whether or not dividends on such series of Noncumulative Preferred
Stock are declared for any future dividend period. Dividends on the Preferred
Stock will be payable to record holders as they appear on the stock books of
the Company on such record dates, not more than 30 nor less than 15 days
preceding the payment dates thereof, as shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors of the Company (or a duly authorized committee thereof).
No dividends will be declared or paid or set apart for payment on the
preferred stock of any series ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or
junior to any other series of Preferred Stock for any period unless dividends
have been or are contemporaneously declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on such series
of Preferred Stock for (i) all dividend periods terminating on or prior to the
date of payment of such full cumulative dividends (in the case of a series of
Cumulative Preferred Stock) or (ii) the immediately preceding dividend period
(in the case of a series of Noncumulative Preferred Stock). When dividends are
not paid in full upon such series of Preferred Stock (whether Cumulative
Preferred Stock or Noncumulative Preferred Stock), and any other preferred
stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with such series of Preferred Stock,
all dividends declared upon shares of such series of Preferred Stock and any
other preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends will be declared pro
rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share on such series of
Preferred Stock and such other preferred stock will in all cases bear to each
other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share (which, in the case of
Noncumulative Preferred Stock, shall not include any cumulation in respect of
unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods) on the shares of such series of
Preferred Stock and such other preferred stock bear to each other.
Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, unless full dividends on all
outstanding shares of any such series of Preferred Stock have been declared
and paid for all past dividend periods, in the case of a series of Cumulative
Preferred Stock, or for the immediately preceding dividend period, in the case
of Noncumulative Preferred Stock, no dividends (other than dividends or
distributions paid in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe
for or purchase shares of, the Common Stock of the Company or another stock of
the Company ranking junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon
liquidation) will be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other
distribution declared or made upon the Common Stock of the Company or upon any
other stock of the Company ranking junior to or on parity with the Preferred
Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor will any Common Stock of the
Company nor any other stock of the Company ranking junior to or on parity with
such Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation be redeemed,
purchased or otherwise acquired, other than in connection with the
distribution or trading thereof, for any consideration (or any moneys be paid
to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of
any such stock) by the
18
Company (except by conversion or exchange for stock of the Company ranking
junior to the Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation).
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
amount of dividends payable for any period shorter than a full dividend period
shall be computed on the basis of twelve 30-day months, a 360-day year and the
actual number of days elapsed in any period of less than one month.
Subsidiaries of the Company have issued $575 million of perpetual Trust
Originated Preferred Securities SM. In connection with the issuance of such
Trust Originated Preferred Securities, the Company has agreed, among other
things, that if full distributions on such securities have not been paid or
set apart for payment or the Company is in default of certain related
guarantee obligations, the Company, with certain exceptions, will not declare
or pay dividends, make distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or
acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to any of its capital
stock, including the Preferred Stock.
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company, the holders of the Preferred Stock will have preference and
priority over the Common Stock of the Company and any other class of stock of
the Company ranking junior to the Preferred Stock upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, for payments out of or distributions of the assets
of the Company or proceeds thereof, whether from capital or surplus, of the
amount per share set forth in the Prospectus Supplement plus all dividends
(whether or not earned or declared), accrued and unpaid thereon to the date of
final distribution to such holders (but in the case of Noncumulative Preferred
Stock, without cumulation of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods), and
after such payment the holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to no other
payments. If, in the case of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, the assets of the Company or proceeds thereof should be
insufficient to make the full liquidation payment in the amount per share set
forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the series of Preferred Stock
offered thereby, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Preferred Stock
(but in the case of Noncumulative Preferred Stock without cumulation of unpaid
dividends for prior dividend periods), and liquidating payments on any other
preferred stock ranking as to liquidation, dissolution or winding up on a
parity with the Preferred Stock, then such assets and proceeds will be
distributed among the holders of the Preferred Stock and any such other
preferred stock ratably in accordance with the respective amounts which would
be payable on such shares of Preferred Stock and any such other preferred
stock if all amounts thereon were paid in full. A consolidation or merger of
the Company with one or more corporations will not be deemed to be a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, of the
Company.
REDEMPTION
If specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the series of
Preferred Stock offered thereby, the Company may, at its option, at any time
or from time to time on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, redeem
such series of Preferred Stock in whole or in part at the redemption prices
and on the dates set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
If less than all outstanding shares of a series of Preferred Stock are to be
redeemed, the selection of the shares to be redeemed shall be determined by
lot or pro rata as may be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company
(or a duly authorized committee thereof) to be equitable. From and after the
redemption date (unless default shall be made by the Company in providing for
the payment of the redemption price), dividends shall cease to accrue on the
shares of such series of Preferred Stock called for redemption and all rights
of the holders thereof (except the right to receive the redemption price)
shall cease.
VOTING RIGHTS
Unless otherwise described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders
of the Preferred Stock will have no voting rights except as set forth below or
as otherwise from time to time required by law.
19
Whenever dividends payable on the Preferred Stock shall be in arrears for
such number of dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, which shall in
the aggregate contain a number of months equivalent to six calendar quarters,
the holders of outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock (voting as a class
with holders of shares of all other series of preferred stock ranking on a
parity with the Preferred Stock either as to dividends or the distribution of
assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up and upon which like voting
rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to vote for
the election of two additional directors on the terms set forth below. Such
voting rights will continue, in the case of any series of Cumulative Preferred
Stock, until all past dividends accumulated on shares of Cumulative Preferred
Stock shall have been paid in full and, in the case of Noncumulative Preferred
Stock, until all dividends on shares of Noncumulative Preferred Stock shall
have been paid in full for at least one year. Upon payment in full of such
dividends, such voting rights shall terminate except as expressly provided by
law, subject to re-vesting in the event of each and every subsequent default
in the payment of dividends as aforesaid. Holders of all series of preferred
stock which are granted such voting rights (which rank on a parity with the
Preferred Stock) will vote as a class, and, unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, each Holder of shares of the Preferred Stock
will have one vote for each share of stock held and each other series will
have such number of votes, if any, for each share of stock held as may be
granted to them. In the event that the holders of shares of the Preferred
Stock are entitled to vote as described in this paragraph, the Board of
Directors of the Company will be increased by two directors, and the holders
of the Preferred Stock will have the exclusive right as members of such class,
as outlined above, to elect two directors at the next annual meeting of
stockholders.
Upon termination of the right of the holders of the Preferred Stock to vote
for directors as discussed in the preceding paragraph, the term of office of
all directors then in office elected by such Holders will terminate
immediately. Whenever the term of office of the directors elected by such
Holders ends and the related special voting rights expire, the number of
directors will automatically be decreased to such number as would otherwise
prevail.
So long as any shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Company
shall not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least
two-thirds of the shares of the Preferred Stock outstanding at the time
(voting as a class with all other series of preferred stock ranking on a
parity with the Preferred Stock either as to dividends or the distribution of
assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up and upon which like voting
rights have been conferred and are exercisable), given in person or by proxy,
either in writing or at a meeting, (i) authorize, create or issue, or increase
the authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of stock ranking prior
to the Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; or (ii)
amend, alter or repeal, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, the
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of
Designation of the Preferred Stock designating such Preferred Stock and the
preferences and privileges, relative, participating, optional or other special
rights and qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, so as to
materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting
power of the Preferred Stock or the holders thereof; provided, however, that
any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock or the creation and
issuance, or an increase in the authorized or issued amount, of other series
of preferred stock, or any increase in the amount of authorized shares of
Preferred Stock, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the
Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution
of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up will not be deemed to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting
powers.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if all outstanding shares of
Preferred Stock have been redeemed or sufficient funds have been deposited in
trust to effect such a redemption which is scheduled to be consummated within
three months after the time that such rights would otherwise be exercisable.
CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE RIGHTS
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Preferred Stock that is
convertible or exchangeable will state the terms on which shares of such
series are convertible or exchangeable into Common Stock, another series of
Preferred Stock or Debt Securities.
20
OUTSTANDING PREFERRED STOCK
At September 26, 1997, there were outstanding 42,500 shares of 9% Preferred
Stock represented by 17,000,000 Depositary Shares.
"General"
The 9% Preferred Stock has preference over the Common Stock and the Series A
Junior Preferred Stock issuable pursuant to the Rights Plan described under
"Description of Common Stock" with respect to the payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company. Holders of the 9% Preferred Stock do not have any preemptive
rights to subscribe for any additional securities which may be issued by the
Company.
"Dividends"
Dividends on the 9% Preferred Stock are cumulative and payable quarterly at
the rate per annum of 9% of the $10,000 liquidation preference per share.
"Voting Rights"
Holders of the 9% Preferred Stock have no voting rights except as set forth
above under "--Voting Rights".
"Liquidation Rights"
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, the holders of outstanding shares of 9% Preferred
Stock are entitled to receive out of assets of the Company available for
distribution to stockholders a distribution of $10,000 per share, plus
accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any.
"Redemption"
The 9% Preferred Stock is not redeemable prior to December 30, 2004. On and
after that date, the 9% Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the
Company, in whole at any time or from time to time in part, upon not less than
30 nor more than 60 days notice, at a redemption price of $10,000 per share,
plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
The Company may issue receipts ("Depositary Receipts") for Depositary
Shares, each of which will represent a fraction of a share of Preferred Stock.
Shares of Preferred Stock of each class or series represented by Depositary
Shares will be deposited under deposit agreements (each a "Deposit Agreement")
to be entered into among the Company, a bank or trust company, as depository
(the "Depositary"), and the Holders from time to time of the Depositary
Receipts. Depositary Shares may be issued independently or together with other
Securities offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or
separate from such other Securities. A copy of the form of Deposit Agreement,
including the form of certificates representing the Depositary Receipts (the
"Depositary Receipt Certificates"), is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Deposit
Agreements and the Depositary Receipt Certificates do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference
to, all the provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the Depositary Receipt
Certificates, respectively, including the definitions therein of certain
terms.
GENERAL
The Depositary Shares are to be evidenced by Depositary Receipts issued
pursuant to the applicable Deposit Agreement. Immediately following the
issuance and delivery of the Preferred Stock by the Company to the
21
Depositary, the Company will cause the Depositary to issue, on behalf of the
Company, the Depositary Receipts. Subject to the terms of the applicable
Deposit Agreement, each Holder of a Depositary Receipt will be entitled, in
proportion to the fraction of a share of Preferred Stock represented by such
Depositary Share, to all the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock
represented thereby (including dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and
liquidation rights), all as shall be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to the Depositary Receipts offered thereby.
The Depositary Shares shall have the dividend, liquidation, redemption,
voting and conversion or exchange rights set forth below unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The applicable Prospectus
Supplement will describe the terms of Depositary Shares offered thereby, the
Deposit Agreement
relating to such Depositary Shares and the Depositary Receipt Certificates
representing such Depositary Shares, including the following: (1) the
designation, stated value and liquidation preference of such Depositary Shares
and the number of shares offered; (2) the offering price or prices; (3) the
dividend rate or rates (or method of calculation), the dividend periods, the
dates on which dividends shall be payable and whether such dividends shall be
cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends
shall commence to cumulate; (4) any redemption or sinking fund provisions; (5)
any conversion or exchange provisions; (6) any material risk factors relating
to such Depositary Shares; (7) the identity of the Depositary; and (8) any
other terms of such Depositary Shares (which shall not be inconsistent with
the provisions of the Deposit Agreement).
BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES
Except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
the Depositary Receipts will be issued in the form of global Depositary
Receipt Certificates, registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee.
Except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
beneficial owners will not be entitled to receive definitive certificates
representing Depositary Receipts unless the depository is unwilling or unable
to continue as depositary or the Company decides to have the Depositary
Receipts represented by definitive certificates. A beneficial owner's interest
in a Depositary Receipt will be recorded on or through the records of the
brokerage firm or other entity that maintains a beneficial owner's account. In
turn, the total number of Depositary Receipts held by an individual brokerage
firm for its clients will be maintained on the records of the depositary in
the name of such brokerage firm or its agent. Transfer of ownership of any
Depositary Receipt will be effected only through the selling beneficial
owner's brokerage firm.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
The Depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash
distributions received in respect of the Preferred Stock to the record Holders
of Depositary Receipts in proportion to the number of such Depositary Receipts
owned by such Holders, subject to certain obligations of Holders to file
proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain charges and
expenses to the Depositary.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Depositary will
distribute property received by it to the record Holders of Depositary
Receipts entitled thereto, subject to certain obligations of Holders to file
proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain charges and
expenses to the Depositary, unless the Depositary, after consultation with the
Company, determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, in
which case the Depositary may, with the approval of the Company, sell such
property and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to such Holders.
WITHDRAWAL OF STOCK
Upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts at the corporate trust office of
the Depositary (unless the related Depositary Shares have previously been
called for redemption), the Holder of the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby
will be entitled to delivery, at such office to or upon his order, of the
number of whole shares of the Preferred Stock and any money or other property
represented by such Depositary Shares. Holders of Depositary Receipts will be
entitled to receive whole shares of the Preferred Stock on the basis of the
proportion of Preferred Stock represented by each Depositary Share as
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, but holders of
22
such whole shares of Preferred Stock will not thereafter be entitled to
receive Depositary Shares therefor. If the Depositary Receipts delivered by
the Holder evidence a number of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of
Depositary Shares representing the number of whole shares of Preferred Stock
to be withdrawn, the Depositary will deliver to such Holder at the same time a
new Depositary Receipt evidencing such excess number of Depositary Shares. In
no event will fractional shares of Preferred Stock be delivered upon surrender
of Depositary Receipts to the Depositary.
REDEMPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
Whenever the Company redeems shares of Preferred Stock held by the
Depositary, the Depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the
number of Depositary Shares representing shares of the Preferred Stock so
redeemed, provided the Company shall have paid in full to the Depositary the
redemption price of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed plus an amount equal to
any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption.
The redemption price per Depositary Share will be equal to the redemption
price and any other amounts per share payable with respect to the Preferred
Stock multiplied by the fraction of a share of Preferred Stock represented by
one Depositary Share. If less than all the Depositary Shares are to be
redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed will be selected by the lot or
pro rata as may be determined by the Depositary.
After the date fixed for redemption, the Depositary Shares so called for
redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the
Holders of the Depositary Shares so called for redemption will cease, except
the right to receive any moneys payable upon such redemption and any money or
other property to which the Holders of such Depositary Shares were entitled
upon such redemption upon surrender to the Depositary of the Depositary
Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares.
VOTING THE PREFERRED STOCK
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the Holders of the Preferred
Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary will mail the information contained
in such notice of meeting to the record Holders of the Depositary Receipts
relating to Preferred Stock. Each record Holder of such Depositary Shares on
the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the
Preferred Stock) will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the
exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of Preferred Stock
represented by such Holder's
Depositary Receipts. The Depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to
vote the amount of Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Shares in
accordance with such instructions, and the Company will agree to take all
reasonable action which may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to
enable the Depositary to do so. The Depositary will abstain from voting shares
of Preferred Stock to the extent it does not receive specific instructions
from the Holders of Depositary Receipts representing shares of Preferred
Stock.
EXCHANGE OF PREFERRED STOCK
Whenever the Company exchanges all of the shares of a series of Preferred
Stock held by the Depositary for Debt Securities, Common Stock or other shares
of Preferred Stock, the Depositary will exchange as of the same exchange date
the number of Depositary Shares representing all of the shares of the
Preferred Stock so exchanged for Debt Securities, Common Stock or other shares
of Preferred Stock, provided the Company shall have issued and deposited with
the Depositary, Debt Securities, Common Stock or other shares of Preferred
Stock, as applicable, for all of the shares of the Preferred Stock to be
exchanged. The exchange rate per Depositary Share shall be equal to the
exchange rate per share of Preferred Stock multiplied by the fraction of a
share of Preferred Stock represented by one Depositary Share, plus all money
and other property, if any, represented by such Depositary Shares, including
all amounts paid by the Company in respect of dividends which on the exchange
date have accumulated on the shares of Preferred Stock to be so exchanged and
have not theretofore been paid.
23
CONVERSION OF PREFERRED STOCK
The Depositary Shares, as such, are not convertible or exchangeable into
Common Stock or any other securities or property of the Company. Nevertheless,
if so specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Depositary Shares
offered thereby, the Depositary Receipts may be surrendered by Holders thereof
to the Depositary with written instructions to the Depositary to instruct the
Company to cause conversion or exchange of the Preferred Stock represented by
the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Depositary Receipts into whole shares
of Common Stock, other shares of Preferred Stock or Debt Securities of the
Company, and the Company has agreed that upon receipt of such instructions and
any amounts payable in respect thereof, it will cause the conversion or
exchange thereof utilizing the same procedures as those provided for delivery
of Preferred Stock to effect such conversions or exchange. If the Depositary
Shares represented by a Depositary Receipt are to be converted in part only, a
new Depositary Receipt or Receipts will be issued for any Depositary Shares
not to be converted or exchanged.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
The form of Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares and any
provision of the Deposit Agreement may at any time be amended by agreement
between the Company and the Depositary. However, any amendment that materially
and adversely alters the rights of the Holders of Depositary Receipts will not
be effective unless such amendment has been approved by the Holders of at
least a majority (or, in the case of amendments relating to or affecting
rights to receive dividends or distributions or voting, redemption or
conversion rights, two-thirds) of the Depositary Shares then outstanding.
The Deposit Agreement may be terminated by the Company or the Depositary
only if (i) all outstanding Depositary Shares have been redeemed, (ii) there
has been a final distribution in respect of the Preferred Stock in connection
with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and such
distribution has been distributed to the Holders of Depositary Receipts or
(iii) upon the consent of Holders of Depositary Receipts representing not less
than two-thirds of the Depositary Shares outstanding.
CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY
The Company will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges
arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. The Company
will pay the fees and expenses of the Depositary in
connection with the performance of its duties under the Deposit Agreement.
Holders of Depositary Receipts will pay transfer and other taxes and
governmental charges and such other charges as are expressly provided in the
Deposit Agreement to be for their accounts. The Depositary may refuse to
effect any transfer of a Depositary Receipt or any withdrawals of Preferred
Stock evidenced thereby until all such taxes and charges with respect to such
Depositary Receipts or shares of Preferred Stock are paid by the Holders
thereof.
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF DEPOSITARY
The Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to the Company notice of
its election to do so, and the Company may at any time remove the Depositary.
Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a
successor Depositary, which successor Depositary must be appointed within 60
days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank
or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a
combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
24
MISCELLANEOUS
The Depositary will forward to Holders of Depositary Receipts all reports
and communications received from the Company which are received by the
Depositary and which the Company is required to furnish to holders of the
underlying Preferred Stock. The Depositary will also, promptly after receipt
thereof, transmit to the Holders of Depositary Receipts, copies of all notices
and reports required by law, the rules of any national securities exchange or
the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to be furnished to the record
Holders of Depositary Receipts.
Neither the Depositary nor the Company will assume any obligation or be
subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to Holders of Depositary
Receipts other than for negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. The
Depositary will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding
in respect of any Depositary Shares or any shares of Preferred Stock unless
satisfactory indemnity is furnished. The Company and the Depositary may rely
on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by
persons presenting shares of Preferred Stock for deposit, Holders of
Depositary Receipts or other persons believed to be competent and on documents
believed to be genuine. Neither the Depositary nor the Company will be liable
if it is prevented from or delayed, by law, by provision of the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation or any circumstances beyond its control, in
performing its obligations under the Deposit Agreement.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK WARRANTS
The Company may issue Preferred Stock Warrants for the purchase of Preferred
Stock. Preferred Stock Warrants may be issued independently or together with
other Securities offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to
or separate from such other Securities. Each series of Preferred Stock
Warrants is to be issued under a warrant agreement (each a "Preferred Stock
Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the Company and a bank or trust
company, as preferred stock warrant agent (the "Preferred Stock Warrant
Agent"), all as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the
Preferred Stock Warrants offered thereby. A copy of the form of Preferred
Stock Warrant Agreement, including the form of warrant certificates
representing the Preferred Stock Warrants (the "Preferred Stock Warrant
Certificates"), is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. The
following summaries of certain provisions of the Preferred Stock Warrant
Agreement and Preferred Stock Warrant Certificates do not purport to be
complete and are subject to and are qualified in their entirety by reference
to, all the provisions of the Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and the
Preferred Stock Warrant Certificates, respectively, including the definitions
therein of certain terms.
GENERAL
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of the
Preferred Stock Warrants offered thereby, the Preferred Stock Warrant
Agreement relating to such Preferred Stock Warrants and the Preferred Stock
Warrant Certificates representing such Preferred Stock Warrants, including the
following: (1) the offering price or prices; (2) the designation, aggregate
number and terms of the series of Preferred Stock that may be purchased upon
exercise of such Preferred Stock Warrants and the minimum number of Preferred
Stock Warrants that are exercisable; (3) the designation and terms of the
Securities, if any, with which such Preferred Stock Warrants are being offered
and the number of such Preferred Stock Warrants being offered with each such
Security; (4) the date, if any, on and after which such Preferred Stock
Warrants and the related Securities will be transferable separately; (5) the
number and stated values of the series of Preferred Stock that may be
purchased upon exercise of each such Preferred Stock Warrant and the price at
which such number of shares of Preferred Stock of such series may be purchased
upon such exercise, and events or conditions under which such number of shares
may be subject to adjustment; (6) the date on which the right to exercise such
Preferred Stock Warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall
expire (the "Preferred Stock Warrant Expiration Date"); (7) the circumstances,
if any, which will cause the Preferred Stock Warrants to be deemed to be
automatically exercised; (8) any material risk factors relating to such
Preferred Stock Warrants; (9) the identity of the Preferred Stock Warrant
Agent; and (10) any other terms of such Preferred Stock Warrants (which shall
not be inconsistent with the provisions of the Preferred Stock Warrant
Agreement).
25
Preferred Stock Warrant Certificates may be exchanged for new Preferred
Stock Warrant Certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered
form) be presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the
corporate trust office of the Preferred Stock Warrant Agent or any other
office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the
exercise of any Preferred Stock Warrant, a Holder thereof shall have no rights
of a holder of shares of the Preferred Stock that may be purchased upon such
exercise, including the right to receive payment of dividends, if any, on the
underlying Preferred Stock or the right to vote such underlying Preferred
Stock.
Prospective purchasers of Preferred Stock Warrants should be aware that
special U.S. federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be
applicable to instruments such as Preferred Stock Warrants. The Prospectus
Supplement relating to any issue of Preferred Stock Warrants will describe
such considerations.
BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES
Except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
the Preferred Stock Warrants will be issued in the form of global Preferred
Stock Warrant Certificates, registered in the name of a depository or its
nominee. Except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, beneficial owners will not be entitled to receive definitive
certificates representing Preferred Stock Warrants unless the depository is
unwilling or unable to continue as depository or the Company decides to have
the Preferred Stock Warrants represented by definitive certificates. A
beneficial owner's interest in a Preferred Stock Warrant will be recorded on
or through the records of the brokerage firm or other entity that maintains a
beneficial owner's account. In turn, the total number of Preferred Stock
Warrants held by an individual brokerage firm for its clients will be
maintained on the records of the depository in the name of such brokerage firm
or its agent. Transfer of ownership of any Preferred Stock Warrant will be
effected only through the selling beneficial owner's brokerage firm.
EXERCISE OF PREFERRED STOCK WARRANTS
Each Preferred Stock Warrant will entitle the Holder thereof to purchase
such number of shares of Preferred Stock at such exercise price as shall be
set forth in, or calculable from, the applicable Prospectus Supplement. After
the close of business on the Expiration Date (or such later date to which such
Expiration Date may be extended by the Company), unexercised Preferred Stock
Warrants will become void.
Preferred Stock Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to the Preferred Stock Warrants offered thereby. Upon
receipt of payment and the Preferred Stock Warrant Certificate properly
completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the Preferred
Stock Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Company will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the
shares of Preferred Stock purchased upon such exercise. If less than all of
the Preferred Stock Warrants represented by such Preferred Stock Warrant
Certificate are exercised, a new Preferred Stock Warrant Certificate will be
issued for the remaining number of Preferred Stock Warrants.
LISTING
An issue of Preferred Stock Warrants may be listed on a national securities
exchange, as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
MODIFICATIONS
Any Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the related Preferred
Stock Warrants may be amended by the Company and the Preferred Stock Warrant
Agent, without the consent of the Holders of the Preferred Stock Warrants, for
the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing, correcting or supplementing
any defective or inconsistent provision contained therein, or in any other
manner which the Company may deem
26
necessary or desirable and which will not materially and adversely affect the
interests of the Preferred Stock Warrantholders.
The Company and the Preferred Stock Warrant Agent also may amend any
Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the related Preferred Stock
Warrants, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in
number of the then outstanding unexercised Preferred Stock Warrants affected
by such amendment, provided that no such amendment that shortens the period of
time during which the Preferred Stock Warrants may be exercised or otherwise
materially and adversely affects the exercise rights of the Preferred Stock
Warrantholders or reduces the number of outstanding Preferred Stock Warrants
the consent of whose Holders is required for amendment of the Preferred Stock
Warrant Agreement or the terms of the related Preferred Stock Warrants without
the consent of each of the Preferred Stock Warrantholders affected thereby.
ENFORCEABILITY OF RIGHTS BY PREFERRED STOCK WARRANTHOLDERs
Any Preferred Stock Warrantholder may, without the consent of the related
Preferred Stock Warrant Agent, enforce by appropriate legal action, in and of
its own behalf, its right to exercise its Preferred Stock Warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
The following description sets forth the general terms of Common Stock which
may be issued by the Company. The description set forth below and in any
Prospectus Supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Certificate of Incorporation
which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
GENERAL
Pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to
issue up to 500,000,000 shares of Common Stock. As of September 26, 1997,
there were 332,352,210 shares of Common Stock outstanding. The Common Stock is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MER" and also on the
Chicago Stock Exchange, the Pacific Exchange, the Paris Bourse, the London
Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
The Common Stock shall have the dividend, voting, liquidation and preemptive
rights set forth below unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to the Common Stock offered thereby. The applicable Prospectus
Supplement will describe the terms of such Common Stock including, where
applicable, the following: (1) the number of shares to be offered; (2) the
offering price or prices; (3) to the extent permitted by applicable law,
whether such Common Stock will be issued in certificated or book-entry form;
(4) information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and (5) any
additional terms of such Common Stock (which shall not be inconsistent with
the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation).
The Common Stock will be, when issued against payment therefor, fully paid
and nonassessable. Holders thereof will have no preemptive rights to subscribe
for any additional securities which may be issued by the Company. The rights
of holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected
by, the rights of holders of any Preferred Stock that has been issued and may
be issued in the future. As of September 26, 1997, 17,000,000 Depositary
Shares, each representing a one-four-hundredth interest in a share of 9%
Preferred Stock, were outstanding. The Board of Directors of the Company may
cause additional shares of Preferred Stock to be issued to obtain additional
financing, in connection with acquisitions, to officers, directors and
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries pursuant to benefit plans or
otherwise and for other proper corporate purposes.
The Company is the principal transfer agent for the Common Stock.
27
Because the Company is a holding company, its rights and the rights of
holders of its securities, including the holders of Common Stock, to
participate in the distribution of assets of any subsidiary of the Company
upon the latter's liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to the prior
claims of such subsidiary's creditors and preferred stockholders, except to
the extent the Company may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against
such subsidiary or a holder of preferred stock of such subsidiary.
DIVIDENDS
The Company may pay dividends on the Common Stock out of funds legally
available therefor as, if and when declared by the Board of Directors of the
Company (or a duly authorized committee thereof).
Subsidiaries of the Company have issued $575 million of perpetual Trust
Originated Preferred Securities SM. In connection with the issuance of such
Trust Originated Preferred Securities, the Company has agreed, among other
things, that if full distributions on such securities have not been paid or
set apart for payment or the Company is in default of certain related
guarantee obligations, the Company, with certain exceptions, will not declare
or pay dividends, make distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or
acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to any of its capital
stock, including the Common Stock.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of
the Company, the holders of its Common Stock will be entitled to receive,
after payment of all of its debts, liabilities and of all sums to which
holders of any Preferred Stock may be entitled, all of the remaining assets of
the Company.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as described under "Description of Preferred Stock -- Outstanding
Preferred Stock -- Voting Rights", the holders of the Common Stock currently
possess exclusive voting rights in the Company. The Board of Directors of the
Company may, however, specify voting power with respect to any Preferred Stock
which may be issued in the future. Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to
one vote per share with respect to all matters. There is no cumulative voting
in the election of directors. Actions requiring approval of stockholders
generally require approval by a majority vote of outstanding shares.
The Board of Directors of the Company is currently comprised of 15
directors, divided into three classes, the precise number of members to be
fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. The directors of the class
elected at each annual election hold office for a term of three years, with
the term of each class expiring at successive annual meetings of stockholders.
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
On December 2, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company approved and
adopted the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, which amends and restates
the plan that had originally been adopted in December 1987 (the "Rights
Agreement"). Under the Rights Agreement, preferred purchase rights (the
"Rights") were distributed to holders of Common Stock. The Rights will
separate from the Common Stock ten days following the earlier of: (a) an
announcement of an acquisition by a person or group ("acquiring party") of 15%
or more of the outstanding common shares of the Company; or (b) the
commencement of a tender or exchange offer for 15% or more of the shares of
Common Stock outstanding. The Rights are attached to each outstanding share of
Common Stock and will attach to all subsequently issued shares, including
Common Stock that may be offered by the Company pursuant to an applicable
Prospectus Supplement. The Rights entitle the holder to purchase fractions of
a share ("Units") of Series A Junior Preferred Stock at an exercise price of
$300 per Unit, subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in the
Rights Agreement. The Units are nonredeemable and have voting privileges and
certain preferential dividend rights. The exercise price and the number of
Units issuable are subject to adjustment to prevent dilution.
If, after the Rights have separated, (i) the Company is the surviving
corporation in a merger with an acquiring party, (ii) a person becomes the
beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Common Stock, (iii) an acquiring party
engages in one or more "self-dealing" transactions, or (iv) an event occurs
which results in such acquiring party's ownership interest being increased by
more than 1%, then each holder of a Right will have the
28
right to purchase, upon exercise, Units of Series A Junior Preferred Stock
having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right and, in
addition, Rights held by or transferred in certain circumstances by, an
acquiring party may immediately become void. In the event that, at any time,
(i) the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction and the Company is not the surviving corporation, or (ii) any
person consolidates or merges with the Company and all or part of the Common
Stock is converted or exchanged for securities, cash or property of any other
person or (iii) 50% or more of the Company's assets or earning power is sold
or transferred, each holder of a right shall thereafter have the right to
purchase, upon exercise, common stock of the acquiring party having a value
equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. The Rights expire on
December 2, 2007 and are redeemable at the option of a majority of the
independent directors of the Company at $.01 per Right at any time until the
tenth day following an announcement of the acquisition of 20% or more of the
Common Stock.
The foregoing provisions of the Rights Agreement may have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
The Company may issue Common Stock Warrants for the purchase of Common
Stock. Common Stock Warrants may be issued independently or together with
other Securities offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to
or separate from such Securities. Each series of Common Stock Warrants will be
issued under warrant agreements (each a "Common Stock Warrant Agreement") to
be entered into between the Company and a bank or trust company, as common
stock warrant agent (the "Common Stock Warrant Agent"), all as set forth in
the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Common Stock Warrants offered
thereby. A copy of the form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement, including the
form of warrant certificates representing the Common Stock Warrants (the
"Common Stock Warrant Certificates"), reflecting the provisions to be included
in the Common Stock Warrant Agreements that will be entered into with respect
to particular offerings of Common Stock Warrants, is filed as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement. The following summaries of certain provisions of
the Common Stock Warrant Agreement and Common Stock Warrant Certificates do
not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Common Stock Warrant
Agreement and the Common Stock Warrant Certificates, respectively, including
the definitions therein of certain terms.
GENERAL
The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of the Common
Stock Warrants offered thereby, the Common Stock Warrant Agreement relating to
such Common Stock Warrants and the Common Stock Warrant Certificates,
including the following: (1) the offering price or prices; (2) the aggregate
number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased upon exercise of such
Common Stock Warrants and minimum number of Common Stock Warrants that are
exercisable; (3) the number of Securities, if any, with which such Common
Stock Warrants are being offered and the number of such Common Stock Warrants
being offered with each such Security; (4) the date on and after which such
Common Stock Warrants and the related Securities, if any, will be transferable
separately; (5) the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise
of each such Common Stock Warrant and the price at which such number of shares
of Common Stock may be purchased upon such exercise, and events or conditions
under which such number of shares may be subject to adjustment; (6) the date
on which the right to exercise such Common Stock Warrants shall commence and
the date on which such right shall expire (the "Common Stock Warrant
Expiration Date"); (7) the circumstances, if any, which will cause the Common
Stock Warrants to be deemed to be automatically exercised; (8) any material
risk factors relating to such Common Stock Warrants; (9) the identity of the
Common Stock Warrant Agent; and (10) any other terms of such Common Stock
Warrants (which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the Common
Stock Warrant Agreement).
Common Stock Warrant Certificates may be exchanged for new Common Stock
Warrant Certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered form)
be presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the
corporate trust office of the Common Stock Warrant Agent or any other office
indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise of
any Common Stock Warrants to purchase Common
29
Stock, Holders of such Common Stock Warrants will not have any rights of
Holders of shares of the Common Stock purchasable upon such exercise,
including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on the Common
Stock purchasable upon such exercise or to exercise any applicable right to
vote.
Prospective purchasers of Common Stock Warrants should be aware that special
U.S. federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may be applicable
to instruments such as Common Stock Warrants. The Prospectus Supplement
relating to any issue of Common Stock Warrants will describe such
considerations.
BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES
Except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
the Common Stock Warrants will be issued in the form of global Common Stock
Warrant Certificates, registered in the name of a depository or its nominee.
Except as may otherwise be provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
beneficial owners will not be entitled to receive definitive certificates
representing Common Stock Warrants unless the depository is unwilling or
unable to continue as depository or the Company decides to have the Common
Stock Warrants represented by definitive certificates. A beneficial owner's
interest in a Common Stock Warrant will be recorded on or through the records
of the brokerage firm or other entity that maintains a beneficial owner's
account. In turn, the total number of Common Stock Warrants held by an
individual brokerage firm for its clients will be maintained on the records of
the depository in the name of such brokerage firm or its agent. Transfer of
ownership of any Common Stock Warrant will be effected only through the
selling beneficial owner's brokerage firm.
EXERCISE OF COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
Each Common Stock Warrant will entitle the Holder thereof to purchase such
number of shares of Common Stock at such exercise price as shall be set forth
in, or calculable from, the applicable Prospectus Supplement. After the close
of business on the Expiration Date (or such later date to which such
Expiration Date may be extended by the Company), unexercised Common Stock
Warrants will become void.
Common Stock Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement relating to the Common Stock Warrants offered thereby.
Upon receipt of payment and the Common Stock Warrant Certificate properly
completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the Common Stock
Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Company will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the
shares of Common Stock purchased upon such exercise. If less than all of the
Common Stock Warrants represented by such Common Stock Warrant Certificate are
exercised, a new Common Stock Warrant Certificate will be issued for the
remaining amount of Common Stock Warrants.
LISTING
An issue of Common Stock Warrants may be listed on a national securities
exchange, as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
MODIFICATIONS
Any Common Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the related Common Stock
Warrants may be amended by the Company and the Common Stock Warrant Agent,
without the consent of the Holders of the Common Stock Warrants, for the
purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing, correcting or supplementing any
defective or inconsistent provision contained therein, or in any other manner
which the Company may deem necessary or desirable and which will not
materially and adversely affect the interests of the Common Stock
Warrantholders.
The Company and the Common Stock Warrant Agent also may amend any Common
Stock Warrant Agreement and the terms of the related Common Stock Warrants,
with the consent of the holders of not less
30
than a majority in number of the then outstanding unexercised Common Stock
Warrants affected by such amendment, provided that no such amendment that
shortens the period of time during which the Common Stock Warrants may be
exercised or otherwise materially and adversely affects the exercise rights of
the Common Stock Warrantholders or reduces the number of outstanding Common
Stock Warrants the consent of whose Holders is required for amendment of the
Common Stock Warrant Agreement or the terms of the related Common Stock
Warrants may be made without the consent of the Common Stock Warrantholders
affected thereby.
ENFORCEABILITY OF RIGHTS BY COMMON STOCK WARRANTHOLDERS
Any Common Stock Warrantholder may, without the consent of the related
Common Stock Warrant Agent, enforce by appropriate legal action, in and for
its own behalf, its right to exercise its Common Stock Warrant.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may sell Securities (i) through MLPF&S as agent, (ii) to the
public through, or through underwriting syndicates managed or co-managed by,
one or more underwriters, including MLPF&S, or (iii) directly to purchasers.
The Prospectus Supplement with respect to the Securities of a particular
series describes the terms of the offering of such Securities, including the
name of the agent or the name or names of any underwriters, the public
offering or purchase price, any discounts and commissions to be allowed or
paid to the agent or underwriters, all other items constituting underwriting
compensation, the discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers,
if any, and the exchanges, if any, on which the Securities will be listed.
Only the agents or underwriters so named in the Prospectus Supplement are
agents or underwriters in connection with the Securities offered thereby.
Under certain circumstances, the Company may repurchase Securities and reoffer
them to the public as set forth above. The Company may also arrange for
repurchases and resales of such Securities by dealers.
If so indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company will authorize
underwriters to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase Debt
Securities from the Company pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing
for payment and delivery on the date stated in the Prospectus Supplement. Each
such contract will be for an amount not less than, and, unless the Company
otherwise agrees, the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities sold
pursuant to such contracts shall not be more than, the respective amounts
stated in the Prospectus Supplement. Institutions with whom such contracts,
when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance
companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable
institutions, and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to the
approval of the Company. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any
conditions except that the purchase by an institution of the Debt Securities
covered thereby shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws
of any jurisdiction in the United States to which such institution is subject.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the agent and the several underwriters
against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), or contribute to payments the agent or
the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
The distribution of Securities will conform to the requirements set forth in
the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
31
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been
included or incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of
Deloitte & Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein
by reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in
accordance with professional standards for a review of such information.
However, as stated in their report included in such Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q and incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not
express an opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the
degree of reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted
in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte &
Touche LLP are not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the
Act for any such report on unaudited interim financial information because any
such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement
prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11
of the Act.
32
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF +
+ANY SUCH STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO]
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
STRYPESSM
PAYABLE WITH SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OR OTHER SECURITIES
OF THE UNDERLYING ISSUER
(OR CASH WITH AN EQUAL VALUE)
-----------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") intends to sell from time to time
its Structured Yield Product Exchangeable for StockSM, STRYPESSM. The STRYPES
will be offered to the public in series and on terms determined by market
conditions at the time of sale and set forth in the accompanying prospectus
supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement"). The STRYPES will be unsecured
obligations of the Company ranking pari passu with all of its other unsecured
and unsubordinated indebtedness. See "Description of the STRYPES--Ranking".
On the maturity date of each series of STRYPES (the "Maturity Date"), the
Company will pay and discharge such STRYPES by delivering to the holder thereof
a number of shares of common stock or other securities (the "Underlying
Securities") of the unaffiliated corporation identified in the Prospectus
Supplement (the "Underlying Issuer") determined in accordance with a payment
rate formula specified in the Prospectus Supplement (subject to the Company's
right to deliver cash, or a combination of cash and Underlying Securities, with
an equal value). THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE VALUE OF THE UNDERLYING
SECURITIES (OR CASH) PAYABLE TO HOLDERS OF A SERIES OF STRYPES ON THE MATURITY
DATE WILL BE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN THE ISSUE PRICE OF SUCH STRYPES. IF THE
VALUE OF THE UNDERLYING SECURITIES (OR CASH) RECEIVED ON THE MATURITY DATE OF A
SERIES OF STRYPES IS LESS THAN THE ISSUE PRICE PAID FOR SUCH STRYPES, AN
INVESTMENT IN STRYPES WILL RESULT IN A LOSS. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF THE STRYPES".
Each series of STRYPES may vary, where applicable, as to aggregate issue
price, Maturity Date, Underlying Issuer, Underlying Securities deliverable upon
maturity, formula or other method by which the amount of such Underlying
Securities will be determined, public offering or purchase price, interest rate
or rates, if any, and timing of payments thereof, provision for redemption,
currencies of denomination or currencies otherwise applicable thereto and any
other variable terms and method of distribution. The accompanying Prospectus
Supplement sets forth the specific terms with regard to the series of STRYPES
in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered.
Reference is made to any accompanying prospectus of the Underlying Issuer
covering the Underlying Securities which may be received by holders of a series
of STRYPES on the Maturity Date.
-----------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURI-
TIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON
THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-----------
The STRYPES may be sold through Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"). STRYPES may not be sold without
delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing such issue of STRYPES and the
method and terms of offering thereof, and any accompanying prospectus of the
Underlying Issuer covering the Underlying Securities which may be received by
holders of a series of STRYPES on the Maturity Date.
-----------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1998.
SM Service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional
Offices of the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven
World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and
information statements and other information concerning the Company may also
be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock
Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission
maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding registrants, including
the Company, that file electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 28, 1997,
June 27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated
January 13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April
15, 1997, May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30,
1997, August 1, 1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15,
1997, October 29, 1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2,
1997, December 16, 1997 and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of
the Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior
to the termination of the offering of the STRYPES, or subsequent to the date
of the initial Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the
Registration Statement, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.
Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE)
OF ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS.
REQUESTS FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR.,
CORPORATE SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET,
12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
----------------
THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA HAS NOT APPROVED
OR DISAPPROVED THE OFFERING OF THE SECURITIES MADE HEREBY NOR HAS THE
COMMISSIONER PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of
the largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and
are engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute
one of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment
advisory services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary
dealer in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its
agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative
Products AG, and Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary
derivative product dealers and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and
other derivative transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The
Company's insurance underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of
life insurance and annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending
operations conducted through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing
certificates of deposit, offering money market deposit accounts, making
secured loans, and providing currency exchange facilities and other related
services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the STRYPES for
general corporate purposes, unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such STRYPES. Such general corporate purposes may
include the funding of investments in, or extensions of credit to, its
subsidiaries, the funding of assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, the
lengthening of the average maturity of the Company's borrowings, and the
financing of acquisitions. Pending such applications, the net proceeds will be
applied to the reduction of short-term indebtedness or temporarily invested.
Management of the Company expects that it will, on a recurrent basis, engage
in additional financings as the need arises to finance the growth of the
Company, through acquisitions or otherwise, or to lengthen the average
maturity of its borrowings. To the extent that STRYPES being purchased for
resale by MLPF&S are not resold, the aggregate proceeds to the Company and its
subsidiaries would be reduced.
3
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
NINE MONTHS
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER ENDED
SEPTEMBER 26,
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------------
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges........... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consist of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consist of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of
the interest factor.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On November 19, 1997, the Company, through ML Invest plc, an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary, offered (the "Offer") to acquire all of the
outstanding share capital of Mercury Asset Management Group plc ("MAM") at a
price of (Pounds)17 per share, with an aggregate offer value for the
outstanding shares of approximately (Pounds)3.1 billion (approximately $5.3
billion). On December 22, 1997, the Company announced that its Offer had
become unconditional in all respects. As of January 6, 1998, ML Invest plc has
received acceptances relating to more than 90 percent of the outstanding
shares of MAM. The Offer will remain open for acceptances until further
notice. Upon confirmation that requisite thresholds have been attained, the
Company will commence the statutory procedure to compulsorily acquire all MAM
shares not tendered into the Offer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STRYPES
Each issue of STRYPES will be a series of Senior Debt Securities to be
issued under an indenture (the "1983 Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983,
as amended and restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank,
formerly known as Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover
Trust Company), as trustee (the "Trustee"), as further amended and
supplemented by a supplemental indenture to be entered into by the Company and
the Trustee relating to each series of STRYPES (the "Supplemental Indenture")
(the 1983 Indenture, as so amended and supplemented by the Supplemental
Indenture with respect to each series of STRYPES, the "Indenture"). The
following summary of certain provisions of the Indenture does not purport to
be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Indenture.
All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified
in the Indenture. Whenever defined terms of the Indenture are referred to
herein, such defined terms are incorporated by reference herein.
GENERAL
The Supplemental Indenture will provide that STRYPES of the related series
may be issued from time to time under the Indenture, up to a specified
aggregate issue price, upon satisfaction of certain conditions precedent. The
Supplemental Indenture will establish the terms of the related series of
STRYPES, including: (1) the issue price per STRYPES; (2) the date on which
such STRYPES will mature; (3) the consideration deliverable or payable with
respect to such STRYPES, whether at maturity or upon earlier acceleration, and
the formula or other method by which the amount of such consideration will be
determined; (4) the rate or rates per annum (which may be fixed or variable)
at which such STRYPES will bear interest, if any; (5) the dates on which such
interest, if any, will be payable; (6) the provisions for redemption of such
STRYPES, if any, the redemption price and any remarketing arrangements
relating thereto; (7) the sinking fund requirements, if any, with respect to
such STRYPES; (8) whether such STRYPES are denominated or provide for payment
in United States dollars or a foreign currency or units of two or more of such
foreign currencies; (9) whether and under what circumstances the Company will
pay additional amounts ("Additional Amounts") in respect of such
4
STRYPES held by a person who is not a U.S. person (as defined in the
Prospectus Supplement, as applicable) in respect of specified taxes,
assessments or other governmental charges and whether the Company has the
option to redeem the affected STRYPES rather than pay such Additional Amounts;
(10) the title of the STRYPES and the series of which such STRYPES shall be a
part; and (11) the obligation of the Company to pay and discharge such STRYPES
at maturity by delivery of Underlying Securities (or, cash, or a combination
of cash and Underlying Securities, with an equal value), the formula or other
method by which the amount of such Underlying Securities will be determined,
and the terms and conditions upon which such payment and discharge shall be
effected. Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for the terms of the
STRYPES being offered thereby.
Under the Indenture, the Company will have the ability, in addition to the
ability to issue STRYPES with terms different from those of STRYPES previously
issued, to "reopen" a previous series of STRYPES and issue additional STRYPES
of such series.
Issue price and interest, premium and Additional Amounts, if any, and
Underlying Securities will be payable or deliverable in the manner, at the
places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the Indenture, the STRYPES
and the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, provided that payment of any
interest and any Additional Amounts may be made at the option of the Company
by check mailed to the holders of registered STRYPES at their registered
addresses.
STRYPES may be presented for exchange, and registered STRYPES may be
presented for transfer, in the manner, at the places and subject to the
restrictions set forth in the Indenture, the STRYPES and the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto. No service charge will be made for any transfer
or exchange of STRYPES, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection
therewith.
RANKING
The STRYPES will be unsecured obligations and will rank pari passu with all
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. Since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the holders of the STRYPES), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
Upon issuance, each series of STRYPES will be represented by one or more
fully registered global securities (the "Global Notes"). Each such Global Note
will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, as
Securities Depository (the "Securities Depository"), and registered in the
name of the Securities Depository or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is
exchanged in whole or in part for STRYPES in definitive form under the limited
circumstances described below, no Global Note may be transferred except as a
whole by the Securities Depository to a nominee of such Securities Depository
or by a nominee of such Securities Depository to such Securities Depository or
another nominee of such Securities Depository or by such Securities Depository
or any such nominee to a successor of such Securities Depository or a nominee
of such successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The Securities
Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the Banking Law
of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing
corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a
"clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the
Exchange Act. The Securities
5
Depository was created to hold securities of its participants ("Participants")
and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions
among its Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry
changes in accounts of the Participants, thereby eliminating the need for
physical movement of securities certificates. The Securities Depository's
Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including MLPF&S), banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
The Securities Depository is owned by a number of Participants and by the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the Securities
Depository's book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks,
brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly
("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of STRYPES must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each STRYPES ("Beneficial Owner") is in
turn to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmations from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmation providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interest in such Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of
such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on
the records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Notes.
"So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered
owner of a Global Note, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the case
may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the STRYPES represented
by such Global Note for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as provided
below, Beneficial Owners in a Global Note will not be entitled to have the
STRYPES represented by such Global Notes registered in their names, will not
receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the STRYPES in
definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under
the Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a
Global Note must rely on the procedures of the Securities Depository and, if
such Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through
which such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under
the Indenture." The Company understands that under existing industry practices,
in the event that the Company requests any action of holders or that an owner
of a beneficial interest in such a Global Note desires to give or take any
action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the Indenture, the
Securities Depository would authorize the Participants holding the relevant
beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would
authorize Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take
such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by the Securities Depository to
Participants, by Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Participants
and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements
as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of any amount with respect to STRYPES registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or its nominee will be made to the Securities Depository
or its nominee, as the case may be, as the holder of the Global Notes
representing such STRYPES. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent
of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects
that the Securities Depository, upon receipt of any payment in respect of a
Global Note, will credit the accounts of the Participants with payment in
amounts proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interest in
such Global Note as shown on the records of the Securities Depository. The
Company also expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will
be governed by
6
standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case
with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or
registered in "street name", and will be the responsibility of such
Participants.
If, with respect to a series of STRYPES, (x) the Securities Depository is at
any time unwilling or unable to continue as Securities Depository and a
successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60 days, (y) the
Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to the effect
that the Global Notes shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing with respect to any STRYPES of that series, the
Company will issue STRYPES in definitive form in exchange for all of the
Global Notes representing the STRYPES of that series. Such definitive STRYPES
shall be registered in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall
instruct the Trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon
directions received by the Securities Depository from Participants with
respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Notes.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Company may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, and
the Company may sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets
to any corporation, provided that (i) the corporation (if other than the
Company) formed by or resulting from any such consolidation or merger or which
shall have received such assets shall be a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof and shall
assume the due and punctual delivery or payment of the Underlying Securities
(or cash with an equal value) in respect of, any interest and Additional
Amounts on, and any other amounts payable with respect to, the STRYPES of each
series and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the
covenants and conditions of the Indenture to be performed or observed by the
Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor corporation, as the case may
be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default under the Indenture.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Indenture provides that the Company may not, and may not permit any
Subsidiary (defined in the Indenture as any corporation of which at the time
of determination the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries owns or controls
directly or indirectly 50% of the shares of Voting Stock of such corporation)
to, create, assume, incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed
money secured by a pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens
specifically permitted by the Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
STRYPES will be secured equally and ratably with such secured indebtedness.
LIMITATIONS ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
BY, MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to
any such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Indenture provides that the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i)
merge or consolidate, unless the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary,
or (ii) convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety, except to one or more Controlled Subsidiaries.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, each of the following
will constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture with respect to each
series of STRYPES: (a) failure to pay and discharge the STRYPES of that series
with the Underlying Securities or, if the Company so elects, to pay an
equivalent amount in cash in lieu thereof when due; (b) failure to pay the
Redemption Price or any redemption premium with respect
7
to any STRYPES of that series when due; (c) failure to deposit any sinking
fund payment, when and as due by the terms of any STRYPES of that series; (d)
failure to pay any interest on or any Additional Amounts in respect of any
STRYPES of that series when due, continued for 30 days; (e) failure to perform
any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for the benefit
of that series or in the STRYPES of that series, continued for 60 days after
written notice has been given to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company
and the Trustee by the holders of at least 10% of the aggregate issue price of
the Outstanding STRYPES of that series, as provided in the Indenture; (f)
certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company; and
(g) any other Event of Default provided with respect to STRYPES of that
series.
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, if an Event of
Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause (f) of the
immediately preceding paragraph) with respect to the STRYPES of any series
shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at least
25% of the aggregate issue price of the Outstanding STRYPES of that series by
notice as provided in the Indenture may declare an amount equal to the
aggregate issue price of all the STRYPES of that series and the interest
accrued thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, if any, to
be immediately due and payable in cash. If an Event of Default described in
said clause (f) shall occur, an amount equal to the aggregate issue price of
all the STRYPES of that series and the interest accrued thereon and Additional
Amounts payable in respect thereof, if any, will become immediately due and
payable in cash without any declaration or other action on the part of the
Trustee or any holder. After such acceleration, but before a judgment or
decree based on acceleration, the holders of a majority of the aggregate issue
price of the Outstanding STRYPES of that series may, under certain
circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Events of Default,
other than the non-payment of the amount equal to the aggregate issue price of
all the STRYPES of that series due by reason of such acceleration, have been
cured or waived as provided in the Indenture. See "Modification and Waiver"
below.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers
under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of
STRYPES of any series, unless such holders of that series shall have offered
to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses
and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request
or direction. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the
Trustee, the holders of a majority of the aggregate issue price of the STRYPES
of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the
STRYPES of that series.
The Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement
by certain of its officers as to whether or not the Company, to their
knowledge, is in default in the fulfillment of any of its obligations under
the Indenture and, if so, specifying all such known defaults.
The STRYPES and other series of Senior Debt Securities issued under the
Indenture will not have the benefit of any cross-default provisions with other
indebtedness of the Company.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, modifications of and
amendments to the Indenture affecting a series of STRYPES may be made by the
Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of 66 2/3% of the
aggregate issue price of the Outstanding STRYPES of such series; provided,
however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of
the holder of each Outstanding STRYPES of such series affected thereby, (a)
change the Maturity Date or the Stated Maturity of any installment of interest
or Additional Amounts on any STRYPES or any premium payable on the redemption
thereof, or change the Redemption Price, (b) reduce the amount of Underlying
Securities payable with respect to any STRYPES (or reduce the amount of cash,
or cash and Underlying Securities, payable in lieu thereof), (c) reduce the
amount of interest or Additional Amounts payable on any STRYPES or reduce the
amount of cash payable with respect to any STRYPES upon acceleration of the
maturity thereof, (d) change the place or currency of payment of interest or
Additional Amounts on, or any amount of cash payable with respect to, any
STRYPES, (e) impair the right to institute suit
8
for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any STRYPES,
including the payment of Underlying Securities with respect to any STRYPES,
(f) reduce the percentage of the aggregate issue price of Outstanding STRYPES
of such series, the consent of whose holders is required to modify or amend
the Indenture, (g) reduce the percentage of the aggregate issue price of
Outstanding STRYPES of such series necessary for waiver of compliance with
certain provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults or (h)
modify such provisions with respect to modification and waiver. Except as
provided in the Indenture, no modification of or amendment to the Indenture
may adversely affect the rights of a holder of any other Senior Debt Security
without the consent of such holder.
The holders of a majority of the aggregate issue price of each series of
STRYPES may waive compliance by the Company with certain restrictive
provisions of the Indenture. The holders of a majority of the aggregate issue
price of each series of STRYPES may waive any past default under the
Indenture, except a default in the payment of the Underlying Securities with
respect to any STRYPES of that series, or of cash payable in lieu thereof, or
in the payment of any premium, interest or Additional Amounts on any STRYPES
of that series for which payment had not been subsequently made or in respect
of a covenant and provision of the Indenture which cannot be modified or
amended without the consent of the holder of each Outstanding STRYPES of such
series affected.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture and the STRYPES will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
9
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may sell STRYPES to the public through MLPF&S. The accompanying
Prospectus Supplement describes the terms of the STRYPES offered thereby,
including the public offering or purchase price, any discounts and commissions
to be allowed or paid, all other items constituting underwriting compensation,
the discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers, if any, and
the exchanges, if any, on which the STRYPES will be listed. Under certain
circumstances, the Company may repurchase STRYPES and reoffer them to the
public as set forth above. The Company may also arrange for repurchases and
resales of such STRYPES by dealers.
The underwriting of STRYPES will conform to the requirements set forth in
the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been
included or incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of
Deloitte & Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein
by reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in
accordance with professional standards for a review of such information.
However, as stated in their report included in such Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q and incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not
express an opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the
degree of reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted
in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte &
Touche LLP are not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "Act") for any such report on
unaudited interim financial information because any such report is not a
"report" or a "part" of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by an
accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
10
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF +
+ANY SUCH STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS, DATED JANUARY 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO]
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST
% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIESSM ("TOPRSSM")
(LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER TRUST PREFERRED SECURITY)
GUARANTEED TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH HEREIN BY
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
-----------
The % Trust Originated Preferred SecuritiesSM (the "TOPrSSM" or "Trust
Preferred Securities") offered hereby represent preferred undivided beneficial
ownership interests in the assets of Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust III,
a statutory business trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the
"Trust"). Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or
"Merrill Lynch"), will own all the common securities (the "Trust Common
Securities" and, together with the Trust Preferred Securities, the "Trust
Securities") representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the
assets of the Trust. The Trust exists for the sole purpose of issuing the Trust
Securities and investing the proceeds as described below and engaging in
activities incident thereto. The proceeds from the sale of the Trust Securities
will be used by the Trust to purchase Partnership Preferred Securities
("Partnership Preferred Securities"), representing the limited partner
interests of Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding , L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership (the "Partnership"). The general partner interest, which
constitutes all of the interest in the Partnership other than the limited
partner interests represented by the Partnership Preferred Securities, is owned
by the Company, which is the sole general partner of the Partnership (in such
capacity, the "General Partner"). Substantially all of the proceeds from the
sale of the Partnership Preferred Securities, together with the capital
contribution from the General Partner, will be used by the Partnership to
purchase Debentures (as defined herein), which consist of debt instruments of
the Company and one or more of its eligible controlled affiliates. In addition,
approximately one percent of the proceeds from the sale of the Partnership
Preferred Securities and the capital contribution from the General Partner will
be used to purchase Eligible Debt Securities (as defined herein). See
"Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership
Investments".
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 11 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE TRUST PREFERRED
SECURITIES, INCLUDING CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.
Application will be made to list the Trust Preferred Securities on the New
York Stock Exchange. If approved for listing, trading of the Trust Preferred
Securities on the New York Stock Exchange is expected to commence within the
30-day period after the initial delivery of the Trust Preferred Securities. See
"Underwriting".
-----------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC(1) COMMISSION(2) THE TRUST(3)(4)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Trust Preferred Security....... $25 (3) $25
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.............................. $ (3) $
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Plus accumulated distributions, if any, from .
(2) The Trust, the Partnership and the Company have agreed to indemnify the
several Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See "Underwriting".
(3) In view of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of the Trust Preferred
Securities will be ultimately invested in debt securities of the Company
and its subsidiaries, the Company has agreed to pay to the Underwriters as
compensation (the "Underwriters' Compensation") $ per Trust Preferred
Security (or $ in the aggregate); provided that such compensation for
sales of more than 10,000 Trust Preferred Securities to a single purchaser
will be $ per Trust Preferred Security. Therefore, to the extent of such
sales, the actual amount of Underwriters' Compensation will be less than
the aggregate amount specified in the preceding sentence. See
"Underwriting".
(4) Expenses of the offering payable by the Company are estimated to be $ .
-----------
The Trust Preferred Securities offered hereby are offered severally by the
Underwriters, as specified herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them
and subject to their right to reject any order in whole or in part. It is
expected that delivery of the Trust Preferred Securities will be made only in
book-entry form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC")
on or about .
This Prospectus may be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S") in connection with offers and sales
related to market-making transactions in the Trust Preferred Securities. MLPF&S
may act as principal or agent in such transactions. Such sales will be made at
prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of sale.
-----------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
-----------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS , 1998.
SM"TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES" AND "TOPRS" ARE SERVICE MARKS OF
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
(continued from cover page)
Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive
cumulative cash distributions accumulating from the date of original issuance
and payable quarterly in arrears on each , , and ,
commencing , at an annual rate of % of the liquidation amount of $25
per Trust Preferred Security (equivalent to $ per Trust Preferred Security
per annum), if, as and when the Trust has funds available for payment. See
"Description of the Trust Preferred Securities --Distributions". Distributions
not paid on the scheduled payment date will accumulate and compound quarterly
at a rate per annum equal to %. The distribution rate and the distribution
payment dates and other payment dates for the Trust Preferred Securities will
correspond to the distribution rate and distribution payment dates and other
payment dates for the Partnership Preferred Securities, which are the sole
assets of the Trust. As described above, the assets of the Partnership will
initially consist only of the Debentures and, to a limited extent, Eligible
Debt Securities.
The payment of distributions by the Trust and payments on liquidation of the
Trust or the redemption of Trust Preferred Securities, as described below, are
guaranteed on a subordinated basis by the Company (the "Trust Guarantee") to
the extent the Trust has funds available therefor as described under
"Description of the Trust Guarantee". The payment of distributions by the
Partnership (if, as and when declared) on the Partnership Preferred Securities
and payments on liquidation of the Partnership or the redemption of
Partnership Preferred Securities, as described below, are also guaranteed on a
subordinated basis by the Company (the "Partnership Guarantee") to the extent
the Partnership has funds available therefor as described under "Description
of the Partnership Guarantee". In addition, payments in respect of the
Debentures (other than the Company Debenture (as defined herein)) will be
fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, by the Company
(the "Investment Guarantees") for the benefit of the holders of the
Partnership Preferred Securities. The Trust Guarantee, the Partnership
Guarantee and the Investment Guarantees (collectively, the "Guarantees"), when
taken together with the Company Debenture and the Company's obligations to pay
all fees and expenses of the Trust and the Partnership, constitute a guarantee
to the extent set forth herein by the Company of the distribution, redemption
and liquidation payments payable to the holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities. The Guarantees do not apply to current distributions by the
Partnership unless and until such distributions are declared by the
Partnership out of funds legally available for payment or to liquidating
distributions unless there are assets available for payment in the
Partnership, each as more fully described in the next succeeding paragraph and
under "Risk Factors -- Insufficient Income or Assets Available to
Partnership". The Company's obligations under the Guarantees are subordinate
and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of the Company and
rank pari passu with the most senior preferred stock issued from time to time
by the Company, with similar guarantees issued by the Company in connection
with the $275,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of 7 3/4% Trust Originated
Preferred Securities issued by Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust I and the
$300,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of 8% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities issued by Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust II, and with any
guarantee now or hereafter entered into by the Company in respect of any
preferred stock of any other Finance Subsidiary (as defined below). The
Company's obligations under the Company Debenture are subordinate and junior
in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of the Company. At September
26, 1997, the Company had outstanding Senior Indebtedness aggregating
approximately $77.4 billion, which would have ranked senior to the Company's
obligations under the Guarantees and the Company Debenture. See "Risk
Factors -- Ranking of Subordinate Obligations Under the Guarantees and the
Company Debenture". The term "Senior Indebtedness" means any payment in
respect of indebtedness of the Company for money borrowed, except for any such
indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated to or pari passu with the
Company Debenture, as the case may be.
Distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities will be declared and
paid only as determined in the sole discretion of the Company in its capacity
as the General Partner of the Partnership. In addition, the General Partner is
not obligated to declare distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities
at any time, including upon or following a Partnership Enforcement Event (as
defined herein). To the extent that the issuers (including, where applicable,
the Company, as guarantor) of the securities in which the Partnership invests
defer or fail to make any payments in respect of such securities (or, if
applicable, guarantees), the Partnership will not have
2
sufficient funds to pay and will not declare or pay distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities. In addition, as described under "Risk
Factors -- Insufficient Income or Assets Available to Partnership", the
Partnership may not have sufficient funds to pay current or liquidating
distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities if (i) at any time that
the Partnership is receiving current payments in respect of the securities
held by the Partnership (including the Debentures), the General Partner, in
its sole discretion, does not declare distributions on the Partnership
Preferred Securities and the Partnership receives insufficient amounts to pay
the additional compounded distributions that will accumulate in respect of the
Partnership Preferred Securities, (ii) the Partnership reinvests the proceeds
received in respect of the Debentures upon their retirement or at their
maturities in Affiliate Investment Instruments (as defined herein) and
Eligible Debt Securities that do not generate income in an amount that is
sufficient to pay full distributions in respect of the Partnership Preferred
Securities or (iii) the Partnership invests in debt securities of Investment
Affiliates that are not guaranteed by the Company and that cannot be
liquidated by the Partnership for an amount sufficient to pay such
distributions in full. The Debentures will provide that payments of interest
may be deferred at any time, and from time to time, by the relevant issuer for
a period not exceeding six consecutive quarters. If an issuer were to so defer
the payment of interest, interest would continue to accrue and compound at the
stated interest rate on such Debenture. If the Partnership does not declare
and pay distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities out of funds
legally available for distribution, the Trust will not have sufficient funds
to make distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities, in which event the
Trust Guarantee will not apply to such distributions until the Trust has
sufficient funds available therefor. See "Risk Factors -- Distributions
Payable Only if Declared by General Partner; Restrictions on Certain Payments;
Tax Consequences", "-- Insufficient Income or Assets Available to
Partnership", "Description of the Trust Preferred Securities -- Distributions"
and "Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities -- Distributions".
The Partnership may, from time to time and subject to the restrictions
described herein, reinvest payments received with respect to the Affiliate
Investment Instruments (including the Debentures) and the Eligible Debt
Securities, in additional Affiliate Investment Instruments and Eligible Debt
Securities. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company, as the General
Partner, does not intend to cause the Partnership to reinvest regularly
scheduled periodic payments of interest or dividends received by the
Partnership in the manner described herein, although there can be no assurance
that the General Partner's intention in respect of such reinvestments will not
change in the future.
If (a) for any distribution period, full distributions on a cumulative basis
on any Trust Preferred Securities have not been paid or set apart for payment,
(b) an Investment Event of Default by any Investment Affiliate in respect of
any Affiliate Investment Instrument has occurred and is continuing or (c) the
Company is in default of its obligations under any Guarantee, then during such
period (i) the Company shall not declare or pay dividends on, make
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock or comparable
equity interest (except for (x) dividends or distributions in shares of, or
options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, its
capital stock, and conversions or exchanges of common stock of one class into
common stock of another class, (y) redemptions or purchases of any rights
pursuant to the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of December 2,
1997 between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (successor by merger to
Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), or any successor to such Rights
Agreement (the "Rights Agreement") and the issuance of preferred stock
pursuant to such rights and (z) purchases or acquisitions by the Company or
its affiliates in connection with transactions effected by or for the account
of customers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in connection with
the distribution or trading of such capital stock or comparable equity
interest) and (ii) the Company shall not make, permit any Finance Subsidiary
to make, or make any payments that would enable any Finance Subsidiary to
make, any payment of any dividends on, any distribution with respect to, or
any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of, or any liquidation payment
with respect to, any preferred security or comparable equity interest of any
Finance Subsidiary. "Finance Subsidiary" means Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital
Trust I, Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust II and any other wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company the principal purpose of which is to raise capital
for the Company by issuing securities that are guaranteed by the Company and
the proceeds of which are loaned to or invested in the Company or one or more
of its affiliates.
3
The Partnership Preferred Securities are redeemable by the Partnership, in
whole or in part, from time to time, on or after at an amount per
Partnership Preferred Security equal to $25 plus accumulated and unpaid
distributions thereon to the date fixed for redemption. The Partnership
Preferred Securities may also be redeemed, in whole but not in part, at any
time upon the occurrence of a Partnership Special Event (as defined herein).
If the Partnership redeems the Partnership Preferred Securities, the Trust
must redeem Trust Securities on a pro rata basis having an aggregate
liquidation amount equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the
Partnership Preferred Securities so redeemed at a redemption price of $25 per
Partnership Preferred Security plus all accumulated and unpaid distributions
thereon to the date fixed for redemption (the "Redemption Price"). See
"Description of the Trust Preferred Securities -- Mandatory Redemption".
Neither the Partnership Preferred Securities nor the Trust Preferred
Securities have any scheduled maturity or are redeemable at any time at the
option of the holders thereof.
The Trust will be dissolved upon the occurrence of a Trust Special Event (as
defined herein). Upon dissolution of the Trust, the Partnership Preferred
Securities will be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities, on a
pro rata basis, in lieu of any cash distribution, unless the Partnership
Preferred Securities are redeemed in the limited circumstances described
herein. If the Partnership Preferred Securities are distributed to the holders
of the Trust Securities, the Company will use its best efforts to cause the
Partnership Preferred Securities to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange
or such other national securities exchange or similar organization as the
Trust Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted. See "Description of the
Trust Preferred Securities -- Trust Special Event Redemption or Distribution"
and "Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities".
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, winding up or termination of
the Trust, the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will be entitled to
receive for each Trust Preferred Security a liquidation amount of $25 plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon, except to the extent, in
connection with such dissolution, Partnership Preferred Securities are
distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. Upon (i) the
occurrence of an Investment Event of Default by an Investment Affiliate in
respect of any Affiliate Investment Instrument or (ii) default by the Company
on any of its obligations under any Guarantee, the holders of the Trust
Preferred Securities will have a preference over the holders of the Trust
Common Securities with respect to payments upon liquidation of the Trust.
Under no circumstances will the investment instruments held by the Partnership
be distributed in kind to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities or
Partnership Preferred Securities. See "Description of the Trust Preferred
Securities -- Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution".
Certain persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Trust Preferred
Securities. Such transactions may include stabilizing, the purchase of Trust
Preferred Securities to cover syndicate short positions and the imposition of
penalty bids. For a description of these activities, see "Underwriting".
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company, the Trust and the Partnership have filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-
3 (the "Registration Statement", which term shall include all amendments,
exhibits and schedules thereto), pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities offered hereby (as
well as the Partnership Preferred Securities, the Trust Guarantee, the
Partnership Guarantee, the Investment Guarantees and the Company Debenture).
This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement, does
not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Commission, and to which reference is hereby made.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the
4
Commission. Except for the listing of Trust Preferred Securities that is
expected to be made on the New York Stock Exchange, neither the Trust nor the
Partnership has any securities that are listed on any national securities
exchange. The Registration Statement, as well as reports, proxy and
information statements and other information filed by the Company can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and
at the following Regional Offices of the Commission: Northeast Regional
Office, Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048 and Midwest
Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-
2551. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at
prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information statements and other
information concerning the Company may also be inspected at the offices of the
New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock
Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web site at
http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
Statements made in this Prospectus concerning the provisions of any
contract, agreement or other document referred to herein are not necessarily
complete. With respect to each such statement concerning a contract, agreement
or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or
otherwise filed with the Commission, reference is made to such exhibit or
other filing for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each
such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996 (the "1996 Form 10-K"), Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods
ended March 28, 1997, June 27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current
Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25,
1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997,
July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1, 1997, September 24, 1997, September
29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29, 1997, November 20, 1997, November 26,
1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997 and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant
to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior
to the termination of the offering of the Trust Preferred Securities, or
subsequent to the date of the initial Registration Statement and prior to
effectiveness of the Registration Statement, shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed
to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent
that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document
which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE)
OF ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS.
REQUESTS FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MR. LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR.,
CORPORATE SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET,
12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
5
SUMMARY
"The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its
entirety by the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Certain terms used in this Summary are defined elsewhere in this
Prospectus. See "Index of Defined Terms" for a cross reference to the location
in this Prospectus where such terms are defined."
THE TRUST................... Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust , a
Delaware statutory business trust. The sole
assets of the Trust will be the Partnership
Preferred Securities.
THE PARTNERSHIP............. Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding , L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership. The assets of the
Partnership will initially consist of the
Debentures and certain Eligible Debt Securities.
SECURITIES OFFERED.......... of % Trust Preferred Securities.
DISTRIBUTIONS............... Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities
will accumulate from the date of original
issuance of the Trust Preferred Securities and
will be payable at the annual rate of % of the
liquidation amount of $25 per Trust Preferred
Security if, as and when the Trust has funds
available for payment. Distributions will be
payable quarterly in arrears on each ,
, and , commencing .
Distributions not made on the scheduled payment
date will accumulate and compound quarterly at a
rate per annum equal to %. The distributions
payable with respect to will represent
distributions accumulated from and will
equal $ for each $25 Trust Preferred Security.
The ability of the Trust to pay distributions on
the Trust Preferred Securities is entirely
dependent on its receipt of corresponding
distributions with respect to the Partnership
Preferred Securities. The ability of the
Partnership to pay distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities is, in turn,
dependent on its receipt of payments with respect
to the Debentures and the Eligible Debt
Securities held by the Partnership. The
Debentures will provide that payments of interest
may be deferred at any time, and from time to
time, by the relevant issuer for a period not
exceeding six consecutive quarters. Distributions
on the Partnership Preferred Securities will be
declared and paid only as determined in the sole
discretion of the Company in its capacity as the
General Partner of the Partnership. See "Risk
Factors -- Distributions Payable Only if Declared
by General Partner; Restrictions on Certain
Payments; Tax Consequences", "Description of the
Trust Preferred Securities -- Distributions" and
"Description of the Partnership Preferred
Securities -- Distributions" and "-- Partnership
Investments".
RIGHTS UPON NON-PAYMENT OF
DISTRIBUTIONS AND CERTAIN
DEFAULTS; COVENANTS OF THE
COMPANY....................
If, at any time, (i) arrearages on distributions
on the Trust Preferred Securities shall exist for
six consecutive quarterly distribution
6
periods, (ii) an Investment Event of Default
occurs and is continuing on any Affiliate
Investment Instrument or (iii) the Company is in
default on any of its obligations under the Trust
Guarantee or the Partnership Guarantee, then (a)
the Property Trustee, as the holder of the
Partnership Preferred Securities, will have the
right to enforce the terms of the Partnership
Preferred Securities, including the right to
direct the Special Representative (as defined
herein) to enforce (1) the Partnership's
creditors' rights and other rights with respect
to the Affiliate Investment Instruments and the
Investment Guarantees and (2) the rights of the
holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities
to receive distributions (only if, as and when
declared) on the Partnership Preferred
Securities, and (b) the Trust Guarantee Trustee
or the Special Representative, as the holders of
the Trust Guarantee and the Partnership
Guarantee, respectively, shall have the right to
enforce such Guarantees, including the right to
enforce the covenant restricting certain payments
by the Company and Finance Subsidiaries described
below.
Under no circumstances, however, shall the
Special Representative have authority to cause
the General Partner to declare distributions on
the Partnership Preferred Securities. If the
Partnership does not declare and pay
distributions on the Partnership Preferred
Securities out of funds legally available for
distribution, the Trust will not have sufficient
funds to make distributions on the Trust
Preferred Securities. See "Risk Factors --
Insufficient Income or Assets Available to
Partnership", "Description of the Trust Preferred
Securities -- Trust Enforcement Events" and
"Description of the Partnership Preferred
Securities -- Partnership Enforcement Events".
The Company has agreed that if (a) for any
distribution period, full distributions on a
cumulative basis on any Trust Preferred
Securities have not been paid or set apart for
payment, (b) an Investment Event of Default by
any Investment Affiliate in respect of any
Affiliate Investment Instrument has occurred and
is continuing or (c) the Company is in default on
any of its obligations under the Trust Guarantee,
the Partnership Guarantee or any Investment
Guarantee, then, during such period (i) the
Company shall not declare or pay dividends on,
make distributions with respect to, or redeem,
purchase or acquire, or make a liquidation
payment with respect to any of its capital stock
or comparable equity interest (except for (x)
dividends or distributions in shares of, or
options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or
purchase shares of, its capital stock and
conversions or exchanges of common stock of one
class into common stock of another class, (y)
redemptions or purchases of any rights pursuant
to the Rights Agreement and the issuance of
preferred stock pursuant to such rights and (z)
purchases or acquisitions by the Company or its
affiliates in connection with transactions
effected by or for the account of customers of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in
connection with the
7
distribution or trading of such capital stock or
comparable equity interest) and (ii) the Company
shall not make, permit any Finance Subsidiary to
make, nor make any payments that would enable any
Finance Subsidiary to make, any payment of any
dividends on, any distribution with respect to,
or any redemption, purchase or other acquisition
of, or any liquidation payment with respect to,
any preferred security or comparable equity
interest of any Finance Subsidiary.
LIQUIDATION AMOUNT.......... In the event of any liquidation of the Trust,
holders will be entitled to receive $25 per Trust
Preferred Security plus an amount equal to any
accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to
the date of payment (such amount being the "Trust
Liquidation Distribution"), unless Partnership
Preferred Securities are distributed to such
holders in connection with a Trust Special Event.
If upon a liquidation of the Trust (in which the
Partnership Preferred Securities are not
distributed to holders of the Trust Securities),
the Trust Liquidation Distribution can be paid
only in part because the Trust has insufficient
assets available to pay in full the aggregate
Trust Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts
payable directly by the Trust on the Trust
Preferred Securities shall be paid on a "pro rata"
basis. The holders of the Trust Common Securities
will be entitled to receive distributions upon
any such liquidation pro rata with the holders of
the Trust Preferred Securities, except that upon
(i) the occurrence of an Investment Event of
Default by an Investment Affiliate (including the
Company) in respect of any Affiliate Investment
Instrument or (ii) default by the Company on any
of its obligations under any Guarantee, the
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will
have a preference over the holders of the Trust
Common Securities with respect to payments upon
liquidation of the Trust. See "Description of the
Trust Preferred Securities -- Liquidation
Distribution Upon Dissolution".
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION......... The Partnership Preferred Securities will be
redeemable for cash, at the option of the
Partnership, in whole or in part, from time to
time, after at an amount per Partnership
Preferred Security equal to $25 plus accumulated
and unpaid distributions thereon. Upon any
redemption of the Partnership Preferred
Securities, the Trust Preferred Securities will
be redeemed, in whole or in part, as applicable,
at the Redemption Price. See "Description of the
Partnership Preferred Securities -- Optional
Redemption" and "Description of the Trust
Preferred Securities -- Mandatory Redemption".
Neither the Partnership Preferred Securities nor
the Trust Preferred Securities have any scheduled
maturity or are redeemable at any time at the
option of the holders thereof.
GUARANTEES.................. The Company will irrevocably guarantee, on a
subordinated basis, the payment in full of (i)
any accumulated and unpaid distributions on the
Trust Preferred Securities to the extent of funds
of the Trust legally available therefor, (ii) the
amount payable upon redemption
8
of the Trust Preferred Securities to the extent
of funds of the Trust legally available therefor
and (iii) generally, the liquidation amount of
the Trust Preferred Securities to the extent of
the assets of the Trust legally available for
distribution to holders of Trust Preferred
Securities. See "Description of the Trust
Guarantee".
The Company will also irrevocably guarantee, on a
subordinated basis and to the extent set forth
herein, the payment in full of (i) any
accumulated and unpaid distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities if, as and when
declared out of funds legally available therefor,
(ii) the amount payable upon redemption of the
Partnership Preferred Securities to the extent of
funds of the Partnership legally available
therefor and (iii) generally, the liquidation
preference of the Partnership Preferred
Securities to the extent of the assets of the
Partnership legally available for distribution to
holders of Partnership Preferred Securities. See
"Description of the Partnership Guarantee".
The Company will fully and unconditionally
guarantee, on a subordinated basis, payments in
respect of the Debentures (other than the Company
Debenture) for the benefit of the holders of the
Partnership Preferred Securities, to the extent
described under "Description of the Partnership
Preferred Securities -- Investment Guarantees".
The Guarantees, when taken together with the
Company Debenture and the Company's obligations
to pay all fees and expenses of the Trust and the
Partnership, constitute a guarantee to the extent
set forth herein by the Company of the
distribution, redemption and liquidation amounts
payable to the holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities. The Guarantees do not apply, however,
to current distributions by the Partnership
unless and until such distributions are declared
by the Partnership out of funds legally available
for payment or to liquidating distributions
unless there are assets available for payment in
the Partnership, each as more fully described
under "Risk Factors -- Insufficient Income or
Assets Available to Partnership". The Company's
obligations under the Guarantees are subordinate
and junior in right of payment to all other
liabilities of the Company and rank pari passu
with the most senior preferred stock issued from
time to time by the Company, with similar
guarantees issued by the Company in connection
with the $275,000,000 aggregate liquidation
amount of 7 3/4% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities issued by Merrill Lynch Preferred
Capital Trust I and the $300,000,000 aggregate
liquidation amount of 8% Trust Originated
Preferred Securities issued by Merrill Lynch
Preferred Capital Trust II, and with any
guarantee now or hereafter entered into by the
Company in respect of any preferred stock of any
other Finance Subsidiary.
VOTING RIGHTS............... Generally, holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities will not have any voting rights. The
holders of a majority in liquidation amount of
the Trust Preferred Securities, however, have the
right to direct
9
the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the
Property Trustee, or direct the exercise of any
trust or power conferred upon the Property
Trustee under the Declaration, including the
right to direct the Property Trustee, as holder
of the Partnership Preferred Securities, (i) to
exercise its rights in the manner described above
under "Rights Upon Non-Payment of Distributions
and Certain Defaults; Covenants of the Company"
and (ii) to consent to any amendment,
modification or termination of the Limited
Partnership Agreement or the Partnership
Preferred Securities where such consent shall be
required. See "Description of the Trust Preferred
Securities -- Voting Rights".
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTIONS
OR DISTRIBUTIONS............
Upon the occurrence of a Trust Tax Event (which
event will generally be triggered upon the
occurrence of certain adverse tax consequences or
the denial of an interest deduction on the
Debentures held by the Partnership) or a Trust
Investment Company Event (which event will
generally be triggered if the Trust is considered
an "investment company" under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act")), except in certain limited circumstances,
the Regular Trustees (as defined herein) will
have the right to liquidate the Trust and cause
Partnership Preferred Securities to be
distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities. In certain circumstances involving a
Partnership Tax Event (which event will generally
be triggered upon the occurrence of certain
adverse tax consequences or the denial of an
interest deduction on the Debentures held by the
Partnership) or a Partnership Investment Company
Event (which event will generally be triggered if
the Partnership is considered an "investment
company" under the 1940 Act), the Partnership
will have the right to redeem the Partnership
Preferred Securities, in whole (but not in part),
at $25 per Partnership Preferred Security plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon,
regardless of the occurrence of any Trust Tax
Event or Trust Investment Company Event and in
lieu of any distribution of the Partnership
Preferred Securities required in connection
therewith, in which event the Trust Securities
will be redeemed at the Redemption Price. See
"Description of the Trust Preferred Securities --
Trust Special Event Redemption or Distribution"
and "Description of the Partnership Preferred
Securities -- Partnership Special Event
Redemption".
FORM OF TRUST PREFERRED The Trust Preferred Securities will be
SECURITIES.................. represented by a global certificate or
certificates registered in the name of Cede &
Co., as nominee for DTC. Beneficial interests in
the Trust Preferred Securities will be evidenced
by, and transfers thereof will be effected only
through, records maintained by the participants
in DTC. Except as described herein, Trust
Preferred Securities in certificated form will
not be issued in exchange for the global
10
certificate or certificates. See "Description of
the Trust Preferred Securities -- Book-Entry Only
Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company".
USE OF PROCEEDS............. All of the proceeds from the sale of the Trust
Securities will be invested by the Trust in the
Partnership Preferred Securities. The Partnership
will use the funds to make investments in
Debentures and certain Eligible Debt Securities.
The Company and the subsidiaries of the Company
which are the issuers of the Debentures will use
the proceeds from the sale of such Debentures
primarily to fund the proposed acquisition of
Mercury Asset Management Group plc, for other
general corporate purposes, and to repay certain
intercompany indebtedness. See "Use of Proceeds".
11
RISK FACTORS
"Prospective purchasers of the Trust Preferred Securities should consider
carefully the risk factors set forth below, as well as all other information
contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, in evaluating an
investment in the Trust Preferred Securities."
DISTRIBUTIONS PAYABLE ONLY IF DECLARED BY GENERAL PARTNER; RESTRICTIONS ON
CERTAIN PAYMENTS; TAX CONSEQUENCES
Distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities will be payable only
if, as and when declared by the General Partner in its sole discretion. The
Company is the sole General Partner of the Partnership, and the Debentures
will constitute obligations of the Company and its affiliates. If interest
payments on the Debentures are deferred as permitted thereby, or if such
interest payments are not paid to the Partnership according to their terms
(and guarantee payments on the Investment Guarantees are not made by the
Company), the Partnership will generally lack funds to pay distributions on
the Partnership Preferred Securities. If the Partnership does not make current
distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities, either because the
General Partner does not declare distributions to be made or because the
Partnership lacks sufficient funds, the Trust will not have funds available to
make current distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities. As described
under "Description of the Trust Guarantee -- Covenants of the Company", in
certain circumstances, the Company will be restricted from, among other
things, paying any dividends on its Common Stock.
Should the Partnership fail to pay current distributions on the Partnership
Preferred Securities, each holder of Trust Preferred Securities will generally
be required to accrue income, for United States federal income tax purposes,
in respect of the cumulative deferred distributions (including interest
thereon) allocable to its proportionate share of the Partnership Preferred
Securities. As a result, each holder of Trust Preferred Securities will
recognize income for United States federal income tax purposes in advance of
the receipt of cash and will not receive the cash from the Trust related to
such income if such holder disposes of its Trust Preferred Securities prior to
the record date for the date on which distributions of such amounts are made
by the Trust. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations".
INSUFFICIENT INCOME OR ASSETS AVAILABLE TO PARTNERSHIP
The Trust Preferred Securities are subject to the risk of a current or
liquidating distribution rate mismatch between the rate paid on the Trust
Preferred Securities and the rate paid on the securities held by the
Partnership, including the Debentures and any additional securities acquired
by the Partnership in the future. Such mismatch could occur if (i) at any time
that the Partnership is receiving current payments in respect of the
securities held by the Partnership (including the Debentures), the General
Partner, in its sole discretion, does not declare distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities and the Partnership receives insufficient
amounts to pay the additional compounded distributions that will accumulate in
respect of the Partnership Preferred Securities, (ii) the Partnership
reinvests the proceeds received in respect of the Debentures upon their
retirement or at their maturities in Affiliate Investment Instruments or
Eligible Debt Securities that do not generate income in an amount that is
sufficient to pay full distributions in respect of the Partnership Preferred
Securities at a rate of % per annum or (iii) the Partnership invests in debt
securities of Investment Affiliates that are not guaranteed by the Company and
that cannot be liquidated by the Partnership for an amount sufficient to pay
such distributions in full. If the reinvestments in the securities of the
Investment Affiliates contemplated by the General Partner do not meet the
eligibility criteria for Affiliate Investment Instruments described under
"Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership
Investments," the Partnership shall invest funds available for reinvestment in
Eligible Debt Securities. To the extent that the Partnership lacks sufficient
funds to make current or liquidating distributions on the Partnership
Preferred Securities in full, the Trust will not have sufficient funds
available to pay full current or liquidating distributions on the Trust
Preferred Securities.
12
DEPENDENCE ON AFFILIATE INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Approximately 99% of the proceeds from the issuance of the Partnership
Preferred Securities and the General Partner's capital contribution will be
invested in Debentures, which consist of debt instruments of the Company and
one or more eligible controlled affiliates. See "Description of the
Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership Investments".
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION
Upon the occurrence of a Trust Special Event or a Partnership Special Event
(each of which will generally be triggered either upon (i) the occurrence of
certain adverse tax consequences to the Trust or the Partnership, as the case
may be, or the denial of an interest deduction by the related Investment
Affiliate on the Debentures held by the Partnership or (ii) the Trust or
Partnership being considered an "investment company" under the 1940 Act)
(each, a "Special Event"), the Trust will be dissolved with the result that,
except in the limited circumstances described below, the Partnership Preferred
Securities would be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in
connection with the liquidation of the Trust. In certain circumstances, the
Partnership shall have the right to redeem the Partnership Preferred
Securities, in whole (but not in part), in lieu of a distribution of the
Partnership Preferred Securities by the Trust, in which event the Trust will
redeem the Trust Preferred Securities for cash. See "Description of the Trust
Preferred Securities -- Trust Special Event Redemption or Distribution" and
"Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership Special
Event Redemption".
Unless the liquidation of the Trust occurs as a result of the Trust being
subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income on the
Partnership Preferred Securities, a distribution of the Partnership Preferred
Securities upon the dissolution of the Trust would not be a taxable event to
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. If, however, the liquidation of the
Trust were to occur because the Trust is subject to United States federal
income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the Partnership
Preferred Securities, the distribution of Partnership Preferred Securities to
holders by the Trust would likely be a taxable event to each such holder, and
a holder would recognize gain or loss as if the holder had exchanged its Trust
Preferred Securities for the Partnership Preferred Securities it received upon
the liquidation of the Trust. Similarly, the holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities would recognize gain or loss if the Trust dissolves upon an
occurrence of a Partnership Special Event and the holders of Trust Preferred
Securities receive cash in exchange for their Trust Preferred Securities. See
"Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations -- Redemption of Trust Preferred
Securities for Cash".
There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the Partnership
Preferred Securities that may be distributed in exchange for Trust Preferred
Securities if a dissolution or liquidation of the Trust were to occur.
Accordingly, the Partnership Preferred Securities that a holder of Trust
Preferred Securities may receive upon dissolution and liquidation of the Trust
may trade at a discount to the price that the investor paid to purchase the
Trust Preferred Securities offered hereby. Because holders of Trust Preferred
Securities may receive Partnership Preferred Securities upon the occurrence of
a Special Event, prospective purchasers of Trust Preferred Securities also are
making an investment decision with regard to the Partnership Preferred
Securities and should carefully review all the information regarding the
Partnership Preferred Securities contained herein. See "Description of the
Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership Special Event Redemption" and
"-- General".
RANKING OF SUBORDINATED OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE GUARANTEES AND THE COMPANY
DEBENTURE
The Company's obligations under the Trust Guarantee, the Partnership
Guarantee and the Investment Guarantees are subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all liabilities of the Company and will rank pari passu with the
most senior preferred stock, if any, issued from time to time by the Company,
with similar guarantees issued by the Company in connection with the
$275,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of 7 3/4% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities issued by Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust I and the
$300,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of 8% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities issued by Merrill Lynch Preferred
13
Capital Trust II, and with any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by the
Company in respect of any preferred stock of any other Finance Subsidiary, and
the Company's obligations under the Company Debenture are subordinate and
junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness. At September 26, 1997,
the Company had outstanding Senior Indebtedness aggregating approximately $77.4
billion which would have ranked senior to the Company's obligations under the
Guarantees and the Company Debenture. There are no terms in the Trust Preferred
Securities, the Partnership Preferred Securities, the Guarantees or the
Debentures that limit the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness,
including indebtedness that ranks senior to the Guarantees. See "Description of
the Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership Investments" and "--
Investment Guarantees", "Description of the Trust Guarantee" and "Description
of the Partnership Guarantee".
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY OR ON BEHALF OF HOLDERS OF TRUST PREFERRED
SECURITIES
If a Trust Enforcement Event occurs and is continuing, then (a) the holders
of Trust Preferred Securities would rely on the enforcement by the Property
Trustee of its rights, as a holder of the Partnership Preferred Securities,
against the Company, including the right to direct the Special Representative
to enforce (i) the Partnership's creditors' rights and other rights with
respect to the Affiliate Investment Instruments and the Investment Guarantees,
(ii) the rights of the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities under
the Partnership Guarantee, and (iii) the rights of the holders of the
Partnership Preferred Securities to receive distributions (only if and to the
extent declared out of funds legally available therefor) on the Partnership
Preferred Securities, and (b) the Trust Guarantee Trustee shall have the right
to enforce the terms of the Trust Guarantee, including the right to enforce the
covenant restricting certain payments by the Company and Finance Subsidiaries.
Under no circumstances, however, shall the Special Representative have
authority to cause the General Partner to declare distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities. As a result, although the Special
Representative may be able to enforce the Partnership's creditors' rights to
accelerate and receive payments in respect of the Affiliate Investment
Instruments and the Investment Guarantees, the Partnership would be entitled to
reinvest such payments in additional Affiliate Investment Instruments, subject
to satisfying the reinvestment criteria described under "Description of the
Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership Investments", and the Eligible
Debt Securities, rather than declaring and making distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities. See "Description of the Trust Preferred
Securities -- Trust Enforcement Events".
LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS
Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have limited voting rights and
will not be entitled to vote to appoint, remove or replace, or to increase or
decrease the number of, Trustees, which voting rights are vested exclusively in
the holder of the Trust Common Securities. See "Description of the Trust
PreferredSecurities -- Voting Rights".
TRADING CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
The price at which the Trust Preferred Securities may trade may not fully
reflect the value of the accumulated but unpaid distributions on the Trust
Preferred Securities (which will equal the accumulated but unpaid distributions
on the Partnership Preferred Securities). In addition, as a result of the right
of the General Partner not to declare current distributions on the Partnership
Preferred Securities, the market price of the Trust Preferred Securities (which
represent undivided beneficial ownership interests in the Partnership Preferred
Securities) may be more volatile than other similar securities where there is
no such right to defer current distributions. A holder who disposes of its
Trust Preferred Securities will be required to include for United States
federal income tax purposes accumulated but unpaid distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities through the date of disposition in income as
ordinary income, and to add such amount to its adjusted tax basis in its pro
rata share of the Partnership Preferred Securities deemed disposed of. To the
extent the selling price is less than the holder's adjusted tax basis (which
will include all accumulated but unpaid distributions), a holder will recognize
a capital loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be
applied to offset ordinary income for United States federal income tax
purposes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations".
14
NO PRIOR MARKET FOR THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
The Trust Preferred Securities constitute a new issue of securities with no
established trading market. Application will be made to list the Trust
Preferred Securities on the New York Stock Exchange. There can be no assurance
that an active market for the Trust Preferred Securities will develop or be
sustained in the future on the New York Stock Exchange. Although the
Underwriters have indicated to the Company that they intend to make a market in
the Trust Preferred Securities, as permitted by applicable laws and
regulations, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any such
market-making at any time without notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be
given as to the liquidity of, or trading markets for, the Trust Preferred
Securities.
The Trust Preferred Securities will only be sold to those investors for whom
such Trust Preferred Securities are considered suitable in light of their
particular circumstances.
15
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of
the largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and
are engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute
one of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment
advisory services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary
dealer in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its
agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative
Products AG, and Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary
derivative product dealers and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and
other derivative transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The
Company's insurance underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of
life insurance and annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending
operations conducted through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing
certificates of deposit, offering money market deposit accounts, making
secured loans, and providing currency exchange facilities and other related
services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The proceeds to be received by the Trust from the sale of the Trust
Preferred Securities and the Trust Common Securities will be used by the Trust
to purchase Partnership Preferred Securities, and will be applied by the
Partnership to invest in Debentures and Eligible Debt Securities. See
"Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership
Investments". The Company and the subsidiaries of the Company which are the
issuers of the Debentures will use the proceeds from the sale of such
Debentures to the Partnership of $ primarily for general corporate
purposes. Such general corporate purposes may include the funding of
investments in, or extensions of credit to, its subsidiaries, the funding of
assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, the lengthening of the average
maturity of the Company's borrowings, and the financing of acquisitions.
Pending such applications, the net proceeds will be applied to the reduction
of short-term indebtedness or temporarily invested. Management of the Company
expects that it will, on a recurrent basis, engage in additional financings as
the need arises to finance the growth of the Company, through acquisitions or
otherwise, or to lengthen the average maturity of its borrowings. To the
extent that Trust Preferred Securities being purchased for resale by MLPF&S
are not resold, the aggregate proceeds to the Company and its subsidiaries
would be reduced.
16
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges of the Company for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY
IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS
------------------------ ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges.......................... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consist of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consist of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of
the interest factor.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On November 19, 1997, the Company, through ML Invest plc, an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary, offered (the "Offer") to acquire all of the
outstanding share capital of Mercury Asset Management Group plc ("MAM") at a
price of (Pounds)17 per share, with an aggregate offer value for the
outstanding shares of approximately (Pounds)3.1 billion (approximately $5.3
billion). On December 22, 1997, the Company announced that its Offer had
become unconditional in all respects. As of January 6, 1998, ML Invest plc has
received acceptances relating to more than 90 percent of the outstanding
shares of MAM. The Offer will remain open for acceptances until further
notice. Upon confirmation that requisite thresholds have been attained, the
Company will commence the statutory procedure to compulsorily acquire all MAM
shares not tendered into the Offer.
17
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust (the "Trust") is a statutory
business trust formed under the Delaware Business Trust Act, as amended (the
"Trust Act"), pursuant to a declaration of trust and the filing of a
certificate of trust with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on
; such declaration will be amended and restated in its entirety (as so
amended and restated, the "Declaration") substantially in the form filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
The Declaration will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). Upon issuance of the
Trust Preferred Securities, the purchasers thereof will own all the Trust
Preferred Securities. See "Description of the Trust Preferred Securities". The
Company will acquire Trust Common Securities in an amount equal to at least 3%
of the total capital of the Trust. The Trust will use all the proceeds derived
from the issuance of the Trust Securities to purchase the Partnership
Preferred Securities from the Partnership and, accordingly, the assets of the
Trust will consist solely of the Partnership Preferred Securities. The Trust
exists for the exclusive purpose of (i) issuing the Trust Securities
representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the
Trust, (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Trust Securities in the
Partnership Preferred Securities, and (iii) engaging in only those other
activities necessary or incidental thereto.
Pursuant to the Declaration, there will initially be four trustees (the
"Trustees") for the Trust. Two of the Trustees will be individuals who are
employees or officers of or who are affiliated with the Company (the "Regular
Trustees"). The third trustee will be a financial institution that is
unaffiliated with the Company and is indenture trustee for purposes of
compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act (the "Property
Trustee"). The fourth trustee will be an entity that maintains its principal
place of business in the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Trustee").
Initially, The Chase Manhattan Bank, a New York banking corporation, will act
as Property Trustee, and its affiliate, Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, a
Delaware corporation, will act as Delaware Trustee until, in each case,
removed or replaced by the holder of the Trust Common Securities. For purposes
of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act, The Chase Manhattan Bank will also
act as trustee under the Trust Guarantee (the "Trust Guarantee Trustee"), as
Property Trustee under the Declaration and as trustee under the indenture
applicable to the Company Debenture.
The Property Trustee will hold title to the Partnership Preferred Securities
for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities, and the Property
Trustee will have the power to exercise all rights, powers and privileges with
respect to the Partnership Preferred Securities under the Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership to be entered into by the Company and the
Trust (the "Limited Partnership Agreement") as the holder of the Partnership
Preferred Securities. In addition, the Property Trustee will maintain
exclusive control of a segregated non-interest bearing bank account (the
"Property Account") to hold all payments made in respect of the Partnership
Preferred Securities for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities.
The Trust Guarantee Trustee will hold the Trust Guarantee for the benefit of
the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. The Company, as the holder of
all the Trust Common Securities, will have the right to appoint, remove or
replace any of the Trustees and to increase or decrease the number of
trustees, provided that at least one trustee shall be a Delaware Trustee, at
least one trustee shall be the Property Trustee and at least one Trustee shall
be a Regular Trustee. The Company will pay all fees and expenses related to
the organization and operations of the Trust (including any taxes, duties,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than withholding
taxes) imposed by the United States or any other domestic taxing authority
upon the Trust) and the offering of the Trust Preferred Securities and be
responsible for all debts and obligations of the Trust (other than with
respect to the Trust Securities).
For so long as the Trust Preferred Securities remain outstanding, the
Company will covenant (i) to maintain directly 100% ownership of the Trust
Common Securities, (ii) to cause the Trust to remain a statutory business
trust and not to voluntarily dissolve, wind-up, liquidate or be terminated,
except as permitted by the Declaration of the Trust and (iii) to use its
commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the Trust will not be (A) an
"investment company" for purposes of the 1940 Act or (B) classified as other
than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
18
The rights of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities, including
economic rights, rights to information and voting rights, are as set forth in
the Declaration and the Trust Act. See "Description of the Trust Preferred
Securities". The Declaration and the Trust Guarantee also incorporate by
reference the terms of the Trust Indenture Act.
The location of the principal executive office of the Trust is c/o Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc., World Financial Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New
York, New York 10281, and its telephone number is (212) 449-1000.
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING , L.P.
Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding , L.P. (the "Partnership") is a limited
partnership that was formed under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited
Partnership Act, as amended (the "Partnership Act"), on for the
exclusive purposes of purchasing certain eligible debt securities of the
Company and wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (the "Affiliate
Investment Instruments") with the proceeds from the sale of Partnership
Preferred Securities to the Trust and a capital contribution from the Company
in exchange for the general partner interest in the Partnership. Pursuant to
the certificate of limited partnership, as amended, and the Limited
Partnership Agreement, the Company is the sole general partner of the
Partnership (in such capacity the "General Partner"). Upon the issuance of the
Partnership Preferred Securities, which securities represent limited partner
interests in the Partnership, the Trust will be the sole limited partner of
the Partnership. Contemporaneously with the issuance of the Partnership
Preferred Securities, the General Partner will contribute capital to the
Partnership in an amount sufficient to establish its initial capital account
at an amount equal to at least 15% of the total capital of the Partnership.
The Partnership is managed by the General Partner and exists for the sole
purpose of (i) issuing its partnership interests, (ii) investing the proceeds
thereof in Affiliate Investment Instruments and Eligible Debt Securities and
(iii) engaging in only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto.
To the extent that aggregate payments to the Partnership on the Affiliate
Investment Instruments and on Eligible Debt Securities exceed distributions
accumulated or payable with respect to the Partnership Preferred Securities,
the Partnership may at times have excess funds which shall be allocated to and
may, in the General Partner's sole discretion, be distributed to the General
Partner.
For so long as the Partnership Preferred Securities remain outstanding, the
General Partner will covenant in the Limited Partnership Agreement (i) to
remain the sole general partner of the Partnership and to maintain directly
100% ownership of the General Partner's interest in the Partnership, which
interest will at all times represent at least 1% of the total capital of the
Partnership, (ii) to cause the Partnership to remain a limited partnership and
not to voluntarily dissolve, liquidate, wind-up or be terminated, except as
permitted by the Limited Partnership Agreement and (iii) to use its
commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the Partnership will not be (A)
an "investment company" for purposes of the 1940 Act or (B) an association or
a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for United States
federal income tax purposes. The Company or the then General Partner may
transfer its obligations as General Partner to a wholly-owned direct or
indirect subsidiary of the Company provided that (i) such successor entity
expressly accepts such transfer of the obligations as General Partner and (ii)
prior to such transfer, the Company has received an opinion of nationally
recognized independent counsel to the Partnership experienced in such matters
to the effect that (A) the Partnership will be treated as a partnership for
United States federal income tax purposes, (B) such transfer would not cause
the Trust to be classified as an association taxable as a corporation for
United States federal income tax purposes, (C) following such transfer, the
Company and such successor entity will be in compliance with the 1940 Act
without registering thereunder as an investment company, and (D) such transfer
will not adversely affect the limited liability of the holders of the
Partnership Preferred Securities.
The rights of the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities, including
economic rights, rights to information and voting rights, are set forth in the
Limited Partnership Agreement and the Partnership Act. See "Description of the
Partnership Preferred Securities".
19
The Limited Partnership Agreement provides that the General Partner will
have liability for the fees and expenses of the Partnership (including any
taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other
than withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or any other domestic
taxing authority upon the Partnership) and be responsible for all debts and
obligations of the Partnership (other than with respect to the Partnership
Preferred Securities). Under Delaware law, assuming a limited partner in a
Delaware limited partnership such as the Partnership (i.e., a holder of the
Partnership Preferred Securities) does not participate in the control of the
business of the limited partnership, such limited partner will not be
personally liable for the debts, obligations and liabilities of such limited
partnership, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, solely by reason
of being a limited partner of such limited partnership (subject to any
obligation such limited partner may have to repay any funds that may have been
wrongfully distributed to it). The Partnership's business and affairs will be
conducted by the General Partner.
The location of the principal executive offices of the Partnership is c/o
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., World Financial Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey
Street, New York, New York 10281 and its telephone number is (212) 449-1000.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
The Trust Preferred Securities will be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Declaration. The Declaration will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act. The Property Trustee, The Chase Manhattan Bank, will act as
trustee for the Trust Preferred Securities under the Declaration for purposes
of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The terms of the
Trust Preferred Securities will include those stated in the Declaration and
those made part of the Declaration by the Trust Indenture Act. The following
summary of the material terms and provisions of the Trust Preferred Securities
does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its
entirety by reference to, the Declaration, a copy of which is filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, the
Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
GENERAL
The Trust Preferred Securities will be issued in fully registered form
without coupons. Trust Preferred Securities will not be issued in bearer form.
See "-- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company".
The Declaration authorizes the Regular Trustees of the Trust to issue the
Trust Securities, which represent undivided beneficial ownership interests in
the assets of the Trust. Title to the Partnership Preferred Securities will be
held by the Property Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Trust
Securities. The Declaration does not permit the Trust to acquire any assets
other than the Partnership Preferred Securities or the issuance by the Trust
of any securities other than the Trust Securities or the incurrence of any
indebtedness by the Trust. The payment of distributions out of money held by
the Trust, and payments out of money held by the Trust upon redemption of the
Trust Preferred Securities or liquidation of the Trust, are guaranteed by the
Company to the extent described under "Description of the Trust Guarantee".
The Trust Guarantee will be held by The Chase Manhattan Bank, the Trust
Guarantee Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities. The Trust Guarantee does not cover payment of distributions when
the Trust does not have sufficient available funds to pay such distributions.
In such event, holders of Trust Preferred Securities will have the remedies
described below under "-- Trust Enforcement Events".
DISTRIBUTIONS
The distribution rate on Trust Preferred Securities will be fixed at a rate
per annum of % of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Trust Preferred
Security and will be paid if, as and when the Trust has funds available for
payment. Distributions not paid on the scheduled payment date will accumulate
and compound quarterly at a rate per annum equal to %. The term
"distribution" as used herein includes any such
20
compounded amounts unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires.
The amount of distributions payable for any period will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will be cumulative, will
accumulate from the date of initial issuance and will be payable quarterly in
arrears on each , , and , commencing , if, as and
when available for payment, by the Property Trustee, except as otherwise
described below. If distributions are not paid when scheduled, the accumulated
distributions shall be paid to the holders of record of Trust Preferred
Securities as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the record
date with respect to the payment date for the Trust Preferred Securities which
corresponds to the payment date fixed by the Partnership with respect to the
payment of cumulative distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities.
Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will be made to the extent
that the Trust has funds available for the payment of such distributions in
the Property Account. Amounts available to the Trust for distribution to the
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will be limited to payments received
by the Trust from the Partnership with respect to the Partnership Preferred
Securities or from the Company on the Partnership Guarantee or the Trust
Guarantee. Distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities will be paid
only if, as and when declared in the sole discretion of the Company, as the
General Partner of the Partnership. Pursuant to the Limited Partnership
Agreement, the General Partner is not obligated to declare distributions on
the Partnership Preferred Securities at any time, including upon or following
a Partnership Enforcement Event. See "Description of Partnership Preferred
Securities -- Partnership Enforcement Events".
The assets of the Partnership will consist only of Affiliate Investment
Instruments (which initially will be the Debentures) and Eligible Debt
Securities. To the extent that the issuers (and, where applicable, the
Company, as guarantor) of the securities in which the Partnership invests
defer or fail to make any payment in respect of such securities (or, if
applicable, such guarantees), the Partnership will not have sufficient funds
to pay and will not declare or pay distributions on the Partnership Preferred
Securities. If the Partnership does not declare and pay distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities out of funds legally available for
distribution, the Trust will not have sufficient funds to make distributions
on the Trust Preferred Securities, in which event the Trust Guarantee will not
apply to such distributions until the Trust has sufficient funds available
therefor. See "Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities --
Distributions" and "Description of the Trust Guarantee". In addition, as
described under "Risk Factors -- Insufficient Income or Assets Available to
Partnership", the Partnership may not have sufficient funds to pay current or
liquidating distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities if (i) at
any time that the Partnership is receiving current payments in respect of the
securities held by the Partnership (including the Debentures), the General
Partner, in its sole discretion, does not declare distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities and the Partnership receives insufficient
amounts to pay the additional compounded distributions that will accumulate in
respect of the Partnership Preferred Securities, (ii) the Partnership
reinvests the proceeds received in respect of the Debentures upon their
retirement or at their maturities in Affiliate Investment Instruments that do
not generate income in an amount that is sufficient to pay full distributions
in respect of the Partnership Preferred Securities or (iii) the Partnership
invests in debt securities of Investment Affiliates that are not guaranteed by
the Company and that cannot be liquidated by the Partnership for an amount
sufficient to pay such distributions in full.
Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will be payable to the
holders thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the
relevant record dates, which will be one Business Day (as defined herein)
prior to the relevant payment dates. Such distributions will be paid through
the Property Trustee who will hold amounts received in respect of the
Partnership Preferred Securities in the Property Account for the benefit of
the holders of the Trust Securities. Subject to any applicable laws and
regulations and the provisions of the Declaration, each such payment will be
made as described under "-- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust
Company" below. In the event that the Trust Preferred Securities do not remain
in book-entry only form, the relevant record dates shall be the 15th day of
the month of the relevant payment dates. In the event that any date on which
distributions are payable on the Trust Preferred Securities is not a Business
Day,
21
payment of the distribution payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day which is a Business Day (without any interest or other payment
in respect of the distribution subject to such delay) except that, if such
Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be
made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same
force and effect as if made on such date. A "Business Day" shall mean any day
other than a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are
authorized or required by law to close.
TRUST ENFORCEMENT EVENTS
The occurrence, at any time, of (i) arrearages on distributions on the Trust
Preferred Securities that shall exist for six consecutive quarterly
distribution periods, (ii) a default by the Company in respect of any of its
obligations under the Trust Guarantee or (iii) a Partnership Enforcement Event
under the Limited Partnership Agreement, will constitute an enforcement event
under the Declaration with respect to the Trust Securities (a "Trust
Enforcement Event"); "provided," that pursuant to the Declaration, the holder of
the Trust Common Securities will be deemed to have waived any Trust
Enforcement Event with respect to the Trust Common Securities until all Trust
Enforcement Events with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities have been
cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until such Trust Enforcement Events
with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities have been so cured, waived or
otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee will be deemed to be acting solely
on behalf of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and only the
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the
Property Trustee with respect to certain matters under the Declaration and, in
the case of a Partnership Enforcement Event, the Special Representative with
respect to certain matters under the Limited Partnership Agreement. See
"Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership
Enforcement Events" for a description of the events which will trigger the
occurrence of a Partnership Enforcement Event.
Upon the occurrence of a Trust Enforcement Event, (a) the Property Trustee,
as the holder of the Partnership Preferred Securities, shall have the right to
enforce the terms of the Partnership Preferred Securities, including the right
to direct the Special Representative to enforce (i) the Partnership's
creditors' rights and other rights with respect to the Affiliate Investment
Instruments and the Investment Guarantees, (ii) the rights of the holders of
the Partnership Preferred Securities under the Partnership Guarantee and (iii)
the rights of the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities to receive
distributions (only if and to the extent declared out of funds legally
available therefor) on the Partnership Preferred Securities, and (b) the Trust
Guarantee Trustee shall have the right to enforce the terms of the Trust
Guarantee, including the right to enforce the covenant restricting certain
payments by the Company and Finance Subsidiaries.
If the Property Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Partnership
Preferred Securities after a holder of Trust Preferred Securities has made a
written request, such holder of record of Trust Preferred Securities may
directly institute a legal proceeding against the Partnership and the Special
Representative to enforce the Property Trustee's rights under the Partnership
Preferred Securities without first instituting any legal proceeding against
the Property Trustee, the Trust or any other person or entity. In addition,
for so long as the Trust holds any Partnership Preferred Securities, if the
Special Representative fails to enforce its rights on behalf of the
Partnership under the Affiliate Investment Instruments after a holder of Trust
Preferred Securities has made a written request, a holder of record of Trust
Preferred Securities may on behalf of the Partnership directly institute a
legal proceeding against the Investment Affiliates under the Affiliate
Investment Instruments, without first instituting any legal proceeding against
the Property Trustee, the Trust, the Special Representative or the
Partnership. In any event, for so long as the Trust is the holder of any
Partnership Preferred Securities, if a Trust Enforcement Event has occurred
and is continuing and such event is attributable to the failure of an
Investment Affiliate to make any required payment when due on any Affiliate
Investment Instrument or the failure of the Company to make any required
payment when due on any Investment Guarantee, then a holder of Trust Preferred
Securities may on behalf of the Partnership directly institute a proceeding
against such Investment Affiliate with respect to such Affiliate Investment
Instrument or against the Company with respect to any such Investment
Guarantee, in each case for enforcement of payment.
22
Under no circumstances, however, shall the Special Representative have
authority to cause the General Partner to declare distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities. As a result, although the Special
Representative may be able to enforce the Partnership's creditors' rights to
accelerate and receive payments in respect of the Affiliate Investment
Instruments and the Investment Guarantees, the Partnership would be entitled
to reinvest such payments in additional Affiliate Investment Instruments,
subject to satisfying the reinvestment criteria described under "Description
of the Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership Investments", and
Eligible Debt Securities, rather than declaring and making distributions on
the Partnership Preferred Securities.
The Company and the Trust are each required to file annually with the
Property Trustee an officer's certificate as to its compliance with all
conditions and covenants under the Declaration.
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
The Partnership Preferred Securities may be redeemed by the Partnership at
the option of the General Partner, in whole or in part, at any time on or
after or at any time in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a
Partnership Special Event. Upon such redemption of the Partnership Preferred
Securities (either at the option of the General Partner or pursuant to a
Partnership Special Event), the proceeds from such repayment shall
simultaneously be applied to redeem Trust Securities having an aggregate
liquidation amount equal to the Partnership Preferred Securities so redeemed
at an amount per Trust Security equal to $25 plus accumulated and unpaid
distributions thereon; "provided," that holders of the Trust Securities shall be
given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice of such redemption. See
"Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities -- General" and "--
Optional Redemption".
TRUST SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION
If, at any time, a Trust Tax Event or a Trust Investment Company Event (each
as hereinafter defined, and each, a "Trust Special Event") shall occur and be
continuing, the Regular Trustees shall, unless the Partnership Preferred
Securities are redeemed in the limited circumstances described below, within
90 days following the occurrence of such Trust Special Event elect to either
(i) dissolve the Trust upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice with
the result that, after satisfaction of creditors of the Trust, if any,
Partnership Preferred Securities would be distributed on a "pro rata" basis to
the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and the Trust Common Securities
in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust; "provided, however,"
that if at the time there is available to the Trust the opportunity to
eliminate, within such 90-day period, the Trust Special Event by taking some
ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing
some other similar reasonable measure which in the sole judgment of the
Company has or will cause no adverse effect on the Trust, the Partnership, the
Company or the holders of the Trust Securities and will involve no material
cost, the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of dissolution or (ii) cause
the Trust Preferred Securities to remain outstanding, provided that in the
case of this clause (ii), the Company shall pay any and all expenses incurred
by or payable by the Trust attributable to the Trust Special Event.
Furthermore, if in the case of the occurrence of a Trust Tax Event, the
Regular Trustees have received an opinion (a "Trust Redemption Tax Opinion")
of nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters
that there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest payable by one or
more of the Investment Affiliates with respect to the Debentures issued by
such Investment Affiliate is not, or will not be, deductible by such
Investment Affiliate for United States federal income tax purposes even if the
Partnership Preferred Securities were distributed to the holders of the Trust
Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust as described
above, then the General Partner shall have the right, within 90 days following
the occurrence of such Trust Tax Event, to elect to cause the Partnership to
redeem the Partnership Preferred Securities in whole (but not in part) for
cash upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice and promptly following
such redemption, the Trust Preferred Securities and Trust Common Securities
will be redeemed by the Trust at the Redemption Price.
"Trust Tax Event" means that the Company shall have requested and received
and shall have delivered to the Regular Trustees an opinion of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters (a "Trust
Dissolution Tax Opinion") to the effect that there has been (a) an amendment
to, change in or announced
23
proposed change in the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United
States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein,
(b) a judicial decision interpreting, applying, or clarifying such laws or
regulations, (c) an administrative pronouncement or action that represents an
official position (including a clarification of an official position) of the
governmental authority or regulatory body making such administrative
pronouncement or taking such action, or (d) a threatened challenge asserted in
connection with an audit of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, the
Partnership, or the Trust, or a threatened challenge asserted in writing
against any other taxpayer that has raised capital through the issuance of
securities that are substantially similar to the Debentures, the Partnership
Preferred Securities, or the Trust Preferred Securities, which amendment or
change is adopted or which proposed change, decision or pronouncement is
announced or which action, clarification or challenge occurs on or after the
date of this Prospectus (collectively a "Tax Action"), which Tax Action
relates to any of the items described in (i) through (iii) below, and that
following the occurrence of such Tax Action there is more than an
insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is, or will be, subject to United States
federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the
Partnership Preferred Securities, (ii) the Trust is, or will be, subject to
more than a "de minimis" amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental
charges or (iii) interest payable by an Investment Affiliate with respect to
the Debenture issued by such Investment Affiliate is not, or will not be,
deductible by such Investment Affiliate for United States federal income tax
purposes.
"Trust Investment Company Event" means that the Company shall have requested
and received and shall have delivered to the Regular Trustees an opinion of
nationally recognized independent legal counsel experienced in such matters to
the effect that as a result of the occurrence on or after the date hereof of a
change in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or application of
law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or
regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"), the Trust is or will be
considered an "investment company" which is required to be registered under
the 1940 Act.
If the Partnership Preferred Securities are distributed to the holders of
the Trust Preferred Securities, the Company will use its best efforts to cause
the Partnership Preferred Securities to be listed on the New York Stock
Exchange or on such other national securities exchange or similar organization
as the Trust Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted.
On the date fixed for any distribution of Partnership Preferred Securities,
upon dissolution of the Trust, (i) the Trust Preferred Securities and the
Trust Common Securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and (ii)
certificates representing Trust Securities will be deemed to represent the
Partnership Preferred Securities having a liquidation preference equal to the
stated liquidation amount of such Trust Securities until such certificates are
presented to the Company or its agent for transfer or reissuance.
There can be no assurance as to the market price for the Partnership
Preferred Securities which may be distributed in exchange for Trust Preferred
Securities if a dissolution and liquidation of the Trust were to occur.
Accordingly, the Partnership Preferred Securities which an investor may
subsequently receive on dissolution and liquidation of the Trust may trade at
a discount to the price of the Trust Preferred Securities exchanged.
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
The Trust may not redeem fewer than all of the outstanding Trust Preferred
Securities unless all accumulated and unpaid distributions have been paid on
all Trust Preferred Securities for all quarterly distribution periods
terminating on or prior to the date of redemption.
If the Trust gives a notice of redemption in respect of Trust Preferred
Securities (which notice will be irrevocable), and if the Company has paid to
the Property Trustee a sufficient amount of cash in connection with the
related redemption of the Partnership Preferred Securities, then, by 12:00
noon, New York time, on the redemption date, the Trust will irrevocably
deposit with DTC funds sufficient to pay the amount payable on redemption of
all book-entry certificates and will give DTC irrevocable instructions and
authority to pay such amount to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. See
"-- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company". If notice of
redemption shall have been given and funds are deposited as required, then
upon the
24
date of such deposit, all rights of holders of such Trust Preferred Securities
so called for redemption will cease, except the right of the holders of such
Trust Preferred Securities to receive the Redemption Price, but without
interest on such Redemption Price. In the event that any date fixed for
redemption of Trust Preferred Securities is not a Business Day, then payment
of the amount payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day
which is a Business Day (without any interest or other payment in respect of
the amount payable subject to such delay), except that, if such Business Day
falls in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day. In the event that payment of the Redemption Price in
respect of Trust Preferred Securities is improperly withheld or refused and
not paid either by the Trust or by the Company pursuant to the Trust Guarantee
described under "Description of the Trust Guarantee", distributions on such
Trust Preferred Securities will continue to accumulate from the original
redemption date to the date of payment.
In the event that fewer than all of the outstanding Trust Preferred
Securities are to be redeemed, the Trust Preferred Securities will be redeemed
in accordance with the procedures of DTC. See "-- Book-Entry Only Issuance --
The Depository Trust Company". In the event that the Trust Preferred
Securities do not remain in book-entry only form and fewer than all of the
outstanding Trust Preferred Securities are to be redeemed, the Trust Preferred
Securities shall be redeemed on a "pro rata" basis or pursuant to the rules of
any securities exchange on which the Trust Preferred Securities are listed.
Subject to the foregoing and applicable law (including, without limitation,
United States federal securities laws), the Company or its subsidiaries may at
any time and from time to time purchase outstanding Trust Preferred Securities
by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.
SUBORDINATION OF TRUST COMMON SECURITIES
Payment of amounts upon liquidation of the Trust Securities shall be made
"pro rata" based on the liquidation amount of the Trust Securities; "provided,
however," that upon (i) the occurrence of an Investment Event of Default by an
Investment Affiliate (including the Company) in respect of any Affiliate
Investment Instrument or (ii) default by the Company on any of its obligations
under any Guarantee, the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have a
preference over the holders of the Trust Common Securities with respect to
payments upon liquidation of the Trust.
In the case of any Trust Enforcement Event, the holder of Trust Common
Securities will be deemed to have waived any such Trust Enforcement Event
until all such Trust Enforcement Events with respect to the Trust Preferred
Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until all Trust
Enforcement Events with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities have been so
cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee shall act solely
on behalf of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and not on behalf
of the holder of the Trust Common Securities, and only the holders of the
Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the Property Trustee
to act on their behalf.
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Trust (each a "Trust Liquidation"), the
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive out of
the assets of the Trust, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors,
distributions in cash or other immediately available funds in an amount equal
to the aggregate of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Trust Preferred
Security plus accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of
payment (the "Trust Liquidation Distribution"), unless, in connection with
such Trust Liquidation, Partnership Preferred Securities have been distributed
on a "pro rata" basis to the holders of the Trust Securities.
If, upon any such Trust Liquidation, the Trust Liquidation Distribution can
be paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to
pay in full the aggregate Trust Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts
payable directly by the Trust on the Trust Preferred Securities shall be paid
on a "pro rata" basis. The holders of the Trust Common Securities will be
entitled to receive distributions upon any such liquidation "pro rata"
with the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities, except in the limited
circumstances described above under "-- Subordination of Trust Common
Securities".
25
Pursuant to the Declaration, the Trust shall terminate (i) upon the
bankruptcy of the Company, (ii) upon the filing of a certificate of
dissolution or the equivalent with respect to the Company, the filing of a
certificate of cancellation with respect to the Trust after having obtained
the consent of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust
Securities, voting together as a single class, to file such certificate of
cancellation, or the revocation of the charter of the Company and the
expiration of 90 days after the date of revocation without a reinstatement
thereof, (iii) upon the distribution of all of the Partnership Preferred
Securities upon the occurrence of a Trust Special Event, (iv) upon the entry
of a decree of a judicial dissolution of the Company or the Trust, or (v) upon
the redemption of all the Trust Securities.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as described herein, under the Trust Act, the Trust Indenture Act and
under "Description of the Trust Guarantee -- Amendments and Assignment", and
as otherwise required by law and the Declaration, the holders of the Trust
Preferred Securities will have no voting rights.
Subject to the requirement of the Property Trustee obtaining a tax opinion
as set forth in the last sentence of this paragraph, the holders of a majority
in liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Property Trustee, or direct the exercise of any trust or
power conferred upon the Property Trustee under the Declaration, including the
right to direct the Property Trustee, as holder of the Partnership Preferred
Securities, to (i) exercise the remedies available to it under the Limited
Partnership Agreement as a holder of the Partnership Preferred Securities,
including the right to direct the Special Representative to exercise its
rights in the manner described above under "-- Trust Enforcement Events" and
(ii) consent to any amendment, modification, or termination of the Limited
Partnership Agreement or the Partnership Preferred Securities where such
consent shall be required; "provided, however," that where a consent or action
under the Limited Partnership Agreement would require the consent or act of
the holders of more than a majority of the aggregate liquidation preference of
Partnership Preferred Securities affected thereby, only the holders of the
percentage of the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Trust Securities
which is at least equal to the percentage required under the Limited
Partnership Agreement may direct the Property Trustee to give such consent or
take such action on behalf of the Trust. See "Description of the Partnership
Preferred Securities -- Voting Rights". The Property Trustee shall notify all
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities of any notice of any Partnership
Enforcement Event received from the General Partner with respect to the
Partnership Preferred Securities and the Affiliate Investment Instruments.
Such notice shall state that such Partnership Enforcement Event also
constitutes a Trust Enforcement Event. Except with respect to directing the
time, method, and place of conducting a proceeding for a remedy as described
above, the Property Trustee shall be under no obligation to take any of the
actions described in clauses (i) or (ii) above unless the Property Trustee has
obtained an opinion of independent tax counsel to the effect that as a result
of such action, the Trust will not fail to be classified as a grantor trust
for United States federal income tax purposes and that after such action each
holder of Trust Securities will continue to be treated as owning an undivided
beneficial ownership interest in the Partnership Preferred Securities.
A waiver of a Partnership Enforcement Event with respect to the Partnership
Preferred Securities held by the Property Trustee will constitute a waiver of
the corresponding Trust Enforcement Event.
Any required approval or direction of holders of Trust Preferred Securities
may be given at a separate meeting of holders of Trust Preferred Securities
convened for such purpose, at a meeting of all of the holders of Trust
Securities or pursuant to written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a
notice of any meeting at which holders of Trust Preferred Securities are
entitled to vote, or of any matter upon which action by written consent of
such holders is to be taken, to be mailed to each holder of record of Trust
Preferred Securities. Each such notice will include a statement setting forth
the following information: (i) the date of such meeting or the date by which
such action is to be taken; (ii) a description of any resolution proposed for
adoption at such meeting on which such holders are entitled to vote or of such
matter upon which written consent is sought; and (iii) instructions for the
delivery of proxies or consents. No vote or consent of the holders of Trust
Preferred Securities will be required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Trust
Preferred Securities or distribute Partnership Preferred Securities in
accordance with the Declaration.
26
Notwithstanding that holders of Trust Preferred Securities are entitled to
vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the
Trust Securities that are beneficially owned at such time by the Company or
any entity directly or indirectly controlled by, or under direct or indirect
common control with, the Company, except for Trust Preferred Securities
purchased or acquired by the Company or its affiliates in connection with
transactions effected by or for the account of customers of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries or in connection with the distribution or trading of such
Trust Preferred Securities, shall not be entitled to vote or consent and
shall, for purposes of such vote or consent, be treated as if such Trust
Securities were not outstanding; "provided, however," that persons (other than
affiliates of the Company) to whom the Company or any of its subsidiaries have
pledged Trust Preferred Securities may vote or consent with respect to such
pledged Trust Preferred Securities pursuant to the terms of such pledge.
The procedures by which holders of Trust Preferred Securities represented by
the global certificates may exercise their voting rights are described below.
See "-- Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company".
Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have no rights to appoint or
remove the Regular Trustees, who may be appointed, removed or replaced solely
by the Company, as the holder of all of the Trust Common Securities.
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR AMALGAMATION OF THE TRUST
The Trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to, any corporation or other entity, except as
described below. The Trust may, with the consent of a majority of the Regular
Trustees and without the consent of the holders of the Trust Securities, the
Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee consolidate, amalgamate, merge with
or into, or be replaced by a trust organized as such under the laws of any
State of the United States; "provided," that (i) if the Trust is not the
survivor, such successor entity either (x) expressly assumes all of the
obligations of the Trust under the Trust Securities or (y) substitutes for the
Trust Preferred Securities other securities having substantially the same
terms as the Trust Preferred Securities (the "Successor Securities"), so long
as the Successor Securities rank the same as the Trust Securities rank with
respect to distributions, assets and payments, (ii) the Company expressly
acknowledges a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same powers and
duties as the Property Trustee as the holder of the Partnership Preferred
Securities, (iii) the Trust Preferred Securities or any Successor Securities
are listed, or any Successor Securities will be listed upon notification of
issuance, on any national securities exchange or with another organization on
which the Trust Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted, (iv) such
merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not cause the Trust
Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by
any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, (v) such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not adversely affect the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect, (vi)
such successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of the
Trust, (vii) the Company guarantees the obligations of such successor entity
under the Successor Securities to the same extent as provided by the Trust
Guarantee and (viii) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement, the Company has received an opinion of a nationally recognized
independent counsel to the Trust experienced in such matters to the effect
that: (A) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement will not
adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the
Trust Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any
material respect (other than with respect to any dilution of the holders'
interest in the new entity), (B) following such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation or replacement, neither the Trust nor such successor entity will
be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act, (C)
following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, the Trust
(or such successor trust) will not be classified as an association or a
publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for United States federal
income tax purposes and (D) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation
or replacement, the Partnership will not be classified as an association or a
publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for United States federal
income tax purposes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall not,
except with the consent of holders of 100% in liquidation amount of the Trust
Preferred Securities, consolidate, amalgamate,
27
merge with or into, or be replaced by any other entity or permit any other
entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it, if such
consolidation, amalgamation, merger or replacement would cause the Trust or
the successor entity to be classified as an association or a publicly traded
partnership taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax
purposes.
MODIFICATION OF THE DECLARATION
The Declaration may be modified and amended if approved by a majority of the
Regular Trustees (and in certain circumstances the Property Trustee and the
Delaware Trustee), "provided," that if any proposed amendment provides for, or
the Regular Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would
adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Trust
Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Declaration or otherwise or
(ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust other than
pursuant to the terms of the Declaration, then the holders of the Trust
Securities voting together as a single class will be entitled to vote on such
amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective
except with the approval of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the
Trust Securities affected thereby; "provided, further" that if any amendment or
proposal referred to in clause (i) above would adversely affect only the Trust
Preferred Securities or the Trust Common Securities, then only the affected
class will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such
amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of a
majority in liquidation amount of such class of Trust Securities.
The Declaration may be amended without the consent of the holders of the
Trust Securities to (i) cure any ambiguity, (ii) correct or supplement any
provision in the Declaration that may be defective or inconsistent with any
other provision of the Declaration, (iii) add to the covenants, restrictions
or obligations of the Sponsor, (iv) conform to any change in the 1940 Act, the
Trust Indenture Act or the rules or regulations of either such Act and (v)
modify, eliminate and add to any provision of the Declaration to such extent
as may be necessary or desirable; "provided" that no such amendment shall have a
material adverse effect on the rights, preferences or privileges of the
holders of the Trust Securities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification may be made to
the Declaration if such amendment or modification would (i) cause the Trust to
fail to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax
purposes, (ii) cause the Partnership to be classified as an association or
publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for such purposes, (iii)
reduce or otherwise adversely affect the powers of the Property Trustee or
(iv) cause the Trust or the Partnership to be deemed an "investment company"
which is required to be registered under the 1940 Act.
BOOK-ENTRY ONLY ISSUANCE -- THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") will act as securities depository (the
"Depository") for the Trust Preferred Securities and, to the extent
distributed to the holders of Trust Preferred Securities, the Partnership
Preferred Securities. The Trust Preferred Securities will be issued only as
fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's
nominee). One or more fully-registered global Trust Preferred Securities
certificates ("Global Certificates"), representing the total aggregate number
of Trust Preferred Securities, will be issued and will be deposited with DTC.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC
holds securities that its
28
participants ("Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the
settlement among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers
and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-
entry changes in Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for
physical movement of securities certificates. Participants in DTC include
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations
and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its Participants
and by The New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc.,
and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC
system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers,
banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect
Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file
with the Commission.
Purchases of Trust Preferred Securities within the DTC system must be made
by or through Participants, which will receive a credit for the Trust
Preferred Securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of Trust Preferred Securities ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be
recorded on the Participants' and Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial
Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but
Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing
details of the transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings,
from the Participants or Indirect Participants through which the Beneficial
Owners purchased Trust Preferred Securities. Transfers of ownership interests
in the Trust Preferred Securities are to be accomplished by entries made on
the books of Participants and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of
Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates
representing their ownership interests in Trust Preferred Securities, except
in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Trust Preferred
Securities is discontinued.
DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Trust Preferred
Securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Participants to
whose accounts such Trust Preferred Securities are credited, which may or may
not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants and Indirect Participants will
remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their
customers.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of a
Global Certificate, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole owner or holder of the Trust Preferred Securities
represented thereby for all purposes under the Declaration and the Trust
Preferred Securities. No beneficial owner of an interest in a Global
Certificate will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with
DTC's applicable procedures, in addition to those provided for under the
Declaration.
DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of Trust Preferred Securities (including the presentation of
Trust Preferred Securities for exchange as described below) only at the
direction of one or more Participants to whose account the DTC interests in
the Global Certificates are credited and only in respect of such portion of
the aggregate liquidation amount of Trust Preferred Securities as to which
such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. Also, if
there is a Trust Enforcement Event under the Trust Preferred Securities, DTC
will exchange the Global Certificates for Certificated Securities, which it
will distribute to its Participants in accordance with its customary
procedures.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by
Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time.
Redemption notices in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities held in
book-entry form will be sent to Cede & Co. If less than all of the Trust
Preferred Securities are being redeemed, DTC will determine the amount of the
interest of each Participant to be redeemed in accordance with its procedures.
Although voting with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities is limited,
in those cases where a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will
itself consent or vote with respect to Trust Preferred Securities. Under its
usual procedures, DTC would mail an Omnibus Proxy to the Trust as soon as
possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s
consenting or voting rights to those Participants to whose accounts
29
the Trust Preferred Securities are allocated on the record date (identified in
a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities held in book-entry form will
be made to DTC in immediately available funds. DTC's practice is to credit
Participants' accounts on the relevant payment date in accordance with their
respective holdings shown on DTC's records unless DTC has reason to believe
that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed
by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the
responsibility of such Participants and Indirect Participants and not of DTC,
the Trust or the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements
as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of any distributions to DTC is
the responsibility of the Trust, disbursement of such payments to Participants
is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the
Beneficial Owners is the responsibility of Participants and Indirect
Participants.
Except as described, a Beneficial Owner of an interest in a Global
Certificate will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Trust
Preferred Securities. Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on the
procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under the Trust Preferred Securities.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of interests in the Global Certificates among Participants of DTC,
DTC is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures,
and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither the Company nor
the Trust will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its
Participants or Indirect Participants under the rules and procedures governing
DTC. DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with
respect to the Trust Preferred Securities at any time by giving notice to the
Trust. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities
depository is not obtained, Trust Preferred Security certificates are required
to be printed and delivered to the Property Trustee. Additionally, the Trust
(with the consent of the Company) may decide to discontinue use of the system
of book-entry transfers through DTC or any successor depository. In that
event, certificates for the Trust Preferred Securities will be printed and
delivered to the Property Trustee. In each of the above circumstances, the
Company will appoint a paying agent with respect to the Trust Preferred
Securities.
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global Trust Preferred
Securities as represented by a Global Certificate.
PAYMENT
Payments in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities represented by the
Global Certificates shall be made to DTC, which shall credit the relevant
accounts at DTC on the scheduled payment dates or, in the case of certificated
securities, if any, such payments shall be made by check mailed to the address
of the holder entitled thereto as such address shall appear on the register.
The Paying Agent shall be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30 days
written notice to the Regular Trustees. In the event that The Chase Manhattan
Bank shall no longer be the Paying Agent, the Regular Trustees shall appoint a
successor to act as Paying Agent (which shall be a bank or trust company).
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT, AND PAYING AGENT
The Property Trustee will act as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent
for the Trust Preferred Securities.
Registration of transfers of Trust Preferred Securities will be effected
without charge by or on behalf of the Trust, but upon payment (with the giving
of such indemnity as the Trust or the Company may require) in respect of any
tax or other government charges which may be imposed in relation to it.
30
The Trust will not be required to register or cause to be registered the
transfer of Trust Preferred Securities after such Trust Preferred Securities
have been called for redemption.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE
The Property Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect to
the Trust Securities, undertakes to perform only such duties as are
specifically set forth in the Declaration and, after default, shall exercise
the same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct
of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Property Trustee is
under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the
Declaration at the request of any holder of Trust Preferred Securities, unless
offered reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and
liabilities which might be incurred thereby. The holders of Trust Preferred
Securities will not be required to offer such indemnity in the event such
holders, by exercising their voting rights, direct the Property Trustee to
take any action following a Trust Enforcement Event.
GOVERNING LAW
The Declaration and the Trust Preferred Securities will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Regular Trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of
and to operate the Trust in such a way that the Trust will not be deemed to be
an "investment company" required to be registered under the 1940 Act or
characterized as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income
tax purposes. In this connection, the Regular Trustees are authorized to take
any action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of trust or
the Declaration that the Regular Trustees determine in their discretion to be
necessary or desirable for such purposes as long as such action does not
adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities.
Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities have no preemptive rights.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST GUARANTEE
Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the Trust Guarantee
which will be executed and delivered by the Company for the benefit of the
holders from time to time of Trust Preferred Securities. The summary does not
purport to be complete and is subject in all respects to the provisions of,
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Trust Guarantee, which
is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
is a part. The Trust Guarantee incorporates by reference the terms of, and
will be qualified as an indenture under, the Trust Indenture Act. The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as the Trust Guarantee Trustee, will hold the Trust Guarantee
for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and will act
as indenture trustee for the purposes of compliance with the Trust Indenture
Act.
GENERAL
Pursuant to the Trust Guarantee, the Company will irrevocably agree, on a
subordinated basis and to the extent set forth therein, to pay in full to the
holders of the Trust Preferred Securities (except to the extent paid by the
Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set off or
counterclaim which the Trust may have or assert, the following payments (the
"Trust Guarantee Payments"), without duplication: (i) any accumulated and
unpaid distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities to the extent the Trust
has funds available therefor, (ii) the Redemption Price with respect to any
Trust Preferred Securities called for redemption by the Trust, to the extent
the Trust has funds available therefor and (iii) upon a voluntary or
involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust (other than in
connection with the distribution of Partnership Preferred Securities to the
holders of Trust Preferred Securities or the redemption of all of the Trust
Preferred Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation
amount and all accumulated and unpaid distributions on the
31
Trust Preferred Securities and (b) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining
available for distribution to holders of Trust Preferred Securities upon the
liquidation of the Trust. The Company's obligation to make a Trust Guarantee
Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the
Company to the holders of Trust Preferred Securities or by causing the Trust
to pay such amounts to such holders.
The Trust Guarantee will be a guarantee on a subordinated basis with respect
to the Trust Preferred Securities from the time of issuance of such Trust
Preferred Securities but will only apply to any payment of distributions or
Redemption Price, or to payments upon the dissolution, winding-up or
termination of the Trust, to the extent the Trust shall have funds available
therefor. If the Partnership fails to declare distributions on Partnership
Preferred Securities, the Trust would lack available funds for the payment of
distributions or amounts payable on redemption of the Trust Preferred
Securities or otherwise, and in such event holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities would not be able to rely upon the Trust Guarantee for payment of
such amounts. Instead, holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have the
remedies described herein under "Description of the Trust Preferred
Securities -- Trust Enforcement Events", including the right to direct the
Trust Guarantee Trustee to enforce the covenant restricting certain payments
by the Company and Finance Subsidiaries. See "-- Covenants of the Company"
below.
The Guarantees, when taken together with the Company Debenture and the
Company's obligations to pay all fees and expenses of the Trust and the
Partnership, constitute a guarantee to the extent set forth herein by the
Company of the distribution, redemption and liquidation payments payable to
the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. The Guarantees do not apply,
however, to current distributions by the Partnership unless and until such
distributions are declared by the Partnership out of funds legally available
for payment or to liquidating distributions unless there are assets available
for payment in the Partnership, each as more fully described under "Risk
Factors -- Insufficient Income or Assets Available to Partnership".
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
The Company will covenant in the Trust Guarantee that, if (a) for any
distribution period, full distributions on a cumulative basis on any Trust
Preferred Securities have not been paid, (b) an Investment Event of Default by
any Investment Affiliate in respect of any Affiliate Investment Instrument has
occurred and is continuing or (c) the Company is in default of its obligations
under the Trust Guarantee, the Partnership Guarantee or any Investment
Guarantee, then, during such period (i) the Company shall not declare or pay
dividends on, make distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or
acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital
stock or comparable equity interest (except for (x) dividends or distributions
in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase
shares of, its capital stock, and conversions or exchanges of common stock of
one class into common stock of another class, (y) redemptions or purchases of
any rights pursuant to the Rights Agreement and the issuance of preferred
stock pursuant to such rights and (z) purchases or acquisitions by the Company
or its affiliates in connection with transactions effected by or for the
account of customers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in
connection with the distribution or trading of such capital stock or
comparable equity interest) and (ii) the Company shall not make, permit any
Finance Subsidiary to make, or make any payments that would enable any Finance
Subsidiary to make, any payment of any dividends on, any distribution with
respect to, or any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of, or any
liquidation payment with respect to, any preferred security or comparable
equity interest of any Finance Subsidiary.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ENFORCEMENT OF TRUST GUARANTEE
An event of default under the Trust Guarantee will occur upon the failure of
the Company to perform any of its payment or other obligations thereunder.
The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred
Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trust Guarantee Trustee or to
direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Trust Guarantee
Trustee under the Trust
32
Guarantee. If the Trust Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce its rights under
the Trust Guarantee after a holder of Trust Preferred Securities has made a
written request, such holder may institute a legal proceeding directly against
the Company to enforce the Trust Guarantee Trustee's rights under the Trust
Guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the
Trust Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity. In any event, if the
Company has failed to make a guarantee payment under the Trust Guarantee, a
holder of Trust Preferred Securities may directly institute a proceeding in
such holder's own name against the Company for enforcement of the Trust
Guarantee for such payment.
STATUS OF THE TRUST GUARANTEE; SUBORDINATION
The Trust Guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation of the Company
and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other
liabilities of the Company and will rank pari passu with the most senior
preferred stock, if any, issued from time to time by the Company, with similar
guarantees issued by the Company in connection with the $275,000,000 aggregate
liquidation amount of 7 3/4% Trust Originated Preferred Securities issued by
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust I and the $300,000,000 aggregate
liquidation amount of 8% Trust Originated Preferred Securities issued by
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust II, and with any guarantee now or
hereafter entered into by the Company in respect of any preferred stock of any
other Finance Subsidiary. Accordingly, the rights of the holders of Trust
Preferred Securities to receive payments under the Trust Guarantee will be
subject to the rights of the holders of any obligations of the Company that
are senior in priority to the obligations under the Trust Guarantee.
Furthermore, the holders of obligations of the Company that are senior to the
obligations under the Trust Guarantee (including, but not limited to,
obligations constituting Senior Indebtedness) will be entitled to the same
rights upon payment default or dissolution, liquidation and reorganization in
respect of the Trust Guarantee that inure to the holders of Senior
Indebtedness as against the holders of the Company Debenture. The terms of the
Trust Preferred Securities provide that each holder of Trust Preferred
Securities, by acceptance thereof, agrees to the subordination provisions and
other terms of the Trust Guarantee.
The Trust Guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of
collection (that is, the guaranteed party may directly institute a legal
proceeding against the Company to enforce its rights under the Trust Guarantee
without instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or entity).
AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT
Except with respect to any changes that do not materially adversely affect
the rights of holders of Trust Preferred Securities (in which case no vote
will be required), the Trust Guarantee may be amended only with the prior
approval of the holders of at least a majority in liquidation amount of all
the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities. The manner of obtaining any such
approval of holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will be as set forth
under "Description of the Trust Preferred Securities -- Voting Rights". All
guarantees and agreements contained in the Trust Guarantee shall bind the
successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Company
and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the Trust Preferred
Securities then outstanding. Except in connection with permitted merger or
consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or permitted sale,
transfer or lease of the Company's assets to another entity in which the
surviving corporation (if other than the Company) assumes the Company's
obligations under the Trust Guarantee, the Company may not assign its rights
or delegate its obligations under the Trust Guarantee without the prior
approval of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities then outstanding.
TERMINATION OF THE TRUST GUARANTEE
The Trust Guarantee will terminate as to each holder of Trust Preferred
Securities upon (i) full payment of the Redemption Price of all Trust
Preferred Securities, (ii) distribution of the Partnership Preferred
Securities held by the Trust to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities
or (iii) full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the
Declaration upon liquidation of the Trust. The Trust Guarantee will continue
to be effective
33
or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of Trust
Preferred Securities must restore payment of any sum paid under such Trust
Preferred Securities or such Trust Guarantee.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUST GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
The Trust Guarantee Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with
respect to the Trust Guarantee, undertakes to perform only such duties as are
specifically set forth in the Trust Guarantee and, after default with respect
to the Trust Guarantee, shall exercise the same degree of care as a prudent
man would exercise in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such
provision, the Trust Guarantee Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any
of the powers vested in it by the Trust Guarantee at the request of any holder
of Trust Preferred Securities unless it is offered reasonable indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.
GOVERNING LAW
The Guarantee will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the
internal laws of the State of New York.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP PREFERRED SECURITIES
GENERAL
All of the partnership interests in the Partnership, other than the
Partnership Preferred Securities acquired by the Trust, are owned directly by
the Company. Initially, the Company will be the sole General Partner of the
Partnership. The Limited Partnership Agreement authorizes and creates the
Partnership Preferred Securities, which represent limited partner interests in
the Partnership. The limited partner interests represented by the Partnership
Preferred Securities will have a preference with respect to distributions and
amounts payable on redemption or liquidation over the General Partner's
interest in the Partnership. Except as otherwise described herein or provided
in the Limited Partnership Agreement, the Limited Partnership Agreement does
not permit the issuance of any additional partnership interests, or the
incurrence of any indebtedness by the Partnership.
The summary of certain material terms and provisions of the Partnership
Preferred Securities set forth below does not purport to be complete and is
subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Limited
Partnership Agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, and the Partnership Act.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Holders of Partnership Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive
cumulative cash distributions, if, as and when declared by the General Partner
in its sole discretion out of assets of the Partnership legally available for
payment. The distributions payable on each Partnership Preferred Security will
be fixed at a rate per annum of % of the stated liquidation preference of
$25 per Partnership Preferred Security. Distributions not paid on the
scheduled payment date will accumulate and compound quarterly at the rate per
annum equal to %. The amount of distributions payable for any period will be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities will be payable
quarterly in arrears on , , and of each year, commencing
. If distributions are not declared and paid when scheduled, the
accumulated distributions shall be paid to the holders of record of
Partnership Preferred Securities as they appear on the books and records of
the Partnership on the record date with respect to the payment date for the
Partnership Preferred Securities.
34
The Partnership's earnings available for distribution to the holders of the
Partnership Preferred Securities will be limited to payments made on the
Affiliate Investment Instruments and Investment Guarantees and payments on
Eligible Debt Securities in which the Partnership has invested from time to
time. See "-- Partnership Investments". To the extent that the issuers (and,
where applicable, the Company, as guarantor) of the securities in which the
Partnership invests fail to make any payment in respect of such securities
(or, if applicable, such guarantees), the Partnership will not have sufficient
funds to pay and will not declare or pay distributions on the Partnership
Preferred Securities, in which event the Partnership Guarantee will not apply
to such distributions until the Partnership has sufficient funds available
therefor. See "Description of the Partnership Guarantee". In addition,
distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities may be declared and paid
only as determined in the sole discretion of the General Partner of the
Partnership. If the Partnership fails to declare and pay distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities out of funds legally available for
distribution, the Trust will not have sufficient funds to make distributions
on the Trust Preferred Securities, in which event the Trust Guarantee will not
apply to such distributions until the Trust has sufficient funds available
therefor. In addition, as described under "Risk Factors -- Insufficient Income
or Assets Available to Partnership", the Partnership may not have sufficient
funds to pay current or liquidating distributions on the Partnership Preferred
Securities if (i) at any time that the Partnership is receiving current
payments in respect of the securities held by the Partnership (including the
Debentures), the General Partner, in its sole discretion, does not declare
distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities and the Partnership
receives insufficient amounts to pay the additional compounded distributions
that will accumulate in respect of the Partnership Preferred Securities, (ii)
the Partnership reinvests the proceeds received in respect of the Debentures
upon their retirement or at their maturities in Affiliate Investment
Instruments that do not generate income in an amount that is sufficient to pay
full distributions in respect of the Partnership Preferred Securities or (iii)
the Partnership invests in debt securities of Investment Affiliates that are
not guaranteed by the Company and that cannot be liquidated by the Partnership
for an amount sufficient to pay such distributions in full.
Distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities will be payable to the
holders thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Partnership on
the relevant record dates, which, as long as the Trust Preferred Securities
remain (or, in the event that the Trust is liquidated in connection with a
Trust Special Event, as long as the Partnership Preferred Securities remain)
in book-entry only form, will be one Business Day prior to the relevant
payment dates. In the event the Trust Preferred Securities (or in the event
that the Trust is liquidated in connection with a Trust Special Event, the
Partnership Preferred Securities) shall not continue to remain in book-entry
only form, the relevant record dates shall be the 15th day of the month of the
relevant payment dates. In the event that any date on which distributions are
payable on the Partnership Preferred Securities is not a Business Day, then
payment of the distribution payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other
payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in
the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and
effect as if made on such date.
PARTNERSHIP ENFORCEMENT EVENTS
If one or more of the following events shall occur and be continuing (each a
"Partnership Enforcement Event"): (i) arrearages on distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities shall exist for six consecutive quarterly
distribution periods, (ii) the Company is in default on any of its obligations
under the Partnership Guarantee or any Investment Guarantee or (iii) an
Investment Event of Default occurs and is continuing on any Affiliate
Investment Instrument, then the Property Trustee, for so long as the
Partnership Preferred Securities are held by the Property Trustee, will have
the right, or holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities will be entitled
by the vote of a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of such holders
(a) under the Limited Partnership Agreement to enforce the terms of the
Partnership Preferred Securities, including the right to appoint and authorize
a special representative of the Partnership and the limited partners (a
"Special Representative") to enforce (1) the Partnership's creditors' rights
and other rights with respect to the Affiliate Investment Instruments and the
Investment Guarantees, (2) the rights of the holders of the Partnership
Preferred Securities under the Partnership Guarantee and (3) the rights of the
holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities to receive distributions (only
if and to the extent declared out of funds legally available therefor) on the
Partnership
35
Preferred Securities, and (b) under the Partnership Guarantee to enforce the
terms of the Partnership Guarantee, including the right to enforce the
covenant restricting certain payments by the Company and Finance Subsidiaries.
If the Special Representative fails to enforce its rights under the
Affiliate Investment Instruments after a holder of Partnership Preferred
Securities has made a written request, such holder of record of Partnership
Preferred Securities may directly institute a legal proceeding against the
Company to enforce the rights of the Special Representative and the
Partnership under the Affiliate Investment Instruments without first
instituting any legal proceeding against the Special Representative, the
Partnership or any other person or entity. In any event, if a Partnership
Enforcement Event has occurred and is continuing and such event is
attributable to the failure of an Investment Affiliate to make any required
payment when due on any Affiliate Investment Instrument, then a holder of
Partnership Preferred Securities may on behalf of the Partnership directly
institute a proceeding against such Investment Affiliate with respect to such
Affiliate Investment Instrument for enforcement of payment. A holder of
Partnership Preferred Securities may also bring a direct action against the
Company to enforce such holder's right under the Partnership Guarantee. See
"Description of the Partnership Guarantee -- Events of Default; Enforcement of
Partnership Guarantee".
Under no circumstances, however, shall the Special Representative have
authority to cause the General Partner to declare distributions on the
Partnership Preferred Securities. As a result, although the Special
Representative may be able to enforce the Partnership's creditors' rights to
accelerate and receive payments in respect of the Affiliate Investment
Instruments and the Investment Guarantees, the Partnership would be entitled
to reinvest such payments in additional Affiliate Investment Instruments,
subject to satisfying the reinvestment criteria described under "--
Partnership Investments", and Eligible Debt Securities, rather than declaring
and making distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities. The Special
Representative shall not, by virtue of acting in such capacity, be admitted as
a general partner in the Partnership or otherwise be deemed to be a general
partner in the Partnership and shall have no liability for the debts,
obligations or liabilities of the Partnership.
PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENTS
Approximately 99% of the proceeds from the issuance of the Partnership
Preferred Securities and the General Partner's contemporaneous capital
contribution (the "Initial Partnership Proceeds") will be used by the
Partnership to purchase the Debentures and the remaining 1% of the Initial
Partnership Proceeds will be used to purchase Eligible Debt Securities. The
purchase of the Debentures by the Partnership will occur contemporaneously
with the issuance of the Partnership Preferred Securities.
The initial Affiliate Investment Instruments purchased by the Partnership
will consist of two or more debt instruments (the "Debentures"). The Company
anticipates that approximately 85% of the Initial Partnership Proceeds will be
used to purchase a Debenture of the Company (the "Company Debenture"), and
approximately 14% of the Initial Partnership Proceeds will be used to purchase
Debentures of one or more eligible controlled affiliates of the Company (the
"Affiliate Debentures"). Each Debenture is expected to have a term of 20 years
and to provide for interest payable on , , and of each year,
commencing , at market rates for such Debentures. The Debentures will be
general unsecured debt obligations of the relevant issuer, except that the
Company Debenture will rank subordinate and junior to all Senior Indebtedness
of the Company.
The payment of interest on each of the Debentures may be deferred at any
time, and from time to time, by the relevant issuer for a period not exceeding
six consecutive quarters. If an issuer were to so defer the payment of
interest, interest would continue to accrue and compound at the stated
interest rate on such Debenture. The Debentures will contain covenants
appropriate for unsecured debt securities issued or guaranteed by similar
borrowers pursuant to a public offering or private placement under Rule 144A
of the Securities Act of a comparable debt security, including a limitation on
consolidation, merger and sale or conveyance of assets. The Debentures will
contain redemption provisions that correspond to the redemption provisions
applicable to the Partnership Preferred Securities, including an option to
redeem the Debentures by the relevant issuer, in whole or in part, from time
to time, on or after , and following the occurrence of a Partnership
Special
36
Event, in each case, in the same manner described under "-- Optional
Redemption" and "-- Partnership Special Event Redemption". The Debentures, and
any other Affiliate Investment Instruments that are debt instruments acquired
by the Partnership in the future, will also contain customary events of
default (the "Investment Events of Default"), including events of default for
defaults in payments on such securities when due (provided that no default
shall occur upon a valid deferral of an interest payment by an issuer),
defaults in the performance of the relevant issuer's obligations under its
Debenture or Affiliate Investment Instruments, as the case may be, and certain
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events (subject to customary
exceptions and grace periods).
The payment of interest and principal when due and other payment terms of
the Debentures (other than the Company Debenture), will be guaranteed to the
extent described herein (each, an "Investment Guarantee") by the Company for
the benefit of the holders of Partnership Preferred Securities. See "--
Investment Guarantees".
Approximately 1% of the Initial Partnership Proceeds will be invested in
Eligible Debt Securities. "Eligible Debt Securities" means cash or book-entry
securities, negotiable instruments, or other securities of entities not
affiliated with the Company which evidence any of the following: (a) any
security issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the United
States, or by a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an
instrumentality of the Government of the United States pursuant to authority
granted by the Congress of the United States, or any certificate of deposit
for any of the foregoing; (b) commercial paper issued pursuant to Section
3(a)(3) of the Securities Act and having, at the time of the investment or
contractual commitment to invest therein, a rating from each of Standard &
Poor's Ratings Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P")
and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") in the highest investment
rating category granted by such rating agency and having a maturity not in
excess of nine months; (c) demand deposits, time deposits and certificates of
deposit which are fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC"); (d) repurchase obligations with respect to any security that is a
direct obligation of, or fully guaranteed by, the Government of the United
States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof, the obligations of
which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America,
in either case entered into with a depository institution or trust company
which is an Eligible Institution (as defined herein) and the deposits of which
are insured by the FDIC; and (e) any other security which is identified as a
permitted investment of a finance subsidiary pursuant to Rule 3a-5 under the
1940 Act at the time it is acquired by the Partnership.
"Eligible Institution" means (a) a depository institution organized under
the laws of the United States or any one of the states thereof or the District
of Columbia (or any domestic branch of a foreign bank), (1) (i) which has
either (A) a long-term unsecured debt rating of AA or better by S&P and Aa or
better by Moody's or (B) a short-term unsecured debt rating or a certificate
of deposit rating of A-1+ by S&P and P-1 by Moody's and (ii) whose deposits
are insured by the FDIC or (2) (i) the parent of which has a long-term or
short-term unsecured debt rating which signifies investment grade and (ii)
whose deposits are insured by the FDIC.
The Partnership may, from time to time and subject to the restrictions
described below, reinvest payments received with respect to the Affiliate
Investment Instruments (including the Debentures) and the Eligible Debt
Securities in additional Affiliate Investment Instruments and Eligible Debt
Securities. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company, as the General
Partner, does not intend to cause the Partnership to reinvest regularly
scheduled, periodic payments of interest or dividends received by the
Partnership in the manner described below, although there can be no assurance
that the General Partner's intention in respect of such reinvestments will not
change in the future.
The fairness of specific terms of all Affiliate Investment Instruments
(including the Debentures) will be passed upon by a nationally recognized
accounting firm, bank or investment banking firm that does not (and whose
directors, officers, employees and affiliates do not) have a direct or
indirect material equity interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries
(the "Independent Financial Advisor").
The Partnership may reinvest in additional Affiliate Investment Instruments
only if certain procedures and criteria are satisfied with respect to each
such Affiliate Investment Instrument, including the satisfaction of the
following conditions: (i) the Partnership did not hold debt securities of the
issuer of the proposed Affiliate
37
Investment Instrument within the three-year period ending on the date of such
proposed investment; (ii) there was never a default on any debt obligation of,
or arrearages of dividends on preferred stock issued by, the issuer of the
proposed Affiliate Investment Instrument that was previously or is currently
owned by the Partnership; (iii) the applicable terms and provisions with
respect to the proposed Affiliate Investment Instrument have been determined
by the Independent Financial Advisor to be at least as favorable as terms
which could be obtained by the Partnership in a public offering or private
placement under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of a comparable security
issued by the relevant Investment Affiliate and guarantees, if any, included
therein; and (iv) the requesting Investment Affiliate shall not be deemed to
be an investment company by reason of Section 3(a) or 3(b) of the 1940 Act or
is otherwise an eligible recipient of funds directly or indirectly from the
Trust pursuant to an order issued by the Commission. The term "Investment
Affiliate" means the Company or any corporation, partnership, limited
liability company or other entity (other than the Partnership or the Trust)
that is controlled by the Company. If the Partnership is unable to reinvest
payments and proceeds from Affiliate Investment Instruments in additional
Affiliate Investment Instruments meeting the above criteria, the Partnership
may only invest such funds in Eligible Debt Securities (subject to
restrictions of applicable law, including the 1940 Act).
INVESTMENT GUARANTEES
"General"
The Company will agree to execute and deliver an Investment Guarantee, on a
subordinated basis, for the benefit of the holders of Partnership Preferred
Securities with respect to each Debenture issued by an Investment Affiliate
(other than the Company Debenture) to the extent set forth below. The
Investment Guarantees shall be enforceable regardless of any defense, right of
set-off or counterclaim that the Company may have or assert. The Investment
Guarantees will be full and unconditional guarantees, to the extent set forth
therein, with respect to the applicable Debentures from the time of issuance.
To the extent that, as described above, the Partnership invests in additional
Affiliate Investment Instruments, the determination as to whether such
Affiliate Investment Instrument will contain an Investment Guarantee will be
made at the date of its issuance and will be based, among other things, upon
its approval by the Independent Financial Advisor in accordance with the
reinvestment criteria described above.
The Investment Guarantees will constitute guarantees of payment and not of
collection (that is, the guaranteed party may directly institute a legal
proceeding against the Company to enforce its rights under the applicable
Investment Guarantee without instituting a legal proceeding against any other
person or entity). If no Special Representative has been appointed to enforce
any Investment Guarantee, the General Partner has the right to enforce such
Investment Guarantee on behalf of the holders of the Partnership Preferred
Securities. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate liquidation
preference of the Partnership Preferred Securities have the right to direct
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available in respect of any Investment Guarantee, including the giving of
directions to the General Partner or the Special Representative, as the case
may be. If the General Partner or the Special Representative fails to enforce
any Investment Guarantee as above provided, any holder of Trust Preferred
Securities may institute its own legal proceeding to enforce such Investment
Guarantee. No Investment Guarantee will be discharged except by payment in
full of all amounts guaranteed by such Investment Guarantee (without
duplication of amounts theretofore paid by the relevant Investment Affiliate).
"Amendments and Assignment"
Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely affect the rights
of holders of Partnership Preferred Securities (in which case no consent will
be required), the Investment Guarantees may be amended only with the prior
approval of the holders of not less than a majority in liquidation preference
of the outstanding Partnership Preferred Securities, "provided" that for so long
as the Property Trustee of the Trust is the holder of the Partnership
Preferred Securities, such amendment will not be effective without the prior
written approval of a majority in liquidation amount of the outstanding Trust
Preferred Securities. All guarantees and agreements contained in the
Investment Guarantees shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees
and representatives of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of the
holders of Partnership Preferred Securities. Except in connection with any
38
permitted merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity
or any permitted sale, transfer or lease of the Company's assets to another
entity in which the surviving corporation (if other than the Company) assumes
the Company's obligations under the Investment Guarantees, the Company may not
assign its rights or delegate its obligations under the Investment Guarantees
without the prior approval of the holders of at least a majority of the
aggregate stated liquidation preference of the Partnership Preferred
Securities then outstanding.
"Status of the Investment Guarantees"
The Company's obligations under the Investment Guarantees will constitute
unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank subordinate and junior in
right of payment to all other liabilities of the Company and will rank pari
passu with the most senior preferred stock, if any, issued from time to time
by the Company, with similar guarantees issued by the Company in connection
with the $275,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of 7 3/4% Trust Originated
Preferred Securities issued by Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust I and the
$300,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of 8% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities issued by Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust II, and with any
guarantee now or hereafter entered into by the Company in respect of any
preferred stock of any other Finance Subsidiary. Accordingly, the rights of
the holders of the Debentures to receive payments under the Investment
Guarantees will be subject to the rights of the holders of any obligations
that are senior in priority to the obligations under the Investment
Guarantees. Furthermore, the holders of obligations of the Company that are
senior to the obligations under the Investment Guarantees (including, but not
limited to, obligations constituting Senior Indebtedness) will be entitled to
the same rights upon payment default or dissolution, liquidation and
reorganization in respect of the Investment Guarantees that inure to the
holders of Senior Indebtedness as against the holders of the Company
Debenture. The terms of the Debentures provide that each holder of Debentures,
by acceptance thereof, agrees to the subordination provisions and other terms
of the Investment Guarantees.
"Governing Law"
The Investment Guarantees will be governed by and construed in accordance
with the internal laws of the State of New York.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
The Partnership Preferred Securities are redeemable, at the option of the
General Partner, in whole or in part, from time to time, on or after ,
upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at an amount per
Partnership Preferred Security equal to $25 plus accumulated and unpaid
distributions thereon. If the Partnership redeems Partnership Preferred
Securities in accordance with the terms thereof, Trust Securities will be
mandatorily redeemed at the Redemption Price. If a partial redemption would
result in the delisting of the Trust Preferred Securities (or, if the Trust is
liquidated in connection with a Trust Special Event, or if a partial
redemption would result in the delisting of the Partnership Preferred
Securities), the Partnership may only redeem the Partnership Preferred
Securities in whole.
PARTNERSHIP SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION
If, at any time, a Partnership Tax Event or a Partnership Investment Company
Event (each as hereinafter defined, and each a "Partnership Special Event")
shall occur and be continuing, the General Partner shall, within 90 days
following the occurrence of such Partnership Special Event, elect to either
(i) redeem the Partnership Preferred Securities in whole (but not in part),
upon not less than 30 or more than 60 days notice at the Redemption Price,
"provided" that, if at the time there is available to the Partnership the
opportunity to eliminate, within such 90-day period, the Partnership Special
Event by taking some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an
election, or pursuing some other similar reasonable such measure that in the
sole judgment of the Company has or will cause no adverse effect on the
Partnership, the Trust or the Company, the General Partner will pursue such
measure in lieu of redemption; or (ii) cause the Partnership Preferred
Securities to remain outstanding, "provided" that in the case of this clause
(ii), the General Partner shall pay any and all costs and expenses incurred by
or payable by the Partnership attributable to the Partnership Special Event.
39
"Partnership Tax Event" means that the General Partner shall have requested
and received an opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel
experienced in such matters to the effect that there has been a Tax Action
which affects any of the events described in (i) through (iii) below and that
there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Partnership is, or will
be, subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income accrued
or received on the Affiliate Investment Instruments or the Eligible Debt
Securities, (ii) the Partnership is, or will be, subject to more than a "de
minimis" amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges or (iii)
interest payable by an Investment Affiliate with respect to the Debenture
issued by such Investment Affiliate to the Partnership is not, or will not be,
deductible by such Investment Affiliate for United States federal income tax
purposes.
"Partnership Investment Company Event" means that the General Partner shall
have requested and received an opinion of nationally recognized independent
legal counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that as a result of
the occurrence on or after the date hereof of a Change in 1940 Act Law, the
Partnership is or will be considered an "investment company" which is required
to be registered under the 1940 Act.
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
The Partnership may not redeem fewer than all the outstanding Partnership
Preferred Securities unless all accumulated and unpaid distributions have been
paid on all Partnership Preferred Securities for all quarterly distribution
periods terminating on or prior to the date of redemption.
If the Partnership gives a notice of redemption in respect of Partnership
Preferred Securities (which notice will be irrevocable) then, by 12:00 noon,
New York City time, on the redemption date, the Partnership (i) if the
Partnership Preferred Securities are in book entry form with DTC, will deposit
irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price
and will give DTC irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Redemption
Price in respect of the Partnership Preferred Securities held through DTC in
global form or (ii) if the Partnership Preferred Securities are held in
certificated form, will deposit with the paying agent for the Partnership
Preferred Securities funds sufficient to pay such amount in respect of any
Partnership Preferred Securities in certificated form and will give such
paying agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay such amounts to the
holders of Partnership Preferred Securities upon surrender of their
certificates. See "Description of the Trust Preferred Securities -- Book-Entry
Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company".
If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds deposited as
required, then upon the date of such deposit, all rights of holders of such
Partnership Preferred Securities so called for redemption will cease, except
the right of the holders of such Partnership Preferred Securities to receive
the Redemption Price, but without interest on such Redemption Price. In the
event that any date fixed for redemption of Partnership Preferred Securities
is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Price payable on such
date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and
without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) except
that, if such Business Day falls in the next calendar year, such payment will
be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same
force and effect as if made on such date fixed for redemption. In the event
that payment of the Redemption Price in respect of Partnership Preferred
Securities is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the
Partnership or by the Company pursuant to the Partnership Guarantee described
under "Description of the Partnership Guarantee," distributions on such
Partnership Preferred Securities will continue to accumulate, from the
original redemption date to the date of payment.
Subject to the foregoing and applicable law (including, without limitation,
United States federal securities laws), the Company or any of its subsidiaries
may at any time and from time to time purchase outstanding Partnership
Preferred Securities by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or
termination of the Partnership, the holders of the Partnership Preferred
Securities at the time will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the
Partnership available for distribution to partners after satisfaction of
liabilities of creditors as required by the Partnership Act, before any
distribution of assets is made to the General Partner, an amount equal to, in
the case
40
of holders of Partnership Preferred Securities, the aggregate of the stated
liquidation preference of $25 per Partnership Preferred Security plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of payment (such
amount being the "Partnership Liquidation Distribution").
Pursuant to the Limited Partnership Agreement, the Partnership shall be
dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up: (i) upon the bankruptcy of the
General Partner, (ii) upon the assignment by the General Partner of its entire
interest in the Partnership when the assignee is not admitted to the
Partnership as a general partner of the Partnership in accordance with the
Limited Partnership Agreement, or the filing of a certificate of dissolution
or its equivalent with respect to the General Partner, or the revocation of
the General Partner's charter and the expiration of 90 days after the date of
notice to the General Partner of revocation without a reinstatement of its
charter, or if any other event occurs that causes the General Partner to cease
to be a general partner of the Partnership under the Partnership Act, unless
the business of the Partnership is continued in accordance with the
Partnership Act, (iii) if the Partnership has redeemed or otherwise purchased
all the Partnership Preferred Securities, (iv) upon the entry of a decree of
judicial dissolution or (v) upon the written consent of all partners of the
Partnership.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as provided below and under "Description of the Partnership
Guarantee -- Amendments and Assignment" and as otherwise required by law and
the Limited Partnership Agreement, the holders of the Partnership Preferred
Securities will have no voting rights.
Not later than 30 days after any Partnership Enforcement Event occurs, the
General Partner will convene a meeting for the purpose of appointing a Special
Representative. If the General Partner fails to convene such meeting within
such 30-day period, the holders of 10% in liquidation preference of the
outstanding Partnership Preferred Securities will be entitled to convene such
meeting. The provisions of the Limited Partnership Agreement relating to the
convening and conduct of the meetings of the partners will apply with respect
to any such meeting. In the event that, at any such meeting, holders of less
than a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of Partnership Preferred
Securities entitled to vote for the appointment of a Special Representative
vote for such appointment, no Special Representative shall be appointed. Any
Special Representative appointed shall cease to be a Special Representative of
the Partnership and the limited partners if (1) the Partnership (or the
Company pursuant to the Partnership Guarantee) shall have paid in full all
accumulated and unpaid distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities,
(2) such Investment Event of Default, as the case may be, shall have been
cured, and (3) the Company is in compliance with all its obligations under the
Partnership Guarantee and the Company, in its capacity as the General Partner,
shall continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution.
Notwithstanding the appointment of any such Special Representative, the
Company shall continue as General Partner and shall retain all rights under
the Limited Partnership Agreement, including the right to declare, in its sole
discretion, the payment of distributions on the Partnership Preferred
Securities for which the failure of such declaration would not constitute a
default under the Limited Partnership Agreement.
If any proposed amendment to the Limited Partnership Agreement provides for,
or the General Partner otherwise proposes to effect, (i) any action that would
adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Partnership
Preferred Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Limited Partnership
Agreement or otherwise (including, without limitation, the authorization or
issuance of any limited partner interests in the Partnership ranking, as to
participation in the profits or distributions or in the assets of the
Partnership, senior to the Partnership Preferred Securities), or (ii) the
dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Partnership, other than (x) in
connection with the occurrence of a Partnership Special Event or (y) as
described under "Merger, Consolidation or Amalgamation of the Partnership"
below, then the holders of outstanding Partnership Preferred Securities will
be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal of the General Partner (but
not on any other amendment or proposal) as a class, and such amendment or
proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of the holders of a
majority in liquidation preference of such outstanding Partnership Preferred
Securities having a right to vote on the matter; "provided, however," that if
the Property Trustee on behalf of the Trust is the holder of the Partnership
Preferred Securities, any such amendment or proposal not excepted by clauses
(x) and (y) above shall not be effective without the prior or concurrent
approval of the holders of a
41
majority in liquidation amount of the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities
having a right to vote on such matters.
The General Partner shall not (i) direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available, (ii) waive any Investment
Event of Default that is waivable under the Affiliate Investment Instruments,
(iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal
of any Affiliate Investment Instruments shall be due and payable, (iv) waive
the breach of the covenant by the Company to restrict certain payments by the
Company, or (v) consent to any amendment, modification or termination of any
Affiliate Investment Instrument, where such consent shall be required from the
investor, without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the holders
of at least a majority in liquidation preference of the Partnership Preferred
Securities; "provided, however," that if the Property Trustee on behalf of the
Trust is the holder of the Partnership Preferred Securities, such waiver,
consent or amendment or other action shall not be effective without the prior
or concurrent approval of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the
outstanding Trust Preferred Securities having a right to vote on such matters.
The General Partner shall not revoke any action previously authorized or
approved by a vote of the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities
without the approval of such revocation by a majority in liquidation
preference of the outstanding Partnership Preferred Securities. The General
Partner shall notify all holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities of
any notice of an Investment Event of Default received with respect to any
Affiliate Investment Instrument.
Any required approval of holders of Partnership Preferred Securities may be
given at a separate meeting of holders of Partnership Preferred Securities
convened for such purpose, at a meeting of all of the partners in the
Partnership or pursuant to written consent. The Partnership will cause a
notice of any meeting at which holders of Partnership Preferred Securities are
entitled to vote, or of any matter upon which action by written consent of
such holders is to be taken, to be mailed to each holder of record of
Partnership Preferred Securities. Each such notice will include a statement
setting forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date by which such action is
to be taken, (ii) a description of any resolution proposed for adoption at
such meeting on which such holders are entitled to vote or of such matters
upon which written consent is sought and (iii) instruction for the delivery of
proxies or consents.
No vote or consent of the holders of Partnership Preferred Securities will
be required for the Partnership to redeem and cancel Partnership Preferred
Securities in accordance with the Limited Partnership Agreement.
Notwithstanding that holders of Partnership Preferred Securities are
entitled to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above,
any of the Partnership Preferred Securities at such time that are beneficially
owned by the Company or by any entity directly or indirectly controlled by, or
under direct or indirect common control with, the Company, except for
Partnership Preferred Securities purchased or acquired by the Company or its
affiliates in connection with transactions effected by or for the account of
customers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in connection with the
distribution or trading of such Partnership Preferred Securities; shall not be
entitled to vote or consent and shall, for purposes of such vote or consent,
be treated as if they were not outstanding, "provided, however," that persons
(other than affiliates of the Company) to whom the Company or any of its
subsidiaries have pledged Partnership Preferred Securities may vote or consent
with respect to such pledged Partnership Preferred Securities pursuant to the
terms of such pledge.
Holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities will have no rights to
remove or replace the General Partner.
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR AMALGAMATION OF THE PARTNERSHIP
The Partnership may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to, any corporation or other body, except as
described below. The Partnership may, without the consent of the holders of
the Partnership Preferred Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or
into, or be replaced by a limited partnership, limited liability company or
trust organized as such under the laws of any state of the United States of
America, provided that (i) such successor entity either (x) expressly assumes
all of the obligations of the Partnership under the Partnership Preferred
Securities or (y) substitutes for the Partnership Preferred Securities other
securities having substantially the same terms as the Partnership Preferred
Securities (the "Partnership Successor Securities") so long as the
42
Partnership Successor Securities are not junior to any other equity securities
of the successor entity, with respect to participation in the profits and
distributions, and in the assets, of the successor entity, (ii) the Investment
Affiliates expressly acknowledge such successor entity as the holder of the
Affiliate Investment Instruments, (iii) the Partnership Preferred Securities
or any Partnership Successor Securities are listed, or any Partnership
Successor Securities will be listed upon notification of issuance, on any
national securities exchange or other organization on which the Partnership
Preferred Securities, if so listed, are then listed, (iv) such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not cause the Trust Preferred
Securities (or, in the event that the Trust is liquidated in connection with a
Trust Special Event, the Partnership Preferred Securities (including any
Partnership Successor Securities)) to be downgraded by any nationally
recognized statistical rating organization, (v) such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation or replacement does not adversely affect the powers, preferences
and other special rights of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities or
Partnership Preferred Securities (including any Partnership Successor
Securities) in any material respect (other than, in the case of the
Partnership Preferred Securities, with respect to any dilution of the holders'
interest in the new resulting entity), (vi) such successor entity has a
purpose substantially identical to that of the Partnership, (vii) prior to
such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, the Company has
received an opinion of nationally recognized independent counsel to the
Partnership experienced in such matters to the effect that (A) such successor
entity will be treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax
purposes, (B) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement would
not cause the Trust to be classified as an association taxable as a
corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, (C) following such
merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, the Company and such
successor entity will be in compliance with the 1940 Act without registering
thereunder as an investment company, and (D) such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation or replacement will not adversely affect the limited liability of
the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities and (viii) the Company
guarantees the obligations of such successor entity under the Partnership
Successor Securities at least to the extent provided by the Partnership
Guarantee.
BOOK-ENTRY AND SETTLEMENT
If the Partnership Preferred Securities are distributed to holders of Trust
Preferred Securities in connection with the involuntary or voluntary
dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of the Trust as a result of the
occurrence of a Trust Special Event, the Partnership Preferred Securities will
be issued in the form of one or more global certificates (each a "Global
Partnership Security") registered in the name of DTC as the depository or its
nominee. For a description of DTC and the specific terms of the Depository
arrangements, see "Description of the Trust Preferred Securities -- Book-Entry
Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company". As of the date of this
Prospectus, the description therein of DTC's book-entry system and DTC's
practices as they relate to purchases, transfers, notices and payments with
respect to the Trust Preferred Securities apply in all material respects to
any Partnership Preferred Securities represented by one or more Global
Partnership Securities.
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT AND PAYING AGENT
The General Partner will act as registrar, transfer agent and paying agent
for the Partnership Preferred Securities for so long as the Partnership
Preferred Securities are held by the Trust or, if the Trust is liquidated in
connection with a Trust Special Event, for so long as the Partnership
Preferred Securities remain in book-entry only form. In the event the
Partnership Preferred Securities are distributed in connection with a Trust
Special Event and the book-entry system for the Partnership Preferred
Securities is discontinued, it is anticipated that The Chase Manhattan Bank or
one of its affiliates will act as registrar, transfer agent and paying agent
for the Partnership Preferred Securities.
Registration of transfers of Partnership Preferred Securities will be
effected without charge by or on behalf of the Partnership, but upon payment
(with the giving of such indemnity as the Partnership or the General Partner
may require) in respect of any tax or other governmental charges that may be
imposed in relation to it.
The Partnership will not be required to register or cause to be registered
the transfer of Partnership Preferred Securities after such Partnership
Preferred Securities have been called for redemption.
43
MISCELLANEOUS
The General Partner is authorized and directed to conduct its affairs and to
operate the Partnership in such a way that (i) the Partnership will not be
deemed to be an "investment company" required to be registered under the 1940
Act or characterized as an association taxable as a corporation for United
States federal income tax purposes, (ii) the Affiliate Investment Instruments
will be treated as indebtedness of the issuer of such debt instruments for
United States federal income tax purposes and (iii) the Partnership will not
be treated as an association or as a "publicly traded partnership" (within the
meaning of Section 7704 of the Code) taxable as a corporation. In this
connection, the General Partner is authorized to take any action, not
inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of limited partnership of
the Partnership or the Limited Partnership Agreement, that the General Partner
determines in its discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes as
long as such action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of
the Partnership Preferred Securities.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP GUARANTEE
Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the Partnership
Guarantee that will be executed and delivered by the Company for the benefit
of the holders from time to time of Partnership Preferred Securities. The
summary does not purport to be complete and is subject in all respects to the
provisions of, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the
Partnership Guarantee, which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The General Partner will hold
the Partnership Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Partnership
Preferred Securities.
GENERAL
Pursuant to the Partnership Guarantee, the Company will irrevocably agree,
on a subordinated basis to the extent set forth therein, to pay in full to the
holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities (without duplication of
amounts theretofore paid by the Partnership), as and when due, regardless of
any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that the Partnership may have or
assert, the following payments (the "Partnership Guarantee Payments"): (i) any
accumulated and unpaid distributions that have theretofore been declared on
the Partnership Preferred Securities out of funds legally available therefor,
(ii) the redemption price with respect to any Partnership Preferred Securities
called for redemption by the Partnership out of funds legally available
therefor, and (iii) upon a liquidation of the Partnership, the lesser of (a)
the aggregate of the liquidation preference and all accumulated and unpaid
distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities to the date of payment
and (b) the amount of assets of the Partnership, after satisfaction of all
liabilities, remaining available for distribution to holders of Partnership
Preferred Securities in liquidation of the Partnership. The Company's
obligation to make a Partnership Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct
payment of the required amounts by the Company to the holders of Partnership
Preferred Securities or by causing the Partnership to pay such amounts to such
holders.
The Partnership Guarantee will be a guarantee on a subordinated basis with
respect to the Partnership Preferred Securities from the time of issuance of
such Partnership Preferred Securities but will not apply to any payment of
distributions or Redemption Price, or to payments upon the dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Trust, except to the extent the Partnership
shall have funds available therefor. If Investment Affiliates (including,
where applicable, the Company, as guarantor) of the Affiliate Investment
Instruments in which the Partnership invests fail to make any payment in
respect of such securities (or, if applicable, guarantees), the Partnership
may not declare or pay dividends on the Partnership Preferred Securities. In
such event, holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities would not be able
to rely upon the Partnership Guarantee for payment of such amounts. Instead,
holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities will have the remedies
described herein under "Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities --
Partnership Enforcement Events", including the right to direct the General
Partner or the Special Representative, as the case may be, to enforce the
covenant restricting certain payments by the Company and Finance Subsidiaries.
See "-- Covenants of the Company" below.
The Guarantees, when taken together with the Company Debenture and the
Company's obligations to pay all fees and expenses of the Trust and the
Partnership, constitute a guarantee to the extent set forth herein by the
44
Company of the distribution, redemption and liquidation payments payable to
the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. The Guarantees do not apply,
however, to current distributions by the Partnership unless and until such
distributions are declared by the Partnership out of funds legally available
for payment or to liquidating distributions unless there are assets available
for payment in the Partnership, each as more fully described under "Risk
Factors -- Insufficient Income or Assets Available to Partnership".
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
The Company will covenant in the Partnership Guarantee that if (a) for any
distribution period, full distributions on a cumulative basis on any
Partnership Preferred Securities have not been paid or declared and set apart
for payment, (b) an Investment Event of Default by any Investment Affiliate in
respect of any Affiliate Investment Instrument has occurred and is continuing
or (c) the Company is in default of its obligations under the Trust Guarantee,
the Partnership Guarantee or any Investment Guarantee, then, during such
period (i) the Company shall not declare or pay dividends on, make
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock or comparable
equity interest (except for (x) dividends or distributions in shares of, or
options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, its
capital stock, and conversions or exchanges of common stock of one class into
common stock of another class, (y) redemptions or purchases of any rights
pursuant to the Rights Agreement and the issuance of preferred stock pursuant
to such rights and (z) purchases or acquisitions by the Company or its
affiliates in connection with transactions effected by or for the account of
customers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in connection with the
distribution or trading of such capital stock or comparable equity interest)
and (ii) the Company shall not make, permit any Finance Subsidiary to make, or
make any payments that would enable any Finance Subsidiary to make, any
payment of any dividends on, any distribution with respect to, or any
redemption, purchase or other acquisition of, or any liquidation payment with
respect to, any preferred security or comparable equity interest of any
Finance Subsidiary.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ENFORCEMENT OF PARTNERSHIP GUARANTEE
An event of default under the Partnership Guarantee will occur upon the
failure of the Company to perform any of its payment or other obligations
thereunder.
The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Partnership Preferred
Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Special Representative in
respect of the Partnership Guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or
power conferred upon the Special Representative under the Partnership
Guarantee. If the Special Representative fails to enforce its rights under the
Partnership Guarantee, after a holder of Partnership Preferred Securities has
made a written request, such holder of Partnership Preferred Securities may
institute a legal proceeding directly against the Company to enforce the
Special Representative's rights under the Partnership Guarantee without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the Partnership, the Special
Representative or any other person or entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if the Company has failed to make a guarantee payment, a holder of Partnership
Preferred Securities may directly institute a proceeding against the Company
for enforcement of the Partnership Guarantee for such payment.
STATUS OF THE PARTNERSHIP GUARANTEE; SUBORDINATION
The Partnership Guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation of the
Company and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other
liabilities of the Company and will rank pari passu with the most senior
preferred stock issued from time to time by the Company, with similar
guarantees issued by the Company in connection with the $275,000,000 aggregate
liquidation amount of 7 3/4% Trust Originated Preferred Securities issued by
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust I and the $300,000,000 aggregate
liquidation amount of 8% Trust Originated Preferred Securities issued by
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust II, and with any guarantee now or
hereafter entered into by the Company in respect of any preferred stock of any
other Finance Subsidiary. Accordingly, the rights of the holders of
Partnership Preferred Securities to receive payments under the Partnership
Guarantee will be subject to the rights of the holders of any obligations of
the Company that are
45
senior in priority to the obligations under the Partnership Guarantee.
Furthermore, the holders of obligations of the Company that are senior to the
obligations under the Partnership Guarantee (including, but not limited to,
obligations constituting Senior Indebtedness) will be entitled to the same
rights upon payment default or dissolution, liquidation and reorganization in
respect of the Partnership Guarantee that inure to the holders of Senior
Indebtedness as against the holders of the Company Debenture. The Limited
Partnership Agreement provides that each holder of Partnership Preferred
Securities, by acceptance thereof, agrees to the subordination provisions and
other terms of the Partnership Guarantee.
The Partnership Guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of
collection (that is, the guaranteed party may directly institute a legal
proceeding against the Company to enforce its rights under the Partnership
Guarantee without instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or
entity).
The Partnership Guarantee will be deposited with the General Partner to be
held for the benefit of the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities.
In the event of the appointment of a Special Representative to, among other
things, enforce the Partnership Guarantee, the Special Representative may take
possession of the Partnership Guarantee for such purpose. If no Special
Representative has been appointed to enforce the Partnership Guarantee, the
General Partner has the right to enforce the Partnership Guarantee on behalf
of the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities.
AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT
Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely affect the rights
of holders of Partnership Preferred Securities (in which case no consent will
be required), the Partnership Guarantee may be amended only with the prior
approval of the holders of not less than a majority in liquidation preference
of the outstanding Partnership Preferred Securities. All guarantees and
agreements contained in the Partnership Guarantee shall bind the successors,
assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Company and shall
inure to the benefit of the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities
then outstanding. Except in connection with any permitted merger or
consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or any permitted
sale, transfer or lease of the Company's assets to another entity in which the
surviving corporation (if other than the Company) assumes the Company's
obligations under the Partnership Guarantee, the Company may not assign its
rights or delegate its obligations under the Partnership Guarantee without the
prior approval of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate stated
liquidation preference of the Partnership Preferred Securities then
outstanding.
TERMINATION OF THE PARTNERSHIP GUARANTEE
The Partnership Guarantee will terminate and be of no further force and
effect as to the Partnership Preferred Securities upon (i) full payment of the
redemption price of all Partnership Preferred Securities or (ii) full payment
of the amounts payable in accordance with the Limited Partnership Agreement
upon liquidation of the Partnership. The Partnership Guarantee will continue
to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any
holder of Partnership Preferred Securities must in accordance with the
Partnership Act restore payment of any sums paid under the Partnership
Preferred Securities or the Partnership Guarantee. The Partnership Act
provides that a limited partner of a limited partnership who wrongfully
receives a distribution may be liable to the limited partnership for the
amount of such distribution.
GOVERNING LAW
The Partnership Guarantee will be governed by and construed in accordance
with the internal laws of the State of New York.
46
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
GENERAL
In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, tax counsel to the Company, the Trust
and the Partnership ("Tax Counsel"), the following summary accurately
describes the material United States federal income tax consequences that may
be relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of Trust Preferred
Securities. Unless otherwise stated, this summary deals only with Trust
Preferred Securities held as capital assets by United States Persons (defined
herein) who purchase the Trust Preferred Securities upon original issuance. As
used herein, a "United States Person" means a person that is a citizen or
resident of the United States, a corporation or a partnership (including an
entity treated as a corporation or partnership for United States federal
income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United
States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia (unless, in the case of
a partnership, Treasury regulations are adopted that provide otherwise), or an
estate or trust as defined in section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The tax treatment of a holder may vary
depending on its particular situation. This summary does not address all the
tax consequences that may be relevant to holders who may be subject to special
tax treatment, such as banks, real estate investment trusts, regulated
investment companies, insurance companies, dealers in securities or
currencies, tax-exempt investors, or foreign investors. This summary does not
include any description of any alternative minimum tax consequences or the tax
laws of any state or local government or of any foreign government that may be
applicable to the Trust Preferred Securities. This summary is based on the
Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and
judicial interpretations thereof, as of the date hereof, all of which are
subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.
The Trust Preferred Securities are not being marketed to persons that are
not United States Persons ("non-United States Persons") and, consequently, the
following discussion does not discuss the tax consequences that might be
relevant to non-United States Persons. Moreover, in order to protect the Trust
and the Partnership from potential adverse consequences, non-United States
Persons will be subject to withholding on distributions on the Trust Preferred
Securities held by such non-United States Persons at a rate of 30%. In
determining a holder's status, the United States entity otherwise required to
withhold taxes may rely on an IRS form W-8, an IRS form W-9, or a holder's
certification of its non-foreign status signed under penalty of perjury. NON-
UNITED STATES PERSONS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, AND
DISPOSITION OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES.
Tax Counsel has advised that there is no authority directly on point dealing
with securities such as the Trust Preferred Securities or transactions of the
type described herein and that the opinions of Tax Counsel are not binding on
the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or the courts, either of which could take
a contrary position. No rulings have been or will be sought from the IRS.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the
opinions expressed herein or that a court would not sustain such a challenge.
Nevertheless, Tax Counsel has advised that it is of the view that, if
challenged, the opinions expressed herein would be sustained by a court with
jurisdiction in a properly presented case.
HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE TRUST
PREFERRED SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL,
FOREIGN, AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN UNITED
STATES FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS. FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE POSSIBLE REDEMPTION
OF THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES OR REDEMPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP PREFERRED
SECURITIES UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF CERTAIN TAX EVENTS SEE "DESCRIPTION OF THE
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES -- TRUST SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION"
AND "DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP PREFERRED SECURITIES -- PARTNERSHIP
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION" RESPECTIVELY.
47
CLASSIFICATION OF THE TRUST
Tax Counsel is of the opinion that, under current law, and based on certain
representations, facts and assumptions set forth in such opinion, the Trust
will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor
trust and not as an association taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, for
United States federal income tax purposes, each holder of Trust Preferred
Securities will be considered the owner of an undivided interest in the
Partnership Preferred Securities held by the Trust, and each holder will be
required to include in its gross income its distributive share of income
attributable to the Partnership, which generally will be equal to such
holder's allocable share of amounts accrued on the Partnership Preferred
Securities. No amount included in income with respect to the Trust Preferred
Securities will be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Tax Counsel is of the opinion that, under current law, and based on certain
representations, facts and assumptions set forth in such opinion, the
Partnership will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes
as a partnership and not as an association or publicly traded partnership
taxable as a corporation.
Tax Counsel's opinion is based on certain factual assumptions relating to
the organization and operation of the Partnership and is conditioned upon
certain representations made by the General Partner and the Partnership as to
factual matters, such as the organization and the operation of the Partnership
and the type and frequency of investments made by the Partnership.
The General Partner has represented that it intends to operate the
Partnership in a manner such that it will continue to constitute a partnership
for all future taxable periods in which any Partnership Preferred Securities
remain outstanding. In particular, pursuant to the Limited Partnership
Agreement, the General Partner is prohibited from taking any action that would
cause the Partnership to constitute a "publicly traded partnership" taxable as
a corporation under section 7704(a) of the Code. Accordingly, it is expected
that the Partnership will continue to qualify as a partnership, and therefore
will not constitute a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation,
for all taxable years in which the Partnership Preferred Securities remain
outstanding.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE DEBENTURES
The Partnership, the Company, the relevant Investment Affiliates and the
holders of the Trust Securities (by acceptance of a beneficial interest in a
Trust Security) will agree to treat the Debentures as indebtedness of the
relevant issuer for all United States tax purposes. In connection with the
issuance of the Debentures, Tax Counsel will issue its opinion that, under
current law, and based on certain representations, facts and assumptions set
forth in such opinion, the Debentures will be classified as indebtedness of
the relevant issuer for United States federal income tax purposes.
INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS
A holder's distributive share of income attributable to the Partnership
generally will be substantially equal to the amount of the cash distributions
that accumulate with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities. Accordingly,
if quarterly distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities are paid
currently, the amount of income recognized by a holder during a taxable year
generally will be substantially equal to the cash distributions received by
the holder with respect to its Trust Preferred Securities.
The nature and timing of the income that is allocated to holders of Trust
Preferred Securities will, however, depend on the United States federal income
tax characterization of the investments held by the Partnership during the
period in question. Because the Partnership will be an accrual basis taxpayer
for United States federal income tax purposes, income will accrue on the Trust
Preferred Securities and will be allocated to holders of Trust
48
Preferred Securities on a daily accrual basis, generally at a rate that is
expected to be equal to (and that will not be greater than) the distribution
rate on the Trust Preferred Securities, regardless of the holders' method of
accounting. Actual cash distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will
not, however, be separately reported as taxable income to the holders at the
time they are received.
If distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities are not made
currently, the corresponding distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities
will not be made currently. Because the Partnership is an accrual basis
taxpayer it can be expected that during a period in which interest payments on
the Debentures or distributions on the Partnership Preferred Securities are
deferred (for whatever reason), holders will generally recognize income in
advance of their receipt of any cash distributions with respect to their Trust
Preferred Securities. The amount of income that will be allocated to holders
of Trust Preferred Securities during any such deferral period will equal their
pro rata share of the amount of distributions accruing on the Partnership
Preferred Securities during such deferral period.
The Partnership does not presently intend to make an election under Section
754 of the Code. Accordingly, a subsequent purchaser of Trust Preferred
Securities will not be permitted to adjust the tax basis in his allocable
share of the Partnership's assets so as to reflect any difference between his
purchase price for the Trust Preferred Securities and his share of the
Partnership's underlying tax basis in its assets. As a result, a holder of
Trust Preferred Securities may be required to report a larger or smaller
amount of income from holding the Trust Preferred Securities than would
otherwise be appropriate based upon the holder's purchase price for the Trust
Preferred Securities.
RECEIPT OF PARTNERSHIP PREFERRED SECURITIES UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST
Under certain circumstances, as described under the caption "Description of
the Trust Preferred Securities-- Trust Special Event Redemption or
Distribution", Partnership Preferred Securities may be distributed to holders
of Trust Preferred Securities in exchange for their Trust Preferred Securities
and in liquidation of the Trust. Unless the liquidation of the Trust occurs as
a result of the Trust being subject to United States federal income tax with
respect to income accrued or received on the Partnership Preferred Securities,
such a distribution to holders would, for United States federal income tax
purposes, be treated as a nontaxable event to each holder, each holder would
receive an aggregate tax basis in the Partnership Preferred Securities equal
to such holder's aggregate tax basis in its Trust Preferred Securities, and a
holder's holding period in the Partnership Preferred Securities so received in
liquidation of the Trust would include the period during which the Trust
Preferred Securities were held by such holder. If, however, the liquidation of
the Trust were to occur because the Trust is subject to United States federal
income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the Partnership
Preferred Securities, the distribution of Partnership Preferred Securities to
holders by the Trust would likely be a taxable event to each holder, and a
holder would recognize gain or loss as if the holder had exchanged its Trust
Preferred Securities for the Partnership Preferred Securities it received upon
the liquidation of the Trust. Such gain or loss would be equal to the
difference between the holder's aggregate tax basis in its Trust Preferred
Securities surrendered in the exchange and the aggregate fair market value of
the Partnership Preferred Securities received in the exchange.
REDEMPTION OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES FOR CASH
Under certain circumstances, as described under the caption "Description of
the Trust Preferred Securities-- Mandatory Redemption", "Description of the
Trust Preferred Securities -- Trust Special Event Redemption or Distribution"
and "Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities -- Partnership
Special Event Redemption", the General Partner may cause the Partnership to
redeem the Partnership Preferred Securities for cash, in which event the Trust
shall simultaneously apply the proceeds of such redemption to redeem the Trust
Preferred Securities. Under current law, such a redemption would constitute,
for United States federal income tax purposes, a taxable disposition, and a
holder would recognize gain or loss as if it sold the holder's proportionate
interest in the redeemed Partnership Preferred Securities for an amount of
cash equal to the proceeds received upon redemption. See "-- Disposition of
Trust Preferred Securities".
49
DISPOSITION OF TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
A holder that sells Trust Preferred Securities will recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale of the Trust
Preferred Securities and the holder's adjusted tax basis in such Trust
Preferred Securities. Such gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss and will
be a long-term capital gain or loss if the Trust Preferred Securities have been
held for more than one year at the time of the sale. A holder will be required
to include accumulated but unpaid distributions on the Partnership Preferred
Securities through the date of disposition in income as ordinary income, and to
add such amount to the adjusted tax basis of its Trust Preferred Securities.
A holder's tax basis in its Trust Preferred Securities generally will equal
(i) the amount paid by such holder for its Trust Preferred Securities, (ii)
increased by the amount includible in income by such holder with respect to its
Trust Preferred Securities, and (iii) reduced by the amount of cash or other
property distributed to such holder with respect to its Trust Preferred
Securities. A holder who acquires Trust Preferred Securities at different
prices may be required to maintain a single aggregate adjusted tax basis in all
of his Trust Preferred Securities and, upon sale or other disposition of some
of such Trust Preferred Securities, to allocate a "pro rata" portion of such
aggregate tax basis to the Trust Preferred Securities sold (rather than
maintaining a separate tax basis in each Trust Preferred Security for purposes
of computing gain or loss on a sale of that Trust Preferred Security).
On August 5, 1997, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "Tax Act"), was
enacted into law. The Tax Act reduces the maximum rates on long-term capital
gains recognized on capital assets held by individual taxpayers for more than
eighteen months as of the date of disposition and would further reduce the
maximum rates on such gains in the year 2001 and thereafter for certain
individual taxpayers who meet specified conditions. Prospective investors
should consult their own tax advisers concerning these tax law changes.
OTHER PARTNERSHIP PROVISIONS
"Section 708." Under Section 708 of the Code, the Partnership will be deemed
to terminate for United States federal income tax purposes if 50% or more of
the capital and profits interests in the Trust are sold or exchanged within a
12-month period. Pursuant to final Treasury regulations issued on May 9, 1997,
if such a deemed termination were to occur, the Partnership would be considered
to have contributed its assets to a new partnership in return for partnership
interests therein and then to have distributed those new partnership interests
to the partners of the old partnership in liquidation thereof.
"Section 701." The Department of Treasury has promulgated regulations under
Section 701 of the Code that generally permit it to recast a transaction or
disregard a partnership if a partnership is formed or availed of in connection
with a transaction a principal purpose of which is to reduce substantially the
present value of the partners' aggregate federal tax liability in a manner that
is inconsistent with the intent of the partnership provisions of the Code or to
treat a partnership as an aggregate of its partners as appropriate to carry out
the purpose of any provision of the Code or the Treasury regulations
thereunder. The Partnership has been formed for, and will engage in, activities
typical for partnerships. Although there is no precedent that applies to the
transactions contemplated herein, Tax Counsel believes that the Partnership is
not of the type intended to fall within the scope of these regulations.
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Income on the Trust Preferred Securities will be reported to holders on an
IRS Form 1099, which form should be mailed to holders of Trust Preferred
Securities by January 31 following each calendar year. Payments made on and
proceeds from the sale of Trust Preferred Securities may be subject to a "back-
up" withholding tax of 31% unless the holder complies with certain
identification requirements. Any withheld amount generally will be allowed as a
credit against the holder's United States federal income tax, provided the
required information is timely filed with the IRS.
50
NEW WITHHOLDING REGULATIONS
On October 6, 1997, the Treasury Department issued new regulations (the "New
Regulations") which make certain modifications to the back-up withholding and
information reporting rules described above. The New Regulations attempt to
unify certification requirements and modify reliance standards. The New
Regulations will generally be effective for payments made after December 31,
1998, subject to certain transition rules. Prospective investors are urged to
consult their own tax advisors regarding the New Regulations.
51
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a purchase agreement (the
"Purchase Agreement"), the Trust has agreed to sell to each of the
Underwriters named below, and each of the Underwriters, for whom Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and are acting as
representatives (the "Representatives"), has severally agreed to purchase the
number of Trust Preferred Securities set forth opposite its name below. In the
Purchase Agreement, the several Underwriters have agreed, subject to the terms
and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all the Trust Preferred
Securities offered hereby if any of the Trust Preferred Securities are
purchased. In the event of default by an Underwriter, the Purchase Agreement
provides that, in certain circumstances, the purchase commitments of the non-
defaulting Underwriters may be increased or the Purchase Agreement may be
terminated.
NUMBER OF TRUST
UNDERWRITERS PREFERRED SECURITIES
------------ --------------------
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated.........................................
----------
Total.................................................
==========
The Underwriters propose to offer the Trust Preferred Securities, in part,
directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus, and, in part, to certain securities dealers at
such price less a concession of $ per Trust Preferred Security; provided,
that such concession for sales of 10,000 or more Trust Preferred Securities to
any single purchaser will be $ per Trust Preferred Security. The Underwriters
may allow, and such dealers may re-allow, a concession not in excess of $ per
Trust Preferred Security to certain brokers and dealers. After the Trust
Preferred Securities are released for sale to the public, the offering price
and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the
Representatives.
In view of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of the Trust Preferred
Securities will ultimately be used to purchase the investment instruments of
the Company and its subsidiaries, the Purchase Agreement provides that the
Company will pay as compensation (the "Underwriters' Compensation") to the
Underwriters, an amount in immediately available funds of $ per Trust
Preferred Security (or $ in the aggregate) for the accounts of the several
Underwriters; provided that, such compensation for sales of 10,000 or more
Trust Preferred Securities to any single purchaser will be $ per Trust
Preferred Security. Therefore, to the extent of such sales, the actual amount
of Underwriters' Compensation will be less than the aggregate amount specified
in the preceding sentence.
Application will be made to list the Trust Preferred Securities on the New
York Stock Exchange. Trading of the Trust Preferred Securities on the New York
Stock Exchange is expected to commence within a 30-day period after the
initial delivery of the Trust Preferred Securities. The Representatives have
advised the Trust that they intend to make a market in the Trust Preferred
Securities prior to the commencement of trading on the New York Stock
Exchange. The Representatives will have no obligation to make a market in the
Trust Preferred Securities, however, and may cease market making activities,
if commenced, at any time.
Prior to this offering there has been no public market for the Trust
Preferred Securities. In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the
Trust Preferred Securities on the New York Stock Exchange, the Underwriters
will undertake to sell lots of 100 or more Trust Preferred Securities to a
minimum of 400 beneficial holders.
The Trust, the Company, and the Partnership have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against, or contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect of, certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
52
Because MLPF&S, one of the Underwriters in the offering, is an affiliate of
the Company and a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. ("NASD"), the offering of Trust Preferred Securities will be conducted
pursuant to the applicable sections of Rule 2810 of the Conduct Rules of the
NASD. The Underwriters may not confirm sales to any discretionary account
without the prior specific written approval of the customer.
The Underwriters are permitted to engage in certain transactions that
stabilize the price of the Trust Preferred Securities. Such transactions
consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining
the price of the Trust Preferred Securities.
If an Underwriter creates a short position in the Trust Preferred Securities
in connection with the offering, i.e., if it sells more Units of the Trust
Preferred Securities than are set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus,
the Underwriter may reduce that short position by purchasing Units of the
Trust Preferred Securities in the open market.
The Underwriters may also impose a penalty bid on certain Underwriters and
selling group members. This means that if an Underwriter purchases Units of
the Trust Preferred Securities in the open market to reduce the Underwriter's
short position or to stabilize the price of the Trust Preferred Securities,
they may reclaim the amount of the selling concession from the Underwriters
and selling group members who sold those Units as part of the offering.
In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher
than it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty
bid might also have an effect on the price of a security to the extent that it
were to discourage resales of the security.
Neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the
transactions described above may have on the price of the Trust Preferred
Securities. In addition, neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes
any representation that the Underwriters will engage in such transactions or
that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without
notice.
MLPF&S may use this Prospectus for offers and sales related to market-making
transactions in the Trust Preferred Securities. MLPF&S may act as principal or
agent in these transactions, and the sales will be made at prices related to
prevailing market prices at the time of sale.
53
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the legality of the Trust
Preferred Securities, the validity of the Trust Agreement, the formation of
the Trust and the Partnership and the legality under state law of the Trust
Preferred Securities and the Partnership Preferred Securities are being passed
upon by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Delaware), special Delaware
counsel to the Trust, the Partnership and the Company. The legality under
state law of the Trust Guarantee, the Partnership Guarantee, the Company
Debenture and the Investment Guarantees with respect to the Affiliate
Debentures will be passed upon on behalf of the Trust, the Partnership and the
Company by Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New York. The validity of the Trust
Preferred Securities, the Partnership Preferred Securities and the Trust
Guarantee and the Partnership Guarantee will be passed upon on behalf of the
Underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York,
counsel to the Underwriters.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included
or incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte
& Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The balance sheets of Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding , L.P. and Merrill
Lynch Preferred Capital Trust included in this Prospectus have also been
audited by and have been included in reliance upon such reports of
given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein
by reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in
accordance with professional standards for a review of such information.
However, as stated in their report included in such Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q and incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not
express an opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the
degree of reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted
in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte &
Touche LLP are not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the
Act for any such report on unaudited interim financial information because any
such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement
prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11
of the Act.
54
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
DEFINED TERMS PAGE NO.
- ------------- --------
Affiliate Debentures................................................... 36
Affiliate Investment Instruments....................................... 19
Beneficial Owner....................................................... 29
Business Day........................................................... 22
Change in 1940 Act Law................................................. 24
Code................................................................... 47
Commission............................................................. 4
Company................................................................ 1
Company Debenture...................................................... 36
Debentures............................................................. 36
Declaration............................................................ 18
Delaware Trustee....................................................... 18
Depository............................................................. 28
DTC.................................................................... 1
Eligible Institution................................................... 37
Eligible Debt Securities............................................... 37
Exchange Act........................................................... 4
FDIC................................................................... 37
Finance Subsidiary..................................................... 3
General Partner........................................................ 1
Global Certificates.................................................... 28
Global Partnership Security............................................ 43
Guarantees............................................................. 2
Independent Financial Advisor.......................................... 37
Indirect Participants.................................................. 29
Initial Partnership Proceeds........................................... 36
Investment Affiliate................................................... 38
Investment Events of Default........................................... 37
Investment Guarantee................................................... 37
IRS.................................................................... 47
Limited Partnership Agreement.......................................... 18
MAM.................................................................... 17
Merrill Lynch.......................................................... 1
MLPF&S................................................................. 1
Moody's................................................................ 37
NASD................................................................... 53
New Regulations........................................................ 51
1940 Act............................................................... 10
1996 Form 10-K......................................................... 5
Non-United States Persons.............................................. 47
Offer.................................................................. 17
Participants........................................................... 29
Partnership............................................................ 1
Partnership Act........................................................ 19
Partnership Enforcement Event.......................................... 35
Partnership Guarantee.................................................. 2
Partnership Guarantee Payments......................................... 44
Partnership Investment Company Event................................... 40
Partnership Liquidation Distribution................................... 41
55
DEFINED TERMS PAGE NO.
- ------------- --------
Partnership Preferred Securities....................................... 1
Partnership Special Event.............................................. 39
Partnership Successor Securities....................................... 42
Partnership Tax Event.................................................. 40
Property Account....................................................... 18
Property Trustee....................................................... 18
Purchase Agreement..................................................... 52
Redemption Price....................................................... 4
Registration Statement................................................. 4
Regular Trustees....................................................... 18
Representatives........................................................ 52
Rights Agreement....................................................... 3
S&P.................................................................... 37
Securities Act......................................................... 4
Senior Indebtedness.................................................... 2
Special Event.......................................................... 13
Special Representative................................................. 35
Successor Securities................................................... 27
Tax Act................................................................ 50
Tax Action............................................................. 24
Tax Counsel............................................................ 47
TOPrS.................................................................. 1
Trust.................................................................. 1
Trust Act.............................................................. 18
Trust Common Securities................................................ 1
Trust Dissolution Tax Opinion.......................................... 23
Trust Enforcement Event................................................ 22
Trust Guarantee........................................................ 2
Trust Guarantee Payments............................................... 31
Trust Guarantee Trustee................................................ 18
Trust Indenture Act.................................................... 18
Trust Investment Company Event......................................... 24
Trust Liquidation...................................................... 25
Trust Liquidation Distribution......................................... 8
Trust Preferred Securities............................................. 1
Trust Redemption Tax Opinion........................................... 23
Trust Securities....................................................... 1
Trust Special Event.................................................... 23
Trust Tax Event........................................................ 23
Trustees............................................................... 18
Underwriters' Compensation............................................. 1
United States Person................................................... 47
56
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE NO.
--------
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING IV, L.P.
Independent Auditors' Report......................................... F-2
Balance Sheet........................................................ F-3
Notes to Balance Sheet............................................... F-3
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST IV
Independent Auditors' Report......................................... F-4
Balance Sheet........................................................ F-5
Notes to Balance Sheet............................................... F-5
F-1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the General Partner and Initial Limited Partner of
Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding IV, L.P.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Merrill Lynch Preferred
Funding IV, L.P. (the "Partnership") as of December , 1997. This balance
sheet is the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on this balance sheet based on our
audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall balance sheet
presentation. We believe that our audit of the balance sheet provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of December
, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
January , 1998
New York, New York
F-2
BALANCE SHEET OF
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING IV, L.P.
OPENING BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER , 1997
Assets........................................................... $ --
=====
Partnership securities
Limited partner interest....................................... $ 85
General partner interest....................................... 15
-----
$ 100
Less: Receivables from partners for subscribed partnership inter-
ests............................................................ (100)
-----
--
=====
NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET OF MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING IV, L.P.
Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding IV, L.P. (the "Partnership") is a limited
partnership that was formed under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited
Partnership Act on December , 1997 for the exclusive purposes of purchasing
certain eligible debt instruments of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company")
and wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company (the "Affiliate Investment
Instruments") with the proceeds from the sale of Partnership Preferred
Securities (the "Partnership Preferred Securities") to Merrill Lynch Preferred
Capital Trust IV (the "Trust") and a capital contribution from the Company in
exchange for the general partnership interest in the Partnership
(collectively, the "Partnership Proceeds").
The Partnership Preferred Securities will be redeemable for cash, at the
option of the Partnership, in whole or in part, from time to time, after a
certain date to be determined. Except as provided in the Limited Partnership
Agreement and Partnership Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, and as
otherwise provided by law, the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities
will have no voting rights.
The Partnership Proceeds will be used initially to purchase debt instruments
from the Company and certain domestic wholly owned subsidiaries of the
Company, retaining 1% in unaffiliated debt securities. The Partnership shall
have a perpetual existence subject to certain termination events. The Company
serves as the sole general partner of the Partnership. The Company, in its
capacity as General Partner of the Partnership, has agreed to pay all fees and
expenses related to the organization and operations of the Partnership
(including any taxes, duties, assessments or government charges of whatever
nature (other than withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or any
other domestic taxing authority upon the Partnership) and the offering of the
Partnership Preferred Securities and be responsible for all debts and other
obligations of the Partnership (other than with respect to the Partnership
Preferred Securities). The General Partner has agreed to indemnify certain
officers and agents of the Partnership.
F-3
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Trustees of
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust IV
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Merrill Lynch Preferred
Capital Trust IV (the "Trust"), as of December , 1997. This balance sheet is
the responsibility of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on this balance sheet based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall balance sheet
presentation. We believe that our audit of the balance sheet provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Trust as of December ,
1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
January , 1998
New York, New York
F-4
BALANCE SHEET OF MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST IV
OPENING BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER , 1997
Assets................................................................ $0
===
Trust securities...................................................... $0
===
NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET OF MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST IV
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust IV (the "Trust") is a statutory
business trust formed on December , 1997 under the laws of the State of
Delaware for the exclusive purposes of (i) issuing the Trust Originated
Preferred Securities (the "Trust Preferred Securities") and the Trust Common
Securities (together with the Trust Preferred Securities, the "Trust
Securities") representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the
assets of the Trust, (ii) purchasing Partnership Preferred Securities (the
"Partnership Preferred Securities") representing the limited partnership
interests of Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding IV, L.P. (the "Partnership") with
the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Securities, and (iii) engaging in only
those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. The Trust has a
perpetual existence, subject to certain termination events as provided in the
Declaration of Trust under which it was formed. Subsequent to December ,
1997, the Trust intends to issue and sell its Trust Preferred Securities in a
public offering and to issue and sell its Trust Common Securities to Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company"). No Trust Preferred Securities have been
issued as of December , 1997.
The proceeds from the Trust's sale of the Trust Securities will be used to
purchase the Partnership Preferred Securities from the Partnership. The
Partnership Preferred Securities will be redeemable for cash, at the option of
the Partnership, in whole or in part, from time to time, after a certain date
to be determined. Upon any redemption of the Partnership Preferred Securities,
the Trust Preferred Securities will be redeemed, in whole or in part, as
applicable. Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have limited voting
rights and will not be entitled to vote to appoint, remove or replace, or to
increase or decrease the number of, Trustees, which voting rights are vested
exclusively in the holder of the Trust Common Securities.
The Company will be obligated to pay compensation to the underwriters of the
offering of the Trust Preferred Securities. The Company will pay all fees and
expenses related to the organization and operations of the Trust (including any
taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other
than withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or any other domestic
taxing authority upon the Trust) and the offering of the Trust Preferred
Securities and be responsible for all debts and other obligations of the Trust
(other than the Trust Securities). The Company has also agreed to indemnify the
Trustees and certain other persons.
F-5
(ALTERNATE PAGE FOR OFFERING RELATING TO MERRILL LYNCH CAPITAL TRUST V)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE NO.
--------
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING V, L.P.
Independent Auditors' Report......................................... F-7
Balance Sheet........................................................ F-8
Notes to Balance Sheet............................................... F-8
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST V
Independent Auditors' Report......................................... F-9
Balance Sheet........................................................ F-10
Notes to Balance Sheet............................................... F-10
F-6
(ALTERNATE PAGE FOR OFFERING RELATING TO MERRILL LYNCH CAPITAL TRUST V)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the General Partner and Initial Limited Partner of
Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding V, L.P.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Merrill Lynch Preferred
Funding V, L.P. (the "Partnership") as of January , 1998. This balance sheet
is the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on this balance sheet based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall balance sheet
presentation. We believe that our audit of the balance sheet provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of January ,
1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
January , 1998
New York, New York
F-7
(ALTERNATE PAGE FOR OFFERING RELATING TO MERRILL LYNCH CAPITAL TRUST V)
BALANCE SHEET OF
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING V, L.P.
OPENING BALANCE SHEET
JANUARY , 1998
Assets........................................................... $ --
=====
Partnership Securities
Limited partner interest....................................... $ 85
General partner interest....................................... 15
-----
$100
Less: Receivables from partners for subscribed partnership inter-
ests............................................................ (100)
-----
--
=====
NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET OF MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING V, L.P.
Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding V, L.P. (the "Partnership") is a limited
partnership that was formed under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited
Partnership Act on January , 1998 for the exclusive purposes of purchasing
certain eligible debt instruments of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company")
and wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company (the "Affiliate Investment
Instruments") with the proceeds from the sale of Partnership Preferred
Securities (the "Partnership Preferred Securities") to Merrill Lynch Preferred
Capital Trust V (the "Trust") and a capital contribution from the Company in
exchange for the general partnership interest in the Partnership
(collectively, the "Partnership Proceeds").
The Partnership Preferred Securities will be redeemable for cash, at the
option of the Partnership, in whole or in part, from time to time, after a
certain date to be determined. Except as provided in the Limited Partnership
Agreement and Partnership Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, and as
otherwise provided by law, the holders of the Partnership Preferred Securities
will have no voting rights.
The Partnership Proceeds will be used initially to purchase debt instruments
from the Company and certain domestic wholly owned subsidiaries of the
Company, retaining 1% in unaffiliated debt securities. The Partnership shall
have a perpetual existence subject to certain termination events. The Company
serves as the sole general partner of the Partnership. The Company, in its
capacity as General Partner of the Partnership, has agreed to pay all fees and
expenses related to the organization and operations of the Partnership
(including any taxes, duties, assessments or government charges of whatever
nature (other than withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or any
other domestic taxing authority upon the Partnership) and the offering of the
Partnership Preferred Securities and be responsible for all debts and other
obligations of the Partnership (other than with respect to the Partnership
Preferred Securities). The General Partner has agreed to indemnify certain
officers and agents of the Partnership.
F-8
(ALTERNATE PAGE FOR OFFERING RELATING TO MERRILL LYNCH CAPITAL TRUST V)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Trustees of
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust V
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Merrill Lynch Preferred
Capital Trust V (the "Trust"), as of January , 1998. This balance sheet is
the responsibility of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on this balance sheet based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall balance sheet
presentation. We believe that our audit of the balance sheet provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Trust as of January , 1998,
in comformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
January , 1998
New York, New York
F-9
(ALTERNATE PAGE FOR OFFERING RELATING TO MERRILL LYNCH CAPITAL TRUST V)
BALANCE SHEET OF
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST V
OPENING BALANCE SHEET
JANUARY , 1998
Assets................................................................ $0
===
Trust securities...................................................... $0
===
NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET OF MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED CAPITAL TRUST V
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust V (the "Trust") is a statutory
business trust formed on January , 1998 under the laws of the State of
Delaware for the exclusive purposes of (i) issuing the Trust Originated
Preferred Securities (the "Trust Preferred Securities") and the Trust Common
Securities (together with the Trust Preferred Securities, the "Trust
Securities") representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the
assets of the Trust, (ii) purchasing Partnership Preferred Securities (the
"Partnership Preferred Securities") representing the limited partnership
interests of Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding V, L.P. (the "Partnership") with
the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Securities, and (iii) engaging in only
those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. The Trust has a
perpetual existence, subject to certain termination events as provided in the
Declaration of Trust under which it was formed. Subsequent to January ,
1998, the Trust intends to issue and sell its Trust Preferred Securities in a
public offering and to issue and sell its Trust Common Securities to Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company"). No Trust Preferred Securities have been
issued as of January , 1998.
The proceeds from the Trust's sale of the Trust Securities will be used to
purchase the Partnership Preferred Securities from the Partnership. The
Partnership Preferred Securities will be redeemable for cash, at the option of
the Partnership, in whole or in part, from time to time, after a certain date
to be determined. Upon any redemption of the Partnership Preferred Securities,
the Trust Preferred Securities will be redeemed, in whole or in part, as
applicable. Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have limited voting
rights and will not be entitled to vote to appoint, remove or replace, or to
increase or decrease the number of, Trustees, which voting rights are vested
exclusively in the holder of the Trust Common Securities.
The Company will be obligated to pay compensation to the underwriters of the
offering of the Trust Preferred Securities. The company will pay all fees and
expenses related to the organization and operations of the Trust (including
any taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature
(other than withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or any other
domestic taxing authority upon the Trust) and the offering of the Trust
Preferred Securities and be responsible for all debts and other obligations of
the Trust (other than the Trust Securities). The Company has also agreed to
indemnify the Trustees and certain other persons.
F-10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS
PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
TO BUY, THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE
FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE
DATE HEREOF.
---------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
Available Information...................................................... 4
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............................ 5
Summary.................................................................... 6
Risk Factors............................................................... 12
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc................................................... 16
Use of Proceeds............................................................ 16
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges......................................... 17
Recent Developments........................................................ 17
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust .................................. 18
Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding , L.P................................... 19
Description of the Trust Preferred Securities.............................. 20
Description of the Trust Guarantee......................................... 31
Description of the Partnership Preferred Securities........................ 34
Description of the Partnership Guarantee................................... 44
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations.................................. 47
Underwriting............................................................... 52
Legal Matters.............................................................. 54
Experts.................................................................... 54
Index of Defined Terms..................................................... 55
Index to Financial Statements.............................................. F-1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED
CAPITAL TRUST
% TRUST ORIGINATED
PREFERRED SECURITIES SM ("TOPRS SM")
GUARANTEED TO THE EXTENT SET
FORTH HEREIN BY
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
---------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS SUBJECT TO +
+COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING +
+PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN +
+OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN +
+WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO +
+REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED JANUARY , 1998)
$
[LOGO]
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES B
DUE NINE MONTHS OR MORE FROM DATE OF ISSUE
----------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") may offer from time to time up to
$ aggregate principal amount (except that with respect to Notes
sold at a discount, the initial offering price will be used), or the equivalent
thereof in one or more foreign currencies or currency units, of its Medium-Term
Notes, Series B (the "Notes"). Each Note will mature on a day nine months or
more from the date of issue, as selected by the purchaser and agreed to by the
Company, and may be subject to redemption by the Company or repayment at the
option of the Holder thereof, in each case, in whole or in part, prior to its
Stated Maturity, as set forth therein and specified in a pricing supplement
hereto (each, a "Pricing Supplement").
The interest rate, if any, or the formula for the determination of any such
interest rate, applicable to each Note and other variable terms of the Notes as
described herein will be established by the Company at the date of issue of
such Note and will be set forth therein and specified in a Pricing Supplement.
Interest rates, interest rate formulae and such other variable terms are
subject to change by the Company, but no change will affect any Note already
issued or as to which an offer to purchase has been accepted by the Company.
Each Note will be issued in fully registered book-entry form (a "Book-Entry
Note") or certificated form (a "Certificated Note"), as set forth in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof, unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement. Each Book-Entry Note will be represented by one or more global
securities ("Global Notes") deposited with or on behalf of The Depository Trust
Company (or such other depository as is identified in an applicable Pricing
Supplement) (the "Depository") and registered in the name of the Depository's
nominee. Beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes will be shown on, and
transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the
Depository (with respect to its participants) and the Depository's participants
(with respect to Beneficial Owners). Beneficial Owners of the Book-Entry Notes
will not have the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their
ownership except under the limited circumstances described herein.
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Pricing Supplement, the Notes
will bear interest at fixed rates (the "Fixed Rate Notes") or at floating rates
(the "Floating Rate Notes"). The applicable Pricing Supplement will specify
whether a Floating Rate Note is a Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note, Inverse
Floating Rate Note or Regular Floating Rate Note and whether its rate of
interest is determined by reference to one or more of the CD Rate, the CMT
Rate, the Commercial Paper Rate, the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate, the
Federal Funds Rate, LIBOR, the Prime Rate or the Treasury Rate, or any other
interest rate basis or formula (each, an "Interest Rate Basis"), as adjusted by
any Spread and/or Spread Multiplier and will specify such other terms
applicable to such Note. Interest rates offered by the Company with respect to
the Notes may differ depending upon the aggregate principal amount of Notes
subject to purchase in any single transaction. See "Description of Notes".
SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE S-2 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS THAT SHOULD
BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY.
----------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE
PROSPECTUS OR ANY SUPPLEMENT HERETO. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENT'S DISCOUNTS
PRICE TO AND PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC(1) COMMISSIONS(1)(2) COMPANY(1)(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Note......... 100% .050% --.600% 99.950% --99.400%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ -- $ --
Total(4)......... $ $ $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
(the "Agent") will purchase the Notes, as principal, from the Company, for
resale to investors and other purchasers at varying prices relating to
prevailing market prices at the time of resale as determined by the Agent,
or, if so specified in an applicable Pricing Supplement, for resale at a
fixed public offering price. Unless otherwise specified in an applicable
Pricing Supplement, any Note sold to the Agent as principal will be
purchased by such Agent at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof less a percentage of the principal amount equal to the commission
applicable to an agency sale (as described below) of a Note of identical
maturity. If agreed to by the Company and the Agent, the Agent may utilize
their reasonable efforts on an agency basis to solicit offers to purchase
the Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, unless otherwise
specified in an applicable Pricing Supplement. The Company will pay a
commission to an Agent, ranging from .050% to .600% (or, with respect to
Notes for which the Stated Maturity is in excess of 30 years, such
commission as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the related Agent at
the time of sale) of the principal amount of a Note, depending upon its
Stated Maturity, sold through such Agent.
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Agent against, and to provide
contribution with respect to, certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See "Plan of Distribution".
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company.
(4) Or the equivalent thereof in one or more foreign or composite currencies.
----------
The Notes are being offered on a continuing basis by the Company through the
Agent. Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Pricing Supplement, the
Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange and there can be no
assurance that the Notes offered by this Prospectus Supplement will be sold or
that there will be a secondary market for the Notes. The Company reserves the
right to cancel or modify the offer made hereby without notice. The Company or
the Agent, if it solicits the offer, may reject any offer to purchase Notes in
whole or in part. See "Plan of Distribution".
This Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus may be used by the
Agent, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with offers and
sales related to market-making transactions in the Notes. The Agent may act as
principal or agent in such transactions.
----------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
----------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is January , 1998.
IN CONNECTION WITH AN OFFERING OF NOTES PURCHASED BY THE AGENT AS PRINCIPAL
ON A FIXED OFFERING PRICE BASIS, THE AGENT MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF SUCH NOTES. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS MAY INCLUDE STABILIZING AND THE PURCHASE OF NOTES TO COVER SHORT
POSITIONS OF THE AGENT. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION".
THESE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
----------------
RISK FACTORS
"This Prospectus Supplement does not describe all of the risks of an
investment in Notes that result from such Notes being denominated or payable
in or determined by reference to a currency or composite currency other than
United States dollars or to one or more interest rate, currency or other
indices or formulas. The Company and the Agent disclaim any responsibility to
advise prospective investors of such risks as they exist at the date of this
Prospectus Supplement or as they change from time to time. Prospective
investors should consult their own financial and legal advisors as to the
risks entailed by an investment in such Notes and the suitability of investing
in such Notes in light of their circumstances. Such Notes are not an
appropriate investment for investors who are unsophisticated with respect to
foreign currency transactions or transactions involving the applicable
interest rate index or currency index or other indices or formulas.
Prospective investors should carefully consider, among other factors, the
matters described below."
STRUCTURE RISKS
An investment in Notes indexed, as to principal, premium, if any, and/or
interest, if any, to one or more currencies or composite currencies (including
exchange rates and swap indices between currencies or composite currencies),
commodities, interest rates or other indices or formulas, either directly or
inversely, entails significant risks that are not associated with similar
investments in a conventional fixed rate or floating rate debt security. Such
risks include, without limitation, the possibility that such indices or
formulas may be subject to significant changes, that no interest will be
payable in respect of such Notes or that the resulting interest rate will be
less than that payable on a conventional fixed rate or floating rate debt
security issued by the Company at the same time, that the repayment of
principal and/or premium, if any, can occur at times other than that expected
by the investor, and that the investor could lose all or a substantial portion
of principal and/or premium, if any, payable on the Maturity Date (as defined
under "Description of Notes--General"). Such risks depend on a number of
interrelated factors, including economic, financial and political events, over
which the Company has no control. Additionally, if the formula used to
determine the amount of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest, if any,
payable with respect to such Notes contains a multiplier or leverage factor,
the effect of any change in the applicable index or indices or formula or
formulas will be magnified. In recent years, values of certain indices and
formulas have been highly volatile and such volatility may be expected to
continue in the future. Fluctuations in the value of any particular index or
formula that have occurred in the past are not necessarily indicative,
however, of fluctuations that may occur in the future.
Any optional redemption feature of Notes might affect the market value of
such Notes. Since the Company may be expected to redeem such Notes when
prevailing interest rates are relatively low, an investor might not be able to
reinvest the redemption proceeds at an effective interest rate as high as the
interest rate on such Notes.
The Notes will not have an established trading market when issued, and there
can be no assurance of a secondary market for the Notes or the continued
liquidity of such market if one develops. See "Plan of Distribution."
The secondary market, if any, for such Notes will be affected by a number of
factors independent of the creditworthiness of the Company and the value of
the applicable index or indices or formula or formulas, including the
complexity and volatility of each such index or formula, the method of
calculating the principal, premium, if any, and/or interest, if any, in
respect of such Notes, the time remaining to the maturity of such Notes, the
outstanding amount of such Notes, any redemption features of such Notes, the
amount of other debt securities linked to such index or formula and the level,
direction and volatility of market interest rates generally.
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Such factors also will affect the market value of such Notes. In addition,
certain Notes may be designed for specific investment objectives or strategies
and, therefore, may have a more limited secondary market and experience more
price volatility than conventional debt securities. Investors may not be able
to sell such Notes readily or at prices that will enable investors to realize
their anticipated yield. No investor should purchase Notes unless such
investor understands and is able to bear the risk that such Notes may not be
readily saleable, that the value of such Notes will fluctuate over time and
that such fluctuations may be significant.
CREDIT RATINGS
Any credit ratings assigned to the Company's medium-term note program may
not reflect the potential impact of all risks related to structure and other
factors on the market value of the Notes. Accordingly, prospective investors
should consult their own financial and legal advisors as to the risks entailed
by an investment in the Notes and the suitability of such Notes in light of
their particular circumstances.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
NINE MONTHS
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER ENDED
SEPTEMBER 26,
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------------
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges........... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consist of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consist of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of
the interest factor.
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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
The Notes will be issued as a series of debt securities under a senior
indenture, dated as of October 1, 1993 (the "1993 Indenture"), between the
Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (successor by merger to The Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A.), as trustee (as used in this Prospectus Supplement, the
"Trustee"). The term "Senior Debt Securities," as used in this Prospectus
Supplement, refers to all securities issued and issuable from time to time
under the Senior Indentures (as defined in the accompanying Prospectus) and
includes the Notes. The Senior Debt Securities and the Trustee are more fully
described in the accompanying Prospectus. The following summary of certain
provisions of the Notes and of the 1993 Indenture does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 1993 Indenture,
a copy of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus are a part.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to them
in the 1993 Indenture or the Notes, as the case may be.
THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION OF NOTES WILL APPLY UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN
AN APPLICABLE PRICING SUPPLEMENT.
GENERAL
All Senior Debt Securities, including the Notes, issued and to be issued
under the Senior Indentures will be unsecured general obligations of the
Company and will rank "pari passu" with all other unsecured and unsubordinated
indebtedness of the Company from time to time outstanding. However, because
the Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the
right of creditors of the Company (including the Holders of the Notes), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, to the Company are restricted by
net capital requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, (the "Exchange Act") and under rules of certain exchanges and other
regulatory bodies.
The Senior Indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of Senior
Debt Securities which may be issued thereunder and Senior Debt Securities may
be issued thereunder from time to time as a single series or in two or more
separate series up to the aggregate principal amount from time to time
authorized by the Company for each series. The Company may, from time to time,
without the consent of the Holders of the Notes, provide for the issuance of
Notes or other Senior Debt Securities under the Senior Indentures in addition
to the $ aggregate principal amount of Notes offered hereby. As of
September 26, 1997, the Company had issued and outstanding Notes in an
aggregate principal amount of approximately $ billion. The aggregate
principal amount of Notes which may be offered hereby may be reduced by the
issuance of other securities of the Company pursuant to the registration
statement of which this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus
are a part.
The Notes will be offered on a continuing basis and will mature on a day
nine months or more from the date of issue, as selected by the purchaser and
agreed to by the Company. Interest-bearing Notes will either be Fixed Rate
Notes or Floating Rate Notes as specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement. Notes may be issued at significant discounts from their principal
amount payable at Stated Maturity (or on any prior date on which the principal
or an installment of principal of a Note becomes due and payable, whether by
the declaration of acceleration, call for redemption at the option of the
Company, repayment at the option of the Holder or otherwise) (each such date,
a "Maturity"), and some Notes may not bear interest.
Unless otherwise indicated in a Note and in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, the Notes will be denominated in United States dollars and
payments of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Notes will
be made in United States dollars. If any of the Notes to be denominated other
than in United States dollars or if the principal of, and interest on, the
Notes, and any premium provided for in any Note is to be
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payable in or by reference to a currency (or in composite currency units or in
amounts determined by reference to one or more currencies) other than that in
which such Note is denominated, provisions with respect thereto will be set
forth in such Note and in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Interest rates, interest rate formulae and other variable terms of the Notes
are subject to change by the Company from time to time, but no such change
will affect any Note already issued or as to which an offer to purchase has
been accepted by the Company.
Each Note will be issued in fully registered book-entry form (a "Book-Entry
Note") or certificated form (a "Certificated Note"), in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof, unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement. Book-Entry Notes may be transferred or
exchanged only through a participating member of The Depository Trust Company
(or such other depository as is identified in an applicable Pricing
Supplement) (the "Depository"). See "Book-Entry Notes." Registration of
transfer of Certificated Notes will be made at the Corporate Trust Office of
the Trustee. No service charge will be made by the Company, the Trustee or the
Security Registrar for any such registration of transfer or exchange of Notes,
but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or
other governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than
exchanges pursuant to the 1993 Indenture, not involving any transfer).
Payments of principal of, and premium and interest, if any, on Book-Entry
Notes will be made by the Company through the Trustee to the Depository or its
nominee. See "Book-Entry Notes." Unless otherwise specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, a Beneficial Owner of Book-Entry Notes denominated in a
currency other than United States dollars (a "Specified Currency") electing to
receive payments of principal or any premium or interest in such Specified
Currency must notify the Participant through which its interest is held on or
prior to the applicable Record Date, in the case of a payment of interest, and
on or prior to the sixteenth day, whether or not a Business Day (as defined
below), prior to its Stated Maturity, in the case of principal or premium, of
such Beneficial Owner's election to receive all or a portion of such payment
in a Specified Currency. Such Participant must notify the Depository of such
election on or prior to the third Business Day after such Record Date. The
Depository will notify the Paying Agent of such election on or prior to the
fifth Business Day after such Record Date. If complete instructions are
received by the Participant and forwarded by the Participant to the
Depository, and by the Depository to the Paying Agent, on or prior to such
dates, the Beneficial Owner will receive payments in the Specified Currency.
In the case of Certificated Notes, payment of principal or premium, if any,
at the Maturity of each Certificated Note will be made in immediately
available funds upon presentation of the Certificated Note at the Corporate
Trust Office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York,
or at such other place as the Company may designate. Payment of interest due
at Maturity will be made to the person to whom payment of the principal of the
Certificated Note shall be made. Payment of interest due on Certificated Notes
other than at Maturity will be made at the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee or, at the option of the Company, may be made by check mailed to the
address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the
Security Register. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Holder of $1,000,000 or
more in aggregate principal amount of Certificated Notes (whether having
identical or different terms and provisions) having the same Interest Payment
Dates will, at the option of the Company, be entitled to receive interest
payments (other than at Maturity) by wire transfer of immediately available
funds if appropriate wire transfer instructions have been received in writing
by the Trustee not less than 15 days prior to the applicable Interest Payment
Date. Any such wire instructions received by the Trustee shall remain in
effect until revoked by such Holder.
TRANSACTION AMOUNT
Interest rates offered by the Company with respect to the Notes may differ
depending upon, among other things, the aggregate principal amount of Notes
purchased in any transaction. Notes with similar variable terms but different
interest rates may be offered concurrently at any time. The Company may also
concurrently offer Notes having different variable terms (as are described
herein or in any Prospectus Supplement) to different investors.
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REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY
The Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund. The Notes will be
redeemable at the option of the Company prior to their Stated Maturity only if
an Initial Redemption Date is specified therein and in the applicable Pricing
Supplement. If so indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, Notes will
be subject to redemption at the option of the Company on any date on and after
the applicable Initial Redemption Date specified in such Pricing Supplement.
On and after the Initial Redemption Date, if any, the related Note may be
redeemed at any time in whole or from time to time in part (in increments of
$1,000, provided that any remaining principal amount shall be an authorized
denomination of the applicable Note) at the option of the Company at the
applicable Redemption Price (as defined below) together with interest thereon
payable to the Redemption Date, on notice given, unless otherwise specified in
the applicable Pricing Supplement, not more than 60 nor less than 30 days
prior to the Redemption Date. "Redemption Price" with respect to a Note will
initially mean a percentage, the Initial Redemption Percentage, of the
principal amount of such Note to be redeemed specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement and shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial
Redemption Date by a percentage, the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction,
if any, specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, of the principal
amount to be redeemed until the Redemption Price is 100% of such principal
amount.
REPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER
If so indicated in an applicable Pricing Supplement, Notes will be repayable
by the Company in whole or in part at the option of the Holders thereof on
their respective Optional Repayment Dates specified in such Pricing
Supplement. If no Optional Repayment Date is indicated with respect to a Note,
such Note will not be repayable at the option of the Holder prior to its
Stated Maturity. Any repayment in part will be in an amount equal to $1,000 or
integral multiples thereof, provided that any remaining principal amount shall
be an authorized denomination of the applicable Note. The repurchase price for
any Note so repurchased will be 100% of the principal amount to be repaid,
together with interest thereon payable to the date of repayment. For any Note
to be repaid, such Note must be received, together with the form thereon
entitled "Option to Elect Repayment" duly completed, by the Trustee at its
office maintained for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of
New York, currently the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, not more than
60 nor less than 30 days prior to the Optimal Repayment Date. Notices of
elections from a Holder to exercise the repayment option must be received by
the Trustee by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the last day for giving such
notice. Exercise of such repayment option by the Holder will be irrevocable.
While the Book-Entry Notes are represented by Global Notes held by or on
behalf of the Depository, and registered in the name of the Depository or the
Depository's nominee, the option for repayment may be exercised by the
applicable Participant (as defined below under "Book- Entry Notes") on behalf
of the Beneficial Owners (as defined below) of such Book-Entry Notes by
delivering a written notice to the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office, not
more than 60 nor less than 30 days prior to the Optional Repayment Date.
Notices of elections from Participants on behalf of Beneficial Owners of the
Book-Entry Notes to exercise their option to have the Book-Entry Notes repaid
must be received by the Trustee by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the last
day for giving such notice. In order to ensure that a notice is received by
the Trustee on a particular day, the Beneficial Owner of Book-Entry Notes must
so direct the applicable Participant before such Participant's cut-off time
for accepting instructions for that day. Different firms may have different
cut-off times for accepting instructions from their customers. Accordingly,
Beneficial Owners of Book-Entry Notes should consult the Participants through
which they own their interest in the Book-Entry Notes for the cut-off times
for such Participants. All notices shall be executed by a duly authorized
officer of such Participant (with signature guaranteed) and shall be
irrevocable. In addition, such Beneficial Owners of Book-Entry Notes shall
effect delivery of such Book-Entry Notes at the time such notices of election
are given to the Depository by causing the Participant to transfer such
Beneficial Owner's interest in the Book-Entry Notes, on the Depository's
records, to the Trustee. Conveyance of notices and other communications by the
Depository to Participants, by Participants to Indirect Participants (as
defined below) and by Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial
Owners of the Book-Entry Notes will be governed by agreements among them,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time.
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The Company may at any time purchase Notes at any price or prices in the
open market or otherwise. Notes so purchased by the Company may, at the
discretion of the Company, be held, resold or surrendered to the Trustee for
cancellation.
INTEREST
"General"
Each Note will bear interest from the date of issue at the rate per annum
or, in the case of a Floating Rate Note, pursuant to the interest rate formula
stated therein and in the applicable Pricing Supplement until the principal
thereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be payable in
arrears on each date specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement on which
an installment of interest is due and payable (an "Interest Payment Date") and
at Maturity. The first payment of interest on any Note originally issued
between a Regular Record Date and the related Interest Payment Date will be
made on the Interest Payment Date immediately following the next succeeding
Regular Record Date to the registered Holder on such next succeeding Regular
Record Date. The "Regular Record Date" shall be the fifteenth calendar day
(whether or not a Business Day) (as defined below) immediately preceding the
related Interest Payment Date.
"Fixed Rate Notes"
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Pricing Supplement, each Fixed
Rate Note will bear interest from, and including, the date of issue, at the
rate per annum stated on the face thereof until the principal amount thereof
is paid or made available for payment. Interest payments on Fixed Rate Notes
will equal the amount of interest accrued from and including the immediately
preceding Interest Payment Date in respect of which interest has been paid (or
from and including the date of issue, if no interest has been paid with
respect to such Fixed Rate Notes), to, but excluding, the related Interest
Payment Date or Maturity, as the case may be. Unless otherwise specified in
the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest on Fixed Rate Notes will be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest on
Fixed Rate Notes will be payable semiannually on May 15 and November 15 of
each year and at Maturity. If any Interest Payment Date or the Maturity of a
Fixed Rate Note falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the related payment
of principal, premium, if any, or interest will be made on the next succeeding
Business Day as if made on the date such payment was due, and no interest will
accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Interest
Payment Date or Maturity, as the case may be.
"Floating Rate Notes"
Floating Rate Notes will be issued as described below. Each applicable
Pricing Supplement will specify certain terms with respect to which such
Floating Rate Note is being delivered, including: whether such Floating Rate
Note is a "Regular Floating Rate Note" (as defined below), an "Inverse
Floating Rate Note" (as defined below) or a "Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note"
(as defined below); the Interest Rate Basis or Bases, Initial Interest Rate,
Interest Reset Dates, Interest Payment Dates, Index Maturity, Maximum Interest
Rate and Minimum Interest Rate, if any, and the Spread and/or Spread
Multiplier, if any, and, if one or more of the specified Interest Rate Bases
is LIBOR, the Index Currency, the Index Maturity and the Designated LIBOR Page
or, if one or more of the specified Interest Rate Bases is the CMT Rate, the
Designated CMT Telerate Page and Designated CMT Maturity Index, as described
below.
The interest rate borne by the Floating Rate Notes will be determined as
follows:
(i) Unless such Floating Rate Note is designated as a Floating Rate/Fixed
Rate Note, an Inverse Floating Rate Note or as having an Addendum attached
or as having "Other Provisions" apply relating to a different interest rate
formula, such Floating Rate Note will be designated a "Regular Floating
Rate Note" and, except as described below or in an applicable Pricing
Supplement, bear interest at the rate determined
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by reference to the applicable Interest Rate Basis or Bases (i) plus or
minus the applicable Spread, if any, and/or (ii) multiplied by the
applicable Spread Multiplier, if any. Commencing on the first Interest
Reset Date, the rate at which interest on such Regular Floating Rate Note
shall be payable shall be reset as of each Interest Reset Date; provided,
however, that the interest rate in effect for the period from the Original
Issue Date to the first Interest Reset Date will be the Initial Interest
Rate.
(ii) If such Floating Rate Note is designated as a "Floating Rate/Fixed
Rate Note", then such Floating Rate Note will bear interest at the rate
determined by reference to the applicable Interest Rate Basis or Bases (i)
plus or minus the applicable Spread, if any, and/or (ii) multiplied by the
applicable Spread Multiplier, if any. Commencing on the first Interest
Reset Date, the rate at which interest on such Floating Rate/Fixed Rate
Note shall be payable shall be reset as of each Interest Reset Date;
provided, however, that (i) the interest rate in effect for the period from
the Original Issue Date to the first Interest Reset Date will be the
Initial Interest Rate, and (ii) the interest rate in effect commencing on,
and including, the Fixed Rate Commencement Date to Maturity shall be the
Fixed Interest Rate, if such rate is specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, or if no such Fixed Interest Rate is so specified, the interest
rate in effect thereon on the day immediately preceding the Fixed Rate
Commencement Date.
(iii) If such Floating Rate Note is designated as an "Inverse Floating
Rate Note," then, except as described below, such Floating Rate Note will
bear interest equal to the Fixed Interest Rate specified in the related
Pricing Supplement minus the rate determined by reference to the applicable
Interest Rate Basis or Bases (i) plus or minus the applicable Spread, if
any, and/or (ii) multiplied by the applicable Spread Multiplier, if any;
provided, however, that unless otherwise specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, the interest rate thereon will not be less than zero
percent. Commencing on the first Interest Reset Date, the rate at which
interest on such Inverse Floating Rate Note is payable shall be reset as of
each Interest Reset Date; provided, however, that the interest rate in
effect for the period from the Original Issue Date to the first Interest
Reset Date will be the Initial Interest Rate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such Floating Rate Note is designated as
having an Addendum attached or as having "Other Provisions" apply as specified
on the face thereof, such Floating Rate Note shall bear interest in accordance
with the terms described in such Addendum or specified under "Other
Provisions" and the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Each Interest Rate Basis shall be the rate determined in accordance with the
applicable provisions below. Except as set forth above, the interest rate in
effect on each day shall be (a) if such day is an Interest Reset Date, the
interest rate determined as of the Interest Determination Date (as defined
below) immediately preceding such Interest Reset Date or (b) if such day is
not an Interest Reset Date, the interest rate determined as of the Interest
Determination Date immediately preceding the applicable Interest Reset Date.
Interest on Floating Rate Notes will be determined by reference to an
"Interest Rate Basis," which may be one or more of (i) the "CD Rate," (ii) the
"CMT Rate," (iii) the "Commercial Paper Rate," (iv) the "Eleventh District
Cost of Funds Rate," (v) the "Federal Funds Rate," (vi) "LIBOR," (vii) the
"Prime Rate," (viii) the "Treasury Rate," or (ix) such other Interest Rate
Basis or interest rate formula as may be set forth in the applicable Pricing
Supplement. In addition, a Floating Rate Note may bear interest in respect of
two or more Interest Rate Bases.
The "Spread" is the number of basis points to be added to or subtracted from
the related Interest Rate Basis or Bases applicable to such Floating Rate
Note. The "Spread Multiplier" is the percentage of the related Interest Rate
Basis or Bases applicable to such Floating Rate Note by which such Interest
Rate Basis or Bases will be multiplied to determine the applicable interest
rate on such Floating Rate Note. The "Index Maturity" is the period to
maturity of the instrument or obligation with respect to which the Interest
Rate Basis or Bases will be calculated.
Each applicable Pricing Supplement will specify the dates on which such
Interest Rate will be reset (each, an "Interest Reset Date"). Unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Interest Reset
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Date will be, in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset: (i) daily, each
Business Day; (ii) weekly, the Wednesday of each week (with the exception of
weekly reset Treasury Rate Notes which will reset the Tuesday of each week,
except as specified below); (iii) monthly, the third Wednesday of each month
(with the exception of monthly reset Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate
Notes, which will reset on the first calendar day of the month); (iv)
quarterly, the third Wednesday of March, June, September and December of each
year; (v) semiannually, the third Wednesday of the two months specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement; and (vi) annually, the third Wednesday of the
month specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement; provided, however, that
with respect to Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Notes, the fixed rate of interest in
effect for the period from the Fixed Rate Commencement Date until Maturity
shall be the Fixed Interest Rate or the interest rate in effect on the day
immediately preceding the Fixed Rate Commencement Date, as specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement. If any Interest Reset Date for any Floating
Rate Note would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest
Reset Date will be postponed to the next succeeding day that is a Business
Day, except that in the case of a Floating Rate Note as to which LIBOR is an
applicable Interest Rate Basis, if such Business Day falls in the next
succeeding calendar month, such Interest Reset Date will be the immediately
preceding Business Day. In addition, in the case of a Floating Rate Note for
which the Treasury Rate is an applicable Interest Rate Basis and the Interest
Determination Date would otherwise fall on an Interest Reset Date, then such
Interest Reset Date will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day. As
used herein, "Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday,
that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are
authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in The
City of New York; provided, however, that, with respect to non-United States-
dollar denominated Notes, such day is also not a day on which banking
institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order
to close in the Principal Financial Center (as hereinafter defined) of the
country issuing the Specified Currency (unless the Specified Currency is
European Currency Units ("ECU"), in which case such day is also not a day that
appears as an ECU non-settlement day on the displayed designated as "ISDE" on
the Reuter Monitor Money Rates Service (or is not a day designated as an ECU
non-settlement day by the ECU Banking Association) or, if ECU non-settlement
days do not appear on that page (and are not so designated), a day that is not
a day on which payments in ECU cannot be settled in the international
interbank market); provided, further, that, with respect to Notes as to which
LIBOR is an applicable Interest Rate Basis, such day is also a London Business
Day. "London Business Day" means a day on which dealings in the Index Currency
(as hereinafter defined) are transacted in the London interbank market.
A Floating Rate Note may also have either or both of the following: (i) a
maximum numerical limitation, or ceiling, on the rate at which interest may
accrue during any interest period (a "Maximum Interest Rate"), and (ii) a
minimum numerical limitation, or floor, on the rate at which interest may
accrue during any period (a "Minimum Interest Rate"). The Indenture provides
that the Indenture and the Securities will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York. Under present New York law,
the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest basis. This
limit may not apply to Securities in which $2,500,000 or more has been
invested. While the Company believes that New York law would be given effect
by a state or federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws frequently
regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower
(including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). It is suggested that
prospective investors consult their personal advisors with respect to the
applicability of such laws. The Company has covenanted for the benefit of the
beneficial owners of the Securities, to the extent permitted by law, not to
claim voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning usurious rates of
interest against a beneficial owner of the Securities.
Each applicable Pricing Supplement will specify the dates on which interest
will be payable (each an "Interest Payment Date"). Each Floating Rate Note
will bear interest from the date of issue at the rates specified therein until
the principal thereof is paid or otherwise made available for payment. Unless
otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement and, except as
provided below, interest will be payable in the case of Floating Rate Notes
which reset: (i) daily, weekly or monthly, on the third Wednesday of each
month or on the third Wednesday of March, June, September and December of each
year as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement; (ii) quarterly, on the
third Wednesday of March, June, September and December of each year; (iii)
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semiannually, on the third Wednesday of the two months of each year specified
in the applicable Pricing Supplement; and (iv) annually, on the third
Wednesday of the month of each year specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement and, in each case, at Maturity. If any Interest Payment Date for
any Floating Rate Note (other than an Interest Payment Date at Maturity) would
otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date will
be postponed to the next succeeding day that is a Business Day except that in
the case of a Floating Rate Note as to which LIBOR is an applicable Interest
Rate Basis, if such Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month,
such Interest Payment Date will be the immediately preceding Business Day. If
the Maturity of a Floating Rate Note falls on a day that is not a Business
Day, the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest will be made on
the next succeeding Business Day, and no interest on such payment will accrue
for the period from and after such Maturity.
All percentages resulting from any calculation on Floating Rate Notes will
be rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with
five one millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards (e.g., 9.876545% (or
.09876545) would be rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)), and all dollar amounts
used in or resulting from such calculation on Floating Rate Notes will be
rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upward).
Interest payments on Floating Rate Notes will equal the amount of interest
accrued from and including the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date in
respect of which interest has been paid (or from and including the date of
issue, if no interest has been paid with respect to such Floating Rate Notes),
to but excluding the related Interest Payment Date or Maturity.
With respect to each Floating Rate Note, accrued interest is calculated by
multiplying its face amount by an accrued interest factor. Such accrued
interest factor is computed by adding the interest factor calculated for each
day in the period for which accrued interest is being calculated. The interest
factor for each such day will be computed by dividing the interest rate
applicable to such day by 360, in the case of Notes for which the Interest
Rate Basis is the CD Rate, the Commercial Paper Rate, the Eleventh District
Cost of Funds Rate, the Federal Funds Rate, LIBOR or the Prime Rate, or by the
actual number of days in the year in the case of Notes for which the Interest
Rate Basis is the CMT Rate or the Treasury Rate. The interest factor for Notes
for which the interest rate is calculated with reference to two or more
Interest Rate Bases will be calculated in each period in the same manner as if
only one of the applicable Interest Rate Bases applied.
The interest rate applicable to each interest reset period commencing on the
Interest Reset Date with respect to such interest reset period will be the
rate determined as of the applicable "Interest Determination Date." The
Interest Determination Date with respect to the CD Rate, the CMT Rate and the
Commercial Paper Rate will be the second Business Day preceding each Interest
Reset Date for the related Note; the Interest Determination Date with respect
to the Federal Funds Rate and the Prime Rate, unless otherwise specified in
the applicable Pricing Supplement, will be the Business Day immediately
preceding each Interest Reset Date; the Interest Determination Date with
respect to the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate will be the last working
day of the month immediately preceding each Interest Reset Date on which the
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (the "FHLB of San Francisco")
publishes the Index (as defined below); the Interest Determination Date with
respect to LIBOR will be the second London Business Day preceding each
Interest Reset Date. With respect to the Treasury Rate, unless otherwise
specified in an applicable Pricing Supplement, the Interest Determination Date
will be the day in the week in which the related Interest Reset Date falls on
which day Treasury Bills (as defined below) are normally auctioned (Treasury
Bills are normally sold at auction on Monday of each week, unless that day is
a legal holiday, in which case the auction is normally held on the following
Tuesday, except that such auction may be held on the preceding Friday);
provided, however, that if an auction is held on the Friday of the week
preceding the related Interest Reset Date, the related Interest Determination
Date will be such preceding Friday; and provided, further, that if an auction
falls on any Interest Reset Date, then the related Interest Reset Date will
instead be the first Business Day following such auction. Unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Interest Determination
Date pertaining to a Floating Rate Note the interest rate of which is
determined with reference to two or more Interest Rate Bases will be the
latest Business Day which is at least two Business Days prior to such Interest
Reset Date for such Floating Rate Note on which each Interest Reset Basis is
determinable. Each Interest Rate Basis will be determined on such date, and
the applicable interest rate will take effect on the related Interest Reset
Date.
S-10
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement, Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a subsidiary of the Company, will
be the "Calculation Agent." Upon the request of the Holder of any Floating
Rate Note, the Calculation Agent will provide the interest rate then in effect
and, if determined, the interest rate that will become effective as a result
of a determination made for the next Interest Reset Date with respect to such
Floating Rate Note. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, the "Calculation Date," if applicable, pertaining to any Interest
Determination Date will be the earlier of (i) the tenth calendar day after
such Interest Determination Date, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the
next succeeding Business Day or (ii) the Business Day preceding the applicable
Interest Payment Date or Maturity, as the case may be.
"CD Rate." CD Rate Notes will bear interest at the rates (calculated with
reference to the CD Rate and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any)
specified in such CD Rate Notes and in any applicable Pricing Supplement.
"CD Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Determination Date relating to
a CD Rate Note or any Floating Rate Note for which the interest rate is
determined with reference to the CD Rate (a "CD Rate Interest Determination
Date"), the rate on such date for negotiable United States dollar certificates
of deposit having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest Rates" or any
successor publication ("H.15(519)") under the heading "CDs (Secondary
Market)," or, if not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the
related Calculation Date, the rate on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date
for negotiable United States dollar certificates of deposit of the Index
Maturity specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as published by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its daily statistical release "Composite
3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities" or any successor
publication ("Composite Quotations") under the heading "Certificates of
Deposit." If such rate is not yet published in either H.15(519) or Composite
Quotations by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation Date,
then the CD Rate on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date will be
calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be the arithmetic mean of the
secondary market offered rates as of 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on such
CD Rate Interest Determination Date, of three leading non-bank dealers in
negotiable United States dollar certificates of deposit in The City of New
York selected by the Calculation Agent for negotiable United States dollar
certificates of deposit of major United States money market banks with a
remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity designated in the applicable
Pricing Supplement in an amount that is representative for a single
transaction in that market at that time; provided, however, that if the
dealers so selected by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as set forth
above, the CD Rate with respect to such CD Rate Interest Determination Date
will be the CD Rate in effect on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date.
"CMT Rate." CMT Rate Notes will bear interest at the rates (calculated with
reference to the CMT Rate and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any)
specified in such CMT Rate Notes and in any applicable Pricing Supplement.
"CMT Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Determination Date relating
to any Floating Rate Note for which the interest rate is determined with
reference to the CMT Rate (a "CMT Rate Interest Determination Date"), the rate
displayed on the Designated CMT Telerate Page under the caption "Treasury
Constant Maturities. Federal Reserve Board Release H.15. Mondays Approximately
3:45 P.M.," under the column for the Designated CMT Maturity Index for (i) if
the Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7055, the rate on such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date and (ii) if the Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7052, the
weekly or the monthly average, as specified in the Pricing Supplement, for the
week or the month, as applicable, ended immediately preceding the week in
which the related CMT Rate Interest Determination Date occurs. If such rate is
no longer displayed on the relevant page or is not displayed by 3:00 P.M., New
York City time, on the related Calculation Date, then the CMT Rate for such
CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be such treasury constant maturity
rate for the Designated CMT Maturity Index as published in the relevant
H.15(519). If such rate is no longer published or is not published by 3:00
P.M., New York City time, on the related Calculation
S-11
Date, then the CMT Rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be
such treasury constant maturity rate of the Designated CMT Maturity Index (or
other United States Treasury rate for the Designated CMT Maturity Index) for
the CMT Rate Interest Determination Date with respect to such Interest Reset
Date as may then be published by either the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System or the United States Department of the Treasury that the
Calculation Agent determines to be comparable to the rate formerly displayed
on the Designated CMT Telerate Page and published in the relevant H.15(519).
If such information is not provided by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the
related Calculation Date, then the CMT Rate on the CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be a
yield to maturity, based on the arithmetic mean of the secondary market
closing offer side prices as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time,
on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date reported, according to their
written records, by three leading primary United States government securities
dealers (each, a "Reference Dealer") in The City of New York (which may
include the Agent or its affiliates) selected by the Calculation Agent (from
five such Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent and eliminating
the highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and
the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the lowest)), for
the most recently issued direct noncallable fixed rate obligations of the
United States ("Treasury Notes") with an original maturity of approximately
the Designated CMT Maturity Index and a remaining term to maturity of not less
than such Designated CMT Maturity Index minus one year. If the Calculation
Agent is unable to obtain three such Treasury Note quotations, the CMT Rate on
such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity based on the arithmetic mean
of the secondary market offer side prices as of approximately 3:30 P.M., New
York City time, on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date of three
Reference Dealers in The City of New York (from five such Reference Dealers
selected by the Calculation Agent and eliminating the highest quotation (or,
in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in
the event of equality, one of the lowest)), for Treasury Notes with an
original maturity of the number of years that is the next highest to the
Designated CMT Maturity Index and a remaining term to maturity closest to the
Designated CMT Maturity Index and in an amount of at least $100 million. If
three or four (and not five) of such Reference Dealers are quoting as
described above, then the CMT Rate will be based on the arithmetic mean of the
offer prices obtained and neither the highest nor the lowest of such quotes
will be eliminated; provided, however, that if fewer than three Reference
Dealers so selected by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned herein,
the CMT Rate determined as of such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will
be the CMT Rate in effect on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date. If two
Treasury Notes with an original maturity as described in the second preceding
sentence have remaining terms to maturity equally close to the Designated CMT
Maturity Index, the Calculation Agent will obtain from five Reference Dealers
quotations for the Treasury Note with the shorter remaining term to maturity.
"Designated CMT Telerate Page" means the display on the Dow Jones Telerate
Service on the page specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement (or any
other page as may replace such page on that service for the purpose of
displaying Treasury Constant Maturities as reported in H.15(519)) for the
purpose of displaying Treasury Constant Maturities as reported in H.15(519).
If no such page is specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the
Designated CMT Telerate Page shall be 7052 for the most recent week.
"Designated CMT Maturity Index" means the original period to maturity of the
U.S. Treasury securities (either 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20 or 30 years) specified
in the applicable Pricing Supplement with respect to which the CMT Rate will
be calculated. If no such maturity is specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, the Designated CMT Maturity Index shall be 2 years.
"Commercial Paper Rate." Commercial Paper Rate Notes will bear interest at the
rates (calculated with reference to the Commercial Paper Rate and the Spread
and/or Spread Multiplier, if any) specified in such Commercial Paper Rate
Notes and in any applicable Pricing Supplement.
"Commercial Paper Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Determination
Date relating to a Commercial Paper Rate Note or any Floating Rate Note for
which the interest rate is determined with reference to the Commercial Paper
Rate (a "Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date"), the Money Market
Yield
S-12
(as defined below) on such date of the rate for commercial paper having the
Index Maturity specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as published in
H.15(519) under the heading "Commercial Paper" or, if such heading is no
longer available and applicable, such other heading representing commercial
paper issued by non-financial entities whose bond rating is "Aa", or the
equivalent, from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. In
the event that such rate is not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on
the related Calculation Date, then the Commercial Paper Rate will be the Money
Market Yield on such Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date of the
rate for commercial paper having the Index Maturity specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement as published in Composite Quotations under the
heading "Commercial Paper" (with an Index Maturity of one month or three
months being deemed to be equivalent to an Index Maturity of 30 days or 90
days, respectively). If by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related
Calculation Date such rate is not yet published in either H.15(519) or
Composite Quotations, then the Commercial Paper Rate for such Commercial Paper
Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent
and will be the Money Market Yield of the arithmetic mean of the offered rates
at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on such Commercial Paper Rate
Interest Determination Date of three leading dealers of commercial paper in
The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent for commercial paper
having the Index Maturity designated in the applicable Pricing Supplement
placed for a non-financial entity whose bond rating is "Aa", or the
equivalent, from a nationally recognized securities rating organization;
provided, however, that if the dealers so selected by the Calculation Agent
are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Commercial Paper Rate
determined on such Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date will be
the rate in effect on such Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date.
"Money Market Yield" means a yield (expressed as a percentage) calculated in
accordance with the following formula:
D X 360
Money Market Yield = ____________ X 100
360 - (D X M)
where "D" refers to the applicable per annum rate for commercial paper quoted
on a bank discount basis and expressed as a decimal, and "M" refers to the
actual number of days in the interest period for which interest is being
calculated.
"Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate." Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate
Notes will bear interest at the rates (calculated with reference to the
Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier,
if any) specified in such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Notes and in
any applicable Pricing Supplement.
"Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate" means, with respect to any Interest
Determination Date relating to an Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Note or
any Floating Rate Note for which the interest rate is determined with
reference to the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate (an "Eleventh District
Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date"), the rate equal to the
monthly weighted average cost of funds for the calendar month preceding such
Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date as set forth
under the caption "11th District" on Telerate Page 7058 as of 11:00 A.M., San
Francisco time, on such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest
Determination Date. If such rate does not appear on Telerate Page 7058 on any
related Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date, the
Eleventh District Cost of Funds for such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate
Interest Determination Date shall be the monthly weighted average cost of
funds paid by member institutions of the Eleventh Federal Home Loan Bank
District that was most recently announced (the "Index") by the FHLB of San
Francisco as such cost of funds for the calendar month preceding the date of
such announcement. If the FHLB of San Francisco fails to announce the Index on
or prior to such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination
Date for the calendar month immediately preceding such Eleventh District Cost
of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date, then the Eleventh District Cost of
Funds Rate for such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest
Determination Date will be the Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate in effect
on such Eleventh District Cost of Funds Rate Interest Determination Date.
S-13
"Federal Funds Rate." Federal Funds Rate Notes will bear interest at the rates
(calculated with reference to the Federal Funds Rate and the Spread and/or
Spread Multiplier, if any) specified in such Federal Funds Rate Notes and in
any applicable Pricing Supplement.
"Federal Funds Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Determination Date
relating to a Federal Funds Rate Note or any Floating Rate Note for which the
interest rate is determined with reference to the Federal Funds Rate (a
"Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date"), the rate on such date for
United States dollar Federal Funds as published in H.15(519) under the heading
"Federal Funds (Effective)" or, if not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City
time, on the related Calculation Date, the rate on such Federal Funds Rate
Interest Determination Date as published in Composite Quotations under the
heading "Federal Funds/Effective Rate." If such rate is not published in
either H.15(519) or Composite Quotations by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on
the related Calculation Date, the Federal Funds Rate for such Federal Funds
Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent
and will be the arithmetic mean of the rates for the last transaction in
overnight United States dollar federal funds arranged by three leading brokers
of federal funds transactions in The City of New York selected by the
Calculation Agent prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time on such Federal Funds
Rate Interest Determination Date; provided, however, that if the brokers so
selected by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this
sentence, the Federal Funds Rate with respect to such Federal Funds Rate
Interest Determination Date will be the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such
Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date.
"LIBOR." LIBOR Notes will bear interest at the rates (calculated with
reference to LIBOR and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any) specified
in such LIBOR Notes and in any applicable Pricing Supplement.
"LIBOR" means the rate determined by the Calculation Agent in accordance
with the following provisions:
(i) With respect to an Interest Determination Date relating to a LIBOR
Note or any Floating Rate Note for which the interest rate is determined
with reference to LIBOR (a "LIBOR Interest Determination Date"), LIBOR will
be either: (a) if "LIBOR Reuters" is specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, the arithmetic mean of the offered rates (unless the specified
Designated LIBOR Page (as defined below) by its terms provides only for a
single rate, in which case such single rate shall be used) for deposits in
the Index Currency (as defined below) having the Index Maturity designated
in the applicable Pricing Supplement, commencing on the second London
Business Day immediately following that LIBOR Interest Determination Date,
that appear on the Designated LIBOR Page specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on that LIBOR Interest
Determination Date, if at least two such offered rates appear (unless, as
aforesaid, only a single rate is required) on such Designated LIBOR Page,
or (b) if "LIBOR Telerate" is specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, the rate for deposits in the Index Currency having the Index
Maturity designated in the applicable Pricing Supplement commencing on the
second London Business Day immediately following that LIBOR Interest
Determination Date that appears on the Designated LIBOR Page specified in
the applicable Pricing Supplement as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on that
LIBOR Interest Determination Date. If fewer than two offered rates appear,
or no rate appears, as applicable, LIBOR in respect of the related LIBOR
Interest Determination Date will be determined as if the parties had
specified the rate described in clause (ii) below.
(ii) With respect to a LIBOR Interest Determination Date on which fewer
than two offered rates appear, or no rate appears, as the case may be, on
the applicable Designated LIBOR Page as specified in clause (i) above, the
Calculation Agent will request the principal London offices of each of four
major reference banks in the London interbank market, as selected by the
Calculation Agent, to provide the Calculation Agent with its offered
quotation for deposits in the Index Currency for the period of the Index
Maturity designated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, commencing on the
second London Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date, to prime banks in the London interbank market at
approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination
Date and in a principal amount that is representative for a single
transaction in such Index Currency in such market at such time. If at least
two such quotations are provided, LIBOR determined on such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If fewer
than two quotations are
S-14
provided, LIBOR determined on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date will
be the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted at approximately 11:00 A.M. (or
such other time specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement), in the
applicable Principal Financial Center(s) (as defined below), on such LIBOR
Interest Determination Date by three major banks in such Principal
Financial Center selected by the Calculation Agent for loans in the Index
Currency to leading European banks, having the Index Maturity designated in
the applicable Pricing Supplement and in a principal amount that is
representative for a single transaction in such Index Currency in such
market at such time; provided, however, that if the banks so selected by
the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, LIBOR
determined on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date will be LIBOR in
effect on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date.
"Index Currency" means the currency (including composite currencies)
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as the currency for which LIBOR
shall be calculated. If no such currency is specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, the Index Currency shall be United States dollars.
"Designated LIBOR Page" means either (a) if "LIBOR Reuters" is designated in
the applicable Pricing Supplement, the display on the Reuter Monitor Money
Rates Service for the purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of
major banks for the applicable Index Currency, or (b) if "LIBOR Telerate" is
designated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the display on the Dow Jones
Telerate Service (or such other service or services as may be nominated by the
British Bankers' Association for the purpose of displaying London interbank
offered rates for the Index Currency) for the purpose of displaying the London
interbank rates of major banks for the applicable Index Currency. If neither
LIBOR Reuters nor LIBOR Telerate is specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, LIBOR for the applicable Index Currency will be determined as if
LIBOR Telerate (and, if the United States dollar is the Index Currency, Page
3750) had been specified.
"Principal Financial Center" means, unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, (i) the capital city of the country issuing the
Specified Currency (except with respect to ECU) or (ii) the capital city of
the country to which the Index Currency, if applicable, relates (or, in the
case of ECU, Luxembourg), except, in each case, that with respect to United
States dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Deutsche marks, Dutch
guilders, Italian lire and Swiss francs, the "Principal Financial Center"
shall be The City of New York, Sydney, Toronto, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan
(solely in the case of clause (i) above) and Zurich, respectively.
"Prime Rate." Prime Rate Notes will bear interest at the rates (calculated
with reference to the Prime Rate and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if
any) specified in such Prime Rate Notes and any applicable Pricing Supplement.
"Prime Rate" means the rate determined by the Calculation Agent in
accordance with the provisions set out in clause (i) or in clause (ii) below,
depending upon whether such rate is specified as "Prime Rate--Major Banks" or
as "Prime Rate--H.15" in the applicable Pricing Supplement:
(i) If the applicable Pricing Supplement indicates that the applicable
rate is "Prime Rate--Major Banks": "Prime Rate" means, with respect to any
Interest Determination Date relating to a Prime Rate Note or any Floating
Rate Note for which the interest rate is determined with reference to the
Prime Rate (a "Prime Rate Interest Determination Date"), the arithmetic
mean of the prime rates of interest publicly announced by three major banks
in The City of New York as its United States dollar prime rate or base
lending rate as in effect for that day. Each change in the prime rate or
base lending rate of any bank so announced by such bank will be effective
as of the effective date of the announcement or, if no effective date is
specified, as of the date of the announcement. If fewer than three such
quotations are provided, the Prime Rate will be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and will be determined as the arithmetic mean on the
basis of the prime rates quoted in The City of New York by three substitute
banks or trust companies organized and doing business under the laws of the
United States, or any state thereof, each having total equity capital of at
least $500 million and being subject to supervision or examination by a
federal or state
S-15
authority, selected by the Calculation Agent to quote such rate or rates;
provided, however, that if the banks or trust companies so selected by the
Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Prime
Rate with respect to such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date will be
the Prime Rate in effect on such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date.
(ii) If the applicable Pricing Supplement indicates that the applicable
rate is "Prime Rate--H.15": "Prime Rate" means, with respect to any Prime
Rate Interest Determination Date, the rate on such date as such rate is
published in H.15(519) under the heading "Bank Prime Loan." If such rate is
not published prior to 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the related
Calculation Date, then the Prime Rate shall be the arithmetic mean of the
rates of interest publicly announced by each bank that appears on the
Reuters Screen USPRIME1 as such bank's prime rate or base lending rate as
in effect for that Prime Rate Interest Determination Date. If fewer than
four such rates but more than one such rate appear on the Reuters Screen
USPRIME1 for such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date, the Prime Rate
shall be the arithmetic mean of the prime rates quoted on the basis of the
actual number of days in the year divided by a 360-day year as of the close
of business on such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date by four major
money center banks in The City of New York selected by the Calculation
Agent. If fewer than two such rates appear on the Reuters Screen USPRIME1,
the Prime Rate will be determined by the Calculation Agent on the basis of
the rates furnished in The City of New York by three substitute banks or
trust companies organized and doing business under the laws of the United
States, or any state thereof, having total equity capital of at least $500
million and being subject to supervision or examination by Federal or state
authority, selected by the Calculation Agent to provide such rate or rates;
provided, however, that if the banks or trust companies selected as
aforesaid are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Prime Rate for
such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date will be the Prime Rate in
effect on such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date.
"Reuters Screen USPRIME1" means the display designated as page "USPRIME1"
(or such other page as may replace such page) on that service for the purpose
of displaying prime rates or base lending rates of major United States banks.
"Treasury Rate." Treasury Rate Notes will bear interest at the rates
(calculated with reference to the Treasury Rate and the Spread and/or Spread
Multiplier, if any) specified in such Treasury Rate Notes and in any
applicable Pricing Supplement.
"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to an Interest Determination Date
relating to a Treasury Rate Note or any Floating Rate Note for which the
interest rate is determined by reference to the Treasury Rate (a "Treasury
Rate Interest Determination Date"), the rate applicable to the most recent
auction of direct obligations of the United States ("Treasury Bills") having
the Index Maturity specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, as such
rate is published in H.15(519) under the heading "Treasury Bills-auction
average (investment)" or, if not published by 3:00 P.M., New York City time,
on the related Calculation Date, the auction average rate (expressed as a bond
equivalent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and
applied on a daily basis) as otherwise announced by the United States
Department of the Treasury. In the event that the results of the auction of
Treasury Bills having the Index Maturity designated in the applicable Pricing
Supplement are not reported as provided by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on
such Calculation Date, or if no such auction is held in a particular week,
then the Treasury Rate will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be
a yield to maturity (expressed as a bond equivalent on the basis of a year of
365 or 366 days, as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) of the
arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid rates, as of approximately 3:30
P.M., New York City time, on such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date,
of three leading primary United States government securities dealers (which
may include the Agent) selected by the Calculation Agent, for the issue of
Treasury Bills with a remaining maturity closest to the Index Maturity
designated in the applicable Pricing Supplement; provided, however, that if
the dealers so selected by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned
in this sentence, the Treasury Rate with respect to such Treasury Rate
Interest Determination Date will be the Treasury Rate in effect on such
Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date.
S-16
OTHER PROVISIONS; ADDENDA
Any provisions with respect to an issue of Notes, including the
determination of one or more Interest Rate Bases, the specification of one or
more Interest Rate Bases, calculation of the interest rate applicable to a
Floating Rate Note, its Interest Payment Dates or any other matter relating
thereto may be modified by the terms as specified under "Other Provisions" on
the face thereof or in an Addendum relating thereto, if so specified on the
face thereof and in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT NOTES
Notes may be issued at a price less than their redemption price at Maturity,
resulting in such Notes being treated as if they were issued with original
issue discount for federal income tax purposes ("Original Issue Discount
Notes"). Such Original Issue Discount Notes may currently pay no interest or
interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates.
Certain additional considerations relating to any Original Issue Discount
Notes may be described in the Pricing Supplement relating thereto.
AMORTIZING NOTES
The Company may from time to time offer Amortizing Notes. Unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest on each Amortizing
Note will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Payments with respect to Amortizing Notes will be applied first to interest
due and payable thereon and then to the reduction of the unpaid principal
amount thereof. Further information concerning additional terms and conditions
of any issue of Amortizing Notes will be provided in the applicable Pricing
Supplement. A table setting forth repayment information in respect of each
Amortizing Note will be included in the applicable Pricing Supplement and set
forth on such Notes.
BOOK-ENTRY NOTES
Upon issuance, all Book-Entry Notes having the same Original Issue Date,
Maturity and otherwise having identical terms and provisions will be
represented by one or more fully registered global Notes (the "Global Notes").
Each such Global Note will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository
Trust Company as Depository (the "Depository") registered in the name of the
Depository or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or
in part for Notes in definitive form, no Global Note may be transferred except
as a whole by the Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee
of such Depository to such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or
by such Depository or any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a
nominee of such successor.
The following is based on information furnished by the Depository:
The Depository will act as securities depository for the Book-Entry Notes.
The Book-Entry Notes will be issued as fully registered securities registered
in the name of Cede & Co. (the Depository's partnership nominee). One fully
registered Global Note will be issued for each issue of Book-Entry Notes, each
in the aggregate principal amount of such issue, and will be deposited with
the Depository. If, however, the aggregate principal amount of any issue
exceeds $200,000,000, one Global Note will be issued with respect to each
$200,000,000 of principal amount and an additional Global Note will be issued
with respect to any remaining principal amount of such issue.
The Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New
York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York
Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation"
within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing
agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange
Act. The Depository holds securities that its participants ("Participants")
deposit with the Depository. The Depository also facilitates the settlement
among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges,
in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in
Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for
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physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants of the
Depository ("Direct Participants") include securities brokers and dealers
(including the Agent), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and
certain other organizations. The Depository is owned by a number of its Direct
Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock
Exchange, Inc., and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Access to the Depository's system is also available to others such as
securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through
or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either
directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The rules applicable to the
Depository and its Participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Purchasers of Book-Entry Notes under the Depository's system must be made by
or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for such Book-
Entry Notes on the Depository's records. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Book-Entry Note represented by a Global Note ("Beneficial
Owner") is, in turn, to be recorded on the records of Direct Participants and
Indirect Participants. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation
from the Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to
receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as
periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct Participants or
Indirect Participants through which such Beneficial Owner entered into the
transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in a Global Note representing
Book-Entry Notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of
Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners of a
Global Note representing Book-Entry Notes will not receive Certificated Notes
representing their ownership interests therein, except in the event that use
of the book-entry system for such Book-Entry Notes is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Global Notes representing Book-Entry
Notes which are deposited with, or on behalf of, the Depository are registered
in the name of the Depository's nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of Global
Notes with, or on behalf of, the Depository and their registration in the name
of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership. The Depository has no
knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Global Notes representing the
Book-Entry Notes; the Depository's records reflect only the identity of the
Direct Participants to whose accounts such Book-Entry Notes are credited,
which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain
responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their
customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by the Depository to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners, will be governed
by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Neither the Depository nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to
the Global Notes representing the Book-Entry Notes. Under its usual
procedures, the Depository mails an Omnibus Proxy to the Company as soon as
possible after the applicable record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede &
Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose
accounts the Book-Entry Notes are credited on the applicable record date
(identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Principal, premium, if any, and/or interest, if any, payments on the Global
Notes representing the Book-Entry Notes will be made in immediately available
funds to the Depository. The Depository's practice is to credit Director
Participants' accounts on the applicable payment date in accordance with their
respective holdings shown on the Depository's records unless the Depository
has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such date. Payments
by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts
of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will be the
responsibility of such Participant and not of the Depository, the Trustee or
the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time. Payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or
interest, if any, to the Depository is the responsibility of the Company and
the Trustee, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants shall be the
responsibility of the Depository, and
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disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners shall be the
responsibility of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants.
If applicable, redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co. If less than
all of the Book-Entry Notes of like tenor and terms are being redeemed, the
Depository's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of
each Direct Participant in such issue to be redeemed.
A Beneficial Owner shall give notice of any option to elect to have its
Book-Entry Notes repaid by the Company, through its Participant, to the
Trustee, and shall effect delivery of such Book-Entry Notes by causing the
Direct Participant to transfer the Participant's interest in the Global Note
or Notes representing such Book-Entry Notes, on the Depository's records, to
the Trustee. The requirement for physical delivery of Book-Entry Notes in
connection with a demand for repayment will be deemed satisfied when the
ownership rights in the Global Note or Notes representing such Book-Entry
Notes are transferred by Direct Participants on the Depository's records.
The Depository may discontinue providing its services as securities
depository with respect to the Book-Entry Notes at any time by giving
reasonable notice to the Company or the Trustee. Under such circumstances, in
the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, Certificated
Notes are required to be printed and delivered.
The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry
transfers through the Depository (or a successor securities depository). In
that event, Certificated Notes will be printed and delivered.
The information in this section concerning the Depository and the
Depository's system has been obtained from sources that the Company believes
to be reliable, but the Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy
thereof.
Purchases of Book-Entry Notes must be made by or through Participants, which
will receive a credit on the records of the Depository. The ownership interest
of each actual purchaser of each Book-Entry Note (the "Beneficial Owner") is
in turn to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from the Depository of
their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written
confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interests in Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of
such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the records
of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Notes.
So long as the Depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a
Global Note, the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole owner or Holder of the Notes represented by such Global
Note for all purposes under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below,
Beneficial Owners of a Global Note will not be entitled to have the Notes
represented by such Global Note registered in their names, will not receive or
be entitled to receive physical delivery of the Notes in definitive form and
will not be considered the owners or Holders thereof under the 1993 Indenture.
Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a Global Note must
rely on the procedures of the Depository and, if such person is not a
Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such person
owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder under the 1993
Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry practices, in
the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that an owner of
a beneficial interest in such a Global Note desires to give or take any action
which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the 1993 Indenture, the
Depository would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance
of notices and
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other communications by the Depository to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
If (x) the Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within
60 days, or (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company
Order to the effect that the Global Notes shall be exchangeable, or (z) an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes, the
Global Note or Global Notes will be exchangeable for Notes in definitive form
of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Notes shall be
registered in such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee.
It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by
the Depository from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial
interests in Global Notes.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary of certain United States Federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes is based
upon laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which are
subject to change (including changes in effective dates) or possible differing
interpretations. It deals only with Notes held as capital assets and does not
purport to deal with persons in special tax situations, such as financial
institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, dealers in
securities or currencies, persons holding Notes as a hedge against currency
risks or as a position in a "straddle" for tax purposes, or persons whose
functional currency is not the United States dollar. It also does not deal
with holders other than original purchasers (except where otherwise
specifically noted). Persons considering the purchase of the Notes should
consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of United States
Federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes arising
under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a Note
that is for United States Federal income tax purposes (i) a citizen or
resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or a partnership (including
an entity treated as a corporation or a partnership for United States Federal
income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United
States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia (unless, in the case of
a partnership, Treasury regulations are adopted that provide otherwise), (iii)
an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax
regardless of its source, (iv) a trust if a court within the United States is
able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and
one or more United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust, or (v) any other person whose income or
gain in respect of a Note is effectively connected with the conduct of a
United States trade or business. Certain trusts not described in clause (iv)
above in existence on August 20, 1996 that elect to be treated as a United
States person will also be a U.S. Holder for purposes of the following
discussion. As used herein, the term "non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial
owner of a Note that is not a U.S. Holder.
U.S. HOLDERS
"Payments of Interest." Payments of interest on a Note generally will be
taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income at the time such payments
are accrued or are received (in accordance with the U.S. Holder's regular
method of tax accounting).
"Original Issue Discount." The following summary is a general discussion of
the United States Federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the
purchase, ownership and disposition of Notes issued with original issue
discount ("Discount Notes"). The following summary is based upon final
Treasury regulations (the "OID Regulations") released by the Internal Revenue
Service ("IRS") on January 27, 1994, as amended on June 11, 1996, under the
original issue discount provisions of the Code.
For United States Federal income tax purposes, original issue discount is
the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity of a Note over its issue
price, if such excess equals or exceeds a "de minimis" amount (generally 1/4 of
1% of the Note's stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number
of complete years to its
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maturity from its issue date or, in the case of a Note providing for the
payment of any amount other than qualified stated interest (as defined below)
prior to maturity, multiplied by the weighted average maturity of such Note).
The issue price of each Note of an issue of Notes equals the first price at
which a substantial amount of such Notes has been sold (ignoring sales to bond
houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of
underwriters, placement agents, or wholesalers). The stated redemption price
at maturity of a Note is the sum of all payments provided by the Note other
than "qualified stated interest" payments. The term "qualified stated
interest" generally means stated interest that is unconditionally payable in
cash or property (other than debt instruments of the issuer) at least annually
at a single fixed rate. In addition, under the OID Regulations, if a Note
bears interest for one or more accrual periods at a rate below the rate
applicable for the remaining term of such Note (e.g., Notes with teaser rates
or interest holidays), and if the greater of either the resulting foregone
interest on such Note or any "true" discount on such Note (i.e., the excess of
the Note's stated principal amount over its issue price) equals or exceeds a
specified "de minimis" amount, then the stated interest on the Note would be
treated as original issue discount rather than qualified stated interest.
Payments of qualified stated interest on a Note are taxable to a U.S. Holder
as ordinary interest income at the time such payments are accrued or are
received (in accordance with the U.S. Holder's regular method of tax
accounting). A U.S. Holder of a Discount Note must include original issue
discount in income as ordinary interest for United States Federal income tax
purposes as it accrues under a constant yield method in advance of receipt of
the cash payments attributable to such income, regardless of such U.S.
Holder's regular method of tax accounting. In general, the amount of original
issue discount included in income by the initial U.S. Holder of a Discount
Note is the sum of the daily portions of original issue discount with respect
to such Discount Note for each day during the taxable year (or portion of the
taxable year) on which such U.S. Holder held such Discount Note. The "daily
portion" of original issue discount on any Discount Note is determined by
allocating to each day in any accrual period a ratable portion of the original
issue discount allocable to that accrual period. An "accrual period" may be of
any length and the accrual periods may vary in length over the term of the
Discount Note, provided that each accrual period is no longer than one year
and each scheduled payment of principal or interest occurs either on the final
day of an accrual period or on the first day of an accrual period. The amount
of original issue discount allocable to each accrual period is generally equal
to the difference between (i) the product of the Discount Note's adjusted
issue price at the beginning of such accrual period and its yield to maturity
(determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each accrual period
and appropriately adjusted to take into account the length of the particular
accrual period) and (ii) the amount of any qualified stated interest payments
allocable to such accrual period. The "adjusted issue price" of a Discount
Note at the beginning of any accrual period is the sum of the issue price of
the Discount Note plus the amount of original issue discount allocable to all
prior accrual periods minus the amount of any prior payments on the Discount
Note that were not qualified stated interest payments. Under these rules, U.S.
Holders generally will have to include in income increasingly greater amounts
of original issue discount in successive accrual periods.
A U.S. Holder who purchases a Discount Note for an amount that is greater
than its adjusted issue price as of the purchase date and less than or equal
to the sum of all amounts payable on the Discount Note after the purchase date
other than payments of qualified stated interest, will be considered to have
purchased the Discount Note at an "acquisition premium." Under the acquisition
premium rules, the amount of original issue discount which such U.S. Holder
must include in its gross income with respect to such Discount Note for any
taxable year (or portion thereof in which the U.S. Holder holds the Discount
Note) will be reduced (but not below zero) by the portion of the acquisition
premium properly allocable to the period.
Under the OID Regulations, Floating Rate Notes and Indexed Notes
(hereinafter "Variable Notes") are subject to special rules whereby a Variable
Note will qualify as a "variable rate debt instrument" if (a) its issue price
does not exceed the total noncontingent principal payments due under the
Variable Note by more than a specified "de minimis" amount and (b) it provides
for stated interest, paid or compounded at least annually, at current values
of (i) one or more qualified floating rates, (ii) a single fixed rate and one
or more qualified floating rates, (iii) a single objective rate, or (iv) a
single fixed rate and a single objective rate that is a qualified inverse
floating rate.
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A "qualified floating rate" is any variable rate where variations in the
value of such rate can reasonably be expected to measure contemporaneous
variations in the cost of newly borrowed funds in the currency in which the
Variable Note is denominated. Although a multiple of a qualified floating rate
will generally not itself constitute a qualified floating rate, a variable
rate equal to the product of a qualified floating rate and a fixed multiple
that is greater than .65 but not more than 1.35 will constitute a qualified
floating rate. A variable rate equal to the product of a qualified floating
rate and a fixed multiple that is greater than .65 but not more than 1.35,
increased or decreased by a fixed rate, will also constitute a qualified
floating rate. In addition, under the OID Regulations, two or more qualified
floating rates that can reasonably be expected to have approximately the same
values throughout the term of the Variable Note (e.g., two or more qualified
floating rates with values within 25 basis points of each other as determined
on the Variable Note's issue date) will be treated as a single qualified
floating rate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a variable rate that would
otherwise constitute a qualified floating rate but which is subject to one or
more restrictions such as a maximum numerical limitation (i.e., a cap) or a
minimum numerical limitation (i.e., a floor) may, under certain circumstances,
fail to be treated as a qualified floating rate under the OID Regulations
unless such cap or floor is fixed throughout the term of the Note. An
"objective rate" is a rate that is not itself a qualified floating rate but
which is determined using a single fixed formula that is based on objective
financial or economic information. A rate will not qualify as an objective
rate if it is based on information that is within the control of the issuer
(or a related party) or that is unique to the circumstances of the issuer (or
a related party), such as dividends, profits, or the value of the issuer's
stock (although a rate does not fail to be an objective rate merely because it
is based on the credit quality of the issuer). A "qualified inverse floating
rate" is any objective rate where such rate is equal to a fixed rate minus a
qualified floating rate, as long as variations in the rate can reasonably be
expected to inversely reflect contemporaneous variations in the qualified
floating rate. The OID Regulations also provide that if a Variable Note
provides for stated interest at a fixed rate for an initial period of one year
or less followed by a variable rate that is either a qualified floating rate
or an objective rate and if the variable rate on the Variable Note's issue
date is intended to approximate the fixed rate (e.g., the value of the
variable rate on the issue date does not differ from the value of the fixed
rate by more than 25 basis points), then the fixed rate and the variable rate
together will constitute either a single qualified floating rate or objective
rate, as the case may be.
If a Variable Note that provides for stated interest at either a single
qualified floating rate or a single objective rate throughout the term thereof
qualifies as a "variable rate debt instrument" under the OID Regulations, and
if the interest on such Note is unconditionally payable in cash or property
(other than debt instruments of the issuer) at least annually, then all stated
interest on the Note will constitute qualified stated interest and will be
taxed accordingly. Thus, a Variable Note that provides for stated interest at
either a single qualified floating rate or a single objective rate throughout
the term thereof and that qualifies as a "variable rate debt instrument" under
the OID Regulations will generally not be treated as having been issued with
original issue discount unless the Variable Note is issued at a "true"
discount (i.e., at a price below the Note's stated principal amount) in excess
of a specified "de minimis" amount. The amount of qualified stated interest and
the amount of original issue discount, if any, that accrues during an accrual
period on such a Variable Note is determined under the rules applicable to
fixed rate debt instruments by assuming that the variable rate is a fixed rate
equal to (i) in the case of a qualified floating rate or qualified inverse
floating rate, the value as of the issue date, of the qualified floating rate
or qualified inverse floating rate, or (ii) in the case of an objective rate
(other than a qualified inverse floating rate), a fixed rate that reflects the
yield that is reasonably expected for the Variable Note. The qualified stated
interest allocable to an accrual period is increased (or decreased) if the
interest actually paid during an accrual period exceeds (or is less than) the
interest assumed to be paid during the accrual period pursuant to the
foregoing rules.
In general, any other Variable Note that qualifies as a "variable rate debt
instrument" will be converted into an "equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument
for purposes of determining the amount and accrual of original issue discount
and qualified stated interest on the Variable Note. The OID Regulations
generally require that such a Variable Note be converted into an "equivalent"
fixed rate debt instrument by substituting any qualified floating rate or
qualified inverse floating rate provided for under the terms of the Variable
Note with a fixed rate equal to the value of the qualified floating rate or
qualified inverse floating rate, as the case may be, as of the
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Variable Note's issue date. Any objective rate (other than a qualified inverse
floating rate) provided for under the terms of the Variable Note is converted
into a fixed rate that reflects the yield that is reasonably expected for the
Variable Note. In the case of a Variable Note that qualifies as a "variable
rate debt instrument" and provides for stated interest at a fixed rate in
addition to either one or more qualified floating rates or a qualified inverse
floating rate, the fixed rate is initially converted into a qualified floating
rate (or a qualified inverse floating rate, if the Variable Note provides for
a qualified inverse floating rate). Under such circumstances, the qualified
floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate that replaces the fixed rate
must be such that the fair market value of the Variable Note as of the
Variable Note's issue date is approximately the same as the fair market value
of an otherwise identical debt instrument that provides for either the
qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate rather than the
fixed rate. Subsequent to converting the fixed rate into either a qualified
floating rate or a qualified inverse floating rate, the Variable Note is then
converted into an "equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument in the manner
described above.
Once the Variable Note is converted into an "equivalent" fixed rate debt
instrument pursuant to the foregoing rules, the amount of original issue
discount and qualified stated interest, if any, are determined for the
"equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument by applying the general original issue
discount rules to the "equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument and a U.S.
Holder of the Variable Note will account for such original issue discount and
qualified stated interest as if the U.S. Holder held the "equivalent" fixed
rate debt instrument. Each accrual period appropriate adjustments will be made
to the amount of qualified stated interest or original issue discount assumed
to have been accrued or paid with respect to the "equivalent" fixed rate debt
instrument in the event that such amounts differ from the actual amount of
interest accrued or paid on the Variable Note during the accrual period.
If a Variable Note does not qualify as a "variable rate debt instrument"
under the OID Regulations, then the Variable Note would be treated as a
contingent payment debt obligation. On June 11, 1996, the Treasury Department
issued final regulations (the "CPDI Regulations") concerning the proper United
States Federal income tax treatment of contingent payment debt instruments. In
general, the CPDI Regulations would cause the timing and character of income,
gain or loss reported on a contingent payment debt instrument to substantially
differ from the timing and character of income, gain or loss reported on a
contingent payment debt instrument under general principles of current United
States Federal income tax law. Specifically, the CPDI Regulations generally
require a U.S. Holder of such an instrument to include future contingent and
noncontingent interest payments in income as such interest accrues based upon
a projected payment schedule. Moreover, in general, under the CPDI
Regulations, any gain recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange, or
retirement of a contingent payment debt instrument will be treated as ordinary
income and all or a portion of any loss realized could be treated as ordinary
loss as opposed to capital loss (depending upon the circumstances). The CPDI
Regulations apply to debt instruments issued on or after August 13, 1996. The
proper United States Federal income tax treatment of Variable Notes that are
treated as contingent payment debt obligations will be more fully described in
the applicable Pricing Supplement. Furthermore, any other special United
States Federal income tax considerations, not otherwise discussed herein,
which are applicable to any particular issue of Notes will be discussed in the
applicable Pricing Supplement.
Certain of the Notes (i) may be redeemable at the option of the Company
prior to their stated maturity (a "call option") and/or (ii) may be repayable
at the option of the holder prior to their stated maturity (a "put option").
Notes containing such features may be subject to rules that differ from the
general rules discussed above. Investors intending to purchase Notes with such
features should consult their own tax advisors, since the original issue
discount consequences will depend, in part, on the particular terms and
features of the purchased Notes.
U.S. Holders may generally, upon election, include in income all interest
(including stated interest, acquisition discount, original issue discount, "de
minimis" original issue discount, market discount, "de minimis" market discount,
and unstated interest, as adjusted by any amortizable bond premium or
acquisition premium) that accrues on a debt instrument by using the constant
yield method applicable to original issue discount, subject to certain
limitations and exceptions.
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"Foreign-Currency Notes." The United States Federal income tax consequences of
the purchase, ownership and disposition of Notes providing for payments
denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be more fully described
in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
"Short-Term Notes." Notes that have a fixed maturity of one year or less
("Short-Term Notes") will be treated as having been issued with original issue
discount. In general, an individual or other cash method U.S. Holder is not
required to accrue such original issue discount unless the U.S. Holder elects
to do so. If such an election is not made, any gain recognized by the U.S.
Holder on the sale, exchange or maturity of the Short-Term Note will be
ordinary income to the extent of the original issue discount accrued on a
straight-line basis, or upon election under the constant yield method (based
on daily compounding), through the date of sale or maturity, and a portion of
the deductions otherwise allowable to the U.S. Holder for interest on
borrowings allocable to the Short-Term Note will be deferred until a
corresponding amount of income is realized. U.S. Holders who report income for
United States Federal income tax purposes under the accrual method, and
certain other holders including banks and dealers in securities, are required
to accrue original issue discount on a Short-Term Note on a straight-line
basis unless an election is made to accrue the original issue discount under a
constant yield method (based on daily compounding).
"Market Discount." If a U.S. Holder purchases a Note, other than a Discount
Note, for an amount that is less than its issue price (or, in the case of a
subsequent purchaser, its stated redemption price at maturity) or, in the case
of a Discount Note, for an amount that is less than its adjusted issue price
as of the purchase date, such U.S. Holder will be treated as having purchased
such Note at a "market discount," unless such market discount is less than a
specified de minimis amount.
Under the market discount rules, a U.S. Holder will be required to treat any
partial principal payment (or, in the case of a Discount Note, any payment
that does not constitute qualified stated interest) on, or any gain realized
on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of, a Note as ordinary
income to the extent of the lesser of (i) the amount of such payment or
realized gain or (ii) the market discount which has not previously been
included in income and is treated as having accrued on such Note at the time
of such payment or disposition. Market discount will be considered to accrue
ratably during the period from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of
the Note, unless the U.S. Holder elects to accrue market discount on the basis
of semiannual compounding.
A U.S. Holder may be required to defer the deduction of all or a portion of
the interest paid or accrued on any indebtedness incurred or maintained to
purchase or carry a Note with market discount until the maturity of the Note
or certain earlier dispositions, because a current deduction is only allowed
to the extent the interest expense exceeds an allocable portion of market
discount. A U.S. Holder may elect to include market discount in income
currently as it accrues (on either a ratable or semiannual compounding basis),
in which case the rules described above regarding the treatment as ordinary
income of gain upon the disposition of the Note and upon the receipt of
certain cash payments and regarding the deferral of interest deductions will
not apply. Generally, such currently included market discount is treated as
ordinary interest for United States Federal income tax purposes. Such an
election will apply to all debt instruments acquired by the U.S. Holder on or
after the first day of the taxable year to which such election applies and may
be revoked only with the consent of the IRS.
"Premium." If a U.S. Holder purchases a Note for an amount that is greater
than the sum of all amounts payable on the Note after the purchase date other
than payments of qualified stated interest, such U.S Holder will be considered
to have purchased the Note with "amortizable bond premium" equal in amount to
such excess. A U.S. Holder may elect to amortize such premium using a constant
yield method over the remaining term of the Note and may offset interest
otherwise required to be included in respect of the Note during any taxable
year by the amortized amount of such excess for the taxable year. However, if
the Note may be optionally redeemed after the U.S. Holder acquires it at a
price in excess of its stated redemption price at maturity, special rules
would apply which could result in a deferral of the amortization of some bond
premium until later in the term of the Note. Any election to amortize bond
premium applies to all taxable debt obligations then owned and thereafter
acquired by the U.S. Holder and may be revoked only with the consent of the
IRS.
S-24
"Disposition of a Note." Except as discussed above, upon the sale, exchange or
retirement of a Note, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or
loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange
or retirement (other than amounts representing accrued and unpaid interest)
and such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Note. A U.S. Holder's
adjusted tax basis in a Note generally will equal such U.S. Holder's initial
investment in the Note increased by any original issue discount included in
income (and accrued market discount, if any, if the U.S. Holder has included
such market discount in income) and decreased by the amount of any payments,
other than qualified stated interest payments, received and amortizable bond
premium taken with respect to such Note. Such gain or loss generally will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the Note were held for more than the
applicable holding period. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 reduces the maximum
rates on long-term capital gains recognized on capital assets held by
individual taxpayers for more than eighteen months as of the date of
disposition (and would further reduce the maximum rates on such gains in the
year 2001 and thereafter for certain individual taxpayers who meet specified
conditions). Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors
concerning these tax law changes.
NON-U.S. HOLDERS
A non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States Federal income taxes
on payments of principal, premium (if any) or interest (including original
issue discount, if any) on a Note, unless such non-U.S. Holder is a direct or
indirect 10% or greater shareholder of the Company, a controlled foreign
corporation related to the Company or a bank receiving interest described in
section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code. To qualify for the exemption from taxation,
the last United States payor in the chain of payment prior to payment to a
non-U.S. Holder (the "Withholding Agent") must have received in the year in
which a payment of interest or principal occurs, or in either of the two
preceding calendar years, a statement that (i) is signed by the beneficial
owner of the Note under penalties of perjury, (ii) certifies that such owner
is not a U.S. Holder and (iii) provides the name and address of the beneficial
owner. The statement may be made on an IRS Form W-8 or a substantially similar
form, and the beneficial owner must inform the Withholding Agent of any change
in the information on the statement within 30 days of such change. If a Note
is held through a securities clearing organization or certain other financial
institutions, the organization or institution may provide a signed statement
to the Withholding Agent. However, in such case, the signed statement must be
accompanied by a copy of the IRS Form W-8 or the substitute form provided by
the beneficial owner to the organization or institution. The Treasury
Department is considering implementation of further certification requirements
aimed at determining whether the issuer of a debt obligation is related to
holders thereof.
On October 6, 1997, the Treasury issued new regulations (the "New
Withholding Regulations") which make certain modifications to the withholding,
backup withholding and information reporting rules. The New Regulations
attempt to unify certification requirements and modify reliance standards. The
New Withholding Regulations will generally be effective for payments made
after December 31, 1998, subject to certain transition rules. Prospective
investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the New
Withholding Regulations.
Generally, a non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States Federal
income taxes on any amount which constitutes capital gain upon retirement or
disposition of a Note, provided the gain is not effectively connected with the
conduct of a trade or business in the United States by the non-U.S. Holder.
Certain other exceptions may be applicable, and a non-U.S. Holder should
consult its tax advisor in this regard.
The Notes will not be includible in the estate of a non-U.S. Holder unless
the individual is a direct or indirect 10% or greater shareholder of the
Company or, at the time of such individual's death, payments in respect of the
Notes would have been effectively connected with the conduct by such
individual of a trade or business in the United States.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Backup withholding of United States Federal income tax at a rate of 31% may
apply to payments made in respect of the Notes to registered owners who are
not "exempt recipients" and who fail to provide certain identifying
information (such as the registered owner's taxpayer identification number) in
the required manner.
S-25
Generally, individuals are not exempt recipients, whereas corporations and
certain other entities generally are exempt recipients. Payments made in
respect of the Notes to a U.S. Holder must be reported to the IRS, unless the
U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient or establishes an exemption. Compliance
with the identification procedures described in the preceding section would
establish an exemption from backup withholding for those non-U.S. Holders who
are not exempt recipients.
In addition, upon the sale of a Note to (or through) a broker, the broker
must withhold 31% of the entire purchase price, unless either (i) the broker
determines that the seller is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii)
the seller provides, in the required manner, certain identifying information
and, in the case of a non-U.S. Holder, certifies that such seller is a non-
U.S. Holder (and certain other conditions are met). Such a sale must also be
reported by the broker to the IRS, unless either (i) the broker determines
that the seller is an exempt recipient or (ii) the seller certifies its non-
U.S. status (and certain other conditions are met). Certification of the
registered owner's non-U.S. status would be made normally on an IRS Form W-8
under penalties of perjury, although in certain cases it may be possible to
submit other documentary evidence. In addition, prospective U.S. Holders are
strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the New
Withholding Regulations. See "Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations--Non-U.S. Holders".
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
beneficial owner would be allowed as a refund or a credit against such
beneficial owner's United States Federal income tax provided the required
information is furnished to the IRS.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Notes are being offered on a continuing basis for sale by the Company,
through the Agent, Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, who will purchase the Notes, as principal, from the Company, for
resale to investors and other purchasers at varying prices relating to
prevailing market prices at the time of resale as determined by the Agent, or,
if so specified in an applicable Pricing Supplement, for resale at a fixed
public offering price. Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Pricing
Supplement, any Note sold to the Agent as principal will be purchased by the
Agent at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof less a
percentage of the principal amount equal to the commission applicable to an
agency sale (as described below) of a Note of identical maturity. If agreed to
by the Company and the Agent, the Agent may utilize its reasonable efforts on
an agency basis to solicit offers to purchase the Notes at 100% of the
principal amount thereof, unless otherwise specified in an applicable Pricing
Supplement. The Company will pay a commission to the Agent, ranging from .050%
to .600% of the principal amount of a Note, depending upon its Stated Maturity
(or, with respect to Notes for which the Stated Maturity is in excess of 30
years, such commission as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Agent at
the time of sale), sold through the Agent.
The Agent may sell Notes it has purchased from the Company as principal to
other dealers for resale to investors, and may allow any portion of the
discount received in connection with such purchases from the Company to such
dealers. After the initial public offering of Notes, the public offering price
(in the case of Notes to be resold at a fixed public offering price), the
concession and the discount allowed to dealers may be changed.
The Company reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer made
hereby without notice and may reject orders in whole or in part whether placed
directly with the Company or through the Agent. The Agent will have the right,
in its discretion reasonably exercised, to reject in whole or in part any
offer to purchase Notes received by the Agent.
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Pricing Supplement, payment of
the purchase price of the Notes will be required to be made in immediately
available funds in New York City on the date of settlement.
No Note will have an established trading market when issued. Unless
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Notes will not be listed
on any securities exchange. The Agent may from time to time purchase and sell
Notes in the secondary market, but the Agent is not obligated to do so, and
there can be no assurance that there will be a secondary market for the Notes
or liquidity in the secondary market if one develops. From time to time, the
Agent may make a market in the Notes.
S-26
The Agent may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). The Company has agreed to
indemnify the Agent against or to make contributions relating to certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Act, or to contribute to payments
the Agent may be required to make in respect thereof. The Company has agreed
to reimburse the Agent for certain expenses.
From time to time, the Company may issue and sell other Securities described
in the accompanying Prospectus, and the amount of Notes offered hereby is
subject to reduction as a result of such sales.
In connection with the offering of Notes purchased by the Agent as principal
on a fixed price basis, the Agent is permitted to engage in certain
transactions that stabilize the price of the Notes. Such transactions may
consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining
the price of the Notes. If the Agent creates a short position in the Notes in
connection with the offering (i.e., if it sells Notes in an aggregate
principal amount exceeding that set forth in the applicable Pricing
Supplement), then the Agent may reduce that short position by purchasing Notes
in the open market. In general, purchases of Notes for the purpose of
stabilization or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the Notes
to be higher than in the absence of such purchases.
Neither the Company nor the Agent make any representation or prediction as
to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described
above may have on the price of the Notes. In addition, neither the Company nor
the Agent makes any representation that the Agent will engage in any such
transactions or that such transactions, once commenced, will not be
discontinued without notice.
The distribution of the Notes will conform to the requirements set forth in
the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
LEGAL OPINION
The validity of the Notes will be passed upon for the Company and the Agent
by Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New York.
S-27
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NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR IN-
CORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE APPLICABLE PRICING
SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PRO-
SPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE APPLICABLE PRICING SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS, AND,
IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE AGENT. NEITHER THE DELIVERY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE APPLICABLE PRICING SUPPLEMENT OR THE PRO-
SPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCE CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF
THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE APPLICABLE
PRICING SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITA-
TION 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 ANYONE TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION.
---------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
PAGE
----
Risk Factors.............................................................. S-2
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges........................................ S-3
Description of Notes...................................................... S-4
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations................... S-20
Plan of Distribution...................................................... S-26
Legal Opinion............................................................. S-27
PROSPECTUS
Available Information..................................................... 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference........................... 2
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ................................................ 3
Use of Proceeds........................................................... 3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed
Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.................................... 4
Recent Developments....................................................... 4
Description of Debt Securities............................................ 4
Description of Debt Warrants.............................................. 9
Description of Currency Warrants.......................................... 11
Description of Index Warrants............................................. 12
Description of Preferred Stock............................................ 16
Description of Depositary Shares.......................................... 21
Description of Preferred Stock Warrants................................... 25
Description of Common Stock............................................... 27
Description of Common Stock Warrants...................................... 29
Plan of Distribution...................................................... 31
Experts................................................................... 32
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[LOGO]
$
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES,
SERIES B
-----------------------
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
-----------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
JANUARY , 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. "OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION."
The following table sets forth all expenses in connection with the issuance
and distribution of the securities being registered. All the amounts shown are
estimates, except the registration fee and the NASD fee.
Registration fee................................................. 2,360,000
Fees and expenses of accountants................................. 200,000
Fees and expenses of counsel..................................... 1,000,000
NASD fee......................................................... 30,500
Fees and expenses of Trustees and Warrant Agents................. 300,000
Printing expenses................................................ 400,000
Printing and engraving of Securities............................. 50,000
Rating agency fees............................................... 500,000
Stock exchange listing fees...................................... 250,000
Miscellaneous.................................................... 9,500
----------
Total.......................................................... $5,100,000
==========
ITEM 15. "INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS."
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as
amended, provides that under certain circumstances a corporation may indemnify
any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such
person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or
is or was serving at its request in such capacity in another corporation or
business association, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments,
fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such
person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted
in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such
person's conduct was unlawful.
Article XIII, Section 2 of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company provides in effect that, subject to certain limited exceptions, the
Company shall indemnify its directors and officers to the extent authorized or
permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
Each of the underwriting and distribution agreements and forms thereof filed
as Exhibit 1 provides for the indemnification of the Company, its controlling
persons, its directors and certain of its officers by the Underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Act").
The directors and officers of the Company are insured under policies of
insurance maintained by the Company, subject to the limits of the policies,
against certain losses arising from any claim made against them by reason of
being or having been such directors or officers. In addition, the Company has
entered into contracts with all of its directors providing for indemnification
of such persons by the Company to the full extent authorized or permitted by
law, subject to certain limited exceptions.
The Declaration of Trust of each of the Trusts provides, to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, for indemnity of the Regular Trustees, any
Affiliate of any Regular Trustee, any officer, director, shareholder, member,
partner, employee, representative or agent of any Regular Trustee, or any
officer, director, shareholder
II-1
member, partner, employee representative or agent of the Trust or its
Affiliates (each a "Company Indemnified Person"), from and against losses and
expenses incurred by such Company Indemnified Person in connection with any
action, suit or proceeding, except that if such action, suit or proceedings is
by or in the right of the Trust, the indemnity shall be limited to expenses of
such Company Indemnified Person.
The Limited Partnership Agreement of each of the Partnerships provides that
to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Partnership shall
indemnify and hold harmless each of the General Partner, and any Special
Representative, any Affiliate of the General Partner or any Special
Representative, any officer, director, shareholder, member, partner, employee
representative or agent of the General Partner or any Special Representative,
or any of their respective Affiliates, or any employee of agent of the
Partnership or its Affiliates (each a "Partnership Indemnified Person"), from
and against any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Partnership Indemnified
Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such
Partnership Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Partnership and
in a manner such Partnership Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be
within the scope of authority conferred on such Partnership Indemnified Person
by the Limited Partnership Agreement, except that no Partnership Indemnified
Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or
claim incurred by such Partnership Indemnified Person by reason of gross
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions. The
Limited Partnership Agreement also provides that, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a
Partnership Indemnified Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or
proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to
the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon
receipt by the Partnership of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
Partnership Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined
that the Partnership Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as
authorized in the Limited Partnership Agreement.
The Regular Trustees of the Trusts are covered by insurance policies
indemnifying them against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities
arising under the Act, which might be incurred by them in such capacity and
against which they cannot be indemnified by the Company or the Trusts. Any
agents, dealers or underwriters who execute the agreements filed as Exhibit 1
of this Registration Statement with respect to Trust Originated Preference
Securities will agree to indemnify the Company's directors and their officers
and the Trustees who signed the Registration Statement with respect to such
securities against certain liabilities that may arise under the Securities Act
with respect to information furnished to the Company or the particular Trust
by or on behalf of any such indemnifying party.
ITEM 16. "LIST OF EXHIBITS."
EXHIBIT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TO FILINGS INDICATED
------- ----------- --------------------------
1(a)(i) --Form of Underwriting Exhibit 1(a)(i) to Company's
Agreement for Debt Registration Statement of Form S-3
Securities and Debt, (No. 333-13649).
Currency and Index Warrants,
including forms of Terms
Agreement.
1(b) --Form of Distribution Exhibit 1(b) to Company's Registration
Agreement, including form of Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-51489).
Terms Agreement, relating to
Medium-Term Notes, Series B
(a series of Senior Debt
Securities).
1(c)* --Form of Underwriting
Agreement for Preferred
Stock and Common Stock
Warrants, Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares and Common
Stock.
1(d) --Form of Purchase Agreement Exhibit 1.1 to Company's Registration
relating to the Trust Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-42859).
Preferred Securities.
II-2
EXHIBIT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TO FILINGS INDICATED
------- ----------- --------------------------
4(a)(i) --Senior Indenture, dated Exhibit 99(c) to Company's
as of April 1, 1983, as Registration Statement on Form 8-A
amended and restated, dated July 20, 1992.
between the Company and
The Chase Manhattan Bank,
formerly known as Chemical
Bank (successor by merger
to Manufacturers Hanover
Trust Company).
4(a)(ii) --Senior Indenture, dated Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
as of October 1, 1993, on Form 8-K dated October 7, 1993.
between the Company and
The Chase Manhattan Bank
(successor by merger to
The Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A.).
4(a)(iii) --Form of initial
Subsequent Indenture with
respect to Senior Debt
Securities.
4(a)(iv) --Form of Subsequent
Indenture with respect to
Senior Debt Securities.
4(b)(i) --Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 99(c) to Company's
the Senior Indenture, Registration Statement on Form 8-A
dated March 15, 1990, dated July 20, 1992.
between the Company and
The Chase Manhattan Bank,
formerly known as Chemical
Bank (successor by merger
to Manufacturers Hanover
Trust Company).
4(b)(ii) --Eighth Supplemental Exhibit 4(b) to Post-Effective
Indenture to the Senior Amendment No. 1 to Company's
Indenture, dated March 1, Registration Statement on Form S-3
1996, between the Company (No. 33-65135).
and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor
by merger to Manufacturers
Hanover Trust Company).
4(b)(iii) --Ninth Supplemental Exhibit 4(b) to Post-Effective
Indenture to the Senior Amendment No. 4 to Company's
Indenture, dated June 1, Registration Statement on Form S-3
1996, between the Company (No. 33-65135).
and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor
by merger to Manufacturers
Hanover Trust Company).
4(b)(iv) --Tenth Supplemental Exhibit 4(b) to Post-Effective
Indenture to the Senior Amendment No. 5 to Company's
Indenture, dated July 1, Registration Statement on Form S-3
1996, between the Company (No. 33-65135).
and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor
by merger to Manufacturers
Hanover Trust Company).
4(b)(v) --Supplemental Indenture to Exhibit 4(b)(ii) to Company's
the Senior Indenture, Registration Statement on Form S-3
dated October 25, 1993, (No. 33-61559).
between the Company and
The Chase Manhattan Bank
(successor by merger to
The Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A.).
4(c)(i) --Form of Subordinated Exhibit 4.7 to Company's Registration
Indenture between the Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-16603).
Company and The Chase
Manhattan Bank.
II-3
EXHIBIT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TO FILINGS INDICATED
------- ----------- --------------------------
4(c)(ii) --Form of Subsequent
Indentures with respect to
Subordinated Debt
Securities.
4(d) --Form of 9% Note due May Exhibit 4(x) to Company's Registration
1, 1998. Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-45327).
4(e) --Form of S&P 500 Market Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Index Target-Term Security on Form 8-K dated January 28, 1993.
due July 31, 1998.
4(f) --Form of Global Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Telecommunications on Form 8-K dated September 13, 1993.
Portfolio Market Index
Target-Term Security due
October 15, 1998.
4(g) --Form of Global Bond Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Linked Security due on Form 8-K dated February 22, 1993.
December 31, 1998.
4(h) --Form of Currency Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Protected Note due on Form 8-K dated July 7, 1993.
December 31, 1998.
4(i) --Form of 10 3/8% Note due Exhibit 4(y) to Company's Registration
February 1, 1999. Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-45327).
4(j) --Form of 7 3/4% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
March 1, 1999. on Form 8-K dated March 2, 1992.
4(k) --Form of 6 3/8% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
March 30, 1999. on Form 8-K dated March 30, 1994.
4(l) --Form of Equity Exhibit 4(ooo) to Amendment No. 1 to
Participation Security Company's Registration Statement on
with Minimum Return Form S-3 (No. 33-54218).
Protection due June 30,
1999.
4(m) --Form of European Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Portfolio Market Index on Form 8-K dated December 30, 1993.
Target-Term Security due
June 30, 1999.
4(n) --Form of 8 1/4% Note due Exhibit 4(cc) to Company's
November 15, 1999. Registration Statement on Form S-3
(No. 33-45327).
4(o) --Form of Stock Market Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Annual Reset Term Note due on Form 8-K dated April 29, 1993.
December 31, 1999 (Series
A).
4(p) --Form of Japan Index Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Equity Participation on Form 8-K dated January 27, 1994.
Security with Minimum
Return Protection due
January 31, 2000.
4(q) --Form of 8 3/8% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
February 9, 2000. on Form 8-K dated February 9, 1995.
4(r) --Form of 6.70% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
August 1, 2000. on Form 8-K dated August 1, 1995.
4(s) --Form of AMEX Oil Index Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Stock Market Annual Reset on Form 8-K dated March 31, 1994.
Term Note due December 29,
2000.
4(t) --Form of 8% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
February 1, 2002. on Form 8-K dated February 4, 1992.
4(u) --Form of Step-Up Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
April 30, 2002. on Form 8-K dated April 30, 1992.
4(v) --Form of Step-Up Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
May 6, 2002. on Form 8-K dated May 6, 1992.
II-4
EXHIBIT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TO FILINGS INDICATED
------- ----------- --------------------------
4(w) --Form of 7 3/8% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
August 17, 2002. on Form 8-K dated August 17, 1992.
4(x) --Form of Major 8 European Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Index Market Index Target- on Form 8-K dated August 1, 1997.
Term Securities due August
30, 2002.
4(y) --Form of 6.64% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
September 19, 2002. on Form 8-K dated September 19, 1995.
4(z) --Form of 8.30% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
November 1, 2002. on Form 8-K dated May 4, 1992.
4(aa) --Form of Major 11 European Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Market Index Target-Term on Form 8-K dated November 26, 1997.
Securities due December 6,
2002.
4(bb) --Form of 6 7/8% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
March 1, 2003. on Form 8-K dated March 1, 1993.
4(cc) --Form of 7.05% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
April 15, 2003. on Form 8-K dated April 15, 1993.
4(dd) --Form of 6.55% Notes due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
August 1, 2004. on Form 8-K dated August 1, 1997.
4(ee) --Form of Russell 2000 Index Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Market Index Target-Term on Form 8-K dated September 29, 1997.
Securities due September
30, 2004.
4(ff) --Form of 6 1/4% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
January 15, 2006. on Form 8-K dated January 20, 1994.
4(gg) --Form of 6 3/8% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
September 8, 2006. on Form 8-K dated September 8, 1993.
4(hh) --Form of 8% Note due June Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
1, 2007. on Form 8-K dated June 1, 1992.
4(ii) --Form of S&P 500 Inflation Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Adjusted Market Index on Form 8-K dated September 24, 1997.
Target-Term Securities due
September 24, 2007.
4(jj) --Form of 7% Note due April Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
27, 2008. on Form 8-K dated April 27, 1993.
4(kk) --Form of 6 1/4% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
October 15, 2008. on Form 8-K dated October 15, 1993.
4(ll) --Form of 8.40% Note due Exhibit 4(z) to Company's Registration
November 1, 2019. Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-35456).
4(mm) --Form of Fixed Rate Medium- Exhibit 4(kk) to Company's
Term Note (without Registration Statement on Form S-3
redemption provisions). (No. 33-54218).
4(nn) --Form of Fixed Rate Medium- Exhibit 4(ll) to Company's
Term Note (with redemption Registration Statement on Form S-3
provisions). (No. 33-54218).
4(oo) --Form of Fixed Rate Medium- Exhibit 4(d) to Company's Registration
Term Note (without Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-38879).
redemption provisions,
minimum denomination
$1,000).
II-5
EXHIBIT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TO FILINGS INDICATED
------- ----------- --------------------------
4(pp) --Form of Fixed Rate Medium- Exhibit 4(e) to Company's Registration
Term Note (with redemption Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-38879).
provisions, minimum
denomination $1,000).
4(qq) --Form of Fixed Rate Medium- Exhibit 4(xiii) to Company's Quarterly
Term Note, Series B. Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 24, 1993.
4(rr) --Form of Federal Funds Rate Exhibit 4(oo) to Company's
Medium-Term Note. Registration Statement on Form S-3
(No. 33-54218).
4(ss) --Form of Floating Rate Exhibit 4(xiv) to Company's Quarterly
Medium-Term Note, Series B. Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 24, 1993.
4(tt) --Form of Commercial Paper Exhibit 4(qq) to Company's
Rate Medium- Term Note. Registration Statement on Form S-3
(No. 33-54218).
4(uu) --Form of Commercial Paper Exhibit 4(i) to Company's Registration
Index Rate Medium-Term Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-
Note. 38879).
4(vv) --Form of Constant Maturity Exhibit 4(ccc) to Company's
Treasury Rate Indexed Registration Statement on Form S-3
Medium-Term Note, Series B. (No. 33-52647).
4(ww) --Form of Constant Maturity Exhibit 4(xv) to Company's Annual
Treasury Rate Indexed Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
Medium-Term Note II, Series December 30, 1994.
B.
4(xx) --Form of JPY Yield Curve Exhibit 4(ddd) to Company's
Flattening Medium-Term Registration Statement on Form S-3
Note, Series B. (No. 33-52647).
4(yy) --Form of LIBOR Medium-Term Exhibit 4(pp) to Company's
Note. Registration Statement on Form S-3
(No. 33-54218).
4(zz) --Form of Multi-Currency Exhibit 4(fff) to Company's
Medium-Term Note, Series B. Registration Statement on Form S-3
(No. 33-52647).
4(aaa) --Form of Nine Month Exhibit 4(ix) to Company's Quarterly
Renewable Floating Rate Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
Medium-Term Note, Series B. ended September 24, 1993.
4(bbb) --Form of Treasury Rate Exhibit 4(aaa) to Company's
Medium-Term Note. Registration Statement on Form S-3
(No. 33-54218).
4(ccc) --Form of Collared LIBOR Exhibit 4(ww) to Company's
Medium-Term Note due Registration Statement on Form S-3
February 14, 2000. (No. 33-54218).
4(ddd) --Form of Inverse Floating Exhibit 4(vii) to Company's Quarterly
Rate Medium-Term Note due Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
September 15, 1998. ended September 24, 1993.
4(eee) --Form of Inverse Floating Exhibit 4(xii) to Company's Quarterly
Rate Medium-Term Note, Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
Series B, due October 19, ended September 24, 1993.
1998.
4(fff) --Form of Japanese Yen Swap Exhibit 4(mmm) to Company's
Rate Linked Medium-Term Registration Statement on Form S-3
Note, Series B. (No. 33-52647).
4(ggg) --Form of Step-Up Medium- Exhibit 4(ggg) to Amendment No. 1 to
Term Note due May 20, 2008. Company's Registration Statement on
Form
S-3 (No. 33-54218).
II-6
EXHIBIT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TO FILINGS INDICATED
------- ----------- --------------------------
4(hhh) --Form of Swap Spread Linked Exhibit 4(hhh) to Amendment No. 1 to
Medium-Term Note due May Company's Registration Statement on
20, 1998. Form S-3 (No. 33-54218).
4(iii) --Form of Warrant Agreement, Exhibit 4(aa) to Company's
including form of Warrant Registration Statement on Form S-3
Certificate. (No. 33-35456).
4(jjj) --Form of Currency Exhibit 4 to Company's Registration
[Put/Call] Warrant Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-17965).
Agreement, including form
of Global Currency Warrant
Certificate.
4(kkk) --Form of Index Warrant Exhibit 4(kkk) to Amendment No. 1 to
Agreement, including form Company's Registration Statement on
of Global Index Warrant Form S-3 (No. 33-54218).
Certificate.
4(lll) --Form of Index Warrant Exhibit 4(lll) to Amendment No. 1 to
Trust Indenture, including Company's Registration Statement on
form of Global Index Form S-3 (No. 33-54218).
Warrant Certificate.
4(mmm) --Form of Warrant Agreement, Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
including form of Global on Form 8-K dated November 27, 1995.
Warrant Certificate,
relating to Russell 2000
Index Call Warrants
Expiring November 17, 1998.
4(nnn) --Form of 6 1/2% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
April 1, 2001. on Form 8-K dated April 1, 1996.
4(ooo) --Form of 6% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
January 15, 2001. on Form 8-K dated January 17, 1996.
4(ppp) --Form of 6% Note due March Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
1, 2001. on Form 8-K dated February 29, 1996.
4(qqq) --Form of 7% Note due March Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
15, 2006. on Form 8-K dated March 18, 1996.
4(rrr) --Form of 7 3/8% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
May 15, 2006. on Form 8-K dated May 15, 1996.
4(sss) --Form of 6% STRYPES due Exhibit 4(c) to Company's Form 8-K/A
June 1, 1999. dated June 7, 1996.
4(ttt) --Form of 7 1/4% STRYPES due Exhibit 4(c) to Post-Effective
June 15, 1999. Amendment No. 4 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-3
(33-65135).
4(uuu) --Form of 6 1/4% STRYPES due Exhibit 4(c) to Company's Current
July 1, 2001. Report on Form 8-K dated July 9, 1996.
4(vvv) --Form of S&P 500 Market Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Index Target-Term Security on Form 8-K dated May 13, 1996.
due May 10, 2001.
4(www) --Form of AMEX Hong Kong 30 Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Index Equity Participation on Form 8-K dated February 7, 1996.
Note due February 16, 1999.
4(xxx) --Form of Technology Market Exhibit 4(a) to Company's Current
Index Target-Term Report on Form 8-K dated August 12,
Securities due August 15, 1996.
2001.
II-7
EXHIBIT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TO FILINGS INDICATED
------- ----------- --------------------------
4(yyy) --Form of Top Ten Yield Exhibit 4(b) to Company's Current
Market Index Target-Term Report on Form 8-K dated August 12,
Securities due August 15, 1996.
2006.
4(zzz) --Form of Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Healthcare/Biotechnology on Form 8-K dated October 30, 1996.
Portfolio Market Index
Target-Term Securities due
October 31, 2001.
4(aaaa) --Form of 7% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
January 15, 2007. on Form 8-K dated January 13, 1997.
4(bbbb) --Form of S&P 500 Market Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Index Target-Term on Form 8-K dated March 14, 1997.
Securities due September
16, 2002.
4(cccc) --Form of Nikkei 225 Market Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Index Target-Term on Form 8-K dated June 3, 1997.
Securities due June 14,
2002.
4(dddd) --Form of 6.56% Note due Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
December 16, 2007. on Form 8-K dated December 16, 1997.
4(eeee)* --Form of Preferred Stock
and Common Stock Warrant
Agreement, including forms
of Preferred Stock and
Common Stock Warrant
Certificates.
4(ffff)* --Form of Deposit Agreement,
including form of
Depositary Receipt
Certificate representing
the Depositary Shares.
4(gggg) --Form of Certificate of Exhibit 4.1 to Company's Registration
Trust of Merrill Lynch Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
Preferred Capital Trusts V 42859).
and VI.
4(hhhh) --Form of Amended and Exhibit 4.2 to Company's Registration
Restated Declaration of Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
Trust of Merrill Lynch 42859).
Preferred Capital Trusts V
and VI, including form of
Trust Preferred Security.
4(iiii) --Form of Certificate of Exhibit 4.3 to Company's Registration
Limited Partnership of Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
Merrill Lynch Preferred 42859).
Funding V, L.P. and Merrill
Lynch Preferred Funding VI,
L.P.
4(jjjj) --Form of Amended and Exhibit 4.4 to Company's Registration
Restated Limited Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
Partnership Agreement of 42859).
Merrill Lynch Preferred
Funding V, L.P. and Merrill
Lynch Preferred Funding VI,
L.P.
4(kkkk) --Form of Trust Preferred Exhibit 4.5 to Company's Registration
Securities Guarantee Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
Agreement, between the 42859).
Company and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as
guarantee trustee,
including form of
Partnership Preferred
Security.
4(llll) --Form of Partnership Exhibit 4.6 to Company's Registration
Preferred Securities Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
Guarantee Agreement between 42859).
the Company and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as
guarantee trustee.
II-8
EXHIBIT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TO FILINGS INDICATED
------- ----------- --------------------------
4(mmmm) --Form of Subordinated Exhibit 4 to Company's Registration
Debenture Indenture Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
between the Company and 16603).
The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as trustee.
4(nnnn) --Form of Affiliate Exhibit 4.8 to Company's Registration
Debenture Guarantee Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
Agreement between the 42859).
Company and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as
guarantee trustee.
4(oooo) --Form of Subordinated Exhibit 4.11 to Company's Registration
Debenture. Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
42859).
4(pppp) --Restated Certificate of Exhibit 3(i) to Company's Annual
Incorporation of the Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
Company, dated April 24, ended December 25, 1992.
1987.
4(qqqq) --Certificate of Amendment, Exhibit 3(i) to Company's Quarterly
dated April 29, 1993, of Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
the Company. ended March 26, 1993.
4(rrrr) --By-Laws of the Company, Exhibit 3(ii) to Company's Quarterly
effective as of April 15, Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
1997. ended March 28, 1997.
4(ssss) --Form of Certificate of Exhibit 4(c) to Company's Registration
Designation of the Company Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-
establishing the rights, 55363).
preferences, privileges,
qualifications,
restrictions, and
limitations relating to a
series of the Preferred
Stock.
4(tttt) --Form of certificate Exhibit 4(d) to Company's Registration
representing Preferred Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-
Stock. 55363).
4(uuuu)* --Form of certificate
representing Common Stock.
4(vvvv)* --Form of Liquid Yield
OptionSM Note Indenture.
4(xxxx) --Form of Market Index Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Target-Term Securities on Form 8-K dated December 23, 1997.
based upon the Dow Jones
Industrial Average due
January 14, 2003
4(yyyy)* --Form of Eleventh
Supplemental Indenture to
the Senior Indenture,
dated January , 1998,
between the Company and
The Chase Manhattan Bank
(successor by merger to
The Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A.)
4(zzzz) --Form of Amended and Exhibit 4 to Company's Current Report
Restated Rights Agreement, on Form 8-K dated December 2, 1997.
dated as of December 2,
1997, between the Company
and ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services,
L.L.C., as Rights Agent.
4(aaaaa) --Certificate of Exhibit 3(f) to the Company's
Designation of the Company Registration Statement on Form S-3
establishing the rights, (File No. 33-19975).
preferences, privileges,
qualifications,
restrictions and
limitations relating to
the Company's Series A
Junior Preferred Stock.
II-9
EXHIBIT INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TO FILINGS INDICATED
------- ----------- --------------------------
5(a)* --Opinion of Brown & Wood
LLP.
5(b)* --Opinion of Brown & Wood
LLP.
12(a) --Computation of Ratio of Exhibit 12 to Company's Annual Report
Earnings to Fixed Charges of on Form 10-K for the year ended
the Company. December 27, 1996.
12(b) --Computation of Ratio of Exhibit 12 to Company's Annual Report
Earnings to Combined Fixed on Form 10-K for the year ended
Charges and Preferred Stock December 27, 1996.
Dividends of the Company.
23(a)* --Consents of Brown & Wood
LLP (included as part of
Exhibit 5).
23(b)* --Consent of Deloitte &
Touche LLP.
24 --Power of Attorney of the
Company (included on page
II-12).
25(a) --Form T-1 Statement of Exhibit 25 to Company's Registration
Eligibility under the Trust Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
Indenture Act of 1939 of The 42859).
Chase Manhattan Bank under
the Declaration of Trust
(contained in Exhibit
4(hhhh)); Trust Preferred
Securities Guarantee
Agreement (contained in
Exhibit 4 (kkkk));
Subordinated Indenture
(contained in Exhibit
4(mmmm)); and Affiliate
Debenture Guarantee
Agreements (contained in
Exhibit 4(nnnn)).
99(a)* --Opinion of Deloitte &
Touche LLP with respect to
certain financial data
appearing in the
Registration Statement.
99(b) --Opinion of Deloitte & Exhibit 99(ii) to Company's Current
Touche LLP with respect to Report on Form 8-K dated March 14,
certain summary financial 1997.
information and selected
financial data incorporated
by reference in the
Registration Statement.
- --------
* To be filed by amendment.
ITEM 17. "UNDERTAKINGS"
Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes:
(a)(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement;
II-10
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if
the registration statement is on Form S-3 and the information required to
be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained
in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference
in the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at the 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.
(b) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each filing of such registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is
incorporated by reference in this 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 such registrant pursuant to the provisions referred
to in Item 15 of this registration statement, or otherwise, such registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
such Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by such
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of such registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, such
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.
(d) To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility
of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust
Indenture Act (the "Act") in accordance with the rules and regulations
prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.
II-11
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 NEW YORK AND STATE OF NEW YORK ON THE 12TH DAY OF
JANUARY, 1998.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
/s/ David H. Komansky
By: _________________________________
DAVID H. KOMANSKY
"(CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND DIRECTOR)"
Know All Men by These Presents, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints David H. Komansky, Herbert M. Allison, Jr.,
Joseph T. Willett and Stephen L. Hammerman, and each of them, his true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES INDICATED ON THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1998.
SIGNATURE TITLE
/s/ David H. Komansky Chairman of the Board, Chief
- ------------------------------------- Executive Officer and Director
(DAVID H. KOMANSKY)
/s/ Herbert M. Allison, Jr. President, Chief Operating Officer
- ------------------------------------- and Director
(HERBERT M. ALLISON, JR.)
/s/ Joseph T. Willett Senior Vice President and Chief
- ------------------------------------- Financial Officer (Principal
(JOSEPH T. WILLETT) Financial Officer)
/s/ Michael J. Castellano Senior Vice President and Controller
- ------------------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer)
(MICHAEL J. CASTELLANO)
II-12
SIGNATURE TITLE
/s/ William O. Bourke Director
- ------------------------------------
(WILLIAM O. BOURKE)
/s/ W.H. Clark Director
- ------------------------------------
(W.H. CLARK)
/s/ Jill K. Conway Director
- ------------------------------------
(JILL K. CONWAY)
/s/ Stephen L. Hammerman Director
- ------------------------------------
(STEPHEN L. HAMMERMAN)
/s/ Earle H. Harbison, Jr. Director
- ------------------------------------
(EARLE H. HARBISON, JR.)
/s/ George B. Harvey Director
- ------------------------------------
(GEORGE B. HARVEY)
/s/ William R. Hoover Director
- ------------------------------------
(WILLIAM R. HOOVER)
/s/ Robert P. Luciano Director
- ------------------------------------
(ROBERT P. LUCIANO)
/s/ David K. Newbigging Director
- ------------------------------------
(DAVID K. NEWBIGGING)
/s/ Aulana L. Peters Director
- ------------------------------------
(AULANA L. PETERS)
/s/ John J. Phelan, Jr. Director
- ------------------------------------
(JOHN J. PHELAN, JR.)
/s/ John L. Steffens Director
- ------------------------------------
(JOHN L. STEFFENS)
/s/ William L. Weiss Director
- ------------------------------------
(WILLIAM L. WEISS)
II-13
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, on the 12th day of January, 1998.
Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding IV,
L.P.
By: Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.,
as General Partner
/s/ Theresa Lang
By:
__________________________________
Name: Theresa Lang
Title: Senior Vice President and
Treasurer
II-14
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, on the 12th day of January, 1998.
Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding V,
L.P.
By: Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.,
as General Partner
/s/ Theresa Lang
By:
__________________________________
Name: Theresa Lang
Title: Senior Vice President and
Treasurer
II-15
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, on the 12th day of January, 1998.
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital
Trust IV
/s/ Theresa Lang
By:
__________________________________
Name: Theresa Lang
Title: Regular Trustee
/s/ Stanley Schaefer
By:
__________________________________
Name: Stanley Schaefer
Title: Regular Trustee
II-16
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, on the 12th day of January, 1998.
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital
Trust V
/s/ Theresa Lang
By:__________________________________
Name: Theresa Lang
Title: Regular Trustee
/s/ Stanley Schaefer
By:__________________________________
Name: Stanley Schaefer
Title: Regular Trustee
II-17
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may +
+offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes+
+effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the +
+solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of +
+any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Senior Debt Securities
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") has issued and intends from time
to time to issue senior debt securities (the "Senior Debt Securities" or the
"Securities") pursuant to an indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended
and restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known
as Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company).
--------------------
The following Securities have been issued and the indicated aggregate
principal amounts are outstanding as of the date hereof:
Redeemable Notes
- ----------------
$150,000,000 of 7.05% Notes due April 15, 2003;
$125,000,000 of 6 3/8% Notes due September 8, 2006; and
$33,015,000 of 8.40% Notes due November 1, 2019.
Non-Redeemable Fixed Rate Notes
-------------------------------
$250,000,000 of 9% Notes due May 1, 1998; $250,000,000 of 6.64% Notes due September 19, 2002;
$165,000,000 of 10 3/8% Notes due February 1, 1999; $150,000,000 of 8.30% Notes due November 1, 2002;
$175,000,000 of 7 3/4% Notes due March 1, 1999; $200,000,000 of 6 7/8% Notes due March 1, 2003;
$200,000,000 of 6 3/8% Notes due March 30, 1999; $500,000,000 of 6.55% Notes due August 1, 2004;
$300,000,000 of 8 1/4% Notes due November 15, 1999; $200,000,000 of 6 1/4% Notes due January 15, 2006;
$150,000,000 of 8 3/8% Notes due February 9, 2000; $200,000,000 of 7% Notes due March 15, 2006;
$150,000,000 of 6.70% Notes due August 1, 2000; $350,000,000 of 7 3/8% Notes due May 15, 2006;
$500,000,000 of 6% Notes due January 15, 2001; $500,000,000 of 7% Notes due January 15, 2007;
$250,000,000 of 6% Notes due March 1, 2001; $150,000,000 of 8% Notes due June 1, 2007;
$300,000,000 of 6 1/2% Notes due April 1, 2001; $250,000,000 of 6.56% Notes due December 16, 2007;
$225,000,000 of 8% Notes due February 1, 2002; $250,000,000 of 7% Notes due April 27, 2008; and
$150,000,000 of 7 3/8% Notes due August 17, 2002; $150,000,000 of 6 1/4% Notes due October 15, 2008
--------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
--------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is
to be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on a national securities exchange in the event the particular issue
of Securities has been listed on such exchange, or off such exchange in
negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to
prevailing prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will
conform to the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of
the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
--------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
--------------------
The date of this Prospectus is January ___, 1998.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AVAILABLE INFORMATION....................................................... 2
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE............................. 2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.................................................... 3
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES.......................................... 3
DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES....................................... 4
Redeemable Notes....................................................... 6
Non-Redeemable Fixed Rate Notes........................................ 8
OTHER TERMS................................................................. 9
EXPERTS..................................................................... 10
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 28, 1997, June
27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January
13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997,
May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
2
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy
(without exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of
any or all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests
for such copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate
Secretary's Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor,
New York, New York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Securities to which it
relates or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in
any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of
the largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are
engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one
of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory
services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies.
Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and
Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers
and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative
transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance
underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and
annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted
through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit,
offering money market deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing
currency exchange facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Year Ended Last Friday in December Nine Months Ended
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 September 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges . . . . . . . 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
3
DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
The Senior Debt Securities have been and are to be issued under an Indenture
(the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated,
between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as Chemical
Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as trustee
(the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statements relating to the Securities. The following summaries of
certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be complete and are
subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions
of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Under present New York law the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a
simple interest basis. This limit may not apply to Securities in which
$2,500,000 or more has been invested. While the Company believes that New York
law would be given effect by a state or Federal court sitting outside of New
York, state laws frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged
to and paid by a borrower (including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). The
Company has covenanted for the benefit of the Holders of Securities, to the
extent permitted by law, not to claim voluntarily the benefits of any laws
concerning usurious rates of interest against a Holder of Securities.
The Outstanding Senior Debt Securities are issuable only in fully registered
form without coupons, in denominations set forth below under each description of
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities. No service charge will be made for any
registration of transfer or exchange of such Senior Debt Securities, but the
Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charges that may be imposed in connection therewith. The
description below indicates that certain of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities have been issued in global form (see "Book-Entry Securities").
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of the Senior Debt Securities),
to participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Any principal, premium and interest is and will be payable, the transfer of
the Senior Debt Securities is and will be registrable, and Senior Debt
Securities are and will be exchangeable, at the office of the Trustee in New
York City designated for such purpose, provided that (except as otherwise set
forth below with respect to any series of Senior Debt Securities) payment of
interest may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to the address
of the person entitled thereto as shown on the Security Register.
Unless otherwise specified with respect to a particular series of Senior Debt
Securities, the Senior Debt Securities are not subject to any sinking fund and
are not redeemable prior to maturity.
Unless otherwise specified, terms defined under a caption for a specific
series of Senior Debt Securities shall have such meanings only as to the Senior
Debt Securities described therein.
Book-Entry Securities
Certain of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities have been issued in global
form (such Outstanding Senior Debt Securities are hereinafter referred to as
"Book-Entry Securities"). Such Book-Entry Securities are represented
4
by one or more fully registered global securities (the "Global Notes"). Each
such Global Note has been deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust
Company ("DTC"), as Depository, registered in the name of DTC or a nominee
thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Senior Debt
Securities in definitive form, no Global Note may be transferred except as a
whole by the Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such
Depository to such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such
Depository or any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of
such successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust
company organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of
the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the
New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to
the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations,
including the Underwriters.
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to DTC's
book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with
a Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Book-Entry Securities must be made by or through Participants,
which will receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of
each actual purchaser of each Book-Entry Security (the "Beneficial Owner") is in
turn to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their
purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations
providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their
holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant through which the
Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial
interests in Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership
interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect
to interests of Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect
to interests of persons held through Participants). The laws of some states may
require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such
securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability
to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Global Notes.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Note, DTC
or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder
of the Book-Entry Securities represented by such Global Note for all purposes
under the Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in a Global
Note will not be entitled to have the Book-Entry Securities represented by such
Global Note registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the Book-Entry Securities in definitive registered
form and will not be considered the owners or Holders thereof under the
Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a Global
Note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such Person is not a
Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such Person owns
its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder under the Indenture. The
Company understands that under existing industry practices, in the event that
the Company requests any action of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial
interest in such a Global Note desires to give or take any action which a Holder
is entitled to give or take under the Indenture, DTC would authorize the
Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such
action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning through
such participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to Indirect Participants,
and by Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be
governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of principal of, and interest on, Book-Entry Securities registered in
the name of DTC or its nominee will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case
may be, as the Holder of the Global Note or Global Notes representing such Book-
Entry Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent of the
Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for
any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that DTC, upon receipt of
any payment of principal or interest in respect of a Global Note, will credit
the accounts of the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their
respective holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global
Note as shown on the records of
5
DTC. The Company also expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial
Owners will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary
practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers
in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will be the responsibility of
such Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, or (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Notes shall be exchangeable, or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Book-Entry
Securities, the Global Note or Global Notes will be exchangeable for Senior Debt
Securities in definitive form of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal
amount, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Such
definitive Senior Debt Securities shall be registered in such name or names as
the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected that such
instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository from
Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in Global Notes.
All payments of principal and interest on the Book-Entry Securities will be
made by the Company in immediately available funds so long as such securities
are maintained in book-entry form.
Redeemable Notes
Terms and Provisions of 7.05% Notes due April 15, 2003*
General
The 7.05% Notes due April 15, 2003 (the "7.05% Notes") will mature on April
15, 2003 unless redeemed earlier as provided below. The 7.05% Notes bear
interest payable semiannually on each October 15 and April 15 to the persons in
whose names the 7.05% Notes are registered on the next preceding October 1 and
April 1, respectively. The 7.05% Notes are issuable and transferable only in
fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof.
Redemption by the Company
The 7.05% Notes are subject to redemption at the option of the Company on or
after April 15, 1998, in whole or in part in increments of $1,000, at a
redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed plus
accrued interest thereon to but excluding the Redemption Date. Notice of
redemption of the 7.05% Notes shall be given not less than 30 or more than 60
days prior to the Redemption Date to each Holder of 7.05% Notes to be redeemed.
Terms and Provisions of 6 3/8% Notes due September 8, 2006*
General
The 6 3/8% Notes due September 8, 2006 (the "6 3/8% Notes") will mature on
September 8, 2006 unless redeemed earlier as provided below. The 6 3/8% Notes
bear interest payable semiannually on each March 8 and September 8 to the
persons in whose names the 6 3/8% Notes are registered on the next preceding
February 23 and August 23, respectively. The 6 3/8% Notes are issuable and
transferable only in fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
* Book-Entry Securities.
6
Redemption by the Company
The 6 3/8% Notes are subject to redemption at the option of the Company on or
after September 8, 2003, in whole or in part in increments of $1,000, at a
redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed plus
accrued interest thereon to but excluding the Redemption Date. Notice of
redemption of the 6 3/8% Notes shall be given not less than 30 or more than 60
days prior to the Redemption Date to each Holder of 6 3/8% Notes to be redeemed.
Terms and Provisions of 8.40% Notes due November 1, 2019
General
The 8.40% Notes due November 1, 2019 (the "8.40% Notes") will mature on
November 1, 2019. The 8.40% Notes bear interest payable semiannually on each
May 1 and November 1 to the persons in whose names the 8.40% Notes are
registered on the next preceding April 15 and October 15, respectively. The
8.40% Notes are issuable and transferable only in fully registered form without
coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
Redemption by the Company
The 8.40% Notes are not redeemable by the Company prior to maturity unless
$20,000,000 or less of aggregate principal amount of the 8.40% Notes are
outstanding, in which case the 8.40% Notes are redeemable at any time on or
after November 1, 1994, in whole but not in part, on at least 15 days and not
more than 60 days prior notice at a redemption price of 100% of principal amount
thereof plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.
7
Non-Redeemable Fixed Rate Notes
General Terms and Provisions of Non-Redeemable Fixed Rate Notes
Each series of Non-Redeemable Fixed Rate Notes bears interest at a specified
rate payable semiannually through maturity to the persons in whose names the
Notes are registered on the Regular Record Date preceding each Interest Payment
Date. The Non-Redeemable Fixed Rate Notes are not subject to redemption by the
Company or repayment at the option of the holders thereof prior to their stated
maturity dates, and are issuable and transferable in denominations of $1,000 and
any integral multiple thereof. Beneficial interests in Non-Redeemable Fixed
Rate Notes that are Book-Entry Securities may be acquired, or subsequently
transferred, only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
The title of each series of Non-Redeemable Fixed Rate Notes designates the
interest rate and maturity date of such Notes.
Terms of Series of Non-Redeemable Fixed Rate Notes
Series Interest Payment Dates Regular Record Dates
------ ---------------------- --------------------
9% Notes due May 1, 1998 May 1 and November 1 April 15 and October 15
10 3/8% Notes due February 1, 1999 February 1 and August 1 January 15 and July 15
7 3/4% Notes due March 1, 1999 March 1 and September 1 February 15 and August 15
6 3/8% Notes due March 30, 1999* March 30 and September 30 March 15 and September 15
8 1/4% Notes due November 15, 1999 May 15 and November 15 May 1 and November 1
8 3/8% Notes due February 9, 2000* February 9 and August 9 January 25 and July 25
6.70% Notes due August 1, 2000* February 1 and August 1 January 15 and July 15
6% Notes due January 15, 2001* January 15 and July 15 January 1 and July 1
6% Notes due March 1, 2001* March 1 and September 1 February 15 and August 15
6 1/2% Notes due April 1, 2001* April 1 and October 1 March 15 and September 15
8% Notes due February 1, 2002 February 1 and August 1 January 15 and July 15
7 3/8% Notes due August 17, 2002* February 17 and August 17 February 2 and August 2
6.64% Notes due September 19, 2002* March 19 and September 19 March 4 and September 4
8.30% Notes due November 1, 2002 May 1 and November 1 April 15 and October 15
6 7/8% Notes due March 1, 2003* March 1 and September 1 February 15 and August 15
6.55% Notes due August 1, 2004* February 1 and August 1 January 15 and July 15
6 1/4% Notes due January 15, 2006* January 15 and July 15 January 1 and July 1
7% Notes due March 15, 2006* March 15 and September 15 March 1 and September 1
7 3/8% Notes due May 15, 2006* May 15 and November 15 May 1 and November 1
7% Notes due January 15, 2007* January 15 and July 15 January 1 and July 1
8% Notes due June 1, 2007 June 1 and December 1 May 15 and November 15
6.56% Notes due December 16, 2007* June 16 and December 16 June 1 and December 1
7% Notes due April 27, 2008* April 27 and October 27 April 12 and October 12
6 1/4% Notes due October 15, 2008* April 15 and October 15 March 31 and September 30
- ------------------
*Book-Entry Securities.
8
OTHER TERMS
Limitations Upon Liens
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
Merger and Consolidation
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due,
9
in respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
10
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may +
+offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes+
+effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the +
+solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of +
+any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Medium-Term Notes
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company'') has issued Medium-Term Notes with
original maturities from and exceeding 9 months from date of issue (the
"Notes'') pursuant to an indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company). The Notes bear
interest at fixed or variable rates, or were sold at a discount and do not bear
interest. The descriptions of the interest rates on Fixed Rate Notes, the method
of determining the interest rates on Floating Rate Notes, the issue prices of
Zero Coupon Notes, the currencies (if other than U.S. dollars) in which Notes
were denominated and the dates of maturity and other terms related to specific
issues of Notes are set forth in Pricing Supplements relating to each such issue
of Notes that were previously filed by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to regulations promulgated under the Securities Act
of 1933. Such Pricing Supplements are hereby incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus and are available at the reference facilities maintained by the
Securities and Exchange Commission specified in the section entitled "Available
Information'' contained in this Prospectus. The Notes had original maturities
from and exceeding 9 months from their respective dates of original issue. The
Notes were issued in the form of a certificate issued in definitive form.
Floating Rate Notes and Zero Coupon Notes were issued in denominations of
$25,000 or any amount in excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $1,000.
Fixed Rate Notes were issued in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple
in excess thereof.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest on
Fixed Rate Notes will be payable semi-annually on each May 15 and November 15
and at maturity or, if applicable, upon redemption or optional repayment. The
interest rate on Floating Rate Notes will be determined by reference to a
specified interest rate formula, and may be adjusted by a "Spread'' or "Spread
Multiplier'', as defined herein. Interest on each Floating Rate Note will be
payable monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, as set forth in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, and at maturity or, if applicable, upon
redemption or optional repayment. On and after the Redemption Date, if any, set
forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement, a Note will be subject to redemption
by the Company, in whole or in part, at 100% of the principal amount to be
redeemed, together with interest to the date of redemption. On any Optional
Repayment Date set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement, a Note will be
subject to repayment at the option of the Holder, in whole or in part, at 100%
of the principal amount to be repaid, together with interest to the date of
repayment. (See "Description of Notes'' in this Prospectus.)
------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR
ANY SUPPLEMENT HERETO. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Notes and is to be
used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("MLPF&S''), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with offers
and sales related to market-making transactions in the Notes. MLPF&S may act as
principal or agent in such transactions. Sales will be made at prices related to
prevailing prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Notes will
conform to the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of
the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
---------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
----------------
The date of this Prospectus is January ___, 1998.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus
is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy (without
exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of any or
all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate Secretary's
Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New
York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Securities to which it
relates or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in
any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Year Ended Last Friday in December Nine Months Ended
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 September 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges............ 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
3
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
General
"Pricing Supplement", as used herein, means a prospectus supplement relating
to an individual issue of the Notes, as filed with the Commission.
The terms and conditions set forth below apply to each Note unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Except as provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Notes are
denominated in U.S. dollars. If provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement,
Notes may be denominated in a foreign currency or in units of two or more
currencies ("Multi-Currency Notes").
Except as provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement, (i) the Notes were
issued only in fully registered form without coupons, (ii) Floating Rate Notes
and Zero Coupon Notes were issued in denominations of $25,000 or any amount in
excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $1,000, and (iii) Fixed Rate
Notes were issued in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple in excess
thereof.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, principal and
interest, if any, will be payable, the transfer of the Notes will be
registrable, and Notes will be exchangeable for Notes bearing identical terms
and provisions at the office of the Trustee in The City of New York designated
for such purpose, provided that payment of interest, other than interest payable
at maturity (or on any date of redemption or repayment), may be made at the
option of the Company by check mailed to the address of the person entitled
thereto as shown on the Security Register. The principal and interest payable at
maturity or the date of redemption or repayment on each Note will be paid upon
maturity, redemption or repayment, as the case may be, in immediately available
funds against presentation of the Note at the office of the Trustee maintained
for such purpose.
Notwithstanding the above, however, payment of interest on a Note which bears
interest at a floating rate (a "Floating Rate Note") at maturity or earlier
redemption or repayment may be made by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to a designated account maintained in the United States upon (i) receipt
of written notice by the Senior Debt Trustee from the Holder thereof not less
than one Business Day prior to the due date of such principal payment and (ii)
presentation of such Note at the Corporate Trust Office of the Senior Debt
Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (the "Corporate Trust
Office"), or at such other place as the Company may designate. A Holder of not
less than $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Notes may by
written notice to the Senior Debt Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office (or at
such other address as the Company will give notice in writing) not less than 15
days prior to an Interest Payment Date, arrange to have the interest payable on
all Notes held by such Holder on such Interest Payment Date, and all subsequent
Interest Payment Dates until written notice to the contrary is given to the
Senior Debt Trustee, made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a
designated account maintained in the United States.
Except as provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement, "Business Day" means
any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday and that, in The City of New York, is
neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized
or obligated by law or regulation to close.
Repayment at Option of Holder
If so indicated in an applicable Pricing Supplement, Notes will be repayable
by the Company in whole or in part at the option of the Holders thereof on their
respective Optional Repayment Dates specified in such Pricing Supplement. If no
Optional Repayment Date is indicated with respect to a Note, such Note will not
be repayable at the option of the Holder prior to maturity. Any repayment in
part will be in increments of $1,000 provided that any remaining principal
amount of such Note will be an authorized denomination of such Note. The
repurchase price for any Note so repurchased will be 100% of the principal
amount to be repaid, together with interest thereon payable to the date of
repayment.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if repayable at the option of
the Holder, a Note shall be repayable only on an Interest Payment Date, and if
any Optional Repayment Date specified with respect to a Note would not be an
Interest Payment Date (whether because such date is not a Business Day or
otherwise), such Optional Repayment Date shall (instead of being the date so
specified) be the Interest Payment Date nearest such specified Optional
Repayment Date (whether such
4
Interest Payment Date shall precede or succeed such specified Optional Repayment
Date), or, in the event that an equal number of days shall separate a specified
Optional Repayment Date and the preceding Interest Payment Date, on the one
hand, and the succeeding Interest Payment Date, on the other hand, such Optional
Repayment Date shall be the succeeding Interest Payment Date.
In order for a Note which is by its terms repayable at the option of the
Holder to be repaid, prior to maturity, the Company must receive at the
Corporate Trust Office of the Senior Debt Trustee (or at such other address of
which the Company will from time to time notify the Holder thereof) during the
period from and including the 20th Business Day preceding the applicable
Optional Repayment Date up to and including the close of business on the 16th
Business Day preceding the applicable Optional Repayment Date: (i) such Note
with the information under the caption "Option to Elect Repayment" duly
completed, or (ii) a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter from a
member of a national securities exchange or the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or a trust company in the United
States of America dated no later than the 16th Business Day preceding the
applicable Optional Repayment Date and setting forth the name of the Holder of
such Note, the principal amount of such Note, the amount of such Note to be
repaid, a statement that the option to elect repayment is being exercised
thereby and a guarantee that such Note (with the information required under the
caption "Option to Elect Repayment" duly completed) will be received at the
above-mentioned office of the Senior Debt Trustee, not later than the 5th
Business Day after the date of such telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or
letter and Note, duly completed, is received at such office of the Trustee by
such 5th Business Day. Effective exercise of the repayment option by the Holder
of a Note will be irrevocable. No transfer or exchange of a Note (or, in the
event that a Note is to be repaid in part, such portion of such Note to be
repaid) will be permitted after exercise of the repayment option. All questions
as to the validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of
any Note for repayment will be determined by the Company, whose determination
will be final, binding and non-appealable. The Company has the right to offer
for resale any Note acquired by it pursuant to the foregoing arrangements.
Accordingly, the indebtedness evidenced by any Note so repurchased by the
Company may not be satisfied by such repurchase.
Redemption at Option of the Company
The Notes do not have a sinking fund but are redeemable at the option of the
Company only if a Redemption Date is specified therein and in the applicable
Pricing Supplement. If so indicated in an applicable Pricing Supplement, such
Notes will be subject to redemption by the Company on and after their respective
Redemption Dates specified in such Pricing Supplement. On and after the
Redemption Date, if any, the related Note will be redeemable in whole or in part
in increments of $1,000 (provided that any remaining principal amount of such
Note shall be an authorized denomination of such Note) at the option of the
Company at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be
redeemed, together with interest thereon payable to the date of redemption, on
notice given not more than 60 nor less than 30 days prior to the date of
redemption in the case of Fixed Rate Notes, or on notice given not more than 30
nor less than 15 days prior to the date of redemption in the case of Floating
Rate Notes. Notwithstanding the above, however, Floating Rate Notes, if
redeemable at the option of the Company, will be redeemable only on Interest
Payment Dates occurring on or after the applicable Redemption Dates.
Interest Rate
Each Floating Rate Note and Note which bears interest at a fixed rate (a
"Fixed Rate Note") will bear interest at the rate per annum, or pursuant to the
interest rate formula, stated therein and in the applicable Pricing Supplement
until the principal thereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will
be payable on each Interest Payment Date and at maturity or, if applicable, upon
redemption or repayment. Interest will be payable to the person in whose name a
Note is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date next
preceding each Interest Payment Date; provided, however, interest payable at
maturity or, if applicable, upon redemption or repayment will be payable to the
person to whom principal shall be payable. Except as provided in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated will be
the calculation agent (the "Calculation Agent") with respect to Floating Rate
Notes.
Each Floating Rate Note will bear interest at rates determined by reference to
an interest rate formula, which may be adjusted by a Spread or Spread Multiplier
(each as defined below), unless otherwise specified therein. A Floating Rate
Note may also have either or both of the following: (i) a maximum limitation, or
ceiling, on the rate at which interest which may accrue during any interest
period; and (ii) a minimum limitation, or floor, on the rate at which interest
which may accrue during any interest period. The applicable Pricing Supplement
relating to Fixed Rate Notes or Floating Rate Notes will
5
designate either a fixed rate of interest per annum payable on the applicable
Note, in which case such Note will be a Fixed Rate Note, or one of the following
Base Rates, as applicable to the relevant Floating Rate Note: (a) the Commercial
Paper Index Rate, in which case such Note will be a Commercial Paper Index Rate
Note, (b) the Federal Funds Rate, in which case such Note will be a Federal
Funds Rate Note, (c) the Prime Rate, in which case such Note will be a Prime
Rate Note, (d) the Treasury Index Rate, in which case such Note will be a
Treasury Index Rate Note, (e) LIBOR, in which case such Note will be a LIBOR
Note, or (f) such other interest rate formula as is set forth in such Pricing
Supplement. Except as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, Floating
Rate Notes will have daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual
resets of the rate of interest.
Fixed Rate Notes
Each Fixed Rate Note will bear interest at the rate per annum stated on the
face thereof until the principal thereof is paid or made available for payment.
Except as provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest will be
payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year and at maturity (or
on the date of redemption or repayment, if a Fixed Rate Note is redeemed by the
Company or repaid at the Holder's option prior to maturity). Interest will be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Interest will
be payable to the person in whose name a Fixed Rate Note is registered at the
close of business on the May 1 or November 1 Regular Record Date next preceding
the May 15 or November 15 Interest Payment Date. Interest rates are subject to
change by the Company from time to time, but no such change will affect any
Fixed Rate Note theretofore issued or as to which an offer to purchase has been
accepted by the Company.
Any payment of principal or interest required to be made on an Interest
Payment Date, at maturity or earlier redemption or repayment of a Fixed Rate
Note which is not a Business Day need not be made on such day, but may be made
on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on
the Interest Payment Date, maturity date or date of redemption or repayment, as
the case may be, and no interest shall accrue with respect to such payment for
the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, maturity date or date of
redemption or repayment.
Floating Rate Notes
The applicable Pricing Supplement specifies the base rate or other interest
rate formula and the Spread or Spread Multiplier, if any, and the maximum or
minimum interest rate limitation, if any, applicable to each Floating Rate Note.
In addition, such Pricing Supplement specifies for each Floating Rate Note the
following terms, if applicable: the Initial Interest Rate, the Interest Payment
Dates, the Index Maturity, Interest Reset Dates, Optional Repayment Dates,
Redemption Date and any other variable term applicable to such Note.
The interest rate on each Floating Rate Note will be calculated by reference
to the specified interest rate formula (i) plus or minus the Spread, if any, or
(ii) multiplied by the Spread Multiplier, if any. The "Spread" is the number of
basis points specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as being applicable
to the interest rate for such Floating Rate Note. The "Spread Multiplier" is
the percentage of the Base Rate applicable to the interest rate for such
Floating Rate Note. "Index Maturity" means, with respect to a Floating Rate
Note, the period to maturity of the instrument or obligation on which the
interest rate formula is based, as specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement. "Regular Record Date" with respect to Floating Rate Notes means the
15th day (whether or not a Business Day) prior to the applicable Interest
Payment Date. The "Calculation Date", if applicable, with respect to any
Interest Determination Date (as specified with respect to each Base Rate) will
be the earlier of (i) the tenth calendar day after such Interest Determination
Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day, or
(ii) the Business Day prior to the Interest Payment Date on which such accrued
interest will be payable.
Except as otherwise provided herein with respect to LIBOR Notes or in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, if any Interest Reset Date for any Floating Rate
Note would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Reset
Date shall be postponed to the next succeeding day that is a Business Day.
Each Floating Rate Note will bear interest from the date of issue at the rates
determined as described below until the principal thereof is paid or otherwise
made available for payment. The rate of interest on a Floating Rate Note will be
reset each Interest Reset Date applicable to such Note; provided, however, that
except in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset daily, the interest rate
in effect for the ten days immediately prior to maturity, redemption or
repayment, as the case may
6
be, will be that in effect on the tenth day preceding such maturity, redemption
or repayment, as the case may be. Except as otherwise provided herein or in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the rate of interest determined on an Interest
Reset Date with respect to a Floating Rate Note will be applicable on and after
such Interest Reset Date to, but not including, the next succeeding Interest
Reset Date, or until the date of maturity or date of redemption or repayment, as
the case may be.
If an Interest Payment Date with respect to any Floating Rate Note would
otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day with respect to such Note,
such Interest Payment Date will be the following day that is a Business Day,
except that in the case of a LIBOR Note, if such day falls in the next calendar
month, such Interest Payment Date will be the preceding day that is a Business
Day. If the maturity date (or date of redemption or repayment) of any Floating
Rate Note would fall on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment of
interest and principal may be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and no
interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the maturity
date (or the date of redemption or repayment).
Except as provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest payments on
Floating Rate Notes shall be the amount of interest accrued from, and including,
the next preceding Interest Payment Date in respect of which interest has been
paid to, but excluding, the Interest Payment Date. With respect to a Floating
Rate Note, accrued interest from the last date to which interest has been paid
is calculated by multiplying the principal amount of such Floating Rate Note by
an accrued interest factor. Such accrued interest factor is computed by adding
the interest factors, calculated for each day, from the last date to which
interest has been paid, to the date for which accrued interest is being
calculated. The interest factor for each such day is computed by dividing the
interest rate applicable to such day by 360, in the case of Commercial Paper
Index Rate Notes, Federal Funds Rate Notes, Prime Rate Notes and LIBOR Notes, or
by the actual number of days in the year, in the case of Treasury Index Rate
Notes.
All percentages resulting from any calculation on Floating Rate Notes will be
rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage
point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upward (e.g.,
9.876545% (or .09876545) being rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)), and all
dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation on Floating Rate Notes
will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upward).
Upon the request of the holder of any Floating Rate Note, the Calculation
Agent will provide the interest rate then in effect and, if determined, the
interest rate which will become effective as a result of a determination made
with respect to the most recent Interest Determination Date with respect to such
Floating Rate Note.
Commercial Paper Index Rate Notes
Commercial Paper Index Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates
(calculated with reference to the Commercial Paper Index Rate and the Spread or
Spread Multiplier, if any) specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, "Commercial
Paper Index Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Determination Date
relating to a Commercial Paper Index Rate Note, the Money Market Yield
(calculated as described below) of the rate on that date for commercial paper
having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as such
rate is published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in
"Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest Rates" or any successor
publication of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
("H.15(519)"), under the heading "Commercial Paper". In the event that such
rate is not published by 9:00 A.M. New York City time on the Calculation Date
pertaining to such Interest Determination Date, then the Commercial Paper Index
Rate shall be the Money Market Yield of the rate on that Interest Determination
Date for commercial paper having such Index Maturity as published by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York in its daily statistical release, "Composite 3:30 P.M.
Quotations for U.S. Government Securities" ("Composite Quotations") under the
heading "Commercial Paper". If by 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on such
Calculation Date such rate is not yet published in either H.15(519) or Composite
Quotations, the Commercial Paper Index Rate for that Interest Determination Date
shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the Money Market Yield
of the arithmetic mean of the offered rates of three leading dealers of
commercial paper in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent as of
11:00 A.M., New York City time, on that Interest Determination Date for
commercial paper having the specified Index Maturity placed for an industrial
issuer whose bond rating is "AA" or the equivalent from a nationally recognized
rating agency; provided, however, that if the dealers selected as aforesaid by
the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the
Commercial Paper Index Rate will be the Commercial Paper Index Rate in effect on
such Interest Determination Date.
7
"Money Market Yield" shall be the yield (expressed as a percentage)
calculated in accordance with the following formula:
Money Market Yield = D X 360 X 100
----------
360 - (D X M)
where "D" refers to the per annum rate for commercial paper quoted on a bank
discount basis and expressed as a decimal; and "M" refers to the actual number
of days in the interest period for which interest is being calculated.
The Interest Determination Date pertaining to an Interest Reset Date on a
Commercial Paper Index Rate Note will be the Business Day prior to such Interest
Reset Date.
Federal Funds Rate Notes
Federal Funds Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated
with reference to the Federal Funds Rate and the Spread, or Spread Multiplier,
if any) specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, "Federal
Funds Rate" means, with respect to any Interest Determination Date relating to
a Federal Funds Rate Note, the rate on such Interest Determination Date for
Federal Funds as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest Rates"
("H.15(519)") or any successor publication under the heading "Federal Funds
(Effective)" or, if not so published by 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date pertaining to such Interest Determination Date, the Federal
Funds Rate will be the interest rate on such Interest Determination Date as
published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its daily statistical
release, "Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities"
("Composite Quotations") under the heading "Federal Funds/Effective Rate". If
such rate is not yet published by 9:00 A.M. on the Calculation Date pertaining
to such Interest Determination Date, the Federal Funds Rate for such Interest
Determination Date will be the rate on such Interest Determination Date made
publicly available by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York which is equivalent
to the rate which appears in H.15(519) under the heading "Federal Funds
(Effective)"; provided, however, that if such rate is not made publicly
available by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York by 9:00 A.M. on the
Calculation Date, the Federal Funds Rate will be the last Federal Funds Rate in
effect prior to such Interest Determination Date.
The rate of interest on a Federal Funds Rate Note will be reset each Interest
Reset Date applicable to such Note. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, with respect to Federal Funds Rate Notes, each Business Day
will be an Interest Reset Date. The Interest Determination Date pertaining to an
Interest Reset Date on a Federal Funds Rate Note will be the Business Day prior
to such Interest Reset Date.
Prime Rate Notes
Prime Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with
reference to the Prime Rate and the Spread, or Spread Multiplier, if any)
specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, "Prime Rate"
means, with respect to any Interest Determination Date relating to a Prime Rate
Note, the arithmetic mean of the prime rates quoted on the basis of the actual
number of days in the year divided by a 360-day year as of the close of business
on such Interest Determination Date by three major money center banks in The
City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent. If fewer than three
quotations are provided, the Prime Rate shall be calculated by the Calculation
Agent and shall be determined as the arithmetic mean on the basis of the prime
rates quoted in The City of New York on such date by three substitute banks or
trust companies organized and doing business under the laws of the United
States, or any State thereof, and unaffiliated with the Company, having total
equity capital of at least $500 million and being subject to supervision or
examination by a Federal or State authority, selected by the Calculation Agent;
provided, however, that if the substitute banks or trust companies selected as
aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this
sentence, the Prime Rate will be the Prime Rate in effect on such Interest
Determination Date relating to a Prime Rate Note.
The Interest Determination Date pertaining to an Interest Reset Date on a
Prime Rate Note will be the Business Day prior to such Interest Reset Date.
8
LIBOR Notes
LIBOR Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with
reference to LIBOR and the Spread or Spread Multiplier, if any) specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, LIBOR with
respect to any Interest Determination Date relating to a LIBOR Note will equal
the arithmetic mean (as determined by the Calculation Agent) of the offered
rates which appear as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on the Reuters Screen LIBOR
Page on the Reuter Monitor Money Rates Service for deposits (in United States
dollars for the period of the Index Maturity specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement) commencing on the second day on which dealings in deposits in United
States dollars are transacted in the London interbank market (a "London Banking
Day") immediately following such Interest Determination Date; provided,
however, that if fewer than two such quotations appear, the Calculation Agent
shall request the principal London office of four major banks in the London
interbank market selected by the Calculation Agent to provide the Calculation
Agent with a quotation of their offered rates at approximately 11:00 A.M.,
London time, on such Interest Determination Date for deposits (in United States
dollars for the period of the applicable Index Maturity and in a principal
amount equal to an amount that is representative for a single transaction in
such market at such time) commencing on the second London Banking Day
immediately following such Interest Determination Date. If at least two such
quotations are provided, LIBOR for such Interest Determination Date will equal
the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If fewer than two quotations are
provided, LIBOR for such Interest Determination Date will equal the arithmetic
mean of the rates quoted by three major banks in The City of New York, as
selected by the Calculation Agent, at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City
time, on such Interest Determination Date for loans to leading European banks
(in United States dollars for the period of the applicable Index Maturity and in
a principal amount equal to an amount that is representative for a single
transaction in such market at such time) commencing on the second London Banking
Day following such Interest Determination Date; provided, however, that if the
banks selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as
mentioned in this sentence, LIBOR for such Interest Determination Date will be
LIBOR in effect on such Interest Determination Date.
The Interest Determination Date pertaining to an Interest Reset Date on a
LIBOR Note will be the second London Banking Day next preceding such Interest
Reset Date.
Treasury Index Rate Notes
Treasury Index Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated
with reference to the Treasury Index Rate and the Spread or Spread Multiplier,
if any) specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the Pricing Supplement, "Treasury Index Rate"
means, with respect to any Interest Determination Date relating to a Treasury
Index Rate Note, the per annum discount rate for direct obligations of the
United States with a maturity of thirteen weeks ("91-day Treasury bills"),
expressed as a bond equivalent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, at the
91-day Treasury bill auction occurring on such Interest Determination Date as
published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in
"Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest Rates", or any successor
publication, under the heading "Treasury bills--auction average (investment)"
or (if not so published by 9:00 A.M. New York City time on the Calculation Date)
as reported by the United States Department of the Treasury. Such Treasury bills
are usually sold at auction on Monday of each week unless that day is a legal
holiday in which case the auction is usually held on the following Tuesday,
except that such auction may be held on the preceding Friday.
The day of each such auction of 91-day Treasury bills, unless otherwise
specified in the Pricing Supplement, will be an Interest Determination Date
(provided that the results of such auction are so published or reported), and
each Business Day following such an Interest Determination Date will be a
Treasury Index Rate Note Interest Reset Date. The rate of interest applicable to
Treasury Index Rate Notes will therefore not be reset during any period in which
such auctions are not held or the results of such auctions are not so published
or reported.
Zero Coupon Notes
Notes which do not bear interest ("Zero Coupon Notes") were initially offered
at a substantial discount from their principal amount at maturity. There will be
no periodic payments of interest. The calculation of the accrual of Original
Issue Discount (as defined below), in the period during which a Zero Coupon Note
remains outstanding, will be on a semiannual
9
bond equivalent basis using a year composed of twelve 30-day months. Upon
maturity, Original Issue Discount will cease to accrue on a Zero Coupon Note.
Limitation of Claims in Bankruptcy: If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced
in respect of the Company, the claim of the Holder of a Zero Coupon Note with
respect to the principal amount thereof may, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11
of the United States Code, be limited to the issue price of the Zero Coupon Note
plus that portion of the Original Issue Discount that is amortized from the date
of issue to the commencement of the proceeding.
OTHER TERMS
General
The Notes are a series of Securities issued under an Indenture (the "Senior
Indenture"), (all such series being herein referred to as "Senior Debt
Securities") dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, between the
Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as Chemical Bank (successor
to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of
the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statements
relating to the Securities. The following summaries of certain provisions of the
Senior Indenture do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and qualified
in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the Senior Indenture,
including the definition therein of certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and under rules of certain exchanges and other
regulatory bodies.
Limitations Upon Liens
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may not, and may not permit any
Subsidiary to, create, assume, incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for
borrowed money secured by a pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for
certain liens specifically permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting
Stock owned directly or indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than
a Subsidiary which, at the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness,
has a net worth of less than $3,000,000) without making effective provision
whereby the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and
ratably with such secured indebtedness.
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell
or otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to
any such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the
Senior Indenture to mean a corporation more than
10
80% of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock of which owned directly or
indirectly by the Company). In addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to
(i) merge or consolidate, unless the surviving company is a Controlled
Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as
an entirety, except to one or more Controlled Subsidiaries.
Merger and Consolidation
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with
or into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Senior Indenture may be effected by the
Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of at least 66 2/3% in
principal amount of the outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued
pursuant to such indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such
modification or amendment may, without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Senior Debt Security affected thereby, (a) change the Stated
Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest or Additional
Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or any premium payable on the
redemption thereof, or change the Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal
amount of, or the interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or reduce the amount of principal which could be declared due and
payable prior to the Stated Maturity; (c) change place or currency of any
payment of principal or any premium, interest or Additional Amounts payable on
any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair the right to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e)
reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required to modify or
amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the foregoing requirements or reduce the
percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities necessary to waive any past
default to less than a majority. No modification or amendment of any
subordinated indenture or any subsequent indenture for subordinated debt
securities may adversely affect the rights of any holder of Senior Indebtedness
without the consent of such Holder. Except with respect to certain fundamental
provisions, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series may, with respect to such
series, waive past defaults under the Senior Indenture and waive compliance by
the Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Defaults with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or such
lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt Securities of that
series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series and the
interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, if any
to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with respect to Senior
Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing at the time of such
declaration. At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series but before a judgment or decree
for payment of money due has been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series may rescind any declaration of acceleration and its consequences, if all
payments due (other than those due as a result of acceleration) have been made
and all Events of Default have been remedied
11
or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any
series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of all
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of failure
to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts payable
on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not been
subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
12
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may +
+offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement +
+becomes effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or +
+the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of +
+any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
S&P 500 Market Index Target-Term Securities(SM) due July 31, 1998
("MITTS(R)")
On January 28, 1993, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$16,000,000 aggregate principal amount (1,600,000 Units) of S&P 500 Market Index
Target-Term Securities due July 31, 1998 (the "Securities or MITTS"). Each $10
principal amount of the Securities will be deemed a "Unit" for purposes of
trading and transfer at the Securities Depository described below. Units will be
transferable by the Securities Depository, as more fully described below, in
denominations of whole Units.
The Securities were offered at an original issue price of 100% of the
principal amount thereof, will bear no periodic payments of interest and will
mature on July 31, 1998. At maturity, a Holder of a Security will be entitled to
receive, with respect to each Security, the principal amount thereof, plus a
contingent interest payment (the "Supplemental Redemption Amount"), if any, if
the Final Value (as defined herein) of the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index
(the "S&P 500 Index") exceeds 435.49 (the "Initial Value"). If the Final Value
does not exceed the Initial Value, a Holder of a Security will be repaid the
principal amount of the Security, but the Holder will not receive any
Supplemental Redemption Amount. While at maturity a beneficial owner of a
Security may receive an amount in excess of the principal amount of such
Security if the Final Value exceeds the Initial Value, there will be no payment
of interest, periodic or otherwise, prior to maturity. The Securities were
issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the Senior Indenture
described herein. The Securities are not redeemable prior to maturity.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, payable with respect to a Security
at maturity will equal the product of (A) the principal amount of the applicable
Security, and (B) the quotient of the Final Value less the Initial Value,
divided by the Initial Value, and (C) 115%. The calculation of the Final Value,
as more fully described herein, will be based upon certain values of the S&P 500
Index during the ten Business Days prior to the maturity date of the Securities.
For information as to the calculation of the Supplemental Redemption Amount,
if any, which will be paid at maturity, the calculation and the composition of
the S&P 500 Index, see "Description of Securities" and "The Standard & Poor's
500 Index" in this Prospectus. For other information that should be considered
by prospective investors, see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 4 of this
Prospectus.
Ownership of the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form by or
through the Securities Depository. Beneficial owners of the Securities will not
have the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership
except under the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MIE".
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the New York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
---------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
---------------------
The date of this Prospectus is January ___, 1998.
(R)"MITTS" is a registered service mark and (SM)"Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P") DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR
THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, HOLDERS OF THE SECURITIES,
OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED UNDER THE LICENSE
AGREEMENT DESCRIBED HEREIN OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P
HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
2
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus
is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy (without
exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of any or
all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate Secretary's
Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New
York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Securities to which it
relates or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in
any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Year Ended Last Friday in December Nine Months Ended
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 September 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges ............................. 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
3
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Payment at Maturity
If the Final Value is equal to or less than the Initial Value, the Holders of
the Securities will be entitled to receive $10 in respect of each $10 principal
amount of Securities, and no Supplemental Redemption Amount. This will be true
even though the value of the S&P 500 Index as of some interim period or periods
prior to the maturity date of the Securities may have exceeded the Initial Value
because the Supplemental Redemption Amount on the Securities is calculated on
the basis of the Final Value only.
The $10 minimum to be received by Holders at maturity in respect of each $10
principal amount of a Security does not reflect any opportunity cost implied by
inflation and other factors relating to the time value of money.
The S&P 500 Index does not reflect the payment of dividends on the stocks
underlying it and therefore the yield based on the S&P 500 Index to the maturity
of the Securities will not produce the same yield as if such underlying stocks
were purchased and held for a similar period.
Trading
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MIE". It is expected that the secondary market for the Securities will
be affected by the creditworthiness of the Company and by a number of other
factors.
The trading value of the Securities is expected to depend primarily on the
extent of the appreciation, if any, of the S&P 500 Index over the Initial Value.
If, however, Securities are sold prior to the maturity date at a time when the
S&P 500 Index exceeds the Initial Value, the sale price may be at a discount
from the amount expected to be payable to the Holder if such excess of the S&P
500 Index over the Initial Value were to prevail until maturity of the
Securities because of the possible fluctuation of the S&P 500 Index between the
time of such sale and the maturity date. (See "The Standard & Poor's 500
Index".) Furthermore, the price at which a Holder will be able to sell
Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which could be substantial,
from the principal amount thereof, if, at such time, the S&P 500 Index is below,
equal to or not sufficiently above the Initial Value. A discount could also
result from rising interest rates.
The trading values of the Securities may be affected by a number of
interrelated factors, including the creditworthiness of the Company and those
factors listed below. The relationship among these factors is complex, including
how these factors affect the relative value of the principal amount of the
Securities to be repaid at maturity and the value of the Supplemental Redemption
Amount. Accordingly, investors should be aware that factors other than the level
of the S&P 500 Index are likely to affect their trading value. The expected
effect on the trading value of the Securities of each of the factors listed
below, assuming in each case that all other factors are held constant, is as
follows:
Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the value of the
Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease, the value
of the Securities is expected to increase. Interest rates may also affect the
U.S. economy, and, in turn, the value of the S&P 500 Index. Rising interest
rates may lower the value of
4
the S&P 500 Index and, thus, the Securities. Falling interest rates may
increase the value of the S&P 500 Index and, thus, may increase the value of
the Securities.
Volatility of the S&P 500 Index. If the volatility of the S&P 500 Index
increases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to increase. If the
volatility of the S&P 500 Index decreases, the trading value of the Securities
is expected to decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the S&P 500 Index.
This difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning
the value of the S&P 500 Index during the period prior to maturity of the
Securities. As the time remaining to maturity of the Securities decreases,
however, this time premium is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the
trading value of the Securities.
Dividend Rates in the United States. If dividend rates on the stocks
comprising the S&P 500 Index increase, the value of the Securities is expected
to decrease. Conversely, if dividend rates on the stocks comprising the S&P
500 Index decrease, the value of the Securities is expected to increase.
However, in general, rising U.S. corporate dividend rates may increase the S&P
500 Index and, in turn, increase the value of the Securities. Conversely,
falling U.S. dividend rates may decrease the S&P 500 Index and, in turn,
decrease the value of the Securities.
Other Considerations
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in the light of their particular
circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, as
described below. The principal amount of each Security equals $10 for each $10
original price to the public. The Securities will mature on July 31, 1998.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security may receive an amount in
excess of the principal amount of such Security if the Final Value exceeds the
Initial Value, there will be no payment of interest, periodic or otherwise,
prior to maturity.
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any Holder prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default with
respect to the Securities, Holders of the Securities may accelerate the maturity
of the Securities, as described under "Description of Securities-Events of
Default and Acceleration" and "Other Terms-Events of Default" in this
Prospectus.
The Securities were issued in denominations of whole Units.
5
Payment at Maturity
At maturity, a Holder of a Security will be entitled to receive the principal
amount thereof ($10 for each $10 price to public) plus a Supplemental Redemption
Amount, if any, all as provided below. If the Final Value of the S&P 500 Index
does not exceed the Initial Value, a Holder of a Security will be repaid the
principal amount of the Security at maturity, but will not be entitled to
receive any contingent interest (i.e., Supplemental Redemption Amount).
At maturity, a Holder of a Security will be entitled to receive, with respect
to each such Security, (i) the principal amount thereof, and (ii) the
Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, equal in amount to:
Principal X (Final Value - Initial Value) X 115%
---------------------------
Initial Value
provided, however, that the Supplemental Redemption Amount will not be less than
zero. The Initial Value of the S&P 500 Index is 435.49. If the Final Value does
not exceed the Initial Value, the Supplemental Redemption Amount will equal zero
and a Holder of a Security will receive only the principal amount thereof ($10
for each $10 price to public).
The Final Value of the S&P 500 Index will be determined by State Street Bank
and Trust Company (the "Calculation Agent") and will equal the average (mean) of
the closing values of the S&P 500 Index as calculated by S&P on the tenth
Business Day (as defined below) prior to the maturity date (provided that a
Market Disruption Event, as defined below, shall not have occurred on such day)
and on each succeeding Business Day (provided that a Market Disruption Event
shall not have occurred on the applicable day) up to and including the fourth
Business Day prior to the maturity date (each, a "Calculation Day") until the
Calculation Agent has so determined such closing values for five Business Days.
If a Market Disruption Event occurs on one or more of the Business Days during
the period specified above, the Final Value will equal the average of the values
on Business Days on which a Market Disruption Event did not occur or, if there
is only one such Business Day, the value on such day. If Market Disruption
Events occur on all of such Business Days during such period, the Final Value
shall equal the closing value of the S&P 500 Index on the fourth Business Day
prior to the maturity date regardless of whether a Market Disruption Event shall
have occurred on such day. For purposes of determining the Final Value, a
"Business Day" is a day on which The New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading. All determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole
discretion of the Calculation Agent and, in the absence of manifest error, shall
be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and Holders of the
Securities.
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P 500 Index and S&P or another entity
publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent determines,
in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the S&P 500 Index (any such index
being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the
Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the
Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated
by S&P or such other entity for the S&P 500 Index and calculate the Final Value
as described in the preceding paragraph. Upon any selection by the Calculation
Agent of a Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof to be
published in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation) within three Business Days of such selection.
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P 500 Index and a Successor Index is
not selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the S&P 500 Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, at
maturity will be calculated as described below under "Discontinuance of the S&P
500 Index".
6
If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent calculates a value
as a substitute for the S&P 500 Index as described below, such Successor Index
or value shall be substituted for the S&P 500 Index for all purposes, including
for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If at any time the method of calculating the S&P 500 Index, or the value
thereof, is changed in a material respect, or if the S&P 500 Index is in any
other way modified so that such Index does not, in the opinion of the
Calculation Agent, fairly represent the value of the S&P 500 Index had such
changes or modifications not been made, then, from and after such time, the
Calculation Agent shall, at the close of business in New York, New York, on each
date that the closing value with respect to the Final Value is to be calculated,
make such adjustments as, in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent,
may be necessary in order to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index
comparable to the S&P 500 Index as if such changes or modifications had not been
made, and calculate such closing value with reference to the S&P 500 Index, as
adjusted. Accordingly, if the method of calculating the S&P 500 Index is
modified so that the value of such Index is a fraction or a multiple of what it
would have been if it had not been modified (e.g., due to a split in the Index),
then the Calculation Agent shall adjust such Index in order to arrive at a value
of the S&P 500 Index as if it had not been modified (e.g., as if such split had
not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as determined
by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the material limitation (limitations pursuant to New York Stock
Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or promulgated
by the New York Stock Exchange, any other self regulatory organization or the
Securities and Exchange Commission of similar scope as determined by the
Calculation Agent) on trading during significant market fluctuations shall be
considered "material" for purposes of this definition) or suspension, in each
case, for more than two hours of trading in 100 or more of the securities
included in the S&P 500 Index, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation, in each case, for more than two
hours of trading (whether by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding
levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in (A) futures
contracts related to the S&P 500 Index which are traded on the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange or (B) option contracts related to the S&P 500 Index which
are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Final Values, the
percentage change in the S&P 500 Index from the date of pricing of the
Securities offered hereby until maturity, the Supplemental Redemption Amount at
maturity for each $10 principal amount of Securities.
7
Supplemental
Redemption Amount
Hypothetical Final Percentage Change per $10 Principal
Value of the S&P in the S&P 500 Amount of
500 Index Index Securities
---------------- ---------------- -----------------
217.75 -50% $ 0.00
261.29 -40% 0.00
304.84 -30% 0.00
348.39 -20% 0.00
391.94 -10% 0.00
435.49/(1)/ 0% 0.00
479.04 10% 1.15
522.59 20% 2.30
566.14 30% 3.45
609.69 40% 4.60
653.24 50% 5.75
696.78 60% 6.90
740.33 70% 8.05
783.88 80% 9.20
827.43 90% 10.35
878.98 100% 11.50
- --------------
(1) Initial Value.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the pretax annualized
rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual Final
Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Notes will be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Under present New York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a
simple interest basis. This limit may not apply to Securities in which
$2,500,000 or more has been invested. While the Company believes that New York
law would be given effect by a state or federal court sitting outside of New
York, state laws frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged
to and paid by a borrower (including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). All
payments under the Securities (other than the return of principal) could be
considered interest for the purpose of state usury laws. The Company has
covenanted for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, to the extent permitted
by law, not to claim voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning usurious
rates of interest against a Holder of the Securities.
Discontinuance of the S&P 500 Index and Successor Index
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P 500 Index and a Successor Index is
available, then the amount payable at maturity or upon earlier acceleration will
be determined by reference to the Successor Index, as provided above.
If the publication of the S&P 500 Index is discontinued and S&P or another
entity does not publish a Successor Index on any of the Calculation Days, the
value to be substituted for the S&P 500 Index for any such Calculation Day used
to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, at maturity will be the
value computed by the Calculation Agent for each such Calculation Day in
accordance with the following procedures:
8
(1) identifying the component stocks of the S&P 500 Index or any Successor
Index as of the last date on which either of such indices was calculated by
S&P or another entity and published by S&P or such other entity (each such
component stock is a "Last Component Stock");
(2) for each Last Component Stock, calculating as of each such Calculation
Day the product of the market price per share and the number of the then
outstanding shares (such product referred to as the "Market Value" of such
stock), by reference to (a) the closing market price per share of such Last
Component Stock as quoted by the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock
Exchange or any other registered national securities exchange that is the
primary market for such Last Component Stock, or if no such quotation is
available, then the closing market price as quoted by any other registered
national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotation National Market System ("NASDAQ"), or if no such price is
quoted, then the market price from the best available source as determined by
the Calculation Agent (collectively, the "Exchanges") and (b) the most recent
publicly available statement of the number of outstanding shares of such Last
Component Stock;
(3) aggregating the Market Values obtained in clause (2) for all Last
Component Stocks;
(4) ascertaining the Base Value (as defined below under "The Standard &
Poor's 500 Index--Computation of the Index") in effect as of the last day on
which either the S&P 500 Index or any Successor Index was published by S&P or
another entity, adjusted as described below;
(5) dividing the aggregate Market Value of all Last Component Stocks by the
Base Value (adjusted as aforesaid);
(6) multiplying the resulting quotient (expressed in decimals) by ten.
If any Last Component Stock is no longer publicly traded on any registered
national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, the last
available market price per share for such Last Component Stock as quoted by any
registered national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, and
the number of outstanding shares thereof at such time, will be used in computing
the last available Market Value of such Last Component Stock. Such Market Value
will be used in all computations of the S&P 500 Index thereafter.
If a company that has issued a Last Component Stock and another company that
has issued a Last Component Stock are consolidated to form a new company, the
common stock of such new company will be considered a Last Component Stock and
the common stocks of the constituent companies will no longer be considered Last
Component Stocks. If any company that has issued a Last Component Stock merges
with, or acquires, a company that has not issued a Last Component Stock, the
common stock of the surviving corporation will, upon the effectiveness of such
merger or acquisition, be considered a Last Component Stock. In each such case,
the Base Value will be adjusted so that the Base Value immediately after such
consolidation, merger or acquisition will equal (a) the Base Value immediately
prior to such event, multiplied by (b) the quotient of the aggregate Market
Value of all Last Component Stocks immediately after such event, divided by the
aggregate Market Value for all Last Component Stocks immediately prior to such
event.
If a company that has issued a Last Component Stock issues a stock dividend,
declares a stock split or issues new shares pursuant to the acquisition of
another company, then, in each case, the Base Value will be adjusted (in
accordance with the formula described below) so that the Base Value immediately
after the time the particular Last Component Stock commences trading ex-
dividend, the effectiveness of the stock split or the time new shares of such
Last Component Stock commence trading equals (a) the Base Value immediately
prior to such event, multiplied by (b) the quotient of the aggregate Market
Value for all Last Component Stocks immediately after such event, divided by the
aggregate Market Value of all Last Component Stocks immediately prior to such
event. The Base Value used by the Calculation Agent to calculate the value
described above will not necessarily be adjusted in all cases in which S&P, in
its discretion, might adjust the Base Value (as described below under "The
Standard & Poor's 500 Index-- Computation of the S&P 500 Index").
9
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P 500 Index prior to the period
during which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the
Calculation Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time,
then on each Business Day until the earlier to occur of (i) the determination of
the Final Value and (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a
Successor Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value
that would be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount by reference
to the method set forth in clauses (1) through (6) in the fourth preceding
paragraph above as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in the Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the S&P 500 Index may adversely affect
trading in the Securities.
Events of Default and Acceleration
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a Holder of a Security upon any
acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each $10 principal
amount thereof, will be equal to: (i) the initial issue price ($10), plus (ii)
an additional amount, if any, of contingent interest calculated as though the
date of early repayment were the maturity date of the Securities. See
"Description of Securities--Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a
bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the
Holder of a Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the
United States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an additional
amount, if any, of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the
commencement of the proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities (whether
at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the Holders thereof,
at the rate of 7% per annum (to the extent that payment of such interest shall
be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on such date in
accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of such amount
has been made or duly provided for.
Securities Depository
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company,
as Securities Depository (the "Securities Depository"), registered in the name
of the Securities Depository or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is
exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive form, no Global
Security may be transferred except as a whole by the Securities Depository to a
nominee of such Securities Depository or by a nominee of such Securities
Depository to such Securities Depository or another nominee of such Securities
Depository or by such Securities Depository or any such nominee to a successor
of such Securities Depository or a nominee of such successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The Securities
Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the Banking Law of
the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing
corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a
"clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the
Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold securities of its
participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions among its Participants in such securities through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the Participants, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The
Securities Depository's Participants include securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
The Securities Depository is owned by a number of Participants and by the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access
10
to the Securities Depository book-entry system is also available to others, such
as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly
("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in
turn to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer
of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner
of a Global Security, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the case may
be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Securities represented by
such Global Security for all purposes under the Senior Indenture. Except as
provided below, Beneficial Owners in a Global Security will not be entitled to
have the Securities represented by such Global Securities registered in their
names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the
Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or Holders
thereof under the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial
interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of the Securities
Depository and, if such Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the
Participant through which such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights
of a Holder under the Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under
existing industry practices, in the event that the Company requests any action
of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security
desires to give or take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take
under the Senior Indenture, the Securities Depository would authorize the
Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such
action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning through
such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by the Securities Depository to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to, Securities registered in the name of the Securities Depository or
its nominee will be made to the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the
case may be, as the Holder of the Global Securities representing such
Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent of the Company
or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect
of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests or for supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the Securities
Depository, upon receipt of any payment of principal or any Supplemental
Redemption Amount in respect of a Global Security, will credit the accounts of
the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as
shown on the records of the Securities Depository. The Company also expects that
payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing
customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with
securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
"street name", and will be the responsibility of such Participants.
11
If (x) the Securities Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as Securities Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by
the Company within 60 days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee
a Company Order to the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable
or (z) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the
Securities, the Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in
definitive form of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in
denominations of $10 and integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities
shall be registered in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall
instruct the Trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon
directions received by the Securities Depository from Participants with respect
to ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Securities.
THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the S&P 500 Index,
including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in
its components, is derived from publicly available information prepared by S&P
as of December 31, 1992. The Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy
or completeness of such information.
General
The S&P 500 Index is published by S&P and is intended to provide an indication
of the pattern of common stock price movement. The calculation of the value of
the S&P 500 Index (discussed below in further detail) is based on the relative
value of the aggregate Market Value (as defined above) of the common stocks of
500 companies as of a particular time as compared to the aggregate average
Market Value of the common stocks of 500 similar companies during the base
period of the years 1941 through 1943. As of December 31, 1992, the 500
companies included in the S&P 500 Index represented approximately 76% of the
aggregate Market Value of common stocks traded on The New York Stock Exchange;
however, the 500 companies are not the 500 largest companies listed on The New
York Stock Exchange and not all 500 companies are listed on such exchange. As of
December 31, 1992, the aggregate market value of the 500 companies included in
the S&P 500 Index represented approximately 70% of the aggregate market value of
United States domestic, public companies. S&P chooses companies for inclusion in
the S&P 500 Index with the aim of achieving a distribution by broad industry
groupings that approximates the distribution of these groupings in the common
stock population of The New York Stock Exchange, which S&P uses as an assumed
model for the composition of the total market. Relevant criteria employed by S&P
include the viability of the particular company, the extent to which that
company represents the industry group to which it is assigned, the extent to
which the market price of that company's common stock is generally responsive to
changes in the affairs of the respective industry and the Market Value and
trading activity of the common stock of that company.
Computation of the S&P 500 Index
S&P computes the S&P 500 Index as of a particular time as follows:
(1) the Market Value of each component stock is determined as of such time;
(2) the Market Value of all component stocks as of such time (as determined
under clause (1) above) are aggregated;
(3) the mean average of the Market Values as of each week in the base
period of the years 1941 through 1943 of the common stock of each
company in a group of 500 substantially similar companies is
determined;
(4) the mean average Market Values of all such common stocks over such base
period (as determined under clause (3) above) are aggregated (such
aggregate amount being referred to as the "Base Value");
12
(5) the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks as of such time (as
determined under clause (2) above) is divided by the Base Value; and
(6) the resulting quotient (expressed in decimals) is multiplied by ten.
While S&P employs the above methodology to calculate the S&P 500 Index, no
assurance can be given that S&P will not modify or change such methodology in a
manner that may affect the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, payable to
Holders of Securities upon maturity or otherwise.
S&P adjusts the foregoing formula to negate the effect of changes in the
Market Value of a component stock that are determined by S&P to be arbitrary or
not due to true market fluctuations. Such changes may result from such causes as
the issuance of stock dividends, the granting to shareholders of rights to
purchase additional shares of such stock, the purchase thereof by employees
pursuant to employee benefit plans, certain consolidations and acquisitions, the
granting to shareholders of rights to purchase other securities of the company,
the substitution by S&P of particular component stocks in the S&P 500 Index, and
other reasons. In all such cases, S&P first recalculates the aggregate Market
Value of all component stocks (after taking account of the new market price per
share of the particular component stock or the new number of outstanding shares
thereof or both, as the case may be) and then determines the New Base Value in
accordance with the following formula:
Old Base Value x New Market Value = New Base Value
----------------
Old Market Value
The result is that the Base Value is adjusted in proportion to any change in
the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks resulting from the causes
referred to above to the extent necessary to negate the effects of such causes
upon the S&P 500 Index.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the S&P 500
Index. The historical performance of the S&P 500 Index should not be taken as an
indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that the S&P 500
Index will increase sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the
Securities to receive a Supplemental Redemption Amount at the maturity of the
Securities.
License Agreement
S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. have entered into a non-exclusive
license agreement providing for the license to Merrill Lynch Capital Services,
Inc., in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by
S&P in connection with certain securities, including the Securities, and the
Company is an authorized sublicensee thereof.
The license agreement between S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc.
provides that the following language must be stated in this Prospectus:
"The Securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P
makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Holders of the
Securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing
in securities generally or in the Securities particularly or the ability of
the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market performance. S&P's only
relationship to Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. and the Company (other
then transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business) is the
licensing of certain service marks and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500
Index which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard to
the Company or the Securities. S&P has no obligation to take the needs
13
of the Company or the Holders of the Securities into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index. S&P is not
responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of
the sale of the Securities, prices at which the Securities are to initially be
sold, or quantities of the Securities to be issued or in the determination or
calculation of the equation by which the Securities are to be converted into
cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the Securities."
OTHER TERMS
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Limitations Upon Liens
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
14
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
Merger and Consolidation
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
15
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on
16
such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the
review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are not subject to the
liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial information
because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration
statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections
7 and 11 of the Act.
17
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may +
+offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes+
+effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the +
+solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of +
+any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Global Telecommunications Portfolio Market Index Target-Term Securities(SM)
due October 15, 1998
("MITTS/(R)/")
On September 13, 1993, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued an
aggregate principal amount of $110,000,000 Global Telecommunications Portfolio
Market Index Target-Term Securities due October 15, 1998 (the "Securities" or
"MITTS"). As of the date of this Prospectus, $85,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of the Securities remain outstanding. Each $10 principal amount of
Securities will be deemed a "Unit" for purposes of trading and transfer at the
Securities Depository described below. Units will be transferable by the
Securities Depository, as more fully described below, in denominations of whole
Units.
The Securities will bear no periodic payments of interest and will mature
on October 15, 1998. At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be paid
an amount based upon the change in the value of a portfolio of specified
telecommunications industry stocks of issuers organized in the United States and
abroad measured from September 2, 1993 (the "Original Portfolio Value") to the
Closing Portfolio Value, all as more fully described herein; provided, however,
that the amount payable at maturity will not be less than $9.00 for each Unit of
the Securities (the "Minimum Payment"). The Closing Portfolio Value will be
based on certain values of the specified telecommunications industry stocks
during a period prior to the maturity date of the Securities. While at maturity
a beneficial owner of a Security may receive an amount in excess of the
principal amount of such Security if the Closing Portfolio Value exceeds the
Original Portfolio Value, there will be no payment of interest, periodic or
otherwise, prior to maturity.
If the Closing Portfolio Value is less than the Original Portfolio Value,
the amount payable at maturity with respect to a Security will be less than the
principal amount of such Security.
For information as to the calculation of the amount that will be paid at
maturity and the calculation and the composition of the global
telecommunications industry portfolio, see "Description of Securities" and "The
Portfolio" in this Prospectus. For other information that should be considered
by prospective investors, see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 3 of this
Prospectus.
Ownership of the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form by or
through the Securities Depository. Beneficial owners of the Securities will not
have the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership
except under the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
Symbol "MLC".
----------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is
to be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the New York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
----------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
----------------------
The date of this Prospectus is January ___, 1998.
(R)"MITTS" is a registered service mark and (R)"Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June
27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January
13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997,
May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy
(without exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of
any or all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests
for such copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate
Secretary's Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor,
New York, New York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Securities to which it
relates or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in
any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of
the largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are
engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one
of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory
services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies.
Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and
Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers
and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative
transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance
underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and
annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted
through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit,
offering money market deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing
currency exchange facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Year Ended Last Friday in December Nine Months Ended
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 September 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Payment at Maturity
If the Closing Portfolio Value is less than the Original Portfolio Value,
beneficial owners of the Securities will receive less than the principal amount
of such Securities at maturity, but not less than the Minimum Payment.
Beneficial owners would receive only the return of principal if the Closing
Portfolio Value should equal the Original Portfolio Value. This will be true
even though the Portfolio Value as of some interim period or periods prior to
the Calculation Period may have exceeded the Original Portfolio Value because
the Closing Portfolio Value is calculated on the basis of the average of the
value of Portfolio Securities only on the Calculation Days.
3
Even if the principal of the Securities is fully returned, such return of
principal does not reflect any opportunity cost implied by inflation and other
factors relating to the time value of money.
The return based on the Closing Portfolio Value relative to the Original
Portfolio Value generally will not produce the same return as if the Portfolio
Securities were purchased and held for a similar period, because, among other
reasons, any payment at maturity on the Securities based on an increase in the
value of the Portfolio will not reflect the payment of dividends on the
Portfolio Securities.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New York. Under present
New York law the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest
basis. This limit may not apply to Securities in which $2,500,000 or more has
been invested. While the Company believes that New York law would be given
effect by a state or Federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws
frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a
borrower (including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). All payments under the
Securities (other than the return of principal) could be considered interest for
the purpose of state usury laws. The Company has covenanted for the benefit of
the Holders of the Securities, to the extent permitted by law, not to claim
voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning usurious rates of interest
against a Holder of the Securities.
Trading
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
Symbol "MLC". There can be no assurance as to how the Securities will trade in
the secondary market or whether such market will be liquid. It is expected that
the secondary market for the Securities will be affected by the creditworthiness
of the Company and by a number of other factors. The trading value of the
Securities is expected to depend primarily on the extent of the appreciation, if
any, of the Portfolio Value over the Original Portfolio Value. If, however,
Securities are sold prior to the maturity date at a time when the Portfolio
Value exceeds the Original Portfolio Value, the sale price may be at a discount
from the amount expected to be payable to the beneficial owner if such excess of
the Portfolio Value over the Original Portfolio Value were to prevail during the
Calculation Period. Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial owner will be
able to sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which could be
substantial, from the principal amount thereof, if, at such time, the Portfolio
Value is below, equal to or not sufficiently above the Original Portfolio Value.
A discount could also result from rising interest rates.
The trading values of the Securities may be affected by a number of
interrelated factors, including those listed below. The relationship among these
factors is complex, including how these factors affect the value of the
principal amount of the Securities payable at maturity, if any, in excess of the
principal amount of the Securities. Accordingly, investors should be aware that
factors other than the level of the Portfolio Value are likely to affect their
trading value. The expected theoretical effect on the trading value of the
Securities of each of the factors listed below, assuming in each case that all
other factors are held constant, is as follows:
Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the value of the
Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease, the value
of the Securities is expected to increase. Local interest rates may also affect
the economies of countries in which issuers of the respective Portfolio
Securities (or shares underlying such securities) operate, and, in turn, affect
the Portfolio Value.
Volatility of the Portfolio Value. If the volatility of the Portfolio Value
increases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to increase. If the
volatility of the Portfolio Value decreases, the trading value of the Securities
is expected to decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of the Portfolio Value. This difference
will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the Portfolio Value
during the period prior to maturity of the Securities. As the time remaining to
maturity of the Securities decreases, however, this time premium is expected to
decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of the Securities.
4
Dividend Rates. If dividend rates on the Portfolio Securities (or shares
underlying such securities) increase, the value of the Securities is expected to
decrease. Conversely, if dividend rates on the Portfolio Securities decrease,
the value of the Securities is expected to increase. Local general corporate
dividend rates may also affect the Portfolio Value and, in turn, the value of
the Securities.
Foreign Currency Exchange and Foreign Market
The Securities are U.S. dollar-denominated securities issued by the Company, a
United States corporation. Investments in the Securities do not give the
beneficial owners any right to receive any Portfolio Security or any other
ownership right or interest in the Portfolio Securities, although the return on
the investment in the Securities is based on the Portfolio Value of the
Portfolio Securities. Certain of the Portfolio Securities (or securities
underlying DRs included in the Portfolio) have been issued by non-United States
companies, and certain of the Portfolio Securities and the underlying securities
represented by the DRs are quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Investments in securities indexed to the value of non-United States securities
involve certain risks. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, future foreign
political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange
controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such
investments may affect the U.S. dollar value of such securities, including DRs.
Securities prices in different countries are subject to different economic,
financial, political and social factors. Rates of exchange between the dollar
and other currencies are determined by forces of supply and demand in the
foreign exchange markets. These forces are, in turn, affected by international
balance of payments and other economic and financial conditions, government
intervention, speculation and other factors. Moreover, individual foreign
economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such
respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. With
respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of
assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic
developments which could affect the value of investments in those countries.
There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than
about a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those
to which U.S. entities are subject. Certain foreign investments may be subject
to foreign withholding taxes which could affect the value of investment in these
countries. In addition, investment laws in certain foreign countries may limit
or restrict ownership of certain securities by foreign nationals by restricting
or eliminating voting or other rights or limiting the amount of securities that
may be so owned, and such limitations or restrictions may affect the prices of
such securities.
Foreign financial markets, while growing in volume, may have substantially
less volume than U.S. markets, and securities of many foreign companies are less
liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable domestic
companies. The foreign markets have different trading practices that may affect
the prices of securities. The foreign markets have different clearance and
settlement procedures, and in certain countries there have been times when
settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. There is
generally less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and
issuers in foreign countries than there is in the U.S. In addition, the terms
and conditions of depositary facilities may result in less liquidity or lower
market values for the DRs than for the underlying stocks.
American Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts
Certain of the Portfolio Securities are in the form of either American
Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") or Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs", which,
together with ADRs, are hereinafter collectively referred to as "DRs"). A DR is
a negotiable receipt which is issued by a depositary, generally a bank,
representing shares (the "Underlying Shares") of a foreign issuer (the "Foreign
Issuer") that have been deposited and are held, on behalf of the holders of the
DRs, at a custodian bank in the Foreign Issuer's home country. While the market
for Underlying Shares will generally be in the country in which the Foreign
Issuer is organized, and trading in such market will generally be based on that
country's currency, DRs that are Portfolio Securities will trade in U.S.
Dollars.
5
Although DRs are distinct securities from the Underlying Shares, the trading
characteristics and valuations of DRs will usually, but not necessarily, mirror
the characteristics and valuations of the Underlying Shares represented by the
DRs. Active trading volume and efficient pricing in the principal market in the
home country for the Underlying Shares will usually indicate similar
characteristics in respect of the DRs. In the case of certain DRs, however,
there may be inadequate familiarity with or information about the Foreign Issuer
of the Underlying Shares represented by the DR in the market in which the DR
trades to support active volume, thus resulting in pricing distortions. This is
more likely to occur when the DR is not listed on a U.S. stock exchange or
quoted on the National Market System of the National Association of Securities
Dealers Automated Quotations System ("NASDAQ"), and trades only over-the-
counter, because the Foreign Issuer would not be required to register such DRs
under the Exchange Act, as is the case with DRs so listed or quoted. In
addition, because of the size of an offering of Underlying Shares in DR form
outside the home country and/or other factors that have limited or increased the
float of certain DRs, the liquidity of such securities may be less than or
greater than that with respect to the Underlying Shares. Inasmuch as holders of
DRs may surrender the DR in order to take delivery of and trade the Underlying
Shares, a characteristic that allows investors in DRs to take advantage of price
differentials between different markets, a market for the Underlying Shares that
is not liquid will generally result in an liquid market for the DR representing
such Underlying Shares.
The depositary bank that issues a DR generally charges a fee, based on the
price of the DR, upon issuance and cancellation of the DR. This fee would be in
addition to the brokerage commissions paid upon the acquisition or surrender of
the security. In addition, the depositary bank incurs expenses in connection
with the conversion of dividends or other cash distributions paid in local
currency into U.S. Dollars and such expenses are deducted from the amount of the
dividend or distribution paid to holders, resulting in a lower payout per
Underlying Share represented by the DR than would be the case if the Underlying
Share were held directly. Furthermore, foreign investment laws in certain
countries may restrict ownership by foreign nationals of certain classes of
Underlying Shares. Accordingly, the DR representing such class of securities may
not possess voting rights, if any, equivalent to those in respect of the
Underlying Shares. Certain tax considerations, including tax rate differentials,
arising from application of the tax laws of one nation to the nationals of
another and from certain practices in the DR market may also exist with respect
to certain DRs. In varying degrees, any or all of these factors may affect the
value of the DR compared with the value of the Underlying Shares in the local
market.
Other Considerations
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in the light of each investor's particular
circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, which is
more fully described below. The principal amount of each Security will equal $10
for each $10 price to the public. The Securities will mature on October 15,
1998.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security may receive an amount in
excess of the principal amount of such Security if the Closing Portfolio Value
exceeds the Original Portfolio Value, there will be no payment of interest,
periodic or otherwise, prior to maturity. (See "Payment at Maturity", below.)
6
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any Holder prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default with
respect to the Securities, Holders of the Securities may accelerate the maturity
of the Securities, as described under "Events of Default and Acceleration" and
"Description of Debt Securities--General--Events of Default" below.
The Securities were issued in denominations of whole Units.
Payment at Maturity
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive,
with respect to each $10 principal amount of the Security, an amount equal to
the following:
$10 x Closing Portfolio Value
-----------------------
$100
provided, however, that the amount payable at maturity will not be less than $9
for each $10 principal amount of Securities (the "Minimum Payment"). Based on
the prices of the Portfolio Securities on September 2, 1993, the Multipliers
were initially set so that the value of the Portfolio on September 2, 1993
equaled $100 (the "Original Portfolio Value").
If the Closing Portfolio Value is equal to $90 or less, a beneficial owner of
a Security will receive the Minimum Payment of $9 for each $10 principal amount
of the Securities at maturity. If the Closing Portfolio Value is between $90 and
$100, a beneficial owner of a Security will receive between $9 and $10 for each
$10 principal amount of the Securities at maturity.
The "Closing Portfolio Value" will be determined by MLPF&S an affiliate of the
Company, or successor thereto (the "Calculation Agent"), and will equal the sum
of the products of the Average Market Price and the applicable Multiplier for
each Portfolio Security. The "Average Market Price" of a Portfolio Security will
equal the average (mean) of the Market Prices of such Portfolio Security
determined on each of the first thirty Calculation Days with respect to such
Portfolio Security during the Calculation Period. If there are fewer than thirty
Calculation Days with respect to a Portfolio Security, then the Average Market
Price will equal the average (mean) of the Market Prices on such Calculation
Days, and if there is only one Calculation Day, then the Average Market Price
will equal the Market Price on such Calculation Day. The "Calculation Period"
means the period from and including the sixtieth scheduled NYSE Trading Day (as
defined below) prior to the maturity date to and including the fourth scheduled
NYSE Trading Day prior to the maturity date. "Calculation Day" with respect to a
Portfolio Security means any Trading Day during the Calculation Period in the
country in which such Portfolio Security is being priced on which a Market
Disruption Event has not occurred. If a Market Disruption Event occurs on all
Trading Days in such country during the Calculation Period then the fourth
scheduled NYSE Trading Day (as defined below) prior to the maturity date in such
country will be deemed a Calculation Day, notwithstanding the Market Disruption
Event; provided, however, that if such fourth scheduled NYSE Trading Day is not
a Trading Day in such country, then the immediately preceding Trading Day shall
instead be deemed a Calculation Day. Any reference to a specific day herein
shall mean such calendar day in each market in which Portfolio Securities are
priced.
"Market Price" means for a Calculation Day the following:
(i) If the Portfolio Security is listed on a national securities exchange in
the United States, is a NASDAQ National Market System ("NASDAQ NMS") security
or is included in the OTC Bulletin Board Service ("OTC Bulletin Board")
operated by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"),
Market Price means (i) the last reported sale price, regular way, on such day
on the principal United States securities exchange registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on which such Portfolio Security is listed or
admitted to trading, or (ii) if not listed or admitted to trading on any such
securities exchange or if such last reported sale price is not obtainable, the
last reported sale price on the over-the-counter market as reported on the
NASDAQ NMS or OTC Bulletin Board on such day, or (iii)
7
if the last reported sale price is not available pursuant to (i) and (ii)
above, the mean of the last reported bid and offer price on the over-the-
counter market as reported on the NASDAQ NMS or OTC Bulletin Board on such day
as determined by the Calculation Agent. If the Portfolio Security is a
security issued by a company organized in the United States and is not listed
on a national securities exchange in the United States, is not a NASDAQ NMS
security or is not included in the OTC Bulletin Board operated by the NASD,
Market Price means the average (mean) of the last available bid and offer
prices in the United States over-the-counter market of the three dealers which
have the highest volume of transactions in such Portfolio Security in the
immediately preceding calendar month as determined by the Calculation Agent
based on information that is reasonably available to it. The term "NASDAQ NMS
security" shall include a security included in any successor to such system
and the term "OTC Bulletin Board Service" shall include any successor service
thereto.
(ii) If the Portfolio Security is a security issued by a company organized
other than in the United States or is a DR, that, in either case, is not
listed on a national securities exchange in the United States or is not a
NASDAQ NMS security or included in the OTC Bulletin Board operated by the
NASD, Market Price means the last reported sale price on such day on the
securities exchange on which such Portfolio Security is listed or admitted to
trading with the greatest volume of trading for the calendar month preceding
such day as determined by the Calculation Agent, provided that if such last
reported sale price is for a transaction which occurred more than four hours
prior to the close of such exchange, then the Market Price shall mean the
average (mean) of the last available bid and offer price on such exchange. If
such Portfolio Security is not listed or admitted to trading on any such
securities exchange or if such last reported sale price or bid and offer are
not obtainable, the Market Price shall mean the last reported sale price on
the over-the-counter market with the greatest volume of trading as determined
by the Calculation Agent, provided that if such last reported sale price is
for a transaction which occurred more than four hours prior to when trading in
such over-the-counter market typically ends, then the Market Price shall mean
the average (mean) of the last available bid and offer prices in such market
of the three dealers which have the highest volume of transactions in such
Portfolio Security in the immediately preceding calendar month as determined
by the Calculation Agent based on information that is reasonably available to
it. If such prices are quoted in a currency other than in U.S. Dollars, such
prices will be translated into U.S. Dollars for purposes of calculating the
Average Market Price using the Spot Rate on the same calendar day as the date
of any such price. The "Spot Rate" on any date will be determined by the
Calculation Agent and will equal the spot rate of such currency per U.S. $1.00
on such date at approximately 3:00 p.m., New York City time, as reported on
the information service operated by Bloomberg, L.P. ("Bloomberg") representing
the mean of certain dealers in such currency or, if Bloomberg has not reported
such rate by 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such day, the offered spot rate
of such currency per U.S. $1.00 on such date for a transaction amount in an
amount customary for such market on such date quoted at approximately 3:30
p.m., New York City time, by a leading bank in the foreign exchange markets as
may be selected by the Calculation Agent.
If the Calculation Agent is required to use the bid and offer price for a
Portfolio Security to determine the Market Price of such Portfolio Security
pursuant to the foregoing, the Calculation Agent shall not use any bid or offer
price announced by MLPF&S or any other affiliate of the Company.
As used herein, "NYSE Trading Day" shall mean a day on which trading is
generally conducted in the over-the-counter market for equity securities in the
United States and on the New York Stock Exchange as determined by the
Calculation Agent. "Trading Day" shall mean a day on which trading is conducted
on the principal securities exchanges in the country in which such Portfolio
Security is being priced.
"Market Disruption Event" with respect to a Portfolio Security means either of
the following events, as determined by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (provided that, with respect to
Portfolio Securities that are priced in the United States, limitations
pursuant to New York Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or
regulation enacted or promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange, any other
self regulatory
8
organization or the Commission of similar scope as determined by the
Calculation Agent) on trading during significant market fluctuations shall be
considered "material" for purposes of this definition) in the trading of such
Portfolio Security in the country in which such Portfolio Security is being
priced for more than two hours of trading or during the period one-half hour
prior to the time that such Portfolio Security is to be priced, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation (whether by reason of movements in
price otherwise exceeding levels permitted by the relevant exchange or
otherwise) in option contracts related to a Portfolio Security traded on any
exchange in the country in which such Portfolio Security is being priced for
more than two hours of trading or during the period one-half hour prior to the
time that such Portfolio Security is to be priced.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
All determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole
discretion of the Calculation Agent and, in the absence of manifest error, shall
be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial owners
of the Securities. All percentages resulting from any calculation on the
Securities will be rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage
point, with five one millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards (e.g.,
9.876545% (or .09876545) would be rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)), and all
dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation will be rounded to the
nearest cent with one-half cent being rounded upwards.
9
Portfolio Securities
The stocks or the depositary receipts representing the stocks listed below
will be used to calculate the value of the Portfolio. Holders of the Securities
will not have any right to receive the Portfolio Securities. The following table
sets forth, as of September 2, 1993, the Portfolio Securities, the percentage of
each Portfolio Security in the Original Portfolio Value and their initial
Multipliers:
% of Portfolio
Value
Represented in
Issuer of the Country in Original Initial
Portfolio Security(1) Which Organized ADR/GDR Portfolio Value Multiplier
--------------------- --------------- ------- --------------- ----------
Alcatel Alstholm Compagnie
Generale d'Electricite France Yes 4.5455% .1731602
American Telephone & Telegraph Company United States No 4.5455% .0722935
Bell Atlantic Corporation United States No 4.5455% .0711617
BellSouth Corporation United States No 4.5455% .0763942
British Telecommunications plc United Kingdom Yes 4.5455% .0692641
Compania de Telefonos de Chile S.A. Chile Yes 4.5455% .0582751
LM Ericsson Telephone Company Sweden Yes 4.5455% .0988142
GTE Corporation United States No 4.5455% .1249609
Hong Kong Telecommunications, Ltd. Hong Kong Yes 4.5455% .0934798
Newbridge Networks Corporation Canada No 4.5455% .0640205
NYNEX Corporation United States No 4.5455% .0492065
Pacific Telesis Group United States No 4.5455% .0822707
Philippine Long Distance
Telephone Company Philippines No 4.5455% .0918274
Rogers Cantel Mobile Canada No 4.5455% .1668057
Communications, Inc.
Southwestern Bell Corporation United States No 4.5455% .0999001
Tadiran Ltd. Israel No 4.5455% .1298701
Telecom Corporation of New
Zealand Limited New Zealand Yes 4.5455% .1038961
Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras S.A. Brazil Yes 4.5455% .1312767
Telefonica de Argentina Argentina Yes 4.5455% .1033058
Telefonica de Espana Spain Yes 4.5455% .1249609
Telefonos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Mexico Yes 4.5455% .0851607
Vodaphone Group plc United Kingdom Yes 4.5455% .0569963
- ---------------------------
(1) Or, in the case of DRs, the Underlying Shares.
The initial Multiplier relating to each Portfolio Security indicates
the number of such Portfolio Security, given the market price of such Portfolio
Security as of September 2, 1993, required to be included in the calculation of
the Original Portfolio Value so that each Portfolio Security represented an
equal percentage of the Original Portfolio Value as of September 2, 1993. The
price of each Portfolio Security used to calculate the initial Multiplier
relating to each such Portfolio Security was the closing price of such Portfolio
Security on September 2, 1993. The respective Multipliers will remain constant
for the term of the Securities unless adjusted for certain corporate events, as
described below.
The Portfolio Value, for any day, will equal the sum of the products
of the most recently available Market Prices (determined as described herein)
and the applicable Multipliers for the Portfolio Securities. The Closing
Portfolio Value, however, is calculated based on averaging Market Prices for
certain days.
The Calculation Agent currently intends to publish the Portfolio Value
once on each business day. The Calculation Agent currently calculates and
publishes values of approximately 1,100 specified portfolios. The Calculation
Agent currently provides information concerning such portfolios to the
electronic reporting services operated by Bloomberg and to newspapers and
specialized trade publications. If the Calculation Agent does publish
10
Portfolio Values, the Calculation Agent currently intends to provide such values
to similar sources described above, but there can be no assurance that such
information will ultimately be published by such sources.
Adjustments to the Multiplier and Portfolio
The Multiplier with respect to any Portfolio Security and the Portfolio
will be adjusted as follows:
1. If a Portfolio Security is subject to a stock split or reverse stock
split or similar adjustment in the case of DRs, then once such split has
become effective, the Multiplier relating to such Portfolio Security will
be adjusted to equal the product of the number of shares issued with
respect to one such share of such Portfolio Security, or the number of
receipts issued with respect to one DR if a Portfolio Security is a DR, and
the prior multiplier.
2. If a Portfolio Security is subject to a stock dividend (issuance of
additional shares of the Portfolio Security) that is given equally to all
holders of shares of the issuer of such Portfolio Security, then once the
dividend has become effective and such Portfolio Security is trading ex-
dividend, the Multiplier will be adjusted so that the new Multiplier shall
equal the former Multiplier plus the product of the number of shares of
such Portfolio Security issued with respect to one such share of Portfolio
Security and the prior multiplier.
3. There will be no adjustments to the Multipliers to reflect cash
dividends or distributions paid with respect of a Portfolio Security other
than for Extraordinary Dividends as described below. A cash dividend with
respect to a Portfolio Security will be deemed to be an "Extraordinary
Dividend" if such dividend exceeds the immediately preceding non-
Extraordinary Dividend for such Portfolio Security by an amount equal to at
least 10% of the Market Price on the Trading Day preceding the record day
for the payment of such Extraordinary Dividend (the "ex-dividend date"). If
an Extraordinary Dividend occurs with respect to a Portfolio Security, the
Multiplier with respect to such Portfolio Security will be adjusted on the
ex-dividend date with respect to such Extraordinary Dividend so that the
new Multiplier will equal the product of (i) the then current Multiplier,
and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the sum of the Extraordinary
Dividend Amount and the Market Price on the Trading Day preceding the ex-
dividend date, and the denominator of which is the Market Price on the
Trading Day preceding the ex-dividend date. The "Extraordinary Dividend
Amount" with respect to an Extraordinary Dividend for a Portfolio Security
will equal such Extraordinary Dividend minus the amount of the immediately
preceding non-Extraordinary Dividend for such Portfolio Security.
4. If the issuer of a Portfolio Security is being liquidated or is subject
to a proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law such Portfolio Security will continue to be included in the
Portfolio so long as a Market Price for such Portfolio Security is
available. If a Market Price is no longer available for a Portfolio
Security for whatever reason, including the liquidation of the issuer of
such Portfolio Security or the subjection of the issuer of such Portfolio
Security to a proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law, then the value of such Portfolio Security will equal
zero in connection with calculating Portfolio Value and Closing Portfolio
Value for so long as no Market Price is available, and no attempt will be
made to find a replacement stock or increase the value of the Portfolio to
compensate for the deletion of such Portfolio Security.
5. If the issuer of a Portfolio Security or, if a Portfolio Security is a
DR, the Foreign Issuer of the Underlying Share, has been subject to a
merger or consolidation and is not the surviving entity or is nationalized,
then a value for such Portfolio Security will be determined at the time
such issuer is merged or consolidated or nationalized and will equal the
last available Market Price for such Portfolio Security and that value will
be constant for the remaining term of the Securities. At such time, no
adjustment will be made to the Multiplier of such Portfolio Security. The
Company may at its sole discretion increase such last available Market
Price to reflect payments or dividends of cash, securities or other
consideration to holders of such Portfolio Security in connection with such
a merger or consolidation which may not be reflected in such last available
Market Price.
11
6. If the issuer of a Portfolio Security issues to all of its shareholders
equity securities of an issuer other than the issuer of the Portfolio
Security, then such new equity securities will be added to the Portfolio as
a new Portfolio Security. The Multiplier for such new Portfolio Security
will equal the product of the original Multiplier with respect to the
Portfolio Security for which the new Portfolio Security is being issued
(the "Original Portfolio Security") and the number of shares of the new
Portfolio Security issued with respect to one share of the Original
Portfolio Security.
7. If a DR is no longer listed or admitted to trading on a United States
securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act, is no longer a
NASDAQ NMS security or is no longer included in the OTC Bulletin Board
operated by the NASD, then the Underlying Share represented by such DR will
be deemed to be a new Portfolio Security. The initial Multiplier for such
new Portfolio Security will equal the last value of the Multiplier for such
DR multiplied by the number of shares of Underlying Shares represented by a
single DR.
No adjustments of any Multiplier of a Portfolio Security will be required
unless such adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in the Multiplier
then in effect. The Multiplier resulting from any of the adjustments specified
above will be rounded to the nearest one thousandth with five ten-thousandths
being rounded upward.
No adjustments to the Multiplier of any Portfolio Security or to the
Portfolio will be made other than those specified above.
12
Hypothetical Payments
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Closing
Portfolio Values, the amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities. An investment in the Portfolio Securities would be significantly
different than investing in the Securities. Among other things, an investor in
the Portfolio Securities may realize certain dividends that are not reflected by
investing in the Securities, and currency fluctuations may significantly
increase or decrease the rate of return of the Portfolio Securities versus
investing in the Securities.
Hypothetical Payment at
Closing Percentage Maturity per $10
Value of the Change in the Principal Amount
Portfolio Value Portfolio Level of Securities
---------------- --------------- -------------
0.00 -100.00% $ 9.00
10.00 -90.00% $ 9.00
20.00 -80.00% $ 9.00
30.00 -70.00% $ 9.00
40.00 -60.00% $ 9.00
50.00 -50.00% $ 9.00
60.00 -40.00% $ 9.00
70.00 -30.00% $ 9.00
80.00 -20.00% $ 9.00
90.00 -10.00% $ 9.00
100.00 0.00% $10.00
110.00 10.00% $11.00
120.00 20.00% $12.00
130.00 30.00% $13.00
140.00 40.00% $14.00
150.00 50.00% $15.00
160.00 60.00% $16.00
170.00 70.00% $17.00
180.00 80.00% $18.00
190.00 90.00% $19.00
200.00 100.00% $20.00
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
amount payable at maturity with respect to the Securities will depend entirely
on the actual Closing Portfolio Value.
The investor will not receive their entire principal at maturity
should the market decline in value. The investor will only receive $9.00 for
each $10 principal amount of Securities (90% of their original investment)
should the market decline by 10% or more.
13
Events of Default and Acceleration
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have
occurred and be continuing, the amount payable to a Holder of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities will be equal to the amount payable
calculated as though the date of early repayment were the maturity date of the
Securities. See "Description of Securities-Payment at Maturity" in this
Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of the Company,
the claim of the Holder of a Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of
Title 11 of the United States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus
an additional amount, if any, of contingent interest calculated as though the
date of the commencement of the proceeding were the maturity date of the
Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities
(whether at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the
maturity date the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the
Holders thereof, at the rate of 6% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of
such amount has been made or duly provided for.
Securities Depository
The Securities are represented by one or more fully registered global
securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global Security has been
deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, as Securities
Depository (the "Securities Depository"), registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in
whole or in part for Securities in definitive form, no Global Security may be
transferred except as a whole by the Securities Depository to a nominee of such
Securities Depository or by a nominee of such Securities Depository to such
Securities Depository or another nominee of such Securities Depository or by
such Securities Depository or any such nominee to a successor of such Securities
Depository or a nominee of such successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The
Securities Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the
Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a
"clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial
Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
17A of the Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. The Securities Depository's Participants include securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain
other organizations.
The Securities Depository is owned by a number of Participants and by
the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the
NASD. Access to the Securities Depository book-entry system is also available to
others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through
or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or
indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which
will receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in
turn to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer
of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Securities.
14
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner
of a Global Security, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the case may
be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Securities represented by
such Global Security for all purposes under the Senior Indenture. Except as
provided below, Beneficial Owners in a Global Security will not be entitled to
have the Securities represented by such Global Securities registered in their
names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the
Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or Holders
thereof under the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial
interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of the Securities
Depository and, if such Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the
Participant through which such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights
of a Holder under the Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under
existing industry practices, in the event that the Company requests any action
of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security
desires to give or take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take
under the Senior Indenture, the Securities Depository would authorize the
Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such
action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning through
such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of beneficial owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by the Securities Depository to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any additional amount payable at
maturity with respect to, Securities registered in the name of the Securities
Depository or its nominee will be made to the Securities Depository or its
nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global Securities representing
such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent of the
Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for
any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the Securities
Depository, upon receipt of any payment of principal or any additional amount
payable at maturity in respect of a Global Security, will credit the accounts of
the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as
shown on the records of the Securities Depository. The Company also expects that
payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing
customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with
securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
"street name", and will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) the Securities Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as Securities Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by
the Company within 60 days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee
a Company Order to the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable
or (z) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the
Securities, the Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in
definitive form of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in
denominations of $10 and integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities
shall be registered in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall
instruct the Trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon
directions received by the Securities Depository from Participants with respect
to ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Securities.
THE PORTFOLIO
General
While the Portfolio consists of stocks (or DRs representing interests
therein) of issuers that are involved in the global telecommunications industry,
the Portfolio is not intended to provide an indication of the pattern of price
movements of common stocks of corporations involved in the global
telecommunications industry generally. Each of the United States issuers of a
Portfolio Security files certain information reports with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act. Such reports generally contain a description of
the business of the issuer, financial statements and certain other information
which may be material to potential investors in the Securities. Foreign Issuers
of
15
Underlying Shares related to DRs that are Portfolio Securities and that are
traded in the United States also file certain information reports with the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, although information contained in such
reports will generally be more limited than that available with respect to a
United States issuer. The Company makes no representation or warranty as to the
accuracy or completeness of such reports. The inclusion of a Portfolio Security
in the Portfolio is not a recommendation to buy or sell such Portfolio Security,
and neither the Company nor any of its affiliates make any representation to any
purchaser of Securities as to the performance of the Portfolio.
The Company or its affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in
business with one or more of the issuers of the Portfolio Securities or, in the
case of DRs, the Underlying Shares, including extending loans to, or making
equity investments in, such issuers or providing advisory services to such
issuers, including merger and acquisition advisory services. In the course of
such business, the Company or its affiliates may acquire non-public information
with respect to such issuers and, in addition, one or more affiliates of the
Company may publish research reports with respect to such issuers. The Company
does not make any representation to any purchaser of Securities with respect to
any matters whatsoever relating to such issuers. Any prospective purchaser of a
Security should undertake an independent investigation of the issuers of the
Portfolio Securities as in its judgment is appropriate to make an informed
decision with respect to an investment in the Securities.
Global Telecommunications Sector
The global telecommunications industry is subject to varying degrees of
regulatory, political and economic risk which may affect the price of the stocks
of companies involved in such industry. Such risks depend on a number of factors
including the country in which a company is located. Telecommunications
companies in both developed and emerging countries are undergoing significant
change due to varying and evolving levels of governmental regulation or
deregulation and other factors. As a result, competitive pressures are intense
and the securities of such companies may be subject to rapid price volatility.
In addition, companies offering telephone services are experiencing increasing
competition from cellular telephones, and the cellular telephone industry,
because the industry has a limited operating history, faces uncertainty
concerning the future of the industry and demand for cellular telephones. All
telecommunications companies in both developed and emerging countries are
subject to the additional risk that technological innovations will make their
products and services obsolete.
In virtually every country, certain aspects of the telecommunications industry
are subject to some government regulation. The nature and scope of such
regulation generally is subject to political forces and market considerations,
the effect of which cannot be predicted. Such regulation can have significant
effects upon the operations of a telecommunications venture. It is difficult to
predict the directions, types or effects of future telecommunications-related
regulation.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, the global telecommunications industry
underwent structural changes. Many state-owned telephone monopolies were
completely or partially divested to the public. American Telephone & Telegraph
divested its local telephone service creating seven independent regional holding
companies in 1984 under an agreement with the U.S. Government. In addition, the
evolution of technology allowed the entrance of new competitors into the
previously exclusive domain of the traditional telephone operators including
operators of cable television systems. Companies that employ various
technologies including fibre-optic, microwave and satellite communications are
allowed to compete for traditional telephone company business in many countries.
Continued mergers, divestitures, privatizations and alliances in the global
telecommunications industry and changes in technology will affect companies
involved in such industry and the prices of their stocks.
A potential investor should review the historical prices of the securities
underlying the Portfolio. The historical prices of such securities should not
be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given
that the prices of such securities will increase sufficiently to cause the
beneficial owners of the Securities to receive an amount in excess of the
Minimum Payment at the maturity of the Securities.
16
OTHER TERMS
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Limitations Upon Liens
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
17
Merger and Consolidation
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior
18
Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of failure to pay principal or
premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt
Security of that series for which payment had not been subsequently made or in
respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be modified or amended without
the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security of such
series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
19
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may +
+offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes+
+effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the +
+solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of +
+any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Russell 2000/(R)/ Index* Call Warrants
Expiring November 17, 1998
--------------------
On November 27, 1995, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
1,350,000 Russell 2000 Index Call Warrants Expiring November 17, 1998 (the
"Warrants"). Each Warrant will entitle the beneficial owner thereof to receive
from the Company upon exercise (including automatic exercise) an amount in U.S.
dollars computed by reference to increases in the Russell 2000 Index (the
"Index"). Such amount (the "Cash Settlement Value") will equal the product, if
positive, of $15 multiplied by the Percentage Change in the Index. The
"Percentage Change" will equal (i) the Index Spot Price minus the Index Strike
Price, divided by (ii) the Index Strike Price. The Cash Settlement Value cannot
be less than zero. The Index Strike Price equals 302.22 and the Index Spot Price
will be determined upon exercise as more fully described herein.
The Warrants will be exercisable at the option of the beneficial owner from
the date of the initial delivery of the Warrants until 1:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the fourth scheduled Index Calculation Day (as defined herein)
immediately preceding the earlier of their expiration on November 17, 1998 (the
"Expiration Date"), cancellation, or the date of their earlier expiration upon
delisting from, or permanent suspension of trading on, the American Stock
Exchange (the "AMEX") unless the Warrants are simultaneously accepted for
trading pursuant to the rules of another Self-Regulatory Organization (as
defined herein). Any Warrant not exercised at or before 1:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the fourth scheduled Index Calculation Day immediately preceding the
Expiration Date or the date of their earlier expiration will be deemed
automatically exercised on the first scheduled Index Calculation Day immediately
preceding the Expiration Date or, in the case of early expiration, on the first
scheduled Index Calculation Day immediately preceding the Early Expiration Date
(as defined herein). A beneficial owner may exercise no fewer than 100 Warrants
at any one time, except in the case of automatic exercise. The valuation of and
payment for any exercised Warrant (including automatic exercise) may be
postponed as a result of the occurrence of certain events. See "Description of
the Warrants". The Warrants will be in book-entry form and, accordingly, no
beneficial owner of Warrants will be entitled to receive a certificate
representing such Warrants.
The Warrants involve a high degree of risk, including the risk of expiring
worthless. Investors therefore should be prepared to sustain a total loss of the
purchase price of their Warrants, and are advised to carefully consider the
information under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 4 of this Prospectus,
"Description of the Warrants", "Description of the Warrants--Delisting of the
Warrants" and "The Index".
The Warrants have been listed on the AMEX under the symbol "RIM.WS".
--------------------
THESE WARRANTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
--------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is
to be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on a national securities exchange in the event the particular issue
of Securities has been listed on such exchange, or off such exchange in
negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to
prevailing prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will
conform to the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of
the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
--------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
--------------------
The date of this Prospectus is January ___, 1998.
*The use of, and reference to, the term "Russell 2000 Index" herein has been
consented to by Frank Russell Company.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus
is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy (without
exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of any or
all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate Secretary's
Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New
York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Securities to which it
relates or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in
any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Year Ended Last Friday in December Nine Months Ended
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 September 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges ......... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
CERTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE WARRANTS
A beneficial owner will receive a cash payment upon exercise only if the
Warrants have a Cash Settlement Value in excess of zero on the relevant
Valuation Date. The Warrants will be "in-the-money" (i.e., their Cash Settlement
Value will exceed zero) on the relevant Valuation Date only if, as of such date,
the value of the Index increases from the date of this Prospectus so that the
Index Spot Price is above the Index Strike Price. An increase in the level of
the Index from the date of this Prospectus will result in a greater Cash
Settlement Value for the Warrants, and a decrease in the level of the Index from
the date of this Prospectus will result in a lesser or zero Cash Settlement
Value for the Warrants. If a Warrant is not exercised prior to its expiration
and, on the Valuation Date with respect to its expiration, the value of the
Index is less than or equal to the Index Strike Price, the Warrant will expire
worthless and the beneficial owner will have sustained a total loss of the
purchase price of such Warrant. Investors therefore should be prepared to
sustain a total loss of the purchase price of their Warrants.
RISK FACTORS
The Warrants involve a high degree of risk, including the risk of expiring
worthless. Investors therefore should be prepared to sustain a total loss of the
purchase price of their Warrants. It is suggested that investors considering
purchasing the Warrants be experienced with respect to options and option
transactions and understand the risks of stock index transactions and reach an
investment decision only after carefully considering all of the risk factors set
forth in this section of this Prospectus, the suitability of the Warrants in
light of their particular circumstances and all the other information set forth
in this Prospectus.
Underlying Stocks. The underlying stocks that constitute the Index (the
"Underlying Stocks") have been issued by corporations domiciled in the U.S. and
its territories and traded on the NYSE, AMEX or in the over-the-counter market.
If a Successor Index is substituted for the Index, such Successor Index would
also be based upon stocks issued by corporations domiciled in the U.S. and its
territories and traded on the NYSE, AMEX or in the over-the-counter market.
Investments in securities indexed to the value of small capitalization companies
involve certain risks. In general, the stocks comprising the Index have smaller
market capitalizations, less trading liquidity and greater price volatility than
stocks in other larger capitalization indexes which are designed to measure the
broad movement of the U.S. stock market. These factors may adversely affect the
value of the Index and the Warrants.
The Underlying Stocks are traded on the NYSE, AMEX and in the over-the-counter
market. Certain of these markets have adopted measures intended to prevent
extreme short-term price fluctuations resulting from order imbalances. Investors
should also be aware that certain of these markets may suspend the trading of
individual stocks in certain limited and extraordinary circumstances including,
for example, unusual trading activity in that stock. As a result, variations in
the Index may be limited by price limitations on, or by suspension of trading
in, individual stocks which comprise the Index which may, in turn, adversely
affect the value of the Warrants or result in a Market Disruption Event. See
"Description of the Warrants--Extraordinary Events and Market Disruption
Events".
Exercise of Warrants. A beneficial owner may incur transaction costs in
connection with any exercise of Warrants. To the extent Warrants are exercised,
including Warrants exercised by the Underwriter or any of its affiliates, the
number of Warrants outstanding will decrease, which may result in a decrease in
the liquidity of the Warrants.
Certain Factors Affecting the Value of the Warrants. The Cash Settlement Value
of the Warrants at any time prior to expiration is typically expected to be less
than the Warrants' trading value at that time. The difference between the
trading value and the Cash Settlement Value will reflect a number of factors,
including a "time value" for the Warrants. The "time value" of the Warrants will
depend upon the length of the period remaining to expiration, among other
factors. The expiration date of the Warrants will be accelerated should the
Warrants be delisted or should their trading on the AMEX be suspended
permanently unless the Warrants simultaneously are accepted for trading pursuant
to the rules of another self-regulatory organization (a "Self-Regulatory
Organization"). Any such acceleration would result in the total loss of any
otherwise remaining "time value", and could occur when the Warrants are out-of-
the-money, thus resulting in total loss of the purchase price of the Warrants.
See "Description of the Warrants--Delisting of the Warrants". Before exercising
or selling Warrants, beneficial owners should carefully consider the trading
value of the Warrants, the value of the Index at the time, the time remaining to
expiration and the probable range of Cash Settlement Values and any related
transaction costs.
There can be no assurance as to how the Warrants will trade in the secondary
market or whether such market will be liquid. The trading value of a Warrant is
expected to be dependent upon a number of complex interrelated factors,
including those listed below. The expected theoretical effect on the trading
value of a Warrant of each of the factors listed below, assuming in each case
that all other factors are held constant, is as follows:
(1) The Index. If the value of the Index increases, the trading value of a
Warrant is expected to increase. If the value of the Index decreases, the
trading value of a Warrant is expected to decrease. It is possible that the
trading value of a Warrant may decline even if there is an increase in the value
of the Index.
(2) The volatility of the Index. If the volatility of the Index increases, the
trading value of a Warrant is expected to increase. If such volatility
decreases, the trading value of a Warrant is expected to decrease.
(3) The time remaining to the Expiration Date of the Warrants. An index
warrant is a "wasting asset", meaning that as the time remaining to the
Expiration Date decreases, the trading value of a Warrant is expected to
decrease.
(4) Interest rates in the United States. In general, if U.S. interest rates
increase, the trading value of the Warrants is expected to increase. If U.S.
interest rates decrease, the trading value of the Warrants is expected to
decrease.
(5) Dividend rates. If dividend rates on the common stocks underlying the
Index increase, the trading value of a Warrant is expected to decrease. If
dividend rates on the common stocks underlying the Index decrease, the trading
value of a Warrant is expected to increase. Changes in the dividend rates on the
common stocks underlying the Index may affect the value of the Index and
therefore the value of the Warrants as described above.
As noted above, these hypothetical scenarios are based on the assumption that
all other factors are held constant. In reality, it is unlikely that only one
factor would change in isolation, because changes in one factor usually cause,
or result from, changes in others.
Minimum Exercise Amount. Except for cases of automatic exercise, a beneficial
owner must tender at least 100 Warrants at any one time in order to exercise
Warrants. Thus, except in cases of automatic exercise, beneficial owners with
fewer than 100 Warrants will need either to sell their Warrants or to purchase
additional Warrants, incurring transaction costs in either case, in order to
realize proceeds from their investment. At any time that a beneficial owner must
purchase additional Warrants in order to have the minimum number of Warrants
necessary to elect to exercise, such beneficial owner will be subject to the
secondary market for Warrants at the time of any such purchase, including the
risk that there may be a limited number of Warrants available in such market at
such time and the other factors affecting the secondary market discussed above.
Furthermore, such beneficial owners incur the risk that there may be differences
between the trading value of the Warrants and the Cash Settlement Value of such
Warrants.
Maximum Exercise Amount. All exercises of Warrants (other than on automatic
exercise) are subject, at the Company's option, to the limitation that not more
than 20% of the Warrants originally issued may be exercised on any Exercise Date
and not more than 10% of the Warrants originally issued may be exercised by or
on behalf of any beneficial owner, either individually or in concert with any
other beneficial owner, on any Exercise Date. If any New York Business Day would
otherwise, under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, be the Exercise Date in
respect to more than 20% of the Warrants originally issued, then at the
Company's election 20% of the Warrants originally issued (provided, however,
that no more than 10% of the Warrants originally issued shall be exercised for
the account of any beneficial owner) shall be exercised on such Exercise Date
(selected by the Warrant Agent on a pro rata basis, but if, as a result of such
pro rata selection, any beneficial owner of Warrants would be deemed to have
exercised less than 100 Warrants, as the case may be, the Warrant Agent shall
first select an additional amount of such beneficial owner's Warrants so that no
beneficial owner shall be deemed to have exercised fewer than 100 Warrants), and
the remainder of such Warrants (the "Remaining Warrants") shall be deemed
exercised on the following New York Business Day subject to successive
applications of this provision; provided that any Remaining Warrants which were
exercised on a prior Exercise Date shall be deemed exercised before any other
Warrants exercised on a subsequent Exercise Date. As a result of any such
postponed exercise, beneficial owners will receive a Cash Settlement Value
determined as of a date later than the otherwise applicable Valuation Date. In
any such case, as a result of any such postponement, the Cash Settlement Value
actually received by beneficial owners may be lower than the otherwise
applicable Cash Settlement Value if the Valuation Date of the Warrants had not
been postponed.
Time Lag After Exercise Instructions Given. In the case of any exercise of
Warrants, there will be a time lag between the time a beneficial owner gives
instructions to exercise and the time the Index Spot Price relating to such
exercise is determined. Therefore, a beneficial owner will not be able to
determine, at the time of exercise of a Warrant, the Index Spot Price that will
be used in calculating the Cash Settlement Value of such Warrant (and will thus
be unable to determine such Cash Settlement Value). The delay will, at a
minimum, amount to several hours and could be much longer (e.g., an exercise
notice received by the Warrant Agent after 1:00 p.m. Friday would generally
result in the Index Spot Price being determined the following Monday). Any
downward movement in the level of the Index between the time a beneficial owner
of a Warrant exercises a Warrant and the time the Index Spot Price for such
exercise is determined will result in such beneficial owner receiving a Cash
Settlement Value that is less than the Cash Settlement Value anticipated by such
beneficial owner based on the level of the Index most recently reported prior to
exercise. A beneficial owner that has not exercised a Warrant prior to the
fourth scheduled Index Calculation Day preceding the Expiration Date will,
pursuant to the provision for automatic exercise, have the
Index Spot Price with respect to such Warrant determined on the deemed exercise
day, if such deemed exercise date is an Index Calculation Day, or on the
immediately succeeding Index Calculation Day, if such deemed exercise date is
not an Index Calculation Day. The value of the Index may change significantly
during any such period, and such movements could adversely affect the Cash
Settlement Value of the Warrants being exercised.
Further delay may occur if a Market Disruption Event or Extraordinary Event
has occurred, in which case the Cash Settlement Value in respect of exercised
Warrants will be calculated as of the next succeeding Index Calculation Day on
which there is no Market Disruption Event or Extraordinary Event. If the
Calculation Agent determines that on a Valuation Date a Market Disruption Event
or Extraordinary Event has occurred, the Valuation Date shall be postponed to
the first succeeding Index Calculation Day on which no Market Disruption Event
or Extraordinary Event occurs; provided that, if the Valuation Date has not
occurred on or prior to the fifth Index Business Day following an Exercise Date
because of Market Disruption Events, such fifth Index Business Day shall be the
Valuation Date regardless of whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred on
such day; provided further, however, that if an Extraordinary Event has occurred
and is continuing, and if the Extraordinary Event is expected by the Company to
continue, the Company may immediately cancel the Warrants as described below
under "Description of the Warrants--Extraordinary Events and Market Disruption
Events". During any period of delay due to a Market Disruption Event or
Extraordinary Event, the value of the Index may change significantly, and such
change may adversely affect the amount paid on any Warrants exercised during
such period.
Automatic Exercise of the Warrants upon Delisting. In the event that the
Warrants are delisted from, or permanently suspended from trading on, the AMEX
and the Warrants are not simultaneously accepted for trading pursuant to the
rules of another Self-Regulatory Organization that are filed with the Commission
under the Exchange Act, such Warrants not previously exercised will expire on
the date such delisting or trading suspension becomes effective and will be
deemed automatically exercised on the first scheduled Index Calculation Day
immediately preceding the date of such early expiration. At the applicable
Valuation Date with respect to such automatic exercise, the Warrants may be out-
of-the-money so that the Cash Settlement Value would equal zero.
Warrants Not Standardized Options Issued by the Options Clearing Corporation.
The Warrants are not standardized stock index options of the type issued by the
Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC"), a clearing agency regulated by the
Commission. For example, unlike purchasers of OCC standardized options who have
the credit benefits of guarantees and margin and collateral deposits by OCC
clearing members to protect the OCC from a clearing member's failure, purchasers
of Warrants must look solely to the Company for performance of its obligations
to pay the Cash Settlement Value or Alternative Settlement Amount on the
exercise of Warrants. Further, the market for the Warrants is not expected to be
generally as liquid as the market for OCC standardized options. The OCC does
issue standardized stock index options in which payments, if any, are determined
based on changes in the Index.
The Warrants are unsecured contractual obligations of the Company and rank on
a parity with the Company's other unsecured contractual obligations and with the
Company's unsecured and unsubordinated debt. However, given that the Company is
a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of creditors of
the Company (including beneficial owners of the Warrants), to participate in any
distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its liquidation or
reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior claims of
creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the Company
itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act,
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Relationship to the Index. Options and warrants provide opportunities for
investment and pose risks to investors as a result of fluctuations in the value
of the underlying investment. In general, certain of the risks associated with
the Warrants are similar to those generally applicable to other options or
warrants of private corporate issuers. However, unlike options or warrants on
equities or debt securities, which are traded primarily on the basis of the
value of a single underlying security, the trading value of a Warrant is likely
to reflect primarily the extent of the appreciation, if any, of the Index.
The purchaser of a Warrant may lose his entire investment. This risk reflects
the nature of a Warrant as an asset which tends to decline in value over time
and which may, depending on the relative value of the Index, be worthless when
it expires. Assuming all other factors are held constant, the more a Warrant is
out-of-the-money and the shorter its remaining term to expiration, the greater
the risk that a purchaser of the Warrant will lose all of his investment.
This means that the purchaser of a Warrant who does not sell it in the secondary
market or exercise it prior to expiration will necessarily lose his entire
investment in the Warrant if it expires when the Index Spot Price is less than
or equal to the Index Strike Price.
The fact that Warrants may become valueless upon expiration means that, in
order to recover and realize a return upon his investment, a purchaser of a
Warrant must generally be correct about the direction, timing and magnitude of
anticipated changes in the value of the Index. If the value of the Index does
not increase to an extent sufficient to cover an investor's cost of a Warrant
(i.e., the purchase price plus transaction costs, if any) before the Warrant
expires, the investor will lose all or a part of his investment in the Warrant
upon expiration.
Suitability. The AMEX requires that Warrants be sold only to investors with
options-approved accounts and that its members and member organizations and
registered employees thereof make certain suitability determinations before
recommending transactions in Warrants. It is suggested that investors
considering purchasing Warrants be experienced with respect to options and
option transactions and understand the risks of stock index transactions and
reach an investment decision only after carefully considering, with their
advisers, the suitability of the Warrants in light of their particular
circumstances. Warrants are not suitable for persons solely dependent upon a
fixed income, for individual retirement plan accounts or for accounts under the
Uniform Gift to Minors Act. Investors should be prepared to sustain a total loss
of the purchase price of their Warrants.
Successor Index. In the event that the Index is not published by Frank Russell
Company ("FRC") but is published by another party acceptable to the Calculation
Agent, then the Index Spot Price for any date thereafter will be determined
based on the closing level of the Index as published by such third party. If FRC
or any third party discontinues publication of the Index and publishes a
successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent determines, in its sole
discretion, to be comparable to the Index (any such index being a "Successor
Index"), then the Index Spot Price for any date thereafter will be determined by
the Calculation Agent on behalf of the Company based on the Successor Index on
such date. If FRC or any third party makes a material change in the formula for,
or the method of calculating, the Index or any Successor Index, the Calculation
Agent shall make such calculations as may be required to determine the
applicable Cash Settlement Value using the formula and method of calculating the
Index or any Successor Index as in effect prior to such change or modification.
If FRC and/or any third party discontinues publication of the Index and/or any
Successor Index, the Calculation Agent will determine the applicable Cash
Settlement Value based on the formula and method used in calculating the Index
or any Successor Index as in effect on the date the Index or such Successor
Index was last published.
The Company and Its Affiliates. The Underwriter and its affiliates may from
time to time engage in transactions involving the Underlying Stocks for their
proprietary accounts and for other accounts under their management, which may
influence the value of such Underlying Stocks and therefore the value of the
Warrants. The Underwriter and its affiliates will also be the writers of the
hedge of the Company's obligations under the Warrants and will be obligated to
pay to the Company upon exercise of Warrants an amount equal to the value of the
exercised Warrants. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, conflicts of
interest may arise between the Underwriter's responsibilities as Calculation
Agent with respect to the Warrants and its obligations under its hedge and its
status as a subsidiary of the Company. Under certain circumstances, the duties
of the Underwriter as Calculation Agent in determining the existence of
Extraordinary Events and Market Disruption Events could conflict with the
interests of the Underwriter as an affiliate of the issuer of the Warrants,
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., and with the interests of the beneficial owners of
the Warrants.
DESCRIPTION OF THE WARRANTS
General
An aggregate of 1,350,000 Russell 2000 Index Call Warrants, Expiring November
17, 1998 (the "Warrants") were issued. The Warrants were issued under a Warrant
Agreement (the "Warrant Agreement"), dated November 27, 1995, between the
Company and Citibank, N.A., as Warrant Agent (the "Warrant Agent"). The
following statements with respect to the Warrants are summaries of the detailed
provisions of the Warrant Agreement, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement relating to the Warrants. Wherever particular
provisions of the Warrant Agreement or terms defined therein are referred to,
such provisions or definitions are incorporated by reference as a part of the
statements made, and the statements are qualified in their entirety by such
reference.
A Warrant will not require, or entitle, a beneficial owner to sell or purchase
any shares of any stock underlying the Index or any Successor Index or any other
securities to or from the Company. The Company will make only a U.S. dollar cash
settlement, if any, upon exercise of a Warrant. A beneficial owner will not
receive any interest on any Cash Settlement Value or Alternative Settlement
Amount and the Warrants will not entitle the beneficial owners thereof to any of
the rights of holders of any underlying stock or other securities.
"Holder" means the person in whose name a certificate representing a Warrant
is registered in the records of the Warrant Agent, which, so long as the
Warrants are held in book-entry form, will be CEDE & Co.
The Warrants are exercisable commencing on the date of initial delivery of the
Warrants, as set forth under "Exercise of Warrants". The Warrants will expire on
November 17, 1998 (the "Expiration Date") or may expire on an earlier date as
described under "Automatic Exercise". Warrants not exercised at or prior to 1:00
p.m., New York City time, on the fourth scheduled Index Calculation Day
immediately preceding the Expiration Date or earlier expiration will be deemed
automatically exercised on the first scheduled Index Calculation Day preceding
the Expiration Date or, in the case of early expiration, on the first scheduled
Index Calculation Day immediately preceding the Early Expiration Date. Warrants
cancelled upon the occurrence and continuation of an Extraordinary Event shall
be exercised as described below under "Extraordinary Events and Market
Disruption Events". The term "New York Business Day", as used herein, means any
day other than a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in The
City of New York are required or authorized by law or executive order to be
closed, and "Index Business Day" means any day on which the NYSE is scheduled to
be open for trading.
The Warrants are unsecured contractual obligations of the Company and rank on
a parity with the Company's other unsecured contractual obligations and with the
Company's unsecured and unsubordinated debt. However, given that the Company is
a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of creditors of
the Company (including beneficial owners of the Warrants), to participate in any
distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its liquidation or
reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior claims of
creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the Company
itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange, and
under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Cash Settlement Value
The Cash Settlement Value of an exercised Warrant is an amount stated in U.S.
dollars that results from the following formula:
Percentage Change x $15
The "Percentage Change" will equal the following amount:
Index Spot Price-Index Strike Price
-----------------------------------
Index Strike Price
The "Index Spot Price" relating to any Exercise Date will be determined by
MLPF&S (the "Calculation Agent") on the Valuation Date relating to such Exercise
Date.
The "Index Strike Price" equals 302.22.
The "Index" means the Russell 2000 Index, as presently calculated and
disseminated by FRC, except as otherwise provided herein. See "Description of
the Warrants--The Index".
The Cash Settlement Value will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest cent
(with one-half cent being rounded upwards).
Set forth below are illustrations of the Cash Settlement Values for Warrants
at exercise based upon various hypothetical percentage changes in the value of
the Index. The Index Percentage Change on Valuation Date column indicates the
percentage increase or decrease in the value of the Index Spot Price as compared
to the Index Strike Price at the time of exercise. The actual Cash Settlement
Value of a Warrant will depend entirely on the actual Index
Percentage Change on the applicable Valuation Date relating to the Exercise
Date. The illustrative Cash Settlement Values in the table do not reflect any
"time value" for a Warrant, which may be reflected in trading value, and are not
necessarily indicative of potential profit or loss, which are also affected by
purchase price and transaction costs.
Call Warrant
Cash Settlement
Index Percentage Change on Valuation Date Value
----------------------------------------- ---------------
50% increase............................. $7.50
45% increase............................. 6.75
40% increase............................. 6.00
35% increase............................. 5.25
30% increase............................. 4.50
25% increase............................. 3.75
20% increase............................. 3.00
15% increase............................. 2.25
10% increase............................. 1.50
5% increase.............................. 0.75
No change................................ 0.00
5% decrease.............................. 0.00
10% decrease............................. 0.00
15% decrease............................. 0.00
20% decrease............................. 0.00
25% decrease............................. 0.00
30% decrease............................. 0.00
35% decrease............................. 0.00
40% decrease............................. 0.00
45% decrease............................. 0.00
50% decrease............................. 0.00
Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement
The Warrants are represented by one registered global Warrant (a "Global
Warrant"). The Global Warrant will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The
Depository Trust Company, as Securities Depository (the "Securities Depository"
or "DTC"), and registered in the name of the Securities Depository or a nominee
thereof. Unless and until the Global Warrant is exchanged in whole or in part
for Warrants in definitive form in the limited circumstances described below,
such Global Warrant may not be transferred except as a whole by the Securities
Depository to a nominee of such Securities Depository or by a nominee of such
Securities Depository to such Securities Depository or another nominee of such
Securities Depository or by such Securities Depository or any such nominee to a
successor of such Securities Depository or a nominee of such successor. Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Brussels office, as operator for the
Euroclear System ("Euroclear") and Cedel Bank, societe anonyme ("Cedel") will
hold interests in the Global Warrant on behalf of their participants through the
facilities of DTC.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The Securities
Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the Banking Laws
of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing
corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a
"clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the
Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold securities of its
participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions among its participants in such securities through electronic book-
entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for
physical movement of securities certificates. The Securities Depository's
participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the Underwriter),
banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations,
some of whom (and/or their representatives) own the Securities Depository.
Access to the
Securities Depository book-entry system is also available to others, such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.
Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by the
Securities Depository only through participants.
Ownership of beneficial interests in the Warrants will be limited to persons
that have accounts with the Securities Depository ("Agent Members") or persons
that may hold interests through Agent Members. The Securities Depository has
advised the Company that upon the issuance of the Global Warrant representing
the Warrants, the Securities Depository will credit, on its book-entry
registration and transfer system, the Agent Members' accounts with the
respective number of Warrants represented by such Global Warrant. Ownership of
beneficial interests in the Global Warrant will be shown on, and the transfer of
such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Agent Members) and on
the records of Agent Members (with respect to interests of persons held through
Agent Members). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in the Global Warrant.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner
of the Global Warrant, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the case may
be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Warrants represented by
the Global Warrant for all purposes under the Warrant Agreement. Except as
provided below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Warrant will not be
entitled to have the Warrants represented by such Global Warrant registered in
their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
such Warrants in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or
Holders thereof under the Warrant Agreement. Accordingly, each person owning a
beneficial interest in the Global Warrant must rely on the procedures of the
Securities Depository and, if such person is not an Agent Member, on the
procedures of the Agent Member through which such person owns its interest, to
exercise any rights of a beneficial owner under the Warrant Agreement. The
Company understands that under existing industry practices, in the event that
the Company requests any action of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial
interest in the Global Warrant desires to give or take any action which a
beneficial owner is entitled to give or take under the Warrant Agreement, the
Securities Depository would authorize the Agent Members holding the relevant
beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such Agent Members would
authorize beneficial owners owning through such Agent Members to give or take
such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners
through them.
The Cash Settlement Value payable upon exercise of Warrants registered in the
name of the Securities Depository or its nominee will be paid by the Warrant
Agent to the Agent Members or, in the case of automatic exercise, to the
Securities Depository. None of the Company, the Warrant Agent or any other agent
of the Company or agent of the Warrant Agent will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account
of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the
Warrant Agent, upon the receipt of any payment of the Cash Settlement Value in
respect of any portion of the Global Warrant, will pay the relevant Agent Member
in an amount proportionate to its beneficial interest in such Global Warrant
being exercised and that such Agent Member will credit the accounts of the
beneficial owners of such Warrants. The Company expects that the Securities
Depository, in the case of automatic exercise, upon receipt of any payment of
the Cash Settlement Value in respect of all or any portion of the Global
Warrant, will credit the accounts of the Agent Members with payment in amounts
proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the portion of such
Global Warrant so exercised, as shown on the records of the Securities
Depository. The Company also expects that payments by Agent Members to owners of
beneficial interests in the Global Warrant will be governed by standing customer
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
will be the responsibility of such Agent Members. It is suggested that
purchasers of Warrants with accounts at more than one brokerage firm effect
transactions in the Warrants, including exercises, only through the brokerage
firm or firms which hold that purchaser's Warrants.
If the Securities Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
depository and a successor Securities Depository is not appointed by the Company
within 90 days or if the Company is subject to certain events in bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization, the Company will issue Warrants in definitive form
in exchange for the Global Warrant. In addition, the Company may at any time
determine not to have the Warrants represented by the Global Warrant and, in
such event, will issue Warrants in definitive form in exchange for the Global
Warrant. In any such instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in the Global
Warrant will be entitled to have a number of
Warrants equivalent to such beneficial interest registered in its name and will
be entitled to physical delivery of such Warrants in definitive form.
Cedel and Euroclear. Beneficial owners may hold their interests in Warrants
through Cedel or Euroclear if they are participants of such systems, or
indirectly through organizations which are participants in such systems. Cedel
and Euroclear will hold omnibus positions on behalf of their participants
through the facilities of DTC. All securities in Cedel or Euroclear are held on
a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific
securities clearance accounts.
Exercises of Warrants by persons holding through Cedel or Euroclear
participants will be effected through DTC, in accordance with DTC rules, on
behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by its depositary;
however, such transactions will require delivery of exercise instructions to the
relevant European international clearing system by the participant in such
system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established
deadlines (European time). The relevant European international clearing system
will, if the exercise meets its requirements, deliver instructions to its
depositary to take action to effect its exercise of the Warrants on its behalf
by delivering Warrants through DTC and receiving payment in accordance with its
normal procedures for next-day funds settlement. Payments with respect to the
Warrants held through Cedel or Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts
of Cedel participants or Euroclear participants in accordance with the relevant
system's rules and procedures, to the extent received by its depositary. See
"Exercise and Settlement of Warrants" herein.
Cedel is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional
depository. Cedel holds securities for its participating organizations and
facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between
Cedel participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Cedel
participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
certificates. Transactions may be settled in Cedel in any of 28 currencies,
including U.S. dollars. Cedel provides to its participants, among other things,
services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of
internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Cedel
interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a professional
depository, Cedel is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Monetary Institute.
Cedel participants are recognized financial institutions around the world,
including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations and include an affiliate
of the Underwriter. Indirect access to Cedel is also available to others, such
as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Cedel participant, either directly or indirectly.
The Euroclear System was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants
in the Euroclear System and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear
participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against
payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and
any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash.
Transactions may now be settled in any of 27 currencies, including U.S. dollars.
The Euroclear System includes various other services, including securities
lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries
generally similar to the arrangements of cross-market transfers with DTC
described above. The Euroclear System is operated by the Brussels, Belgium
office of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (the "Euroclear Operator")
under contract with Euroclear Clearance System S.C., a Belgium cooperative
corporation (the "Cooperative"). Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
("Morgan") is a member bank of the United States Federal Reserve System. All
operations are conducted by the Euroclear Operator, and all Euroclear securities
clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear
Operator, not the Cooperative. The Cooperative establishes policy for the
Euroclear System on behalf of Euroclear participants. Euroclear participants
include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and
other professional financial intermediaries and include an affiliate of the
Underwriter. Indirect access to the Euroclear System is also available to other
firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear
participant, either directly or indirectly.
Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator
are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the
related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, and applicable Belgian law
(collectively, the "Terms and Conditions"). The Terms and Conditions govern
transfers of securities and cash within the Euroclear System, withdrawal of
securities and cash from the Euroclear System, and receipt of payments with
respect to securities in the Euroclear System. All securities in the Euroclear
System are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates
to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear
11
Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of Euroclear
participants and has no record of or relationship with persons holding through
Euroclear participants.
All information herein on Cedel and Euroclear is derived from Cedel or
Euroclear, as the case may be, and reflects the policies of such organizations;
such policies are subject to change without notice.
Exercise and Settlement of Warrants
The Warrants are immediately exercisable, subject to postponement upon the
occurrence of an Extraordinary Event or a Market Disruption Event as described
under "Extraordinary Events and Market Disruption Events" herein, and will
expire on November 17, 1998 (the "Expiration Date"). Warrants not exercised
(including by reason of any such postponed exercise) at or before 1:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the earlier of (i) the fourth scheduled Index Calculation Day
immediately preceding the Expiration Date and (ii) the Early Expiration Date,
will be automatically exercised as described under "Automatic Exercise" below,
subject to earlier cancellation as described below under "Extraordinary Events
and Market Disruption Events". See "Minimum Exercise Amount" and "Maximum
Exercise Amount" below.
A beneficial owner may exercise the Warrants on any New York Business Day
during the period from the date of the initial delivery of the Warrants until
1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the earlier of (i) the fourth scheduled Index
Calculation Day immediately preceding the Expiration Date and (ii) the Early
Expiration Date, by causing (x) such Warrants to be transferred free to the
Warrant Agent on the records of DTC and (y) a duly completed and executed
Exercise Notice to be delivered by an Agent Member on behalf of the beneficial
owner to the Warrant Agent. Forms of Exercise Notice may be obtained from the
Warrant Agent at the Warrant Agent's Office. The Warrant Agent's telephone
number and facsimile transmission number for this purpose are (201) 262-5444 and
(201) 262-7521, respectively.
In the case of Warrants held through the facilities of Cedel or Euroclear, a
beneficial owner may exercise such Warrants on any New York Business Day during
the period from the date of initial delivery of the Warrants until 1:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on the earlier of (i) the fourth scheduled Index Calculation
Day immediately preceding the Expiration Date and (ii) the Early Expiration Date
by causing (x) such Warrants to be transferred to the Warrant Agent, by giving
appropriate instructions to the participant holding such Warrants in either the
Cedel or Euroclear system, as the case may be, and (y) a duly completed and
executed Exercise Notice to be delivered on behalf of the beneficial owner by
Cedel, in the case of Warrants held through Cedel, or such participant, in the
case of Warrants held through Euroclear, to the Warrant Agent. Forms of Exercise
Notice for Warrants held through the facilities of either Cedel or Euroclear may
be obtained from the Warrant Agent at the Warrant Agent's Office or from Cedel
or Euroclear.
Except for Warrants subject to automatic exercise or held through the
facilities of Cedel or Euroclear, the "Exercise Date" for a Warrant will be (i)
the New York Business Day on which the Warrant Agent receives the Warrant and
Exercise Notice in proper form with respect to such Warrant, if received at or
prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on such day, or (ii) if the Warrant
Agent receives such Warrant and Exercise Notice after 1:00 p.m., New York City
time, on a New York Business Day, then the first New York Business Day following
such New York Business Day.
In the case of Warrants held through the facilities of Cedel or Euroclear,
except for Warrants subject to automatic exercise, the "Exercise Date" for a
Warrant will be (i) the New York Business Day on which the Warrant Agent
receives the Exercise Notice in proper form with respect to such Warrant if such
Exercise Notice is received at or prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on
such day, provided that the Warrant is received by the Warrant Agent by 1:00
p.m., New York City time, on the Valuation Date, or (ii) if the Warrant Agent
receives such Exercise Notice after 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on a New York
Business Day, then the first New York Business Day following such New York
Business Day, provided that the Warrant is received by 1:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the Valuation Date relating to exercises of Warrants on such succeeding
New York Business Day. In the event that the Warrant is received after 1:00
p.m., New York City time, on the Valuation Date, then the Exercise Date for such
Warrants will be the first New York Business Day following the day on which such
Warrants are received. If a beneficial owner of Warrants held through the
facilities of Cedel or Euroclear has exercised Warrants by delivering an
Exercise Notice in proper form with respect to such Warrants and the Valuation
Date is expected not to be a New
12
York Business Day, such beneficial owner should make arrangements so that the
Warrants are delivered prior to such Valuation Date in order to ensure that the
Exercise Date for such Warrants is not postponed as described above. In the case
of Warrants held through the facilities of Cedel or Euroclear, in order to
ensure proper exercise on a given New York Business Day, participants in Cedel
or Euroclear must submit exercise instructions to Cedel or Euroclear, as the
case may be, by 10:00 a.m., Luxembourg time, in the case of Cedel and by 10:00
a.m., Brussels time (by telex), or 11:00 a.m., Brussels time (by EUCLID), in the
case of Euroclear. In addition, in the case of book-entry exercises by means of
the Euroclear System, (i) participants must also transmit, by facsimile
(facsimile number (201) 262-7521), to the Warrant Agent a copy of the Exercise
Notice submitted to Euroclear by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the desired
Exercise Date and (ii) Euroclear must confirm by telex to the Warrant Agent by
9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Valuation Date, that the Warrants will be
received by the Warrant Agent on such date; provided, that if such telex
communication is received after 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Valuation
Date, the Company will be entitled to direct the Warrant Agent to reject the
related Exercise Notice or waive the requirement for timely delivery of such
telex communication.
To ensure that an Exercise Notice and the related Warrants will be delivered
to the Warrant Agent before 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on a given New York
Business Day, a beneficial owner may need to give exercise instructions to his
broker or other intermediary substantially earlier than 1:00 p.m., New York City
time, on such day or even on the prior New York Business Day. Different
brokerage firms may have different cut-off times for accepting and implementing
exercise instructions from their customers. Therefore, beneficial owners should
consult with their brokers and other intermediaries, if applicable, as to
applicable cut-off times and other exercise mechanics.
Except in the case of Warrants subject to automatic exercise and for Warrants
that upon exercise will entitle the Holder thereof to receive an Alternative
Settlement Amount in lieu of the Cash Settlement Amount, if on any Valuation
Date the Cash Settlement Amount for any Warrants would be zero, then the
attempted exercise of any such Warrants will be void and of no effect. Such
Warrants will be transferred back to the Agent Member that submitted them free
on the records of DTC and, in any such case, such beneficial owner will be
permitted to re-exercise such Warrants as described herein.
The "Valuation Date" for a Warrant will be the applicable Exercise Date, if
such Exercise Date is an Index Calculation Day, or the immediately succeeding
Index Calculation Day, if such Exercise Date is not an Index Calculation Day,
subject to postponement upon the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event or a
Market Disruption Event as described below under "Extraordinary Events and
Market Disruption Events" or as a result of the exercise of a number of Warrants
exceeding the limits on exercise described below under "Maximum Exercise
Amount". "Index Calculation Day" means any day on which the NYSE is open for
trading and the Index or a Successor Index, if any, is calculated and published.
The following is an illustration of the timing of an Exercise Date and the
Valuation Date, assuming (i) that all relevant dates are New York Business Days
and Index Calculation Days, (ii) the absence of any intervening Extraordinary
Event or Market Disruption Event and (iii) the number of exercised Warrants does
not exceed the maximum permissible amount. If the Warrant Agent receives a
beneficial owner's Warrants and Exercise Notice in proper form at or prior to
1:00 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, December 7, 1995, the Exercise Date
for such Warrants will be Thursday, December 7th and the Valuation Date for such
Warrants will be Thursday, December 7th (except that in the case of Warrants
held through the facilities of Cedel or Euroclear, the Warrants must be received
by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Valuation Date; if such Warrants are
received after such time, then the Exercise Date for such Warrants will be the
day on which such Warrants are received or, if such day is not a New York
Business Day, the next succeeding New York Business Day, and the Valuation Date
for such Warrants will be the Exercise Date, if it is an Index Calculation Day,
or the first Index Calculation Day following such Exercise Date, if such
Exercise Date is not an Index Calculation Day).
Following receipt of Warrants and the related Exercise Notice in proper form,
the Warrant Agent will, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the
New York Business Day following the applicable Valuation Date (i) obtain the
Index Spot Price from the Calculation Agent, (ii) determine the Cash Settlement
Value of such Warrants and (iii) advise the Company of the aggregate Cash
Settlement Value of the exercised Warrants. The Company will be required to make
available to the Warrant Agent, no later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the fourth New York Business Day following the Valuation Date, funds in an
amount sufficient to pay such aggregate Cash Settlement Value. If the Company
has made such funds available by such time, the Warrant Agent will thereafter be
responsible for making funds available to each appropriate Agent Member
(including Citibank, N.A. and Morgan as custodians for Cedel and Euroclear,
respectively, who, in turn, will disburse payments to Cedel and Euroclear, as
the case may be, who will be responsible for disbursing such payments to each of
their respective participants,
13
who, in turn, will be responsible for disbursing payments to the beneficial
owner it represents), and such participant will be responsible for disbursing
such payments to the beneficial owner it represents and to each brokerage firm
for which it acts as agent. Each such brokerage firm will be responsible for
disbursing funds to the beneficial owners it represents.
The "Index Spot Price" for any Valuation Date on or prior to the fourth Index
Calculation Day preceding the Expiration Date will equal the closing value of
the Index, or, if applicable, the Successor Index, in New York on such date and
for any Valuation Date after the fourth Index Calculation Day preceding the
Expiration Date will equal the opening value of the Index, or, if applicable,
the Successor Index, in New York on such date as calculated by the Calculation
Agent using opening prices for the underlying stocks that constitute the Index
or Successor Index, as applicable. Since the opening value of the Index as
reported by FRC or a Successor Index published by its distributor will not
reflect the opening prices for the underlying stocks that constitute the Index
or Successor Index, the Calculation Agent will calculate an opening value for
the Index or Successor Index using the same method then used to calculate the
Index or Successor Index and such opening prices.
"Calculation Agent" means MLPF&S or, in lieu thereof, another firm selected by
the Company to perform the functions of the Calculation Agent in connection with
the Warrants. The Calculation Agent is obligated to carry out its duties and
functions as Calculation Agent in good faith and using its reasonable judgment.
However, MLPF&S, in its capacity as Calculation Agent, will have no obligation
to take the interests of the Company or the beneficial owners into consideration
in the event it determines, composes or calculates the Cash Settlement Value or
Alternative Settlement Amount. The Calculation Agent and its affiliates may from
time to time engage in transactions involving the Underlying Stocks for their
proprietary accounts and for other accounts under their management, which may
influence the value of such Underlying Stocks. The Calculation Agent and its
affiliates will also be the writers of the hedge of the Company's obligations
under the Warrants and will be obligated to pay to the Company upon exercise of
the Warrants an amount equal to the value of the Warrants. Accordingly, under
certain circumstances, conflicts of interest may arise between the Calculation
Agent's responsibilities as Calculation Agent with respect to the Warrants and
its obligations under its hedge and its status as a subsidiary of the Company.
In addition, because the Calculation Agent is an affiliate of the Company,
certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the Calculation Agent
performing its role as Calculation Agent. The Calculation Agent, as a registered
broker-dealer, is required to maintain policies and procedures regarding the
handling and use of confidential proprietary information, and such policies and
procedures will be in effect throughout the term of the Warrants to restrict the
use of information relating to any calculation of the Cash Settlement Value
prior to its dissemination.
Automatic Exercise
All Warrants for which the Warrant Agent has not received a valid Exercise
Notice at or prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, or for which the Warrant
Agent has received a valid Exercise Notice but with respect to which timely
delivery of the relevant Warrant has not been made, together with any Warrants
the Valuation Date for which has at such time been postponed as described under
"Extraordinary Events and Market Disruption Events" below, on (i) the fourth
scheduled Index Calculation Day immediately preceding the Expiration Date, or
(ii) the close of business on the New York Business Day on which the Warrants
are delisted from, or permanently suspended from trading on, the AMEX and the
Warrants are not simultaneously accepted for trading pursuant to the rules of
another Self-Regulatory Organization (the "Early Expiration Date") will be
deemed automatically exercised on the first scheduled Index Calculation Day
immediately preceding such Expiration Date or Early Expiration Date, as the case
may be (such first scheduled Index Calculation Day will be deemed the Exercise
Date), and the Cash Settlement Value, if any (determined as provided under
"Exercise and Settlement of Warrants"), of such automatically exercised Warrants
will be paid and settlement shall otherwise occur as described under "Book-Entry
Procedures and Settlement" and "Exercise and Settlement of Warrants". The
Company will notify Holders as soon as practicable of such delisting or trading
suspension. The Company agreed in the Warrant Agreement that it will not seek
delisting of the Warrants or suspension of their trading on the AMEX.
In the event the Warrants are canceled by the Company because of the
continuance of an Extraordinary Event as described under "Extraordinary Events
and Market Disruption Events" below, Warrants not previously exercised shall be
automatically exercised on the basis that the Valuation Date for such Warrants
shall be the Cancellation Date, and the Alternative Settlement Amount of such
automatically exercised Warrants will be paid on the fourth New York Business
Day following such Valuation Date. Settlement shall otherwise occur as described
under "Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement" and "Exercise and Settlement of
Warrants".
14
Minimum Exercise Amount
No fewer than 100 Warrants may be exercised by or on behalf of a beneficial
owner at any one time, except in the case of automatic exercise or exercise upon
cancellation of the Warrants as described under "Extraordinary Events and Market
Disruption Events" below. Accordingly, except in the case of automatic exercise
of the Warrants or upon cancellation of the Warrants, beneficial owners with
fewer than 100 Warrants, as the case may be, will need either to sell their
Warrants or to purchase additional Warrants, thereby incurring transaction
costs, in order to realize proceeds from their investment. Warrants held through
one Agent Member (including participants in Cedel or Euroclear) may not be
combined with Warrants held through another Agent Member in order to satisfy the
minimum exercise requirement.
Maximum Exercise Amount
All exercises of Warrants (other than on automatic exercise) are subject, at
the Company's option, to the limitation that not more than 20% of the Warrants
originally issued (provided, however, that no more than 10% of the Warrants
originally issued shall be exercised for the account of any beneficial owner)
may be exercised on any Exercise Date and not more than 10% of the Warrants
originally issued may be exercised by or on behalf of any beneficial owner,
either individually or in concert with any other beneficial owner, on any
Exercise Date. If any New York Business Day would otherwise, under the terms of
the Warrant Agreement, be the Exercise Date in respect to more than 20% of the
Warrants originally issued, then at the Company's election, 20% of the Warrants
originally issued (provided, however, that no more than 10% of the Warrants
originally issued shall be exercised for the account of any beneficial owner)
shall be deemed exercised on such Exercise Date (selected by the Warrant Agent
on a pro rata basis, but if, as a result of such pro rata selection, any
beneficial owner of Warrants would be deemed to have exercised fewer than 100
Warrants, then the Warrant Agent shall first select an additional amount of such
beneficial owner's Warrants so that no beneficial owner shall be deemed to have
exercised fewer than 100 Warrants), and the remainder of such warrants (the
"Remaining Warrants") shall be deemed exercised on the following New York
Business Day (subject to successive applications of this provision); provided
that any Remaining Warrants for which an Exercise Notice was delivered on a
given Exercise Date shall be deemed exercised before any other Warrants for
which an Exercise Notice was delivered on a later Exercise Date. If any
beneficial owner attempts to exercise more than 10% of the Warrants originally
issued on any New York Business Day, then, at the Company's election, 10% of
such Warrants shall be deemed exercised on such New York Business Day and the
remainder shall be deemed exercised on the following New York Business Day
(subject to successive applications of this provision). As a result of any
postponed exercise as described above, such beneficial owners will receive a
Cash Settlement Value determined as of a date later than the otherwise
applicable Valuation Date. In any such case, as a result of any such
postponement, the Cash Settlement Value actually received by such beneficial
owners may be lower than the otherwise applicable Cash Settlement Value if the
Valuation Date of the Warrants had not been postponed.
Successor Index
If FRC discontinues publication of the Index and FRC or another entity
publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent determines,
in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the Index (any such index being
referred to herein as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the Calculation Agent's
notification of such determination to the Warrant Agent and the Company, the
Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated by FRC or
such other entity for the Index and calculate the Cash Settlement Value upon an
exercise as described above. Upon any selection by the Calculation Agent of a
Successor Index, the Company shall promptly give notice to the beneficial owners
by publication in a United States newspaper with a national circulation
(currently expected to be The Wall Street Journal), within three New York
Business Days of such selection.
If FRC discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any Valuation
Date, the value to be substituted for the Index for any Valuation Date used to
calculate the Cash Settlement Value upon exercise will be a value computed by
the Calculation Agent on each Valuation Date in accordance with the procedures
last used to calculate the Index prior to such discontinuance.
15
If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent calculates a value
as a substitute for the Index, such Successor Index or value shall be
substituted for the Index for all purposes, including for purposes of
determining whether a Market Disruption Event or Extraordinary Event exists. If
the Calculation Agent calculates a value as a substitute for the Index, "Index
Calculation Day" shall mean any day on which the Calculation Agent is able to
calculate such value.
If at any time the method of calculating the Index or any Successor Index, as
the case may be, or the value thereof, is changed in a material respect, or if
the Index is in any other way modified so that such Index does not, in the
opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly represent the value of the Index had
such changes or modifications not been made, then, from and after such time, the
Calculation Agent shall, at the close of business in New York, New York, on each
Valuation Date, make such adjustments as, in the good faith judgment of the
Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order to arrive at a calculation of a
value of a stock index comparable to the Index or any Successor Index, as the
case may be, as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and
calculate such Closing Index Value with reference to the Index or any Successor
Index, as the case may be, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the method of
calculating the Index or any Successor Index, as the case may be, is modified so
that the value of such Index or such Successor Index is a fraction or a multiple
of what it would have been if it had not been modified (e.g., due to a split in
the Index), the Calculation Agent shall adjust the Index in order to arrive at a
value of the Index or such Successor Index as if it had not been modified (e.g.,
as if such split had not occurred).
Extraordinary Events and Market Disruption Events
Extraordinary Events. The Warrant Agreement provides that if the Calculation
Agent determines that an Extraordinary Event has occurred and is continuing on
the Index Business Day with respect to which the Index Spot Price on a Valuation
Date is to be determined (the "Applicable Index Business Day"), then the Cash
Settlement Value in respect of an exercise shall be calculated on the basis that
the Valuation Date shall be the next Index Calculation Day following an
Applicable Index Business Day on which there is no Extraordinary Event or Market
Disruption Event; provided that if a Valuation Date has not occurred on or prior
to the Expiration Date or the Early Expiration Date, the Holders will receive
the Alternative Settlement Amount in lieu of the Cash Settlement Value which
shall be calculated as if the Warrants had been cancelled on the Expiration Date
or the Early Expiration Date, as the case may be. The Company shall promptly
give notice to the beneficial owners by publication in a United States newspaper
with a national circulation (currently expected to be The Wall Street Journal),
if an Extraordinary Event shall have occurred.
"Extraordinary Event" means any of the following events:
(i) a suspension or absence of trading on the NYSE, AMEX or the over-the-
counter market of all the Underlying Stocks which then comprise the Index or a
Successor Index;
(ii) the enactment, publication, decree or other promulgation of any statute,
regulation, rule or order of any court or any other U.S. or non-U.S.
governmental authority that would make it unlawful for the Company to perform
any of its obligations under the Warrant Agreement or the Warrants; or
(iii) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or other national or
international calamity or crises (including, without limitation, natural
calamities that in the reasonable opinion of the Calculation Agent may
materially and adversely affect the economy of the United States or the trading
of securities generally on the NYSE, AMEX or the over-the-counter market) that
has or will have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Company to
perform its obligations under the Warrants or to modify the hedge of its
position with respect to the Index or the Underlying Stocks.
For the purposes of determining whether an Extraordinary Event has occurred:
(1) a limitation on the hours or number of days of trading on an exchange will
not constitute an Extraordinary Event if it results from an announced change in
the regular business hours of such exchange and (2) an "absence of trading" on
an exchange will not include any time when such exchange itself is closed for
trading under ordinary circumstances.
If the Calculation Agent determines that an Extraordinary Event has occurred
and is continuing, and if the Extraordinary Event is expected by the Calculation
Agent to continue, the Company may immediately cancel all
16
outstanding Warrants by notifying the Warrant Agent of such cancellation (the
date such notice is given being the "Cancellation Date"), and each beneficial
owner's rights under the Warrants and the Warrant Agreement shall thereupon
cease; provided that each Warrant shall be automatically exercised on the basis
that the Valuation Date for such Warrant shall be the Cancellation Date, if the
Cancellation Date is an Index Calculation Day, or the immediately succeeding
Index Calculation Day, if the Cancellation Date is not an Index Calculation Day,
and the beneficial owner of each such Warrant will receive, in lieu of the Cash
Settlement Value of such Warrant, an amount (the "Alternative Settlement
Amount"), determined by the Calculation Agent, which is the greater of (i) the
average of the last sale prices, as available, of the Warrants on the AMEX (or
any successor securities exchange on which the Warrants are listed) on the 30
trading days preceding the date on which such Extraordinary Event was declared;
provided that, if the Warrants were not traded on the AMEX (or such successor
securities exchange) on at least 20 of such trading days, no effect will be
given to this clause (i) for the purpose of determining the Alternative
Settlement Amount, and (ii) the amount "X" calculated using the formula set
forth below:
X = I+[T x A]
- -
2 B
where
I = The Cash Settlement Value of the Warrants determined as described under
"Cash Settlement Value" above, but subject to the following modifications:
(1) if the Cancellation Date for such Warrants is a date on which the Index or
a Successor Index is calculated and published, for the purpose of determining
such Cash Settlement Value, the Index Spot Price will be determined as of such
Cancellation Date except that, if the Index Spot Price as of such day is less
than 90% of the Index Spot Price as of the immediately preceding Index
Calculation Day, then the Index Spot Price will be deemed to be 90% of the Index
Spot Price on such preceding Index Calculation Day; or
(2) if the Cancellation Date for such Warrants is a date on which the Index or
a Successor Index is not calculated or published, for the purpose of determining
such Cash Settlement Value, the Index Spot Price will be deemed to be the lesser
of (i) the Index Spot Price as of the first Index Calculation Day immediately
preceding the Cancellation Date except that, if the Index Spot Price as of such
day is less than 90% of the Index Spot Price as of the second Index Calculation
Day immediately preceding such Cancellation Date, 90% of the Index Spot Price as
of such second Index Calculation Day and (ii) the arithmetic average of four
amounts, being (a) the Index Spot Price at each of the three successive Index
Calculation Days immediately preceding the Cancellation Date and (b) the Index
Spot Price at the next Index Calculation Day, provided that if an Extraordinary
Event continues for 30 consecutive days immediately following such Cancellation
Date, then the Calculation Agent shall calculate an amount which, in its
reasonable opinion, fairly reflects the value of the Underlying Stocks on the
Index Calculation Day immediately following such Cancellation Date which,
subject to approval by the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably
withheld), shall for purposes of calculating the amount under this clause
(2)(ii) be treated as the figure arrived at under clause (2)(ii)(b) above;
T = U.S.$3.15, the initial offering price per Warrant;
A = the total number of days from but excluding the Cancellation Date for such
Warrants to and including the Expiration Date; and
B = the total number of days from but excluding the date the Warrants were
initially sold to and including the Expiration Date.
For the purposes of determining "I" in the above formula, in the event that
the Calculation Agent and the Company are required to have, but have not, after
good faith consultation with each other and within five days following the first
day upon which such Alternative Settlement Amount may be calculated in
accordance with the above formula, agreed upon a figure under clause (2)(ii)(b)
which fairly reflects the value of the Underlying Stocks on the Cancellation
Date, then the Calculation Agent shall promptly nominate a third party, subject
to approval by the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), to
determine such figure and calculate the Alternative Settlement Amount in
accordance with the above formula. Such party shall act as an independent expert
and not as an agent of the Company or the Calculation Agent, and its calculation
and determination of the Alternative Settlement Amount shall, absent manifest
error, be final and binding on the Company, the Warrant Agent, the
17
Calculation Agent and the Holders. Any such calculations will be made available
to Holders for inspection at the Warrant Agent's Office. Neither the Company nor
such third party shall have any responsibility for good faith errors or
omissions in calculating the Alternative Settlement Amount. Under certain
circumstances, the duties of MLPF&S as Calculation Agent in determining the
existence of Extraordinary Events could conflict with the interests of MLPF&S as
an affiliate of the issuer of the Warrants, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Market Disruption Events. If the Calculation Agent determines that on a
Valuation Date a Market Disruption Event has occurred and is continuing, the
Valuation Date shall be postponed to the first succeeding Index Calculation Day
on which no Market Disruption Event occurs; provided that, if the Valuation Date
has not occurred on or prior to the fifth Index Business Day following an
Exercise Date because of Market Disruption Events, the Calculation Agent shall,
on such fifth Index Business Day, calculate an amount which, in its reasonable
opinion, fairly reflects the value of the Underlying Stocks on such day in order
to determine the Cash Settlement Value.
"Market Disruption Event" means with respect to any Valuation Date the
occurrence or existence during the one-half hour period that ends at the
determination of the Closing Index Value for such Index Business Day of:
(i) a suspension, material limitation or absence of trading on the NYSE, AMEX
or the over-the-counter market of 20% or more of the Underlying Stocks which
then comprise the Index or a Successor Index during the one-half hour period
preceding the close of trading on the applicable exchange; or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation on the Chicago Board Options
Exchange (the "CBOE"), Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the "CME") or any other
major futures or securities market of trading in futures or options contracts
related to the Index or a Successor Index during the one-half hour period
preceding the close of trading on the applicable exchange.
For the purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has
occurred: (i) a limitation on the hours or number of days of trading will not
constitute a Market Disruption Event if it results from an announced change in
the regular business hours of the relevant exchange, (ii) a decision to
permanently discontinue trading in the relevant futures or options contract will
not constitute a Market Disruption Event, (iii) a suspension in trading in a
futures or options contract on the Index by a major securities market by reason
of (a) a price change violating limits set by such securities market, (b) an
imbalance of orders relating to such contracts or (c) a disparity in bid and ask
quotes relating to such contracts will constitute a suspension or material
limitation of trading in futures or options contracts related to the Index, (iv)
an absence of trading on an exchange will not include any time when such
exchange is closed for trading under ordinary circumstances, and (v) the
occurrence of an Extraordinary Event described in Clause (i) of Extraordinary
Event will not constitute, and will supersede the occurrence of, a Market
Disruption Event. Under certain circumstances, the duties of MLPF&S as
Calculation Agent in determining the existence of Market Disruption Events could
conflict with the interests of MLPF&S as an affiliate of the issuer of the
Warrants, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Listing of the Warrants
The Warrants are listed on the AMEX. The AMEX will expect to cease trading the
Warrants on such Exchange as of the close of business on the Expiration Date.
Modification
The Warrant Agreement and the terms of the Warrants may be amended by the
Company and the Warrant Agent without the consent of the beneficial owners of
any Warrants for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or of curing, correcting
or supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision contained therein, or
in any other manner which the Company may deem necessary or desirable and which
will not materially and adversely affect the interests of the beneficial owners
of the Warrants.
The Company and the Warrant Agent also may modify or amend the Warrant
Agreement and the terms of the Warrants, with the consent of the beneficial
owners of not less than a majority in number of the then outstanding Warrants
affected, provided that no such modification or amendment that changes the Index
Strike Price so as to adversely affect the beneficial owner, shortens the period
of time during which the Warrants may be exercised or
18
otherwise materially and adversely affects the exercise rights of the beneficial
owners of the Warrants or reduces the percentage of the number of outstanding
Warrants, the consent of whose beneficial owners is required for modification or
amendment of such Warrant Agreement or the terms of such Warrants may be made
without the consent of the beneficial owners of Warrants affected thereby.
Merger and Consolidation
The Company may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, and
the Company may sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to
any corporation, provided that the corporation (if other than the Company)
formed by or resulting from any such consolidation or merger or which shall have
received such assets shall be a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the United States of America or a state thereof and shall assume payment
of the Cash Settlement Value or Alternative Settlement Amount with respect to
all unexercised Warrants, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual
performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Warrant
Agreement and of the Warrants to be performed by the Company.
THE INDEX
Unless otherwise stated, all information herein on the Index is derived from
FRC or other publicly available sources. Such information reflects the policies
of FRC as stated in such sources and such policies are subject to change by FRC.
FRC is under no obligation to continue to publish the Index and may discontinue
publication of the Index at any time.
The Index is an index calculated, published and disseminated by FRC, and
measures the composite price performance of stocks of 2000 companies domiciled
in the U.S. and its territories. All 2000 stocks are traded on either the NYSE,
AMEX or the over-the-counter market and form a part of the Russell 3000 Index.
The Russell 3000 Index is composed of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies as
determined by market capitalization and represents approximately 98% of the
investable U.S. equity market. As of May 31, 1995, the average market
capitalization of companies included in the Russell 3000 Index was $1.74
billion.
The Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell
3000 Index and represents approximately 11% of the total market capitalization
of the Russell 3000 Index. The Index is designed to track the performance of the
small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. As of May 31, 1995, the
average market capitalization of companies included in the Index was $288
million.
Only common stocks belonging to corporations domiciled in the U.S. and its
territories are eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000 Index, and
subsequently the Index. Stocks traded on the different exchanges in the U.S. but
domiciled in other countries are excluded. Preferred stock, convertible
preferred stock, participating preferred stock, paired shares, warrants and
rights are also excluded. Trust receipts, Royalty Trusts, limited liability
companies, OTC Bulletin Board companies, pink sheets, closed-end mutual funds,
and limited partnerships that are traded on any of the exchanges, are also
ineligible for inclusion. Real Estate Investment Trusts and Beneficial Trusts
are eligible for inclusion, however. Generally, only one class of securities of
a company is allowed in the Russell 3000 Index, although exceptions to this
general rule have been made where FRC has determined that each class of
securities acts independent of the other.
The primary criteria used to determine the initial list of securities eligible
for the Russell 3000 Index is total market capitalization which is defined as
the price of the shares times the total number of shares outstanding. Based on
closing values on May 31st of each year, FRC reconstitutes the composition of
the Russell 3000 Index based on the then existing market capitalization of the
companies eligible for inclusion. As of June 30th of each year, the Index is
adjusted to reflect the reconstitution for that year. Publication of the Index
began on January 1, 1987.
As a capitalization-weighted index, Russell 2000 reflects changes in the
capitalization (market value) of the component stocks relative to the
capitalization on a base date. The current Index value is calculated by adding
the market values of the Index's component stocks, which are derived by
multiplying the price of each stock by the number of shares outstanding, to
arrive at the total market capitalization of the 2000 stocks. The total market
capitalization is then divided by a divisor, which represents the "adjusted"
capitalization of the Index on the base date of December 31, 1986. To calculate
the Index, last sale prices will be used for exchange-traded and NASDAQ stocks.
19
If a component stock is not open for trading, the most recently traded price for
that security will be used in calculating the Index. In order to provide
continuity for the Index's value, the divisor is adjusted periodically to
reflect such events as changes in the number of common shares outstanding for
component stocks, company additions or deletions, corporate restructurings and
other capitalization changes.
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the Index, or its
publisher, is derived from publicly available information. All copyrights and
other intellectual property rights relating to the Index are owned by FRC. FRC
has no relationship with the Company or the Warrants; it does not sponsor,
endorse, authorize, sell or promote the Warrants, and has no obligation or
liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
Warrants.
Below is a breakdown of the component stocks of the Index by industry group as
of September 30, 1995:
Number of Percentage of Index
Industry Companies Market Capitalization
- -------- --------- ---------------------
Technology........................... 240 13.0%
Health Care.......................... 205 10.6%
Consumer Discretionary and Services.. 378 16.4%
Consumer Staples..................... 60 3.0%
Integrated Oils...................... 10 0.5%
Other Energy......................... 70 3.5%
Materials and Processing............. 214 10.1%
Producer Durables.................... 150 7.9%
Auto and Transportation.............. 89 4.1%
Financial Services, including REITS.. 433 23.5%
Utilities............................ 101 5.9%
Other................................ 25 1.5%
----- -----
1,975 100.0%
Source: FRC.
Note: The Index included fewer than 2000 stocks (1,975) as of September 30,
1995 due to company attrition (e.g., mergers, bankruptcies, etc.).
As of September 30, 1995, the ten largest holdings in the Index represented 2.1%
of the aggregate market capitalization of the Index. Thirty-three of the 1,975
stocks in the Index were also components of the S&P 500 Index. These 33 stocks
represented 3.1% of the Index market capitalization. The dividend yield on the
Index was 1.48%.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Index.
The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an indication of
future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Index will increase
sufficiently to cause the Warrants to have a Cash Settlement Value in excess of
zero on the relevant Valuation Date.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have
20
been included or incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports
of Deloitte & Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
21
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may +
+offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement +
+becomes effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or +
+the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of +
+any such State. +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Currency Protected Notes ("CPNs") due December 31, 1998
On July 7, 1993, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$25,000,000 of Currency Protected Notes ("CPNs") due December 31, 1998 (the
"Notes") in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. As of the
date of this Prospectus, $15,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes
remain outstanding. The Notes will mature and be repayable at 100% of the
principal amount thereof on December 31, 1998 (the "Maturity Date"). Interest
payments will be payable with respect to the Notes semiannually on June 30 and
December 31 of each year, as described below ("June Payment Dates" and "December
Payment Dates", respectively and together the "Payment Dates"). The Notes are
not subject to redemption by the Holders or the Company prior to the Maturity
Date.
The Company will make interest payments on the Notes on each June and
December Payment Date for the period from and including the last Payment Date
for which interest was paid, to but excluding such Payment Date (each, an
"Interest Period") at a per annum rate equal to the sum of (i) the Minimum
Payment Rate (3%), and (ii) the Supplemental Payment Rate. The "Supplemental
Payment Rate" for an Interest Period will equal 4.5 multiplied by the difference
between 6.15% minus the Index Rate (as defined below) as of the applicable
Determination Date (generally the seventh scheduled NYSE Business Day (as
defined below) prior to the applicable Payment Date). In no event, however, will
the payments on the Notes for any period be at a rate less than the Minimum
Payment Rate. The "Index Rate" will be the average bankers' acceptance rate in
Canadian Dollars for a term of six months, as more fully described herein (the
"Canadian BA Rate").
For information as to the calculation of the amount payable in any calendar
year, see "Description of Notes" in this Prospectus. For other information that
should be considered by prospective investors, see "Risk Factors" beginning on
page 3 of this Prospectus.
Ownership of the Notes will be maintained in book-entry form by or through
the Securities Depository. Beneficial owners of the Notes will not have the
right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except under
the limited circumstances described herein.
The Notes have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"MERCN 98".
-----------------------
THESE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-----------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Notes and is to be
used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with offers
and sales related to market-making transactions in the Notes. MLPF&S may act as
principal or agent in such transactions. The Notes may be offered on the New
York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated transactions, or
otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing prices at the time
of sale. The distribution of the Notes will conform to the requirements set
forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
-----------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
-----------------------
The date of this Prospectus is January ___, 1998.
THESE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus
is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy (without
exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of any or
all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate Secretary's
Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New
York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Notes to which it relates
or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in any
jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Year Ended Last Friday in December Nine Months Ended
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 September 26,1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- -----------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges . . 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Semiannual Payments
If the Index Rate applicable to a Payment Date equals or exceeds 6.15%,
beneficial owners of the Notes will receive only the Minimum Payment Rate
payable with respect to the Notes on such Payment Date, even if the Index Rate
at some point since the preceding Determination Date or issue date, as the case
may be, was less than 6.15%. The interest rate for any Interest Period generally
will be determined seven NYSE Business Days prior to the end of such Interest
Period.
3
Beneficial owners of the Notes will receive total annual payments on the Notes
at a rate equal to at least the Minimum Payment Rate, and will be repaid 100% of
the principal amount of the Notes at the Maturity Date. The amount payable on
any Payment Date is subject to the conditions described under "Description of
Notes--Semiannual Payments". A beneficial owner of the Notes may receive
payments with respect to the Notes equal to only the Minimum Payment Rate for
each Interest Period at the times specified herein, and such payments are below
what the Company would pay as interest as of the date hereof if the Company
issued non-callable senior debt securities with a similar maturity as that of
the Notes. The return of principal at the Maturity Date and the payment of the
Minimum Payment Rate with respect to the Notes are not expected to reflect the
full opportunity costs implied by inflation or other factors relating to the
time value of money.
The amount payable on the Notes based on the Index Rate will not produce the
same return as any investment in Canadian bankers' acceptances with maturities
of six months because, among other reasons, interest and principal payable on
the Notes will be in U.S. Dollars while interest and principal payable on such
bankers' acceptances are payable in Canadian Dollars and the U.S. Dollar value
of such Canadian Dollar payments may increase or decrease depending on the U.S.
Dollar/Canadian Dollar exchange rate. Since the principal and interest payments
on the Notes will be made in U.S. Dollars, such payments will not be subject to
changes in Canadian Dollar/U.S. Dollar exchange rates. Such exchange rate
changes may have a direct effect on the market demand for, and thus the price
of, such bankers' acceptances.
The formula used to determine the interest payable with respect to any Payment
Date contains a multiple which increases the effect of any change in the
applicable Index Rate.
Trading
The Notes have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"MERCN 98". It is expected that the secondary market for the Notes will be
affected by the creditworthiness of the Company and by a number of other
factors. It is possible to view the Notes as the economic equivalent of a debt
obligation plus a series of cash settlement options; however, there can be no
assurance that the Notes will not trade in the secondary market at a discount
from the aggregate value of such economic components, if such economic
components were valued and capable of being traded separately.
The trading values of the Notes may be affected by a number of interrelated
factors, including those listed below. The following is the expected effect on
the trading value of the Notes of each of the factors listed below. The
following discussion of each separate factor generally assumes that all other
factors are held constant, although the actual interrelationship between certain
of such factors is complex.
Value of the Index Rate. The trading value of the Notes is expected to depend
significantly on the extent to which, if at all, the Index Rate is less than
6.15%. If, however, Notes are sold at a time when the Index Rate is less than
6.15%, the sale price may be at a discount from the amount expected to be
payable to the beneficial owner if such price were to prevail until the next
applicable Determination Date. Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial
owner will be able to sell Notes prior to a Payment Date may be at a discount,
which could be substantial, from the principal amount thereof, if, at such
time, the price of the Index Rate is above, equal to or not sufficiently below
6.15%.
Volatility of the Index Rate. If the volatility of the Index Rate increases,
the trading value of the Notes is expected to increase. If the volatility of
the Index Rate decreases, the trading value of the Notes is expected to
decrease.
Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the value of the
Notes is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease, the value of
the Notes is generally expected to increase. In addition, Canadian interest
4
rates will affect the Index Rate. In general, if Canadian interest rates
increase, the Index Rate is expected to increase, and therefore the value of
the Notes is expected to decrease. If Canadian interest rates decrease, the
Index Rate is expected to decrease, and therefore the value of the Notes is
expected to increase.
Time Remaining to Payment Dates. The Notes may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the Index Rate.
This difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning
the value of the Index Rate during the period prior to each Payment Date. As
the time remaining to each Payment Date decreases, however, this time premium
may decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of the Notes.
Time Remaining to Maturity Date. As the number of remaining Payment Dates
decreases, the value of the remaining rights to receive payments based on the
value of the Index Rate will decrease, thus decreasing the value of the Notes.
Furthermore, as the time to the Maturity Date decreases, the value of the
fixed payments (i.e., the Minimum Annual Payments and the payment of the
principal amount at the maturity of the Notes) is expected to increase, thus
increasing the value of the Notes.
Other Considerations
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the Notes
should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering the
suitability of the Notes in the light of their particular circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the Notes
and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
General
The Notes were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the Senior
Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, which is more
fully described below. The Notes will mature, and the principal of the Notes
will be repayable at par, on December 31, 1998.
The Notes are not subject to redemption prior to the Maturity Date by the
Company or at the option of any Holder. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Notes, however, Holders of the Notes or the Senior
Debt Trustee may accelerate the maturity of the Notes, as described under
"Description of Notes--Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other Terms--
Events of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Notes were issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
thereof.
Semiannual Payments
The Company will make semiannual payments on the Notes each June 30 and
December 31 ("June Payment Dates" and "December Payment Dates", respectively,
and together the "Payment Dates"), as described below, to the persons in whose
names the Notes are registered on the next preceding June 29 or December 30,
except as provided below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is known three
Business Days prior to December 31 that December 31 will not be a Business Day,
the amount payable by the Company with respect to such December Payment Date
will be made on the Business Day immediately preceding such December 31 to the
persons in whose names the Notes are registered on the second Business Day
immediately preceding such December 31 and the amount so paid will equal an
amount as if interest had accrued through December 31.
5
The Company will pay interest on the Notes on each June and December Payment
Date for the period since the last Payment Date for which interest was paid, to
but excluding such Payment Date (each, an "Interest Period") at a rate per annum
equal to the sum of (i) the Minimum Payment Rate (3% per annum), and (ii) the
Supplemental Payment Rate. The "Supplemental Payment Rate" for an Interest
Period will equal 4.5 multiplied by the difference between 6.15% minus the Index
Rate as of the Determination Date in such Interest Period. In no event, however,
will the payments on the Notes for any period be at a rate less than the Minimum
Payment Rate. The "Index Rate" will equal the Canadian BA Rate (as defined
below). Interest payable with respect to any Payment Date will be computed on
the basis of a year consisting of 360 days of twelve 30-day months.
State Street Bank and Trust Company is the calculation agent (the "Calculation
Agent") with respect to the Notes. All determinations made by the Calculation
Agent shall be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and, absent a
determination by the Calculation Agent of a manifest error, shall be conclusive
for all purposes and binding on the Company and the Holders of the Notes. All
percentages resulting from any calculation on the Notes will be rounded to the
nearest one-hundredth of a percentage point, with five one-thousandth of a
percentage point rounded upwards (e.g., 9.875% (or .09875) would be rounded to
9.88% (or .0988)), and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such
calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent with one-half cent being rounded
upwards.
If the Index Rate applicable to a Payment Date is equal to or exceeds 6.15%,
beneficial owners of the Notes will receive only the Minimum Payment Rate for
the Interest Period preceding such Payment Date, even if the Index Rate at some
point since the preceding Determination Date or the original issue date, as the
case may be, was less than 6.15%.
The following table shows the annual payment rate payable on the Notes for any
Interest Period assuming various Index Rates on a Determination Date.
HYPOTHETICAL ANNUAL PAYMENT RATE
Hypothetical
Index Rate
on the Annual
Determination Date Payment Rate
------------------ -------------
6.15% or greater.................................. 3.00%/(1)/
6.00%............................................. 3.68%
5.75%............................................. 4.80%
5.50%............................................. 5.93%
5.25%............................................. 7.05%
5.00%............................................. 8.18%
4.75%............................................. 9.30%
4.50%............................................. 10.43%
4.25%............................................. 11.55%
4.00%............................................. 12.68%
3.75%............................................. 13.80%
3.50%............................................. 14.93%
- ----------
(1) Minimum Payment Rate of 3% per annum.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Index
Rate. The historical performance of the Index Rate should not be taken as an
indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Index
Rate will increase sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the Notes to
receive an amount in excess of the principal amount and the Minimum Payment Rate
at the maturity of the Notes or the Minimum Payment Rate in prior years.
6
Canadian Dollar Bankers' Acceptance Rate
The "Canadian BA Rate" shall be determined for each Determination Date as
follows:
(i) On the relevant Determination Date, the Canadian BA Rate will be
determined on the basis of the average bankers' acceptance rate in Canadian
Dollars for a term of six months, commencing on the related Determination
Date, which appears on the Reuters Screen Page CDOR (as defined below), as of
10:00 A.M. New York City time on such Determination Date or as soon thereafter
as rates first appear (but in no event later than 12:00 P.M. New York City
time), as determined by the Calculation Agent. If no rate appears by 12:00
P.M. New York City time on a Determination Date with respect to the Canadian
bankers' acceptance rates, then the Canadian BA Rate will be determined as
specified in clause (ii) below. "Reuters Screen Page CDOR" means the displays
designated as Page CDOR on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service (or such
other page as may replace Page CDOR on that service for the purpose of
displaying the Canadian Dollar bankers' acceptance rates of major banks).
(ii) With respect to a Determination Date on which no rate appears on
Reuters Screen Page CDOR as specified in clause (i) above, the Calculation
Agent will request each of four major banks in the Toronto interbank market,
as selected by the Calculation Agent, to provide the Calculation Agent with
its quotation for deposits in Canadian Dollars for a period of six months
commencing on the related Determination Date to major banks in the Toronto
interbank market at approximately 10:00 A.M. New York City time on such
Determination Date and in a principal amount that is representative for a
single transaction in such market at such time. If at least two such
quotations are provided, the Canadian BA Rate determined on such Determination
Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If fewer than two banks
so selected by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned in this
sentence, the Canadian BA Rate will equal the average quotation for deposits
in Canadian Dollars for a period of six months commencing on the related
Determination Date of major banks in the Toronto interbank market in a
principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in such
market at such time as determined by the Calculation Agent.
The "Determination Date" means the seventh scheduled NYSE Business Day prior
to the applicable Payment Date as determined by the Calculation Agent; provided,
however, if such day is not a Canadian Business Day, the Determination Date will
be the next succeeding scheduled Canadian Business Day. "NYSE Business Day"
means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. "Canadian
Business Day", as used in this Prospectus with respect to the Notes, means any
day on which commercial banks are open for business (including dealings in
foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in Toronto, Canada. The
Calculation Agent will determine which days are scheduled NYSE Business Days and
Canadian Business Days.
Events of Default and Acceleration
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Notes shall have occurred and
be continuing, the amount payable to a Holder of a Note upon any acceleration
permitted by the Notes, will equal: (i) the principal amount thereof, plus (ii)
an additional amount calculated as though the date of early repayment were a
Payment Date. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of the Company,
the claim of the Holder of a Note may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of
Title 11 of the United States Code, to the principal amount of the Note plus an
additional amount, if any, of contingent interest calculated as though the date
of the commencement of the proceeding were the maturity date of the Notes.
Securities Depository
The Notes were issued in book-entry form and are represented by one fully
registered global security (the "Global Security"). The Global Security was
deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, as Securities
Depository (the "Securities Depository"), registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in
whole or in part for Notes in definitive form, the Global Security may
7
not be transferred except as a whole by the Securities Depository to a nominee
of such Securities Depository or by a nominee of such Securities Depository to
such Securities Depository or another nominee of such Securities Depository or
by such Securities Depository or any such nominee to a successor of such
Securities Depository or a nominee of such successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: the Securities
Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the Banking Law of
the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing
corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a
"clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the
Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold securities of its
participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions among its Participants in such securities through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the Participants, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The
Securities Depository's Participants include securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
The Securities Depository is owned by a number of Participants and by the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the Securities Depository
book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with
a Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Notes must be made by or through Participants, which will receive
a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership interest of
each actual purchaser of each Note ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be
recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial
Owners will not receive written confirmation from the Securities Depository of
their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written
confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer
of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner
of the Global Security, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the case
may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Notes represented by
such Global Security for all purposes under the Senior Indenture. Except as
provided below, Beneficial Owners in the Global Security will not be entitled to
have the Notes represented by such Global Security registered in their names,
will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the Notes in
definitive registered form and will not be considered the owners or Holders
thereof under the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial
interest in the Global Security must rely on the procedures of the Securities
Depository and, if such Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the
Participant through which such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights
of a Holder under the Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under
existing industry practices, in the event that the Company requests any action
of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security
desires to give or take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take
under the Senior Indenture, the Securities Depository would authorize the
Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such
action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning through
such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by the Securities Depository to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and amounts payable on any June Payment Date or
December Payment Date with respect to, Notes registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or its nominee will be made to the Securities
8
Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global
Security representing such Notes. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other
agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account
of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the
Securities Depository, upon receipt of any payment of principal or amounts
payable on any June Payment Date or December Payment Date in respect of the
Global Security, will credit the accounts of the Participants with payment in
amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of
beneficial interest in such Global Security as shown on the records of the
Securities Depository. The Company also expects that payments by Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing customer instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will be the
responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) the Securities Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as Securities Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by
the Company within 60 days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee
a Company Order to the effect that the Global Security shall be exchangeable or
(z) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the
Notes, the Global Security will be exchangeable for Notes in definitive form of
like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Notes shall be registered
in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall instruct the Trustee.
It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by
the Securities Depository from Participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security.
THE CANADIAN BANKERS' ACCEPTANCE RATE
Bankers' acceptances in Canada are a popular method of raising short-term
funding in Canada. Bankers' acceptances represent unconditional written orders
from a borrower instructing a bank to pay a certain amount of money on a
specified future date. Bankers' acceptances are generally issued in Canadian
$100,000 denominations, and are not guaranteed by the Canada Deposit
Corporation.
The market for bankers' acceptances has grown from under 1 billion Canadian
Dollars in early 1975 to approximately 22 billion Canadian Dollars in 1993 and
is among the most liquid short-term securities markets in Canada.
OTHER TERMS
General
The Notes were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Notes. The following summaries
of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be complete and
are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions
of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Notes are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
9
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Limitations Upon Liens
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
Merger and Consolidation
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which
10
could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity; (c) change place
or currency of any payment of principal or any premium, interest or Additional
Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair the right to institute
suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Senior Debt
Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required
to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the foregoing requirements or
reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities necessary to waive
any past default to less than a majority. No modification or amendment of the
Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent Indenture for Subordinated Debt
Securities may adversely affect the rights of any holder of Senior Indebtedness
without the consent of such Holder. Except with respect to certain fundamental
provisions, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series may, with respect to such
series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and waive compliance by the
Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as stated
in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated
by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on
such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their
reports on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are not subject to the
liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial information
because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration
statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections
7 and 11 of the Act.
12
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+ registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+ Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may +
+ offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement +
+ becomes effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or +
+ the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+ securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+ unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of +
+ any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Global Bond Linked Securities(SM)("GloBLS"(SM)) due December 31, 1998
Currency Protected Notes
On February 22, 1993, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$30,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Global Bond Linked Securities due
December 31, 1998 (the "GloBLS" or the "Notes") in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. The Notes will mature and be repayable at 100% of
the principal amount thereof on December 31, 1998 (the "Maturity Date").
Payments will be payable with respect to the Notes semiannually on June 30 and
December 31 of each year, as described below ("June Payment Dates" and "December
Payment Dates", respectively), commencing June 30, 1993.
The Company will make interest payments on the Notes each calendar year at
a per annum rate equal to the sum of (i) the Minimum Annual Payment Rate (3%),
and (ii) the Supplemental Annual Payment Rate. The "Supplemental Annual Payment
Rate" will equal the amount, if any, by which the price (expressed as a
percentage) of the Index Bund as of the applicable Determination Date exceeds
100.95% (the "Benchmark Price"). In no event, however, will the payments on the
Notes in any calendar year be at a rate less than the Minimum Annual Payment
Rate. The "Index Bund" will be the 7.125% Bundesanleihe due December 20, 2002
issued by the Federal Republic of Germany on December 29, 1992. If German
interest rates decline, the annual amount payable on the Notes is expected to
increase; if German interest rates increase, the annual amount payable on the
Notes is expected to decrease (although not less than a rate equal to the
Minimum Annual Payment Rate). For each $1,000 principal amount of Notes, the
Company will pay $15 of the total amount payable for each calendar year on the
June Payment Date and will pay the balance of the annual amount due on the Notes
for such year on the December Payment Date. The Notes are not subject to
redemption by the Holders or the Company prior to the Maturity Date.
For information as to the calculation of the amount payable in any calendar
year see "Description of Notes" in this Prospectus. For other information that
should be considered by prospective investors, see "Risk Factors" beginning on
page 3 of this Prospectus.
Ownership of the Notes will be maintained in book-entry form by or through
the Securities Depository. Beneficial owners of the Notes will not have the
right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except under
the limited circumstances described herein.
The Notes have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"MER DM".
------------------------
THESE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
------------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Notes and is to be
used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with offers
and sales related to market-making transactions in the Notes. MLPF&S may act as
principal or agent in such transactions. The Notes may be offered on the New
York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated transactions, or
otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing prices at the time
of sale. The distribution of the Notes will conform to the requirements set
forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
------------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is January ___, 1998.
(SM)"GloBLS" and "Global Bond Linked Securities" are service marks of Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc.
THESE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June
27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January
13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997,
May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy
(without exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of
any or all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests
for such copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate
Secretary's Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor,
New York, New York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Notes to which it relates
or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in any
jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this Prospectus
at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of any time
subsequent to its date.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the
largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are
engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one
of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory
services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies.
Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and
Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers
and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative
transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance
underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and
annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted
through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit,
offering money market deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing
currency exchange facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Year Ended Last Friday in December Nine Months Ended
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 September 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges . . . . 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Semiannual Payments
If the Index Bund Price applicable to a December Payment Date does not
exceed the Benchmark Price, beneficial owners of the Notes will receive payments
only at the Minimum Annual Payment Rate payable with respect to the Notes, even
if the price of the Index Bund at some point since the preceding Determination
Date or issue date, as the case may be, exceeded the Benchmark Price.
Beneficial owners will receive total annual payments on the Notes at a rate
equal to at least the Minimum
3
Annual Payment Rate, and will be repaid 100% of the principal amount of the
Notes at the Maturity Date. The amount payable on any December Payment Date is
subject to the conditions described under "Description of Notes--Semiannual
Payments". A beneficial owner of the Notes may receive payments with respect to
the Notes at a rate equal to only the Minimum Annual Payment Rate for each year
at the times specified herein, and such payments are below what the Company
would pay as interest as of the date hereof if the Company issued non-callable
senior debt securities with a similar maturity as that of the Notes. The return
of principal at the Maturity Date and the payment at a rate equal to the Minimum
Annual Payment Rate with respect to the Notes are not expected to reflect the
full opportunity costs implied by inflation or other factors relating to the
time value of money.
The amount payable on the Notes based on the Index Bund will not produce
the same return as if the Index Bund was purchased and held for a similar period
because of the following: (i) the Index Bund Price will not reflect any interest
payable on the Index Bund, (ii) interest and principal payable on the Notes will
be in U.S. Dollars while interest and principal payable on the Index Bund is
payable in Deutsche Marks and the U.S. Dollar value of such Deutsche Mark
payments may increase or decrease depending on the U.S. Dollar/Deutsche Mark
exchange rate, and (iii) the annual interest rate on the Index Bund is higher
than the Minimum Annual Payment Rate.
Unlike a direct investment in the Index Bund, the principal and interest
payments on the Notes will be made in U.S. Dollars, and as such, the U.S. Dollar
value of such payments will not be subject to changes in Deutsche Mark/U.S.
Dollar exchange rates. Such exchange rate changes may have a direct effect on
the market demand for, and thus the price of, the Index Bund.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Notes are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Under present New York law the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a
simple interest basis. This limit may not apply to notes in which $2,500,000 or
more has been invested. While the Company believes that New York law would be
given effect by a state or Federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws
frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a
borrower (including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). All payments under the
Notes (other than the return of principal) could be considered interest for the
purpose of state usury laws. The Company has covenanted for the benefit of the
Holders of the Notes, to the extent permitted by law, not to claim voluntarily
the benefits of any laws concerning usurious rates of interest against a Holder
of the Notes.
Trading
The Notes have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"MER DM". It is expected that the secondary market for the Notes will be
affected by the creditworthiness of the Company and by a number of other
factors. It is possible to view the Notes as the economic equivalent of a debt
obligation plus a series of cash settlement options; however, there can be no
assurance that the Notes will not trade in the secondary market at a discount
from the aggregate value of such economic components, if such economic
components were valued and capable of being traded separately.
The trading values of the Notes may be affected by a number of interrelated
factors, including those listed below. The following is the expected effect on
the trading value of the Notes of each of the factors listed below. The
following discussion of each separate factor generally assumes that all other
factors are held constant, although the actual interrelationship between certain
of such factors is complex.
Price of the Index Bund. The trading value of the Notes is expected to
depend significantly on the extent to which, if at all, the price of the
Index Bund exceeds the Benchmark Price. If, however, Notes are sold at a
time when the price of the Index Bund exceeds the Benchmark Price, the sale
price may be at a discount from the amount expected to be payable to the
beneficial owner if such price were to prevail until the next applicable
Determination Date. Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial owner will
be able to sell Notes prior to a December Payment Date may be at a
discount, which could be substantial, from the principal amount thereof,
4
if, at such time, the price of the Index Bund is below, equal to or not
sufficiently above the Benchmark Price.
Volatility of the Price of the Index Bund. If the volatility of the price
of the Index Bund increases, the trading value of the Notes is expected to
increase. If the volatility of the price of the Index Bund decreases, the
trading value of the Notes is expected to decrease.
Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the value of
the Notes is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease, the
value of the Notes is generally expected to increase. In addition, German
interest rates will affect the price of the Index Bund. In general, if
German interest rates increase, the Index Bund price, and therefore the
value of the Notes, is expected to decrease. If German interest rates
decrease, the Index Bund price, and therefore the value of the Notes, is
expected to increase.
Time Remaining to December Payment Dates. The Notes may trade at a value
above that which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the
price of the Index Bund. This difference will reflect a "time premium" due
to expectations concerning the price of the Index Bund during the period
prior to each December Payment Date. As the time remaining to each December
Payment Date decreases, however, this time premium may decrease, thus
decreasing the trading value of the Notes.
Time Remaining to Maturity. As the number of remaining December Payment
Dates decreases, the value of the remaining rights to receive payments
based on the price of the Index Bund in excess of the Minimum Annual
Payment Rate will decrease, thus decreasing the value of the Notes.
Furthermore, as the time to the Maturity Date decreases, the value of the
fixed payments (i.e., payments at the Minimum Annual Payment Rate and the
payment of the principal amount at the maturity of the Notes) is expected
to increase, thus increasing the value of the Notes. In addition, as the
time to maturity decreases, the remaining term to maturity of the Index
Bund will decrease. In general, a given change in German interest rates
will generally affect German debt instruments with shorter maturities less
than those with longer maturities.
Other Considerations
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Notes should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering the
suitability of the Notes in the light of their particular circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Notes and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
General
The Notes were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, which is
more fully described below. The Notes will mature, and the principal of the
Notes will be repayable at par, on December 31, 1998.
The Notes are not subject to redemption prior to the Maturity Date by the
Company or at the option of any Holder. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Notes, however, Holders of the Notes or the Trustee
may accelerate the maturity of the Notes, as described under "Description of
Notes--Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other Terms--Events of Default"
in this Prospectus.
The Notes were issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
thereof.
5
Semiannual Payments
The Company will make semiannual payments on the Notes each June 30 and
December 31 ("June Payment Dates" and "December Payment Dates", respectively),
as described below, to the persons in whose names the Notes are registered on
the next preceding June 29 or December 30, except as provided below.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is known three Business Days prior to
December 31 that December 31 will not be a Business Day, the amount payable by
the Company with respect to such December Payment Date will be made on the
Business Day immediately preceding such December 31 to the persons in whose
names the Notes are registered on the second Business Day immediately preceding
such December 31 and the amount so paid will equal an amount as if interest had
accrued through December 31.
For each calendar year, the Company will pay interest on the Notes at a
rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the Minimum Annual Payment Rate (3%), and
(ii) the Supplemental Annual Payment Rate. The "Supplemental Annual Payment
Rate" equals the amount, if any, by which the price (expressed as a percentage)
of the Index Bund, determined as described below (the "Index Bund Price"), as of
the applicable Determination Date exceeds 100.95% (the "Benchmark Price") as
determined by the Calculation Agent. In no event, however, will the payments on
the Notes in any calendar year be at a rate less than the Minimum Annual Payment
Rate. For each $1,000 principal amount of the Notes, the Company will pay $15 of
the total amount payable for each calendar year on the June Payment Date, and
will pay the balance of the annual interest amount due on the Notes for such
year on the December Payment Date.
State Street Bank and Trust Company is the calculation agent (the
"Calculation Agent") with respect to the Notes. All determinations made by the
Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and,
in the absence of manifest error, shall be conclusive for all purposes and
binding on the Company and the Holders of the Notes. All percentages resulting
from any calculation on the Notes will be rounded to the nearest one hundred-
thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point
rounded upwards (e.g., 9.876545% (or .09876545) would be rounded to 9.87655% (or
.0987655)), and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation
will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upwards).
If the Index Bund Price applicable to a December Payment Date does not
exceed the Benchmark Price, Holders of the Notes will receive payments which
reflect only the Minimum Annual Payment Rate payable with respect to the Notes
for the calendar year containing such December Payment Date, even if the price
of the Index Bund at some point since the preceding Determination Date or issue
date, as the case may be, exceeded the Benchmark Price.
6
The following table shows the total pretax annual payment rate on the Notes
in any year assuming various Index Bund Prices for the Index Bund on any
Determination Date.
HYPOTHETICAL GloBLS TOTAL ANNUAL PAYMENT RATE
Hypothetical Index Hypothetical Total Annual
Bund Price on the GloBLS Payment
Determination Date Rate (1)
------------------ --------------
less than 100.95% 3.00%/(1)/
100.95%/(2)/ 3.00%/(1)/
101.95% 4.00%
102.95% 5.00%
103.95% 6.00%
104.95% 7.00%
105.95% 8.00%
106.95% 9.00%
107.95% 10.00%
108.95% 11.00%
109.95% 12.00%
110.95% 13.00%
111.95% 14.00%
112.95% 15.00%
113.95% 16.00%
- -----------
(1) Minimum Annual Payment Rate of 3% per annum ($30 per $1,000 principal
amount of Notes).
(2) Benchmark Price.
Index Bund Price
The Index Bund Price is the arithmetic mean of the bid prices for the
7.125% Bundesanleihe due December 20, 2002 issued by the Federal Republic of
Germany on December 29, 1992 (the "Index Bund"), expressed as a percentage of
the principal amount, as of 9:30 A.M. New York City time on the applicable
Determination Date, of three leading dealers in Bundesanleihen selected by the
Calculation Agent. The "Determination Date" means the seventh scheduled NYSE
Business Day (as defined below) prior to the applicable December Payment Date.
If three such bid prices are not available on such seventh scheduled NYSE
Business Day, the Determination Date will be the sixth scheduled NYSE Business
Day preceding the applicable December Payment Date. If the Calculation Agent
cannot obtain three bid prices from leading dealers for Bundesanleihen on the
sixth scheduled NYSE Business Day preceding the applicable December Payment
Date, then the Index Bund Price will equal the official price expressed as a
percentage reported by the Frankfurt Stock Exchange for the Index Bund as a
result of the official price fixing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on such
sixth scheduled NYSE Business Day preceding the applicable December Payment
Date. If no official price is fixed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on such
sixth scheduled NYSE Business Day, then the Index Bund Price will equal the bid
price determined by the Calculation Agent on such sixth scheduled NYSE Business
Day based on then current market conditions, including the last price at which
the Index Bund was offered or sold. The bid prices solicited by the Calculation
Agent will be for an amount that is representative of a single transaction in
the market at the applicable time and will not include accrued but unpaid
interest on the Index Bund. "NYSE Business Day" means a day on which the New
York Stock Exchange is open for trading and the Calculation Agent will determine
which days are scheduled NYSE Business Days.
7
Hypothetical Payments
The following table shows the approximate required yield-to-maturity of the
Index Bund on each anticipated Determination Date in order to generate various
total pretax annual payment rates for the Notes in each year. Yields on the
Index Bund are expressed on an annual yield-to-maturity basis. The yields-to-
maturity and total pretax annual payment rates shown below are for illustrative
purposes only and are not intended to predict either the future price levels of
the Index Bund or actual payments on the Notes.
Annual Determination Dates/(2)/
------------------------------
Total Pretax
Annual
Payment Rate(1) 1995 1996 1997 1998
- --------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
3.00% 6.95% 6.92% 6.89% 6.84%
4.00% 6.76% 6.72% 6.65% 6.55%
5.00% 6.58% 6.51% 6.41% 6.26%
6.00% 6.41% 6.31% 6.18% 5.98%
7.00% 6.23% 6.11% 5.95% 5.70%
8.00% 6.05% 5.91% 5.72% 5.42%
9.00% 5.88% 5.72% 5.49% 5.15%
10.00% 5.71% 5.53% 5.27% 4.87%
11.00% 5.54% 5.34% 5.04% 4.61%
12.00% 5.38% 5.15% 4.83% 4.34%
13.00% 5.21% 4.96% 4.61% 4.08%
14.00% 5.05% 4.78% 4.40% 3.82%
15.00% 4.89% 4.60% 4.19% 3.57%
16.00% 4.73% 4.42% 3.98% 3.32%
- -----------
(1) Total pretax annual payment rate includes the Minimum Annual Payment Rate
plus the Supplemental Annual Payment Rate in each year.
(2) As of February 12, 1993, the yield-to-maturity on German government bonds
with approximate maturities indicated below were approximately the
following:
Corresponding
Approximate Determination Yield to
Maturity Date Maturity
----------- ------------- --------
9 years December 1993 7.01%
8 years December 1994 6.94%
7 years December 1995 6.91%
6 years December 1996 6.63%
5 years December 1997 6.61%
4 years December 1998 6.66%
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Index
Bund. The historical performance of the Index Bund should not be taken as an
indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Index
Bund will increase sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the Notes to
receive an amount in excess of principal and the Minimum Annual Payment Rate at
the maturity of the Notes or the Minimum Annual Payment Rate in any prior year.
8
Events of Default and Acceleration
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Notes shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a Holder of a Note upon any
acceleration permitted by the Notes, will equal: (i) the principal amount
thereof, plus (ii) an additional amount calculated as though the date of early
repayment were a December Payment Date and prorated through such date of early
repayment in the same manner as the amount payable on the December 1993 payment
date was prorated. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of the
Company, the claim of the Holder of a Note may be limited, under Section
502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United States Code, to the principal amount of the
Note plus an additional amount, if any, of contingent interest calculated as
though the date of the commencement of the proceeding were the maturity date of
the Notes.
Securities Depository
The Notes were issued in book-entry form, and are represented by one
registered global security (the "Global Security"). The Global Security was
deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, as Securities
Depository (the "Securities Depository"), registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in
whole or in part for Securities in definitive form, the Global Security may not
be transferred except as a whole by the Securities Depository to a nominee of
such Securities Depository or by a nominee of such Securities Depository to such
Securities Depository or another nominee of such Securities Depository or by
such Securities Depository or any such nominee to a successor of such Securities
Depository or a nominee of such successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The
Securities Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the
Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a
"clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial
Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
17A of the Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. The Securities Depository's Participants include securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain
other organizations. The Securities Depository is owned by a number of
Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock
Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The
Underwriter (as hereinafter defined) is a Participant. Access to the Securities
Depository book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks,
brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect
Participants").
Purchases of Notes must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each Note ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn
to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer
of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered
owner of the Global Security, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Notes
represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Senior Indenture.
Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in the Global Security will not be
entitled to have the Notes represented by such Global Security registered in
their
9
names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the Notes
in definitive registered form and will not be considered the owners or Holders
thereof under the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial
interest in the Global Security must rely on the procedures of the Securities
Depository and, if such Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the
Participant through which such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights
of a Holder under the Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under
existing industry practices, in the event that the Company requests any action
of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security
desires to give or take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take
under the Senior Indenture, the Securities Depository would authorize the
Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such
action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning through
such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of beneficial owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by the Securities Depository to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and amounts payable on any June Payment Date
or December Payment Date with respect to, Notes registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or its nominee will be made to the Securities Depository
or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global Security
representing such Notes. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent of
the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability
for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the
Securities Depository, upon receipt of any payment of principal or amounts
payable on any June Payment Date or December Payment Date in respect of the
Global Security, will credit the accounts of the Participants with payment in
amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of
beneficial interest in such Global Security as shown on the records of the
Securities Depository. The Company also expects that payments by Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing customer instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will be the
responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) the Securities Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as Securities Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by
the Company within 60 days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee
a Company Order to the effect that the Global Security shall be exchangeable or
(z) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the
Notes, the Global Security will be exchangeable for Notes in definitive form of
like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Notes shall be registered
in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall instruct the Trustee.
It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by
the Securities Depository from Participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security.
THE GERMAN BOND MARKET AND THE INDEX BUND
The following discussion of the German bond market is based upon
information available as of the end of September 1992. The Deutsche Mark-
denominated fixed income market is the third largest in the world, exceeded in
size only by those of the U.S. Dollar and Japanese Yen. As of the end of
September 1992, the total nominal amount of Deutsche Mark-denominated fixed
income debt outstanding was over DM 1.889 trillion (or U.S. $1.18 trillion
assuming an exchange rate of DM/U.S. $1.60) (Source: Bundesbank). Bundesanleihen
("Bunds") are debt securities issued by the Federal Republic of Germany and are
backed by its full faith and credit. Bunds account for approximately 75% of the
debt of the Federal Republic of Germany and approximately 30% of all fixed
income debt denominated in Deutsche Marks as of the end of September 1992.
Bundesanleihen are principally traded in the over-the-counter market in Germany
and are also listed on eight exchanges in Germany, including the Frankfurt
Exchange.
The Index Bund was originally issued on December 29, 1992 and is not
redeemable prior to its stated maturity.
10
Because the Index Bund had a maturity of ten years when it was originally
issued, the time remaining to such maturity will necessarily decline over time.
As the time remaining to maturity declines on the Index Bund, the Index Bund
price will be affected.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Index
Bund. The historical performance of the Index Bund should not be taken as an
indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Index
Bund will increase sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the Notes to
receive an amount in excess of the principal amount at the maturity of the
Notes.
OTHER TERMS
General
The Notes were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Notes. The following summaries of
certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be complete and are
subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of
the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Notes are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Limitations Upon Liens
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
11
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
Merger and Consolidation
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of
12
that series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of acceleration
has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series but before a
judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by the Trustee,
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of acceleration and its
consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as a result of
acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been remedied or
waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any
series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of all
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of failure
to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts payable
on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not been
subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as stated
in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated
by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on
such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their
reports on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are not subject to the
liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial information
because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration
statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections
7 and 11 of the Act.
13
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEMENT OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
AMEX HONG KONG 30 INDEX* EQUITY PARTICIPATION NOTES
DUE FEBRUARY 16, 1999
On February 7, 1996, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$45,000,000 aggregate principal amount of AMEX Hong Kong 30 Index Equity
Participation Notes due February 16, 1999 (the "Notes" or the "Securities"). As
of the date of this Prospectus, $45,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
Securities remain outstanding. The Securities were issued in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof, will bear no periodic payments of
interest and will mature on February 16, 1999. At maturity, a beneficial owner
of a Note will be entitled to receive, with respect to each Note, the principal
amount thereof plus an interest payment (the "Supplemental Redemption Amount")
based on the percentage increase, if any, in the AMEX Hong Kong 30 Index (the
"Index") over the Benchmark Index Value. The Supplemental Redemption Amount will
in no event be less than zero or more than $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of
Notes, representing a maximum annualized rate of return of 24.28% compounded
semi-annually over a term of three years. The Notes are not redeemable or
callable by the Company prior to maturity. While at maturity a beneficial owner
of a Note will receive the principal amount of such Note plus the Supplemental
Redemption Amount, if any, there will be no other payment of interest, periodic
or otherwise.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount payable with respect to a Note at maturity
will equal the product of (A) the principal amount of the applicable Note, and
(B) the percentage increase from the Benchmark Index Value to the Ending Index
Value. The Benchmark Index Value equals 664.83 and was determined as described
herein. The closing value of the Index on the date of this Prospectus was
579.79, and the Benchmark Index Value exceeds such closing value by 14.67%. The
Ending Index Value, as more particularly described herein, will be the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index on certain days, or, if
certain events occur, the closing value of the Index on a single day prior to
the maturity of the Notes.
FOR INFORMATION AS TO THE CALCULATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL REDEMPTION AMOUNT
WHICH WILL BE PAID AT MATURITY, THE CALCULATION AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE
INDEX, SEE "DESCRIPTION OF NOTES" AND "THE INDEX", RESPECTIVELY, IN THIS
PROSPECTUS. FOR OTHER INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE
INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Notes will be maintained in book-entry form by or through the
Depository (as hereinafter defined). Beneficial owners of the Notes will not
have the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership
except under the limited circumstances described herein.
The Notes have been listed on the American Stock Exchange (the "AMEX") under
the symbol "HKN.A".
______________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
______________
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may be
offered on the New York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
______________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
______________
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
*The use and reference to the term "AMEX Hong Kong 30 Index" herein has been
consented to by the American Stock Exchange. The "AMEX Hong Kong 30 Index" is a
service mark of the American Stock Exchange.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS
IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY (WITHOUT
EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF ANY OR
ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS FOR SUCH
COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE SECRETARY'S
OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide financial
services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged in such
other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges...... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
Benchmark Index Value will Exceed Value of Index on the Pricing Date. The
Benchmark Index Value exceeded the closing value of the Index on the Pricing
Date by 14.67%. Investors should be aware that if the Ending Index Value does
not exceed the closing value of the Index on the Pricing Date by more than
14.67%, beneficial owners of the Notes will receive only the principal amount
thereof.
3
Yield may be Below Market Interest Rates on the Pricing Date. A beneficial
owner of the Notes may receive no Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity, or
a Supplemental Redemption Amount that is below what the Company would pay as
interest as of the Pricing Date if the Company issued non-callable senior debt
securities with a similar maturity as that of the Notes. The return of principal
of the Notes at maturity and the payment of the Supplemental Redemption Amount,
if any, may not reflect the full opportunity costs implied by inflation or other
factors relating to the time value of money.
Limitation of Supplemental Redemption Amount. Because the Supplemental
Redemption Amount will not exceed $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes,
beneficial owners of Notes will not benefit from Index increases in excess of
approximately 229% of the closing value of the Index on the Pricing Date (the
"Maximum Index Value"). In no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount
exceed $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes.
Yield on Notes will not Reflect Dividends. The Index does not reflect the
payment of dividends on the stocks underlying it and therefore the yield based
on the Index to the maturity of the Notes will not produce the same yield as if
such underlying stocks were purchased and held for a similar period.
State Law Limit on Interest Paid. Because the Senior Indenture provides that
the Notes are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New York,
certain usury laws of New York State may apply. Under present New York law, the
maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest basis. This limit
may not apply to Notes in which $2,500,000 or more has been invested. While the
Company believes that New York law would be given effect by a state or Federal
court sitting outside of New York, state laws frequently regulate the amount of
interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower (including, in some
cases, corporate borrowers). It is suggested that prospective investors consult
their personal advisors with respect to the applicability of such laws. The
Company has covenanted for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, to the
extent permitted by law, not to claim voluntarily the benefits of any laws
concerning usurious rates of interest against a Holder of the Notes.
TRADING
The Notes have been listed on the American Stock Exchange. It is expected that
the secondary market for the Notes will be affected by the creditworthiness of
the Company and by a number of other factors.
The trading value of the Notes is expected to depend substantially on the
extent of the appreciation, if any, of the Index over the Benchmark Index Value.
See "The Index-Historical Data on the Index" in this Prospectus for historical
values of the Index. If, however, Notes are sold prior to the maturity date at a
time when the Index exceeds the Benchmark Index Value, the sale price may be at
a substantial discount from the amount expected to be payable to the beneficial
owner if such excess of the Index over the Benchmark Index Value were to prevail
until maturity of the Notes because of the possible fluctuation of the Index
between the time of such sale and the time that the Ending Index Value is
determined. Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial owner will be able to
sell Notes prior to maturity may be at a discount, which could be substantial,
from the principal amount thereof, if, at such time, the Index is below, equal
to, or not sufficiently above the Benchmark Index Value. The limitation that the
Supplemental Redemption Amount will not exceed $1,000 per $1,000 principal
amount of Notes may adversely affect the secondary market value of the Notes and
such adverse effect could occur even if the value of the Index is below the
Maximum Index Value. A discount could also result from rising interest rates.
In addition to the value of the Index, the trading value of the Notes may be
affected by a number of interrelated factors, including the creditworthiness of
the Company and those factors listed below. The relationship among these factors
is complex, including how these factors affect the relative value of the
principal amount of the Notes to be repaid at maturity and the value of the
Supplemental Redemption Amount. Accordingly, investors should be aware that
factors other than the level of the Index are likely to affect the Notes'
trading value. The expected effect on the trading value of the Notes of each of
the factors listed below, assuming in each case that all other factors are held
constant, is as follows:
4
Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the trading
value of the Notes is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease,
the trading value of the Notes is expected to increase. If interest rates in
Hong Kong increase, the trading value of the Notes is expected to increase;
however, increased Hong Kong interest rates may adversely affect the economy
of Hong Kong and, in turn, the Index, and the trading value of the Notes could
then be expected to decrease. If interest rates in Hong Kong decrease, the
trading value of the Notes is expected to decrease; however, decreased Hong
Kong interest rates may favorably affect the economy of Hong Kong and, in
turn, the Index, and consequently, the trading value of the Notes could then
be expected to increase.
Volatility of the Index. If the volatility of the Index increases, the
trading value of the Notes is expected to increase. If the volatility of the
Index decreases, the trading value of the Notes is expected to decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Notes may trade at a value above that which
may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the Index. This
difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the
value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of the Notes. As the
time remaining to maturity of the Notes decreases, however, this time premium
is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of the Notes. In
addition, the price at which a beneficial owner may be able to sell Notes
prior to maturity may be at a discount, which may be substantial, from the
principal amount of the Notes if the value of the Index is below, equal to, or
not sufficiently above the Benchmark Index Value.
Dividend Rates in Hong Kong. If dividend rates on the stocks comprising the
Index increase, the value of the Notes is expected to decrease. Conversely, if
dividend rates on the stocks comprising the Index decrease, the value of the
Notes is expected to increase. However, in general, rising corporate dividend
rates in Hong Kong may increase the value of the Index and, in turn, increase
the value of the Notes. Conversely, falling dividend rates in Hong Kong may
decrease the value of the Index and, in turn, decrease the value of the Notes.
Hong Kong Dollar/U.S. Dollar Exchange Rates. The Supplemental Redemption
Amount is based on a given level of the Index and will not be affected by
changes in the Hong Kong dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate. However, a number
of economic factors, including the Hong Kong dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate,
could affect the value of the Underlying Stocks and, therefore, the value of
the Index.
The impact of the factors specified above, excluding the value of the Index,
may offset, partially or in whole, any increase in the trading value of the
Notes that is attributable to an increase in the value of the Index. For
example, an increase in U.S. interest rates may cause the Notes to trade at a
discount from their initial offering price, even if the Index has appreciated
significantly. In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, the
effect on the trading value of the Notes of a given change in interest rates,
Index volatility and/or dividend rates of stocks comprising the Index is
expected to be less if it occurs later in the term of the Notes than if it
occurs earlier in the term of the Notes. The effect on the trading value of the
Notes of a given appreciation of the Index in excess of the Benchmark Index
Value is expected to be greater if it occurs later in the term of the Notes than
if it occurs earlier in the term of the Notes, assuming all other relevant
factors are held constant.
THE INDEX
The stocks underlying the Index have been issued by companies organized in
Hong Kong. The prices of such Underlying Stocks will be affected by foreign
political, economic and other developments.
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has adopted certain measures intended to prevent
any extreme short-term price fluctuations resulting from order imbalances or
market volatility. Where the Hong Kong Stock Exchange considers it necessary for
the protection of the investor or the maintenance of an orderly market, it may
at any time suspend dealings in any securities or cancel the listing of any
securities in such circumstances and subject to such conditions as it thinks
fit, whether requested by the listed issuer or not. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange
may also do so when: (1) an issuer fails, in a manner which the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange considers material, to comply with the Hong
5
Kong Stock Exchange Listing Rules or its Listing Agreements; or (2) the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange considers there are insufficient securities in the hands of
the public; or (3) the Hong Kong Stock Exchange considers that the listed issuer
does not have a sufficient level of operations or sufficient assets to warrant
the continued listing of the issuer's securities; or (4) the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange considers that the issuer or its business is no longer suitable for
listing. Investors should also be aware that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange may
suspend the trading of individual stocks in certain limited and extraordinary
circumstances, until certain price-sensitive information has been disclosed to
the public. Since the stocks underlying the Index are traded on the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange, changes in the Index may be affected by suspensions of trading
generally or of one or more of the stocks underlying the Index, which
limitations may, in turn, adversely affect the value of the Notes.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO HONG KONG
Investors should realize that the value of the Index, and therefore the
potential Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may be adversely affected by
political, economic or social instability, developments and changes in law or
regulations, particularly in Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China
("China"). Certain of these factors are discussed below.
In December 1984, Great Britain and China signed an agreement (the "Sino-
British Accord") under which Hong Kong will revert to Chinese sovereignty
effective July 1, 1997. Although China has committed by treaty to preserve for
50 years the economic and social freedoms currently enjoyed in Hong Kong, the
continuation of the economic system in Hong Kong after the reversion will be
affected by the Chinese government. Any increase in uncertainty as to the future
economic and political status of Hong Kong could have a material adverse effect
on the economy of Hong Kong and the Index.
The Sino-British Accord provides that the basic policies of China regarding
Hong Kong and the elaboration of these policies in the Sino-British Accord will
be stipulated by the National People's Congress of China in a Basic Law of the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the "Hong Kong SAR") (the "Basic Law").
The Basic Law was finalized in February 1990 and adopted by the National
People's Congress on April 4, 1990. The Basic Law provides that the Chief
Executive of the Hong Kong SAR will be recommended by a committee composed of
Hong Kong residents representing a broad spectrum of distinct constituencies,
such as industry, labor and the various professions, and appointed by the
government of China. The power of amendment of the Basic Law is vested in the
National People's Congress of China. The Basic Law provides that the Hong Kong
dollar will remain the legal tender in the Hong Kong SAR after the transfer of
sovereignty. It also provides that no exchange control policies will be applied
in the Hong Kong SAR and that the Hong Kong dollar will remain freely
convertible.
In the past, the prices of shares on the HKSE and Hong Kong property market
values have experienced substantial fluctuations in response to political
developments affecting China and relations between China and the United Kingdom.
Although China has agreed by treaty that the Hong Kong SAR will have a high
degree of legislative, legal and economic autonomy, there can be no assurance as
to the consequence of the exercise of Chinese sovereignty over Hong Kong on the
future economic and political status of Hong Kong and the Index.
It is not clear how future developments in Hong Kong and China may affect the
implementation of the Basic Law after the transfer of sovereignty in 1997. As a
result of this political and legal uncertainty, the economic prospects of Hong
Kong and the companies whose stocks comprise the Index are uncertain.
Accordingly, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has been, and can be expected to
remain, highly volatile and sensitive to adverse political developments with
regard to Hong Kong's future and perceptions of actual or potential political
developments of that kind. For this reason, among others, the Index and the
value of the Notes can also be expected to be volatile.
Underlying Stocks. The performance of certain companies listed on the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange is linked to the economic climate of China. Any downturn in
economic growth or other negative developments affecting the economic climate of
China could have a material adverse effect on the value of the Index. In
addition, the Hong Kong securities markets are currently characterized by a high
level of investment by and interest among United
6
States and other non-Hong Kong persons. Changes in the level of investment or
interest could have a material adverse effect on the level of the Index.
Although none of the companies whose stocks comprise the Underlying Stocks are
currently organized under the laws of China, the level of the Index nonetheless
can be affected by developments in China. China currently indirectly influences
political and economic developments in various parts of Asia, including Hong
Kong, and its influence is expected to continue to grow. The government of
China, a socialist state controlled by the Communist Party of China, now permits
private economic activities to a certain extent. Political, economic or social
instability in, and diplomatic and other developments associated with, China
could have a significant effect on economic conditions in Hong Kong and on the
market prices and liquidity of securities traded on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange, including the Underlying Stocks. Moreover, many of the issuers of the
Underlying Stocks have substantial investments in China, which investments could
be adversely affected by political, economic, market and other developments in
or affecting China. Accordingly, adverse political or economic developments in
China could adversely affect the level of the Index and thus the value of the
Notes.
Underlying Stocks representing approximately one-third of the market
capitalization of the Index (as of December 29, 1995) are companies engaged in
real estate asset management, development, leasing, property sales and other
related activities. Many factors may have an adverse impact on the credit
quality of these real estate companies and, indirectly, the Index. Generally,
these include economic recession, the cyclical nature of real estate markets,
overbuilding, changing demographics, changes in governmental regulations
(including tax laws and environmental, building, zoning and sales regulations),
increases in real estate taxes or costs of material and labor, the inability to
secure performance guarantees or insurance as required, the unavailability of
investment capital and the inability to obtain construction financing or
mortgage loans at rates acceptable to builders and purchasers of real estate.
Additional risks include an inability to reduce expenditures associated with a
property (such as mortgage payments and property taxes) when rental revenue
declines, and possible loss upon foreclosure of mortgaged properties if mortgage
payments are not paid when due.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the Notes
should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering the
suitability of the Notes in light of their particular circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the Notes
and should consult their tax advisors.
Merrill Lynch & Co., MLPF&S or its affiliates may from time to time engage in
transactions involving the Underlying Stocks for their proprietary accounts and
for other accounts under their management, which may influence the value of such
Underlying Stocks and therefore the value of the Notes. MLPF&S and its
affiliates will also be the counterparties to the hedge of the Company's
obligations under the Notes. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, conflicts
of interest may arise between MLPF&S's responsibilities as Calculation Agent
with respect to the Notes and its obligations under its hedge and its status as
a subsidiary of the Company. Under certain circumstances, the duties of MLPF&S
as Calculation Agent in determining the existence of Market Disruption Events
could conflict with the interests of MLPF&S as an affiliate of the issuer of the
Notes, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., and with the interests of the holders of the
Notes.
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
GENERAL
The Notes were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the Senior
Indenture, referred to as the "Senior Indenture", which is more fully described
below. The Notes will mature on February 16, 1999.
7
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Note will receive the principal
amount of such Note plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, there will
be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. (See "Payment at
Maturity" below.)
The Notes are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option of any
beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
with respect to the Notes, beneficial owners of the Notes may accelerate the
maturity of the Notes, as described under "Description of Notes--Events of
Default and Acceleration" and "Other Terms--Events of Default" in this
Prospectus.
The Notes were issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
thereof.
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Note will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, all as
provided below. If the Ending Index Value of the Index does not exceed the
Benchmark Index Value a beneficial owner of a Note will be entitled to receive
only the principal amount thereof.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Note will be entitled to receive, with
respect to each such Note, (i) the principal amount thereof, and (ii) the
Supplemental Redemption Amount equal in amount to:
Principal Amount X Ending Index Value-Benchmark Index Value
----------------------------------------
Benchmark Index Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero or more than $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. The
Benchmark Index Value equals 664.83. The Benchmark Index Value was determined on
the Pricing Date by multiplying the Starting Index Value by a factor equal to
115%. The Starting Index Value was determined by the Calculation Agent and
equaled the average (arithmetic mean) of the Computed Index Value as of 10:30
A.M., 11:00 A.M., 11:30 A.M., 12:00 Noon, 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M., 3:00 P.M. and
3:30 P.M. (Hong Kong time) on the Pricing Date. The "Computed Index Value" as of
any time means the number obtained by (i) multiplying the last reported sales
prices of each Underlying Stock at such time (as reported by Reuters Information
Services, Inc. with respect to intra-day prices and by The Stock Exchange of
Hong Kong Ltd. (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange" or "HKSE") with respect to
official closing prices) by the number of shares outstanding (as provided by the
AMEX) to obtain the market capitalization for each of the Underlying Stocks and
(ii) dividing the aggregate market capitalization of all the Underlying Stocks
by the divisor used to calculate the last reported Index (see "The Index"
herein). The AMEX has confirmed that the methodology used by the Calculation
Agent to calculate the Computed Index Value is consistent with that currently
used by the AMEX to calculate the Index. The Ending Index Value will be
determined by MLPF&S (the "Calculation Agent") and will equal the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index determined on each of the
first five Calculation Days during the Calculation Period. If there are fewer
than five Calculation Days, then the Ending Index Value will equal the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index on such Calculation Days,
and if there is only one Calculation Day, then the Ending Index Value will equal
the closing value of the Index on such Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days
occur during the Calculation Period because of Market Disruption Events, then
the Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of the Index determined on
the last scheduled Index Business Day in the Calculation Period, regardless of
the occurrences of a Market Disruption Event on such day. The "Calculation
Period" means the period from and including the seventh scheduled Index Business
Day prior to the maturity date to and including the second scheduled Index
Business Day prior to the maturity date. "Calculation Day" means any Index
Business Day during the Calculation Period on which a Market Disruption Event
has not occurred. For purposes of determining the Ending Index Value, an "Index
Business Day" is a day on which the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is open for trading
and the Index or any Successor Index is calculated and published. All
determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of
the Calculation Agent and, absent
8
a determination by the Calculation Agent of a manifest error, shall be
conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial owners of
the Notes.
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Index
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $1,000 principal
amount of Notes, (ii) the pretax annualized rate of return to beneficial owners
of Notes, and (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in the
stocks underlying the Index (which includes an assumed aggregate dividend yield
of 3.31% per annum, and no change in the U.S. dollar/Hong Kong dollar exchange
rate, as more fully described below).
Total Pretax Pretax Annualized
Hypothetical ending Percentage Change Amount Annualized Rate of Rate of Return of
Index Value of Over the Starting Payable at Return on the Stocks Underlying the
the Index Index Value Maturity Notes(1) Index(1)(2)
- ------------------- ------------------- ---------- ------------------ ---------------------
289.06 -50% $1,000.00 0.00% -18.74%
346.87 -40% $1,000.00 0.00% -13.20%
404.68 -30% $1,000.00 0.00% -8.38%
462.49 -20% $1,000.00 0.00% -4.09%
520.30 -10% $1,000.00 0.00% -0.21%
578.11(3) 0% $1,000.00 0.00% 3.32%
635.92 10% $1,000.00 0.00% 6.58%
693.73 20% $1,043.47 1.41% 9.61%
751.54 30% $1,130.42 4.09% 12.43%
809.35 40% $1,217.38 6.61% 15.08%
867.17 50% $1,304.35 8.98% 17.59%
924.98 60% $1,391.30 11.22% 19.96%
982.79 70% $1,478.26 13.35% 22.21%
1,040.60 80% $1,565.21 15.38% 24.36%
1,098.41 90% $1,652.17 17.31% 26.41%
1,156.22 100% $1,739.12 19.16% 28.38%
1,214.03 110% $1,826.08 20.93% 30.26%
1,271.84 120% $1,913.03 22.64% 32.08%
1,329.65 130% $2,000.00 24.28% 33.83%
1,387.46 140% $2,000.00 24.28% 35.52%
1,445.28 150% $2,000.00 24.28% 37.15%
______________
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes (i) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Index with the allocation of such amount reflecting
the relative weights of such stocks in the Index; (ii) a percentage change
in the aggregate price of such stocks that equals the percentage change in
the Index from the Starting Index Value to the relevant hypothetical Ending
Index Value; (iii) a constant dividend yield of 3.31% per annum, paid
quarterly from the date of initial delivery of Notes, applied to the value
of the Index at the end of each such quarter assuming such value increases
or decreases linearly from the Starting Index Value to the applicable
hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iv) no transaction fees or expenses; (v) a
term for the Notes from February 7, 1996 to February 16, 1996; (vi) a final
Index value equal to the Ending Index Value; and (vii) no change in the U.S.
dollar/Hong Kong dollar exchange rate. The aggregate dividend yield of the
stocks underlying the Index as of January 16, 1996 was approximately 3.31%.
(3) The Starting Index Value.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the pretax annualized
rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual Ending
Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein. Historical
data regarding the Index is included in this Prospectus under "The Index--
Historical Data on the Index".
9
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INDEX; MARKET DISRUPTION EVENTS
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof, is
changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified so
that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as determined
by the Calculation Agent:
(i) a suspension or absence of trading on the HKSE of (a) 20% or more of
the Underlying Stocks and/or (b) the stocks of any three of the four most
highly capitalized companies included in the Underlying Stocks which then
comprise the Index or a Successor Index; or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation on the HK Futures Exchange or
any other major futures or securities market (which as of the date of this
Prospectus includes only the HK Futures Exchange, but which in the Calculation
Agent's judgment may change in the future) of trading in futures or options
contracts related to the Hang Seng Index, the Index or a Successor Index.
The Hang Seng Index uses certain of the same securities in its calculation as
the Index (See "The Index--The Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong
Futures Exchange" herein). For purposes of determining whether a Market
Disruption Event has occurred: (1) a limitation on the hours or number of days
of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption Event if it results from an
announced change in the regular business hours of the relevant exchange, (2) a
decision to permanently discontinue trading in the relevant contract will not
constitute a Market Disruption Event, (3) a suspension of trading in a futures
or options contract on the Index by the AMEX or other major securities market by
reason of (x) a price change exceeding limits set by the AMEX or such securities
market, (y) an imbalance of orders relating to such contracts or (z) a disparity
in bid and ask quotes relating to such contracts will constitute a suspension or
material limitation of trading in futures or options contracts related to the
Index and (4) an "absence of trading" on the HKSE, HK Futures Exchange or a
major securities market on which futures or options contracts related to the
Index are traded will not include any time when the HKSE, HK Futures Exchange or
such securities market, as the case may be, itself is closed for trading under
ordinary circumstances.
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE INDEX
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index and the AMEX or another
entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent
determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such
index being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the
Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the
Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated
by the AMEX or such other entity for the Index and calculate the Ending Index
Value as described above under "Payment at Maturity". Upon any selection by the
Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof
to be given to Holders of the Notes.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed
10
by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in accordance with the
procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to any such discontinuance. If
a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent calculates a value as a
substitute for the Index as described below, such Successor Index or value shall
be substituted for the Index for all purposes, including for purposes of
determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during
which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation
Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (i) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely affect trading in
the Notes.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Notes shall have occurred and
be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Note upon any
acceleration permitted by the Notes, with respect to each $1,000 principal
amount thereof, will be equal to: (i) the initial issue price ($1,000), plus
(ii) an additional amount of contingent interest calculated as though the date
of early repayment were the maturity date of the Notes. See "Description of
Notes-Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding is
commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a Note
may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United States Code,
to the principal amount of the Note plus an additional amount of contingent
interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the proceeding
were the maturity date of the Notes.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Notes (whether at
their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Notes shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the beneficial owners
thereof, at the rate of 5.40% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Notes to the date payment of such
amount has been made or duly provided for.
DEPOSITORY
The Notes are represented by one or more fully registered global securities
(the "Global Notes"). Each such Global Note has been deposited with, or on
behalf of, The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), as Depository (the
"Depository"), registered in the name of DTC or a nominee thereof. Unless and
until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Notes in definitive form, no
Global Note may be transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a nominee
of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to such Depository or
another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or any such nominee to
a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
11
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also available
to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly
or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Notes must be made by or through Participants, which will receive
a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser
of each Note ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Participants'
or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written
confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to
receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as
periodic statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect
Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction.
Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Note will be shown on, and the
transfer of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records
maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the records
of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Notes.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Note, DTC
or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder
of the Notes represented by such Global Note for all purposes under the Senior
Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in a Global Note will not
be entitled to have the Notes represented by such Global Notes registered in
their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the
Notes in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or Holders
thereof under the Senior Indenture, including for purposes of receiving any
reports delivered by the Company or the Trustee pursuant to the Senior
Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a Global
Note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such Person is not a
Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such Person owns
its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder under the Senior Indenture. The
Company understands that under existing industry practices, in the event that
the Company requests any action of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial
interest in such a Global Note desires to give or take any action which a Holder
is entitled to give or take under the Senior Indenture, DTC would authorize the
Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such
action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning through
such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to Indirect Participants,
and by Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be
governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to, Notes registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made to
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global Notes
representing such Notes. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent of
the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability
for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that DTC,
upon receipt of any payment of principal or any Supplemental Redemption Amount
in respect of a Global Note, will credit the accounts of the Participants with
payment in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal
amount of beneficial interest in such Global Note as shown on the records of
DTC. The Company also expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners
will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as
is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer
form or registered in "street name", and will be the responsibility of such
Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Notes shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes, the Global
Notes will be exchangeable for Notes in definitive form of like
12
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Notes shall be registered in such
name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected that
such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository from
Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such Global
Notes.
THE INDEX
THE INDEX
Unless otherwise stated, all information herein on the Index is derived from
the AMEX or other publicly available sources as of February 2, 1996. Such
information reflects the policies of the AMEX as stated in such sources and such
policies are subject to change by the AMEX.
The Index is a capitalization-weighted stock index designed, developed,
maintained and operated by, and is a service mark of, the AMEX that measures the
market value performance (share price times the number of shares outstanding) of
selected Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed stocks. The Index currently is based on
the capitalization of 30 Underlying Stocks trading on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange and is designed to represent a substantial segment of the Hong Kong
stock market. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the primary trading market for
most of the 30 Underlying Stocks. The primary trading market for all of the
Underlying Stocks is either Hong Kong or London. Business sector representation
of the Underlying Stocks comprising the Index as of February 2, 1996 was as
follows: property development (33.36%), financing (21.80%), conglomerates
(18.68%), utilities (18.01%) and also includes hotel/leisure (4.33%), airlines
(2.24%), property investment (0.85%), transportation (0.46%) and publishing
(0.24%). The Index was established on June 25, 1993. (See the table below for a
list of the Underlying Stocks as of February 2, 1996.) As of February 2, 1996,
the five largest Underlying Stocks accounted for approximately 48.53% of the
market capitalization of the Index, with the largest being HSBC Holdings plc
(12.30%), followed by Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. (9.80%), Sun Hung Kai Properties
Ltd. (9.45%), Hong Kong Telecommunications Ltd. (9.10%) and Hang Seng Bank Ltd.
(7.88%). The lowest weighted Underlying Stock, as of February 2, 1996, was Tai
Chung (Holdings) Ltd. (0.23%).
The Index is maintained by the AMEX and will contain at least 30 Underlying
Stocks at all times. In addition, the Underlying Stocks must meet certain
listing and maintenance standards as discussed below. The AMEX may change the
composition of the Index at any time in order to more accurately reflect the
composition and track the movement of the Hong Kong stock market. Any
replacement Underlying Stock must also meet the Underlying Stock listing and
maintenance standards as discussed below. Further, the AMEX may replace
Underlying Stocks in the event of certain corporate events, such as takeovers,
or mergers, that change the nature of the security.
The AMEX will select Underlying Stocks on the basis of their market weight,
trading liquidity, and representation of the business industries reflected on
the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The AMEX will require that each Underlying Stock
be one issued by an entity with major business interests in Hong Kong, listed
for trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and have its primary trading market
located in a country with which the AMEX has an effective surveillance sharing
agreement. The AMEX will remove any Underlying Stock failing to meet the above
listing and maintenance criteria within 30 days after such failure occurs. In
order to ensure that the Index does not contain a large number of thinly-
capitalized, low-priced securities with small public floats and low trading
volumes, the AMEX has also established additional qualification criteria for the
inclusion and maintenance of Underlying Stocks, based on the following
standards: (1) all Underlying Stocks selected for inclusion in the Index must
have and thereafter maintain, an average daily capitalization, as calculated by
the total number of shares outstanding times the latest price per share (in Hong
Kong dollars), measured over the prior 6-month period, of at least
H.K.$3,000,000,000 (approximately U.S.$388,000,000 as of February 2, 1996); (2)
all Underlying Stocks selected for inclusion in the Index must have, and
thereafter maintain, an average daily closing price, measured over the prior 6-
month period, not lower than H.K.$2.50 (approximately U.S.$0.32 as of February
2, 1996); (3) all Underlying Stocks selected for inclusion in the Index must
have, and thereafter maintain an average daily trading
13
volume, measured over the prior 6-month period, of more than 1,000,000 shares
per day, although up to, but no more than, three Underlying Stocks may have an
average daily trading volume, measured over the prior 6-month period, of less
than 1,000,000 shares per day, but in no event less than 500,000 shares per day;
and (4) all Underlying Stocks selected for inclusion in the Index must have, and
thereafter maintain, a minimum "free float" value (total freely tradeable
outstanding shares minus insider holdings), based on a monthly average measured
over the prior 3-month period, of U.S.$238,000,000, although up to, but no more
than, three Underlying Stocks may have a free float value of less than
U.S.$238,000,000 but in no event less than U.S.$150,000,000, measured over the
same period. The AMEX will review and apply the above qualification criteria
relating to the Underlying Stocks on a quarterly basis, conducted the last
business day in January, April, July, and October. Any Underlying Stock failing
to meet the above listing and maintenance criteria will be reviewed on the
second Friday of the second month following the quarterly review to again
determine compliance with the above criteria. Any Underlying Stock failing this
second review will be replaced by a "qualified" Underlying Stock effective upon
the close of business on the following Friday, provided however, that if such
Friday is not a day on which the AMEX is open for trading, the replacement will
be effective at the close of business on the first preceding day on which the
AMEX is open for trading. The AMEX will notify its membership immediately after
it determines to replace an Underlying Stock.
The annual reports and prospectuses of the companies listed on the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange are available for investors' inspection in the City Hall Library
(a public library in Central Hong Kong). The Hong Kong Stock Exchange library
also has information for each listed company but it is available only to members
of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
A company whose stock is included in the Index is not required to be
incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong.
The Index is a capitalization-weighted index. A company's market
capitalization is calculated by multiplying the number of shares outstanding by
the company's current share price (in Hong Kong dollars). For valuation purposes
unrelated to the Notes, one Index unit (1.0) is assigned a fixed value of one
U.S. dollar. The Index measures the average change in prices of the Underlying
Stocks, weighted according to their respective market capitalizations, so that
the effect of a percentage price change in an Underlying Stock will be greater
the larger the Underlying Stock's market capitalization. The Index was
established by the AMEX on June 25, 1993, on which date the Index value was set
at 350.00. The daily calculation and public dissemination by the AMEX of the
Index commenced on September 1, 1993. The data relating to the Index was back-
calculated by the AMEX from January 2, 1989 to August 31, 1993. The Index is
calculated by (i) adding the market capitalization of each Underlying Stock and
(ii) dividing such sum by an adjusted base market capitalization or divisor. On
June 25, 1993, the market value of the Underlying Stocks was approximately
H.K.$1,152,829,149,500 (equivalent to approximately U.S.$148,656,241,000 based
on the exchange rate as of such date) and the divisor used to calculate the
Index was 3,293,797,570. The AMEX selected that particular divisor number in
order, among other things, to ensure that the Index was set at a general price
level consistent with other well recognized stock markets. The divisor is
subject to periodic adjustments as set forth below. The Index is calculated once
every Index Calculation Day by the AMEX based on the most recent official
closing prices of each of the Underlying Stocks reported by the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange. Pricing of the Index will be performed each day and be disseminated
before the opening of trading via the Consolidated Tape Authority Network-B
continuously during each day on which the AMEX is open for trading. The
dissemination value, however, will remain the same throughout the trading day
because the trading hours of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange do not overlap with
AMEX trading hours. Accordingly, updated price information for the Underlying
Stocks will be unavailable.
In order to maintain continuity in the level of the Index in the event of
certain changes due to non-market factors affecting the Underlying Stocks, such
as the addition or deletion of stocks, substitution of stock, stock dividends,
stock splits, distributions of assets to stockholders or other capitalization
events, the divisor used in calculating the Index is adjusted in a manner
designed to prevent any instantaneous change or discontinuity in the level of
the Index and in order that the value of the Index immediately after such change
will equal the level of the Index immediately prior to the change. Thereafter,
the divisor remains at the new value until a further adjustment
14
is necessary as the result of another change. Nevertheless, changes in the
identities and characteristics of the Underlying Stocks may significantly affect
the behavior of the Index over time.
The AMEX is under no obligation to continue the calculation and dissemination
of the Index and the method by which the Index is calculated and the name "The
AMEX Hong Kong 30 Index" may be changed at the discretion of the AMEX. The Notes
are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the AMEX. No inference should
be drawn from the information contained in this Prospectus that the AMEX makes
any representation or warranty, implied or express, to the Company, the
beneficial owners of Notes or any member of the public regarding the
advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Notes in particular
or the ability of the Index to track general stock market performance. The AMEX
has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the beneficial owners of
Notes into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index. The
AMEX is not responsible for, and has not participated in the determination of
the timing of prices for or quantities of, the Notes to be issued or in the
determination or calculation of the equation by which the Supplemental
Redemption Amount is determined. The AMEX has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Notes.
The use of and reference to the Index in connection with the Notes have been
consented to by the AMEX.
Except with respect to the responsibility of the Calculation Agent to make
certain calculations under certain circumstances as described herein, none of
the Company, the Trustee, the Calculation Agent or the Underwriter accepts any
responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Index or
any Successor Index. The AMEX disclaims all responsibility for any inaccuracies
in the data on which the Index is based, or any mistakes or errors or omissions
in the calculations or dissemination of the Index or for the manner in which
such index is applied in determining the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Index.
The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an indication of
future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Index will increase
sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the Securities to receive an
amount in excess of the principal amount at the maturity of the Securities.
THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE
As of September 29, 1995, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was the world's ninth
largest stock exchange based on U.S. dollar market capitalization. There are no
market-makers in Hong Kong, but exchange dealers may act as dual capacity
broker-dealers. All of the Underlying Stocks of the Index are traded through the
computerized trading system. Trading is undertaken from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
and then from 2:30 P.M. to 3:55 P.M. (Hong Kong time) every Hong Kong day except
Saturdays, Sundays and other days on which the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is
closed. Hong Kong time is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Savings Time and 13
hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Settlement of trades is required within 48
hours and is conducted by electronic book-entry delivery through the Central
Clearing and Settlement System.
Due to the time differences between New York City and Hong Kong, on any normal
trading day, trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange of the Underlying Stocks
currently will cease at 2:55 A.M. or 3:55 A.M., New York City time. Using the
last reported closing prices of the Underlying Stocks on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange, the level of the Index on any such trading day generally will be
calculated, published and disseminated by the AMEX in the United States shortly
prior to the opening of trading on the AMEX in New York on the same calendar
day.
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has adopted certain measures intended to prevent
any extreme short-term price fluctuations resulting from order imbalances or
market volatility. Where the Hong Kong Stock Exchange considers it necessary for
the protection of the investor or the maintenance of an orderly market, it may
at any time suspend dealings in any securities or cancel the listing of any
securities in such circumstances and subject to such conditions
15
as it thinks fit, whether requested by the listed issuer or not. The Hong Kong
Stock Exchange may also do so where: (1) an issuer fails, in a manner which the
Hong Kong Stock Exchange considers material, to comply with the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange Listing Rules or its Listing Agreements; or (2) the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange considers there are insufficient securities in the hands of the public;
or (3) the Hong Kong Stock Exchange considers that the listed issuer does not
have a sufficient level of operations or sufficient assets to warrant the
continued listing of the issuer's securities; or (4) the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange considers that the issuer or its business is no longer suitable for
listing. Investors should also be aware that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange may
suspend the trading of individual stocks in certain limited and extraordinary
circumstances, until certain price-sensitive information has been disclosed to
the public. For instance, dealing on a listed company's shares will normally be
suspended when information about an intention to make a private placing, or a
very substantial transaction compared to the net asset value of the company, has
been leaked through an improper channel. Trading will not be resumed until after
a formal announcement has been made. Trading of a company's shares may also be
suspended if there is unusual trading activity in that stock.
An issuer may apply for suspension on its own accord. A suspension request
will normally only be acceded to in the following circumstances: (1) where, for
a reason acceptable to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, price-sensitive information
cannot at that time be disclosed; (2) where the issuer is subject to an offer,
but only where terms have been agreed in principle and require discussion with,
and agreement by, one or more major shareholders (suspensions will only normally
be appropriate where no previous announcement has been made); (3) to maintain an
orderly market; (4) where there is an occurrence of certain levels of notifiable
transactions, such as substantial changes in the nature, control or structure of
the issuer, where publication of full details is necessary to permit a realistic
valuation to be made of the securities concerned, or the approval of
shareholders is required; (5) where the issuer is no longer suitable for
listing, or becomes a "cash" company; or (6) for issuers going into receivership
or liquidation.
As a result of the foregoing, variations in the Index may be limited by
suspension of trading of individual stocks which comprise the Index which may in
turn, adversely affect the value of the Notes. In addition, a partial or total
halt in trading of all of the Underlying Stocks could result in a Market
Disruption Event. See "Description of Notes--Adjustments to the Index; Market
Disruption Events" herein.
Because the Index uses certain of the same securities in its calculation as
the Hang Seng Index ("HSI"), another stock index, the HSI is referenced to
determine if a Market Disruption Event has occurred. A Market Disruption Event
can occur if there is a suspension or material limitation on the HK Futures
Exchange of trading in futures or options contracts related to the HSI. The
stock index contracts traded on the HK Futures Exchange are based upon the HSI
and its four sub-indices: properties, utilities, finance, and commerce and
industry. The HSI is a value-weighted index of 33 stocks and every stock in the
HSI is represented in one of the four sub-indices. The following Underlying
Stocks of the Index (as of December 29, 1995) are not constituent securities of
the HSI: Chinese Estates Holdings, Henderson Investment Ltd. and Tai Cheung
(Holdings) Ltd. The following constituent securities of the HSI (as of December
29, 1995) are not Underlying Stocks of the Index: Hong Kong Aircraft Eng. Co.
Ltd., Johnson Electric Holdings Ltd., Mirmar Hotel and Inv. Co. Ltd., Shangri-La
Asia Ltd., South China Morning Post (Holdings) Ltd. and Television Broadcasts
Ltd. The Index also differs from the HSI in that, among other things, the
selection, maintenance and replacement criteria for the constituent securities
of the two indices are not the same and that they are operated and governed by
the rules of different entities.
Currently, the contracts listed on the HK Futures Exchange are HSI futures,
HSI sub-indices futures, HSI options, gold and Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate
futures. There is a daily maximum fluctuation limit of 300 points imposed on the
HSI contracts (not applicable to spot mark contracts). Once the limit is
touched, orders cannot be transacted above (the outside limit) or below (the
downside limit) but orders within the range can continue to trade.
The foregoing discussion reflects the current rules governing the Hong Kong
Stock Exchange and the HK Futures Exchange, which are subject to change.
16
The HK Futures Exchange takes no responsibility for the contents of this
document, makes no representations as to its accuracy or completeness and
expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from
or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this document. The
HK Futures Exchange has made no assessment of, nor taken any responsibility for,
the financial soundness of the Company or the merits of investing in the Notes,
nor have they verified the accuracy or the truthfulness of statements made or
opinions expressed in this document.
"Hong Kong Futures Exchange" and "HK Futures Exchange" are trademarks of the
Hong Kong Futures Exchange Ltd.
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
17
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of
18
that series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of acceleration
has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series but before a
judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by the Trustee,
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of acceleration and its
consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as a result of
acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been remedied or
waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any
series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of all
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of failure
to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts payable
on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not been
subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
19
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEMENT OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
EQUITY PARTICIPATION SECURITIES WITH MINIMUM RETURN PROTECTION DUE JUNE 30, 1999
On June 28, 1993, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$355,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Equity Participation Securities with
Minimum Return Protection due June 30, 1999 (the "Securities", or the "Notes").
As of the date of this Prospectus, $220,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
the Securities remain outstanding. The Securities were issued in denominations
of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof, bear no periodic payments of interest
and will mature on June 30, 1999. At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security
will be entitled to receive, with respect to each Security, the principal amount
thereof plus an interest payment (the "Supplemental Redemption Amount") based on
the percentage increase, if any, in the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the
"S&P 500 Index"). The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt
Securities under the Senior Indenture described herein. The Securities are not
redeemable prior to maturity.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount payable with respect to a Security at
maturity will equal the product of (A) the principal amount of the applicable
Security, (B) the percentage change from 447.43, the closing value of the S&P
500 Index on June 16, 1993, as compared to the Final Average Value, and (C)
128%. In no event, however, will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be less than
$200 per $1,000 principal amount of the Securities (the "Minimum Supplemental
Redemption Amount"), representing a minimum annualized rate of return of 3.06%.
The calculation of the Final Average Value, as more fully described herein, will
equal the arithmetic average of the closing values of the S&P 500 Index on
certain days during June of 1997, 1998 and 1999.
For information as to the calculation of the Supplemental Redemption Amount
which will be paid at maturity and the calculation and the composition of the
S&P 500 Index, see "Description of Securities" and "The Standard & Poor's 500
Index" in this Prospectus. FOR OTHER INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 OF THIS
PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form by or
through the Depository. Beneficial owners of the Securities will not have the
right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except under
the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MERP ZR99".
_____________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
_____________
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may be
offered on the New York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
_______________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
_______________
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P") DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR
THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, HOLDERS OF THE SECURITIES,
OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED UNDER THE LICENSE
AGREEMENT DESCRIBED HEREIN OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P
HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
_______________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
2
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS
IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY (WITHOUT
EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF ANY OR
ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS FOR SUCH
COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE SECRETARY'S
OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide financial
services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged in such
other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges...... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
3
RISK FACTORS
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
Investors should be aware that if the Final Average Value of the S&P 500 Index
does not exceed the Initial Value by more than approximately 15.63%, beneficial
owners of the Securities will receive only the principal amount thereof and the
Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount. A beneficial owner of the Securities may
receive a Supplemental Redemption Amount equal only to the Minimum Supplemental
Redemption Amount at maturity, and such Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount
is below what the Company would pay as interest as of the date of issuance if
the Company issued non-callable senior debt securities with a similar maturity
as that of the Securities. The return of principal of the Securities at maturity
and the payment of the Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount are not expected
to reflect the full opportunity costs implied by inflation or other factors
relating to the time value of money.
The S&P 500 Index does not reflect the payment of dividends on the stocks
underlying it and therefore, in addition to the considerations regarding
averaging discussed below, the yield based on the S&P 500 Index to the maturity
of the Securities will not produce the same yield as if such underlying stocks
were purchased and held for a similar period.
Because the Final Average Value will be based upon average values of the S&P
500 Index during specified periods in three successive years, a significant
increase in the S&P 500 Index as measured by the average values during the
specified period in the final year, or in either earlier year, may be
substantially or entirely offset by the average values of the S&P 500 Index
during the specified periods in the other two years.
TRADING
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MERP ZR99". There can be no assurances as to how the Securities will
trade in the secondary market or whether such market will be liquid. It is
expected that the secondary market for the Securities will be affected by the
creditworthiness of the Company and by a number of other factors. Because the
Final Average Value is an average of the three Calculation Values as described
below, the price at which a beneficial owner of a Security will be able to sell
such Security in the secondary market may be at a discount if the first or
second such Calculation Value is below the Initial Value.
The trading value of the Securities is expected to depend primarily on the
extent of the appreciation, if any, of the S&P 500 Index over the Initial Value.
If, however, Securities are sold prior to the maturity date at a time when the
S&P 500 Index exceeds the Initial Value, the sale price may be at a discount
from the amount expected to be payable to the beneficial owner if such excess of
the S&P 500 Index over the Initial Value were to prevail until maturity of the
Securities because of the possible fluctuation of the S&P 500 Index between the
time of such sale and the maturity date and the effect of the value of the S&P
500 Index on prior days used to calculate the Final Average Value, if any.
Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial owner will be able to sell
Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which could be substantial,
from the principal amount thereof, if, at such time, the S&P 500 Index is below,
equal to or not sufficiently above the Initial Value and/or if the value of the
S&P 500 Index on prior days used to calculate the Final Average Value, if any,
was below, equal to or not sufficiently above the Initial Value. A discount
could also result from rising interest rates.
The trading values of the Securities may be affected by a number of
interrelated factors, including the creditworthiness of the Company and those
factors listed below. The relationship among these factors is complex, including
how these factors affect the relative value of the principal amount of the
Securities to be repaid at maturity and the value of the Supplemental Redemption
Amount. Accordingly, investors should be aware that factors other than the level
of the S&P 500 Index are likely to affect the Securities' trading value. The
expected theorized effect on the trading value of the Securities of each of the
factors listed below, assuming in each case that all other factors are held
constant, is as follows:
Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the value of the
Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease, the value
of the Securities is expected to increase. Interest rates may also affect the
U.S. economy, and, in turn, the value of the S&P 500 Index. Rising interest
rates may lower the value of the
4
S&P 500 Index and, thus, the Securities. Falling interest rates may increase
the value of the S&P 500 Index and, thus, may increase the value of the
Securities.
Volatility of the S&P 500 Index. If the volatility of the S&P 500 Index
increases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to increase. If the
volatility of the S&P 500 Index decreases, the trading value of the Securities
is expected to decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the S&P 500 Index.
This difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning
the value of the S&P 500 Index during the period prior to maturity of the
Securities. As the time remaining to maturity of the Securities decreases,
however, this time premium is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the
trading value of the Securities. In addition, the price at which a beneficial
owner may be able to sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount,
which may be substantial, from the minimum expected value at maturity if one
or more Calculation Values, as defined below, were below, equal to or not
sufficiently above the Initial Value.
Dividend Rates in the United States. If dividend rates on the stocks
comprising the S&P 500 Index increase, the value of the Securities is expected
to decrease. Conversely, if dividend rates on the stocks comprising the S&P
500 Index decrease, the value of the Securities is expected to increase.
However, in general, rising U.S. corporate dividend rates may increase the
value of the S&P 500 Index and, in turn, increase the value of the Securities.
Conversely, falling U.S. dividend rates may decrease the value of the S&P 500
Index and, in turn, decrease the value of the Securities.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in light of their particular circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, which is
more fully described under "Other Terms" in this Prospectus. The Securities
will mature on June 30, 1999.
No periodic payments of interest will be payable with respect to the
Securities. (See "Payment at Maturity", below.)
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities--Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other Terms--Events of
Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities are transferable in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof.
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, all as provided
below. If the Final Average Value of the S&P 500 Index does not exceed the
Initial Value by more than approximately 15.63%, a beneficial owner of a
Security will be entitled to receive only the principal amount thereof and the
Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount.
5
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive,
with respect to each such Security, (i) the principal amount thereof, and (ii)
the Supplemental Redemption Amount equal in amount to:
Principal Amount x Final Average Value-Initial Value x 128%
---------------------------------
Initial Value
provided, that the Supplemental Redemption Amount will not be less than the
Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount of $200 per $1,000 principal amount of
Securities. The Initial Value equals 447.43, the closing value of the S&P 500
Index on June 16, 1993.
The Final Average Value of the S&P 500 Index will be determined by State
Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Calculation Agent") and will equal the
arithmetic average (mean) of the Yearly Values, as defined below, for 1997, 1998
and 1999. The Yearly Value for any year will be calculated during the
Calculation Period for such year which will be from and including June 18 in
1997, June 18 in 1998 and June 17 in 1999 to and including the fifth scheduled
Business Day after such date. The Yearly Value for each year will equal the
arithmetic average (mean) of the closing values of the S&P 500 Index on the
first day in the applicable Calculation Period (provided that a Market
Disruption Event, as defined below, shall not have occurred on such day) and on
each succeeding Business Day (provided that a Market Disruption Event shall not
have occurred on the applicable day) up to and including the last Business Day
in the applicable Calculation Period (each, a "Calculation Date") until the
Calculation Agent has so determined such closing values for five Business Days.
If a Market Disruption Event occurs on two or more of the Business Days during a
Calculation Period, the Yearly Value for the relevant year will equal the
average of the values on Business Days on which a Market Disruption Event did
not occur during such Calculation Period or, if there is only one such Business
Day, the value on such day. If Market Disruption Events occur on all of such
Business Days during a Calculation Period, the Yearly Value for the relevant
year shall equal the closing value of the S&P 500 Index on the last Business Day
of the Calculation Period regardless of whether a Market Disruption Event shall
have occurred on such day.
For purposes of determining the Final Average Value, a "Business Day" is a day
on which The New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. All determinations
made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of the Calculation
Agent and, absent a determination by the Calculation Agent of a manifest error,
shall be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial
owners of the Securities.
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P 500 Index and S&P or another entity
publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent determines,
in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the S&P 500 Index (any such index
being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the
Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the
Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated
by S&P or such other entity for the S&P 500 Index and calculate the Final
Average Value as described in the preceding paragraph. Upon any selection by the
Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof
to be published in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation) within three Business Days of such selection.
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P 500 Index and a Successor Index is
not selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Dates, the value to be substituted for the S&P 500 Index for any
such Calculation Date used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at
maturity will be calculated as described below under "Discontinuance of the S&P
500 Index".
If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent calculates a value
as a substitute for the S&P 500 Index as described below, such Successor Index
or value shall be substituted for the S&P 500 Index for all purposes, including
for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If at any time the method of calculating the S&P 500 Index, or the value
thereof, is changed in a material respect, or if the S&P 500 Index is in any
other way modified so that such Index does not, in the opinion of the
Calculation Agent, fairly represent the value of the S&P 500 Index had such
changes or modifications not been made, then, from and after such time, the
Calculation Agent shall, at the close of business in New York, New York, on each
date that the closing value with respect to the Final Average Value is to be
calculated, make such adjustments as, in the good faith judgment of the
Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order to arrive at a calculation of a
6
value of a stock index comparable to the S&P 500 Index as if such changes or
modifications had not been made, and calculate such closing value with reference
to the S&P 500 Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the method of calculating the
S&P 500 Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a fraction or a
multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified (e.g., due to a
split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust such Index in order
to arrive at a value of the S&P 500 Index as if it had not been modified (e.g.,
as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as determined
by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to New
York Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or
promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange, any other self regulatory
organization or the Commission of similar scope as determined by the
Calculation Agent) on trading during significant market fluctuations shall be
considered "material" for purposes of this definition), in each case, for
more than two hours of trading in 100 or more of the securities included in
the S&P 500 Index, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation, in each case, for more than
two hours of trading (whether by reason of movements in price otherwise
exceeding levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in (A)
futures contracts related to the S&P 500 Index which are traded on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange or (B) option contracts related to the S&P 500
Index which are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Final Average
Values, the total amount payable at maturity for each $1,000 principal amount of
Securities.
TOTAL
HYPOTHETICAL FINAL PERCENTAGE CHANGE AMOUNT
AVERAGE VALUE OF OVER INITIAL PAYABLE AT
THE S&P 500 INDEX VALUE MATURITY
- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
223.72 -50% $1,200
268.46 -40% $1,200
313.20 -30% $1,200
357.94 -20% $1,200
402.69 -10% $1,200
447.43/(1)/ 0% $1,200
492.17 10% $1,200
536.92 20% $1,256
581.66 30% $1,384
626.40 40% $1,512
671.15 50% $1,640
715.89 60% $1,768
760.63 70% $1,896
805.37 80% $2,024
850.12 90% $2,152
894.86 100% $2,280
939.60 110% $2,408
984.35 120% $2,536
_______________________
(1) Initial Value.
7
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual Total
Redemption Amount received by investors will depend entirely on the actual Final
Average Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein. Because
the Final Average Value will be based upon average values of the S&P 500 Index
during specified periods in three successive years, a significant increase or
decrease in the S&P 500 Index as measured by the average values during the
specified period in any year may be substantially or entirely offset by the
average values of the S&P 500 Index during the specified periods in the other
two years.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York.
Under present New York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a
simple interest basis. This limit may not apply to Securities in which
$2,500,000 or more has been invested. While the Company believes that New York
law would be given effect by a state or federal court sitting outside of New
York, state laws frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged
to and paid by a borrower (including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). It is
suggested that prospective investors consult their personal advisors with
respect to the applicability of such laws. The Company has covenanted for the
benefit of the beneficial owners of the Securities, to the extent permitted by
law, not to claim voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning usurious rates
of interest against a beneficial owner of the Securities.
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX AND SUCCESSOR INDEX
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P 500 Index and a Successor Index is
available, then the amount payable at maturity or upon earlier acceleration will
be determined by reference to the Successor Index, as provided above.
If the publication of the S&P 500 Index is discontinued and S&P or another
entity does not publish a Successor Index on any of the Calculation Dates, the
value to be substituted for the S&P 500 Index for any such Calculation Date used
to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity will be the value
computed by the Calculation Agent for each such Calculation Date in accordance
with the following procedures:
(1) identifying the component stocks of the S&P 500 Index or any Successor
Index as of the last date on which either of such indices was calculated by S&P
or another entity and published by S&P or such other entity (each such component
stock is a "Last Component Stock");
(2) for each Last Component Stock, calculating as of each such Calculation
Date the product of the market price per share and the number of the then
outstanding shares (such product referred to as the "Market Value" of such
stock), by reference to (a) the closing market price per share of such Last
Component Stock as quoted by the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock
Exchange or any other registered national securities exchange that is the
primary market for such Last Component Stock, or if no such quotation is
available, then the closing market price as quoted by any other registered
national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotation National Market System ("NASDAQ"), or if no such price is
quoted, then the market price from the best available source as determined by
the Calculation Agent (collectively, the "Exchanges") and (b) the most recent
publicly available statement of the number of outstanding shares of such Last
Component Stock;
(3) aggregating the Market Values obtained in clause (2) for all Last
Component Stocks;
(4) ascertaining the Base Value (as defined below under "The Standard &
Poor's 500 Index--Computation of the Index") in effect as of the last day on
which either the S&P 500 Index or any Successor Index was published by S&P or
another entity, adjusted as described below;
(5) dividing the aggregate Market Value of all Last Component Stocks by the
Base Value (adjusted as aforesaid);
(6) multiplying the resulting quotient (expressed in decimals) by ten.
If any Last Component Stock is no longer publicly traded on any registered
national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, the last
available market price per share for such Last Component Stock as quoted by any
registered national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, and
the number of outstanding shares
8
thereof at such time, will be used in computing the last available Market Value
of such Last Component Stock. Such Market Value will be used in all computations
of the S&P 500 Index thereafter.
If a company that has issued a Last Component Stock and another company that
has issued a Last Component Stock are consolidated to form a new company, the
common stock of such new company will be considered a Last Component Stock and
the common stocks of the constituent companies will no longer be considered Last
Component Stocks. If any company that has issued a Last Component Stock merges
with, or acquires, a company that has not issued a Last Component Stock, the
common stock of the surviving corporation will, upon the effectiveness of such
merger or acquisition, be considered a Last Component Stock. In each such case,
the Base Value will be adjusted so that the Base Value immediately after such
consolidation, merger or acquisition will equal (a) the Base Value immediately
prior to such event, multiplied by (b) the quotient of the aggregate Market
Value of all Last Component Stocks immediately after such event, divided by the
aggregate Market Value for all Last Component Stocks immediately prior to such
event.
If a company that has issued a Last Component Stock issues a stock dividend,
declares a stock split or issues new shares pursuant to the acquisition of
another company, then, in each case, the Base Value will be adjusted (in
accordance with the formula described below) so that the Base Value immediately
after the time the particular Last Component Stock commences trading ex-
dividend, the effectiveness of the stock split or the time new shares of such
Last Component Stock commence trading equals (a) the Base Value immediately
prior to such event, multiplied by (b) the quotient of the aggregate Market
Value for all Last Component Stocks immediately after such event, divided by the
aggregate Market Value of all Last Component Stocks immediately prior to such
event. The Base Value used by the Calculation Agent to calculate the value
described above will not necessarily be adjusted in all cases in which S&P, in
its discretion, might adjust the Base Value (as described below under "The
Standard & Poor's 500 Index--Computation of the S&P 500 Index").
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P 500 Index prior to the period
during which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the
Calculation Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time,
then on each Business Day until the earlier to occur of (i) the determination of
the Final Average Value and (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a
Successor Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value
that would be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount by reference
to the method set forth in clauses (1) through (6) in the fourth preceding
paragraph above as if such day were a Calculation Date. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the S&P 500 Index may adversely affect
trading in the Securities.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each $1,000
principal amount thereof, will be equal to: (i) the initial issue price
($1,000), plus (ii) an additional amount of contingent interest calculated as
though the date of early repayment were the maturity date of the Securities. The
Calculation Period used to calculate the final Yearly Value of the Notes so
accelerated will begin on the eighth scheduled Business Day next preceding the
scheduled date for such early redemption. If such final Yearly Value is the only
Yearly Value which shall have been calculated with respect to the Notes, such
final Yearly Value will be the Final Average Value. If one or two other Yearly
Values shall have been calculated with respect to the Notes for prior years when
the Notes shall have been outstanding, the average of the final Yearly Value and
such one other Yearly Value or such two other Yearly Values, as the case may be,
will be the Final Average Value. The Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to any such early redemption date will be an amount equal to the
interest which would have accrued on the Securities from and including the date
of original issuance to but excluding the date of early redemption at an
annualized rate of 3.06%, calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis. See
"Description of Securities--Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a
bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the
beneficial owner of a Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title
11 of the United States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an
additional amount of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the
commencement of the proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
9
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities (whether
at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the beneficial owners
thereof, at the rate of 7% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of
such amount has been made or duly provided for.
DEPOSITORY
The Securities are represented by three fully registered global securities
(the "Global Securities"). Each such Global Security has been deposited with, or
on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), as Depository (the
"Depository"), registered in the name of DTC or a nominee thereof. Unless and
until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive form, no
Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a
nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to such Depository
or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or any such nominee
to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also available
to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly
or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not
receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners
are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered
into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of
Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests of
persons held through Participants). The laws of some states may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to own,
transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in a
Global Security will not be entitled to have the Securities represented by such
Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the Securities in definitive form and will not be
considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture.
Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a Global Security must
rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such Person is not a Participant, on the
procedures of the Participant through which such Person owns its interest, to
exercise any rights of a Holder under the Senior Indenture. The Company
understands that under existing industry practices, in the event that the
Company requests any action of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest
in such a Global Security desires to give or take any action which a Holder is
entitled to give or take under the Senior Indenture, DTC would authorize the
Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such
action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning through
such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
10
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to, Securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made
to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global
Securities representing such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any
other agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility
or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects
that DTC, upon receipt of any payment of principal or any Supplemental
Redemption Amount in respect of a Global Security, will credit the accounts of
the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as
shown on the records of DTC. The Company also expects that payments by
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing customer
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the S&P 500 Index,
including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in
its components, was derived from publicly available information prepared by S&P
as of May 28, 1993. The Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy or
completeness of such information.
GENERAL
The S&P 500 Index is published by S&P and is intended to provide an indication
of the pattern of common stock price movement. The calculation of the value of
the S&P 500 Index (discussed below in further detail) is based on the relative
value of the aggregate Market Value (as defined above) of the common stocks of
500 companies as of a particular time as compared to the aggregate average
Market Value of the common stocks of 500 similar companies during the base
period of the years 1941 through 1943. As of May 28, 1993, the 500 companies
included in the S&P 500 Index represented approximately 75% of the aggregate
Market Value of common stocks traded on The New York Stock Exchange; however,
the 500 companies are not the 500 largest companies listed on The New York Stock
Exchange and not all 500 companies are listed on such exchange. As of May 28,
1993, the aggregate market value of the 500 companies included in the S&P 500
Index represented approximately 70% of the aggregate market value of United
States domestic, public companies. S&P chooses companies for inclusion in the
S&P 500 Index with the aim of achieving a distribution by broad industry
groupings that approximates the distribution of these groupings in the common
stock population of The New York Stock Exchange, which S&P uses as an assumed
model for the composition of the total market. Relevant criteria employed by S&P
include the viability of the particular company, the extent to which that
company represents the industry group to which it is assigned, the extent to
which the market price of that company's common stock is generally responsive to
changes in the affairs of the respective industry and the Market Value and
trading activity of the common stock of that company. As of May 28, 1993, the
500 companies included in the Index were divided into 88 individual groups.
These individual groups comprised the following four main groups of companies
(with the number of companies currently included in each group indicated in
parentheses): Industrials (384), Utilities (46), Transportation (15) and
Financial (55). S&P may from time to time, in its sole discretion, add companies
to, or delete companies from, the S&P 500 Index to achieve the objectives stated
above.
11
COMPUTATION OF THE S&P 500 INDEX
S&P computes the S&P 500 Index as of a particular time as follows:
(1) the Market Value of each component stock is determined as of such
time;
(2) the Market Value of all component stocks as of such time (as
determined under clause (1) above) are aggregated;
(3) the mean average of the Market Values as of each week in the base
period of the years 1941 through 1943 of the common stock of each company
in a group of 500 substantially similar companies is determined;
(4) the mean average Market Values of all such common stocks over such
base period (as determined under clause (3) above) are aggregated (such
aggregate amount being referred to as the "Base Value");
(5) the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks as of such time
(as determined under clause (2) above) is divided by the Base Value; and
(6) the resulting quotient (expressed in decimals) is multiplied by ten.
While S&P employs the above methodology to calculate the S&P 500 Index, no
assurance can be given that S&P will not modify or change such methodology in a
manner that may affect the Supplemental Redemption Amount payable to beneficial
owners of Securities upon maturity or otherwise.
S&P adjusts the foregoing formula to negate the effect of changes in the
Market Value of a component stock that are determined by S&P to be arbitrary or
not due to true market fluctuations. Such changes may result from such causes as
the issuance of stock dividends, the granting to shareholders of rights to
purchase additional shares of such stock, the purchase thereof by employees
pursuant to employee benefit plans, certain consolidations and acquisitions, the
granting to shareholders of rights to purchase other securities of the company,
the substitution by S&P of particular component stocks in the S&P 500 Index, and
other reasons. In all such cases, S&P first recalculates the aggregate Market
Value of all component stocks (after taking account of the new market price per
share of the particular component stock or the new number of outstanding shares
thereof or both, as the case may be) and then determines the New Base Value in
accordance with the following formula:
Old Base Value x New Market Value = New Base Value
----------------
Old Market Value
The result is that the Base Value is adjusted in proportion to any change in the
aggregate Market Value of all component stocks resulting from the causes
referred to above to the extent necessary to negate the effects of such causes
upon the S&P 500 Index.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the S&P
500 Index. The historical performance of the S&P 500 Index should not be taken
as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that the
S&P 500 Index will increase sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the
Securities to receive an amount in excess of the principal amount plus the
Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount at the maturity of the Securities.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. have entered into a non-
exclusive license agreement providing for the license to Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and
published by S&P in connection with certain securities, including the
Securities, and the Company is an authorized sublicensee thereof.
The license agreement between S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc.
provides that the following language must be stated in this Prospectus:
12
"The Securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P
makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Holders of
the Securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in securities generally or in the Securities particularly or the
ability of the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market performance.
S&P's only relationship to Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. and the
Company (other than transactions entered into in the ordinary course of
business) is the licensing of certain servicemarks and trade names of S&P
and of the S&P 500 Index which is determined, composed and calculated by
S&P without regard to the Company or the Securities. S&P has no obligation
to take the needs of the Company or the Holders of the Securities into
consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index.
S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of
the timing of the sale of the Securities, prices at which the Securities
are to initially be sold, or quantities of the Securities to be issued or
in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Securities
are to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
Securities."
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act,
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
13
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or such
lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt Securities of that
series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series and the
interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, if any
to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with respect to Senior
Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing at the time of such
declaration. At any time
14
after a declaration of acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt
Securities of any series but before a judgment or decree for payment of money
due has been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any
declaration of acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other
than those due as a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of
Default have been remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to
Senior Debt Securities of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority
in principal amount of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series,
except in a case of failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or
Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which
payment had not been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision
which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Senior Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
15
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEMENT OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
EUROPEAN PORTFOLIO MARKET INDEX TARGET-TERM SECURITIES/SM/ DUE JUNE 30, 1999
("MITTS/(R)/")
On December 30, 1993, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
an aggregate principal amount of $31,000,000 of European Portfolio Market Index
Target-Term Securities due June 30, 1999 (the "Securities" or "MITTS"). Each $10
principal amount of Securities will be deemed a "Unit" for purposes of trading
and transfer at the Securities Depository described below. Units will be
transferable by the Securities Depository, as more fully described below, in
denominations of whole Units.
The Securities will mature on June 30, 1999. At maturity, a beneficial
owner of a Security will be paid an amount based upon the change in the value of
a portfolio (the "Portfolio") of specified stocks of European companies measured
on December 22, 1993 (the "Original Portfolio Value") through the Calculation
Period, all as more fully described herein; provided, however, that the amount
payable at maturity will not be less than $9.00 for each Unit of the Securities
(the "Minimum Payment"). The Closing Portfolio Value will be based on certain
values of the specified stocks during a period prior to the maturity date of the
Securities. While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security may receive an
amount in excess of the principal amount of such Security if the Closing
Portfolio Value exceeds the Original Portfolio Value, there will be no payment
of interest, periodic or otherwise, prior to maturity.
IF THE CLOSING PORTFOLIO VALUE IS LESS THAN THE ORIGINAL PORTFOLIO
VALUE, THE AMOUNT PAYABLE AT MATURITY WITH RESPECT TO A SECURITY WILL BE LESS
THAN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF SUCH SECURITY.
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under
the Senior Indenture described herein. The Securities are not redeemable prior
to maturity.
For information as to the calculation of the amount that will be paid
at maturity and the calculation and the composition of the European portfolio,
see "Description of Securities" and "The Portfolio" in this Prospectus. FOR
OTHER INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "RISK
FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form by
or through the Securities Depository. Beneficial owners of the Securities will
not have the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership
except under the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "MEE".
_____________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
ANY EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
_____________
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities
and is to be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may be
offered on the New York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
_____________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
_____________
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
/(R)/"MITTS" is a registered service mark and /SM/"Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE
COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS
DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room
1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following
Regional Offices of the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office,
Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can
be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and
information statements and other information concerning the Company may also be
inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock
Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission
maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding registrants, including
the Company, that file electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
27, 1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997,
June 27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated
January 13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15,
1997, May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997,
August 1, 1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997,
October 29, 1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997,
December 16, 1997 and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the
Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and
prior to the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the
initial Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration
Statement, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus
and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement
contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF
ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS
FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF
2
THIS PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS
OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of
the largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are
engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one
of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory
services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies.
Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and
Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers
and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative
transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance
underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and
annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted
through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit,
offering money market deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing
currency exchange facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World
Financial Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its
telephone number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to
fixed charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges ......... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
If the Closing Portfolio Value is less than the Original Portfolio Value,
beneficial owners of the Securities will receive less than the principal amount
of such Securities at maturity, but not less than the Minimum Payment.
3
Beneficial owners would receive only the return of principal if the Closing
Portfolio Value should equal the Original Portfolio Value. This will be true
even though the Portfolio Value as of some interim period or periods prior to
the Calculation Period may have exceeded the Original Portfolio Value, since the
Closing Portfolio Value is calculated on the basis of the average of the value
of Portfolio Securities only on the Calculation Days.
Even if the principal of the Securities is fully returned, such return of
principal does not reflect any opportunity cost implied by inflation and other
factors relating to the time value of money.
The return based on the Closing Portfolio Value relative to the Original
Portfolio Value generally will not produce the same return as if the Portfolio
Securities were purchased and held for a similar period, because, among other
reasons, any payment at maturity on the Securities based on an increase in the
value of the Portfolio will not reflect the payment of dividends on the
Portfolio Securities.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New York.
Under present New York law the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a
simple interest basis. This limit may not apply to Securities in which
$2,500,000 or more has been invested. While the Company believes that New York
law would be given effect by a state or federal court sitting outside New York,
state laws frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and
paid by a borrower (including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). The Company
has covenanted for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities, to the extent
permitted by law, not to claim voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning
usurious rates of interest against a Holder of the Securities.
TRADING
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange. It is
expected that the secondary market for the Securities will be affected by the
creditworthiness of the Company and by a number of other factors. The trading
value of the Securities is expected to depend primarily on the extent of the
appreciation, if any, of the Portfolio Value over the Original Portfolio Value.
If, however, Securities are sold prior to the maturity date at a time when the
Portfolio Value exceeds the Original Portfolio Value, the sale price may be at a
discount from the amount expected to be payable to the beneficial owner if such
excess of the Portfolio Value over the Original Portfolio Value were to prevail
during the Calculation Period. Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial
owner will be able to sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount,
which could be substantial, from the principal amount thereof, if, at such time,
the Portfolio Value is below, equal to or not sufficiently above the Original
Portfolio Value. A discount could also result from rising interest rates.
The trading values of the Securities may be affected by a number of
interrelated factors, including those listed below. The relationship among
these factors is complex, including how these factors affect the value of the
principal amount of the Securities payable at maturity, if any, in excess of the
principal amount of the Securities. Accordingly, investors should be aware that
factors other than the level of the Portfolio Value are likely to affect their
trading value. The expected theoretical effect on the trading value of the
Securities of each of the factors listed below, assuming in each case that all
other factors are held constant, is as follows:
Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the value of
the Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease,
the value of the Securities is expected to increase. Local interest rates
may also affect the economies of countries in which issuers of the
Portfolio Securities or the shares underlying the Portfolio Securities
operate, and, in turn, affect the Portfolio Value.
Volatility of the Portfolio Value. If the volatility of the Portfolio
Value increases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
increase. If the volatility of the Portfolio Value decreases, the trading
value of the Securities is expected to decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of the Portfolio Value. This
difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the
4
Portfolio Value during the period prior to maturity of the Securities. As
the time remaining to maturity of the Securities decreases, however, this
time premium is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of
the Securities.
Dividend Rates. If dividend rates on the Portfolio Securities and
Underlying Shares (as defined herein) increase, the value of the Securities
is expected to decrease. Conversely, if dividend rates on the Portfolio
Securities and Underlying Shares decrease, the value of the Securities is
expected to increase. Local general corporate dividend rates may also
affect the Portfolio Value and, in turn, the value of the Securities.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE AND FOREIGN MARKET CONSIDERATIONS
The Securities are U.S. dollar-denominated securities issued by the
Company, a United States corporation. Investments in the Securities do not give
the beneficial owners any right to receive any Portfolio Security or any other
ownership right or interest in the Portfolio Securities, although the return on
the investment in the Securities is based on the Portfolio Value of the
Portfolio Securities. All of the Portfolio Securities (or securities underlying
the ADRs included in the Portfolio) have been issued by non-United States
companies. The prices of the securities underlying the ADRs are quoted in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar price of an ADR will
depend on the price of the security underlying the ADR and the exchange rate
between such foreign currency and the U.S. dollar. Even if the price in a
foreign currency of the security underlying an ADR is unchanged, changes in the
rates of exchange between the U.S. dollar and such foreign currency will change
the U.S. dollar price of such ADR. Furthermore, even if the price of the
security underlying the ADR in such foreign currency increases, the U.S. dollar
price of such ADR may decrease as a result of changes in the rates of exchange
between the U.S. dollar and such foreign currency. The U.S. dollar price of a
Portfolio Security that trades in the United States and outside the United
States and is not an ADR will also be similarly affected by changes in the
exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currency in which such
Portfolio Security trades outside the United States. Rates of exchange between
the dollar and other currencies are determined by forces of supply and demand in
the foreign exchange markets. These forces are, in turn, affected by
international balance of payments and other economic and financial conditions,
government intervention, speculation and other factors.
Investments in securities indexed to the value of non-United States
securities involve certain risks. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, future
foreign political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of
exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions applicable
to such investments may affect the U.S. dollar value of such securities,
including the Portfolio Securities. Securities prices in different countries are
subject to different economic, financial, political and social factors.
Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S.
economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation,
capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments
position. With respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of
expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability
or diplomatic developments which could affect the value of investments in those
countries. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign
company than about a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements
comparable to those to which U.S. entities are subject. Certain foreign
investments may be subject to foreign withholding taxes which could affect the
value of investment in these countries. In addition, investment laws in certain
foreign countries may limit or restrict ownership of certain securities by
foreign nationals by restricting or eliminating voting or other rights or
limiting the amount of securities that may be so owned, and such limitations or
restrictions may affect the prices of such securities.
Foreign financial markets, while currently growing in volume, may have
substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and securities of many foreign
companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of
comparable domestic companies. The foreign markets have different trading
practices that may affect the prices of securities. Certain of the foreign
markets on which shares underlying ADRs which are Portfolio Securities trade
impose trading restrictions if certain price movements occur. The foreign
markets have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain
countries there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace
with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such
transactions. There is generally
5
less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers in
foreign countries than there is in the U.S. In addition, the terms and
conditions of depositary facilities may result in less liquidity or lower market
values for the Portfolio Securities than for the underlying stocks.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
Certain of the Portfolio Securities are in the form of American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs"). An ADR is a negotiable receipt which is issued by a
depositary, generally a bank, representing shares (the "Underlying Shares") of a
foreign issuer (the "Foreign Issuer") that have been deposited and are held, on
behalf of the holders of the ADRs, at a custodian bank in the Foreign Issuer's
home country. While the market for Underlying Shares will generally be in the
country in which the Foreign Issuer is organized, and trading in such market
will generally be based on that country's currency, ADRs that are Portfolio
Securities will trade in U.S. Dollars.
Although ADRs are distinct securities from the Underlying Shares, the
trading characteristics and valuations of ADRs will usually, but not
necessarily, mirror the characteristics and valuations of the Underlying Shares
represented by the ADRs. Active trading volume and efficient pricing in the
principal market in the home country for the Underlying Shares will usually
indicate similar characteristics in respect of the ADRs. In the case of certain
ADRs, however, there may be inadequate familiarity with or information about the
Foreign Issuer of the Underlying Shares represented by the ADR in the market in
which the ADR trades to support active volume, thus resulting in pricing
distortions. This is more likely to occur when the ADR is not listed on a U.S.
stock exchange or quoted on the National Market System of the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System ("NASDAQ"), and
trades only in the over-the-counter market, because the Foreign Issuer is not
required to register such ADRs under the Exchange Act, as is the case with ADRs
so listed or quoted. In addition, because of the size of an offering of
Underlying Shares in ADR form outside the home country and/or other factors that
have limited or increased the float of certain ADRs, the liquidity of such
securities may be less than or greater than that with respect to the Underlying
Shares. Inasmuch as holders of ADRs may surrender the ADR in order to take
delivery of and trade the Underlying Shares, a characteristic that allows
investors in ADRs to take advantage of price differentials between different
markets, a market for the Underlying Shares that is not liquid will generally
result in an illiquid market for the ADR representing such Underlying Shares.
The depositary bank that issues an ADR generally charges a fee, based on
the price of the ADR, upon issuance and cancellation of the ADR. This fee would
be in addition to the brokerage commissions paid upon the acquisition or
surrender of the security. In addition, the depositary bank incurs expenses in
connection with the conversion of dividends or other cash distributions paid in
local currency into U.S. Dollars and such expenses are deducted from the amount
of the dividend or distribution paid to holders, resulting in a lower payout per
Underlying Share represented by the ADR than would be the case if the Underlying
Share were held directly. Furthermore, foreign investment laws in certain
countries may restrict ownership by foreign nationals of certain classes of
Underlying Shares. Accordingly, the ADR representing such class of securities
may not possess voting rights, if any, equivalent to those in respect of the
Underlying Shares. Certain tax considerations, including tax rate differentials,
arising from application of the tax laws of one nation to the nationals of
another and from certain practices in the ADR market may also exist with respect
to certain ADRs. In varying degrees, any or all of these factors may affect the
value of the ADR compared with the value of the Underlying Shares in the home
market of the issuer.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in the light of each investor's particular
circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
6
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated. The
principal amount of each Security will equal $10 for each Unit. The Securities
will mature on June 30, 1999.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security may receive an amount in
excess of the principal amount of such Security if the Closing Portfolio Value
exceeds the Original Portfolio Value, there will be no payment of interest,
periodic or otherwise, prior to maturity. (See "Payment at Maturity", below.)
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the
option of any Holder prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, Holders of the Securities may accelerate
the maturity of the Securities, as described below.
The Securities are to be issued in denominations of whole Units. Each Unit
is equal to $10 principal amount of the Securities.
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive,
with respect to each $10 principal amount of the Security, an amount equal to
the following:
$10 X Closing Portfolio Value
-----------------------
$100
provided, however, that the amount payable at maturity will not be less than $9
for each $10 principal amount of Securities (the "Minimum Payment"). Based on
the prices of the Portfolio Securities on December 22, 1993, the Multipliers
were initially set so that the value of the Portfolio on such date equalled $100
(the "Original Portfolio Value").
If the Closing Portfolio Value is equal to $90 or less, a beneficial owner
of a Security will receive the Minimum Payment of $9 for each $10 principal
amount of the Securities at maturity. If the Closing Portfolio Value is between
$90 and $100, a beneficial owner of a Security will receive between $9 and $10
for each $10 principal amount of the Securities at maturity.
The "Closing Portfolio Value" will be determined by MLPF&S, an affiliate of
the Company, or successor thereto (the "Calculation Agent"), and will equal the
sum of the products of the Average Market Price and the applicable Multiplier
for each Portfolio Security. The "Average Market Price" of a Portfolio Security
will equal the average (mean) of the Market Prices of such Portfolio Security
determined on each of the first forty-five Calculation Days with respect to such
Portfolio Security during the Calculation Period. If there are fewer than
forty-five Calculation Days with respect to a Portfolio Security, then the
Average Market Price with respect to such Portfolio Security will equal the
average (mean) of the Market Prices on such Calculation Days, and if there is
only one Calculation Day, then the Average Market Price will equal the Market
Price on such Calculation Day. The "Calculation Period" means the period from
and including the ninetieth scheduled NYSE Trading Day (as defined below) prior
to the maturity date to and including the fourth scheduled NYSE Trading Day
prior to the maturity date. "Calculation Day" with respect to a Portfolio
Security means any Trading Day during the Calculation Period in the country in
which such Portfolio Security is being priced on which a Market Disruption Event
has not occurred. If a Market Disruption Event occurs on all Trading Days in
such country during the Calculation Period then the fourth scheduled NYSE
Trading Day prior to the maturity date in such country will be deemed a
Calculation Day, notwithstanding the Market Disruption Event; provided, however,
that if such fourth scheduled NYSE Trading Day is not a Trading Day in such
country, then the immediately preceding Trading Day shall instead
7
be deemed a Calculation Day. Any reference to a specific day herein shall mean
such calendar day in each market in which Portfolio Securities are priced.
"Market Price" means for a Calculation Day the following:
(a) If the Portfolio Security is listed on a national securities exchange
in the United States, is a NASDAQ National Market System ("NASDAQ NMS")
security or is included in the OTC Bulletin Board Service ("OTC Bulletin
Board") operated by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(the "NASD"), Market Price means (i) the last reported sale price, regular
way, on such day on the principal United States securities exchange
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on which such
Portfolio Security is listed or admitted to trading, or (ii) if not listed
or admitted to trading on any such securities exchange or if such last
reported sale price is not obtainable, the last reported sale price on the
over-the-counter market as reported on the NASDAQ NMS or OTC Bulletin Board
on such day, or (iii) if the last reported sale price is not available
pursuant to (i) and (ii) above, the mean of the last reported bid and offer
price on the over-the-counter market as reported on the NASDAQ NMS or OTC
Bulletin Board on such day as determined by the Calculation Agent. The term
"NASDAQ NMS security" shall include a security included in any successor to
such system and the term "OTC Bulletin Board Service" shall include any
successor service thereto.
(b) If the Portfolio Security is not listed on a national securities
exchange in the United States or is not a NASDAQ NMS security or included
in the OTC Bulletin Board operated by the NASD, Market Price means the last
reported sale price on such day on the securities exchange on which such
Portfolio Security is listed or admitted to trading with the greatest
volume of trading for the calendar month preceding such day as determined
by the Calculation Agent, provided that if such last reported sale price is
for a transaction which occurred more than four hours prior to the close of
such exchange, then the Market Price shall mean the average (mean) of the
last available bid and offer price on such exchange. If such Portfolio
Security is not listed or admitted to trading on any such securities
exchange or if such last reported sale price or bid and offer are not
obtainable, the Market Price shall mean the last reported sale price on the
over-the-counter market with the greatest volume of trading as determined
by the Calculation Agent, provided that if such last reported sale price is
for a transaction which occurred more than four hours prior to when trading
in such over-the-counter market typically ends, then the Market Price shall
mean the average (mean) of the last available bid and offer prices in such
market of the three dealers which have the highest volume of transactions
in such Portfolio Security in the immediately preceding calendar month as
determined by the Calculation Agent based on information that is reasonably
available to it. If such prices are quoted in a currency other than in U.S.
Dollars, such prices will be translated into U.S. Dollars for purposes of
calculating the Average Market Price using the Spot Rate on the same
calendar day as the date of any such price. The "Spot Rate" on any date
will be determined by the Calculation Agent and will equal the spot rate of
such currency per U.S. $1.00 on such date at approximately 3:00 p.m., New
York City time, as reported on the information service operated by
Bloomberg, L.P. ("Bloomberg") representing the mean of certain dealers in
such currency or, if Bloomberg has not reported such rate by 3:30 p.m., New
York City time, on such day, the offered spot rate of such currency per
U.S. $1.00 on such date for a transaction amount in an amount customary for
such market on such date quoted at approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City
time, by a leading bank in the foreign exchange markets as may be selected
by the Calculation Agent.
If the Calculation Agent is required to use the bid and offer price for a
Portfolio Security to determine the Market Price of such Portfolio Security
pursuant to the foregoing, the Calculation Agent shall not use any bid or offer
price announced by MLPF&S or any other affiliate of the Company.
As used herein, "NYSE Trading Day" shall mean a day on which trading is
generally conducted in the over-the-counter market for equity securities in the
United States and on the New York Stock Exchange as determined by the
Calculation Agent. "Trading Day" shall mean a day on which trading is conducted
on the principal securities exchanges in the country in which such Portfolio
Security is being priced.
8
"Market Disruption Event" with respect to a Portfolio Security means either
of the following events, as determined by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (provided that, with respect to
Portfolio Securities that are priced in the United States, limitations
pursuant to New York Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or
regulation enacted or promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange, any other
self regulatory organization or the Commission of similar scope as
determined by the Calculation Agent) on trading during significant market
fluctuations shall be considered "material" for purposes of this
definition) in the trading of such Portfolio Security in the country in
which such Portfolio Security is being priced for more than two hours of
trading or during the period one-half hour prior to the time that such
Portfolio Security is to be priced, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation (whether by reason of movements
in price otherwise exceeding levels permitted by the relevant exchange or
otherwise) in option contracts related to a Portfolio Security traded on
any exchange in the country in which such Portfolio Security is being
priced for more than two hours of trading or during the period one-half
hour prior to the time that such Portfolio Security is to be priced.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange. Under certain circumstances, the duties of MLPF&S as
Calculation Agent in determining the existence of Market Disruption Events could
conflict with the interests of MLPF&S as an affiliate of the issuer of the
Securities, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., and with the interests of beneficial
owners of the Securities.
All determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole
discretion of the Calculation Agent and, in the absence of manifest error, shall
be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial owners
of the Securities. All percentages resulting from any calculation on the
Securities will be rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage
point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards (e.g.,
9.876545% (or .09876545) would be rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)), and all
dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation will be rounded to the
nearest cent with one-half cent being rounded upwards.
Portfolio Securities
The securities listed below were used to calculate the Original Portfolio
Value. Holders of the MITTS will not have any right to receive the Portfolio
Securities or the Underlying Shares. The following table sets forth the
Portfolio Securities, the percentage of each Portfolio Security in the Original
Portfolio Value and their Initial Multipliers:
9
% of Portfolio
Value
Represented
Issuer of the Country in in Original Initial
Portfolio Security Which Organized ADR Portfolio Value Multiplier
- ------------------ --------------- --- ---------------- ----------
Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie
Generale d'Electricite(1).... France Yes 4.167% 0.145560
Banco de Santander S.A.(1)..... Spain Yes 4.167% 0.084388
Bayer A.G.(3).................. Germany No 4.167% 0.019832
Benetton Group S.p.A.(1)....... Italy Yes 4.167% 0.130719
The British Petroleum Co.,
plc.(1)....................... United Kingdom Yes 4.167% 0.064977
British Telecom-
munications plc.(1)............ United Kingdom Yes 4.167% 0.056402
Cadbury Schweppes plc(1)....... United Kingdom Yes 4.167% 0.136054
Deutsche Bank A.G.(3).......... Germany No 4.167% 0.008103
L.M. Ericsson Telephone
Co., Inc. (1)................ Sweden Yes 4.167% 0.103842
Grand Metropolitan plc(1) United Kingdom Yes 4.167% 0.148810
Hanson plc(1).................. United Kingdom Yes 4.167% 0.205761
Hoechst A.G.(3)................ Germany No 4.167% 0.023662
Nestle S.A.(3)................. Switzerland No 4.167% 0.004792
Philips Electronics N.V.(2).... Netherlands No 4.167% 0.198413
Reuters Holdings plc(1)........ United Kingdom Yes 4.167% 0.051125
Rhone-Poulenc S.A.(1).......... France Yes 4.167% 0.166667
Royal Dutch Petroleum Co.(2)... Netherlands No 4.167% 0.039683
Siemens A.G.(3)................ Germany No 4.167% 0.009207
Societe Nationale
Elf Aquitaine(1)............. France Yes 4.167% 0.115741
Telefonica de Espana, S.A.(1).. Spain Yes 4.167% 0.104167
Total S.A.(1).................. France Yes 4.167% 0.153610
Unilever plc(1)................ United Kingdom Yes 4.167% 0.057870
Vodaphone Group plc(1)......... United Kingdom Yes 4.167% 0.047755
Waste Management
International plc(1)......... United Kingdom Yes 4.167% 0.234742
_______________
(1) As represented in the Portfolio by American Depositary Receipts.
(2) As represented in the Portfolio by ordinary shares traded in U.S. dollars.
(3) As represented in the Portfolio by ordinary shares traded outside the U.S.
and denominated in other than U.S. dollars.
10
The initial Multiplier relating to each Portfolio Security indicates the
number of such Portfolio Security, given the market price of such Portfolio
Security, required to be included in the calculation of the Original Portfolio
Value so that each Portfolio Security represents an equal percentage of the
Original Portfolio Value on December 22, 1993. The price of each Portfolio
Security used to calculate the initial Multiplier relating to each such
Portfolio Security was the closing price of such Portfolio Security on December
22, 1993. The respective Multipliers will remain constant for the term of the
Securities unless adjusted for certain corporate events, as described below.
The Portfolio Value, for any day, will equal the sum of the products of the
most recently available Market Prices (determined as described herein) and the
applicable Multipliers for the Portfolio Securities. The Closing Portfolio
Value, however, is calculated based on averaging Market Prices for certain days.
The Calculation Agent currently intends to publish the Portfolio Value once
on each business day. The Calculation Agent currently calculates and publishes
values of approximately 1,100 specified portfolios. The Calculation Agent
currently provides information concerning such portfolios to the electronic
reporting services operated by Bloomberg and to newspapers and specialized trade
publications. If the Calculation Agent does publish Portfolio Values, the
Calculation Agent currently intends to provide such values to similar sources
described above, but there can be no assurance that such information will
ultimately be published by such sources. In addition, the Calculation Agent
will provide the Portfolio Value upon request, and will provide the Portfolio
Value once each business day to the New York Stock Exchange which has agreed to
report such Portfolio Value on its electronic transaction reporting services
under the symbol "MEP".
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MULTIPLIER AND PORTFOLIO
The Multiplier with respect to any Portfolio Security and the Portfolio
will be adjusted as follows:
1. If a Portfolio Security is subject to a stock split or reverse
stock split or a Portfolio Security that is an ADR is subject to a similar
adjustment, then once such split has become effective, the Multiplier
relating to such Portfolio Security will be adjusted to equal the product
of the number of shares issued with respect to one such share of such
Portfolio Security, or the number of receipts issued with respect to one
ADR if a Portfolio Security is an ADR, and the prior multiplier.
2. If a Portfolio Security is subject to a stock dividend (issuance
of additional shares of the Portfolio Security) that is given equally to
all holders of shares of the issuer of such Portfolio Security, then once
the dividend has become effective and such Portfolio Security is trading
ex-dividend, the Multiplier will be adjusted so that the new Multiplier
shall equal the former Multiplier plus the product of the number of shares
of such Portfolio Security issued with respect to one such share of such
Portfolio Security and the prior multiplier.
3. There will be no adjustments to the Multipliers to reflect cash
dividends or distributions paid with respect of a Portfolio Security other
than for Extraordinary Dividends as described below. A cash dividend with
respect to a Portfolio Security will be deemed to be an "Extraordinary
Dividend" if such dividend exceeds the immediately preceding non-
Extraordinary Dividend for such Portfolio Security by an amount equal to at
least 10% of the Market Price on the Trading Day preceding the record day
for the payment of such Extraordinary Dividend (the "ex-dividend date").
If an Extraordinary Dividend occurs with respect to a Portfolio Security,
the Multiplier with respect to such Portfolio Security will be adjusted on
the ex-dividend date with respect to such Extraordinary Dividend so that
the new Multiplier will equal the product of (i) the then current
Multiplier, and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the sum of the
Extraordinary Dividend Amount and the Market Price on the Trading Day
preceding the ex-dividend date, and the denominator of which is the Market
Price on the Trading Day preceding the ex-dividend date. The
"Extraordinary Dividend Amount" with respect to an Extraordinary Dividend
for a Portfolio Security will equal such Extraordinary Dividend minus the
amount of the immediately preceding non-Extraordinary Dividend for such
Portfolio Security.
11
4. If the issuer of a Portfolio Security, or, if a Portfolio Security
is an ADR, the issuer of the Underlying Share, is being liquidated or is
subject to a proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law, such Portfolio Security will continue to be included in
the Portfolio so long as a Market Price for such Portfolio Security is
available. If a Market Price is no longer available for a Portfolio
Security for whatever reason, including the liquidation of the issuer of
such Portfolio Security or the subjection of the issuer of such Portfolio
Security to a proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law, then the value of such Portfolio Security will equal
zero in connection with calculating Portfolio Value and Closing Portfolio
Value for so long as no Market Price is available, and no attempt will be
made to find a replacement stock or increase the value of the Portfolio to
compensate for the deletion of such Portfolio Security.
5. If the issuer of a Portfolio Security, or, if a Portfolio Security
is an ADR, the issuer of the Underlying Share, has been subject to a merger
or consolidation and is not the surviving entity or is nationalized, then a
value for such Portfolio Security will be determined at the time such
issuer is merged or consolidated or nationalized and will equal the last
available Market Price for such Portfolio Security and that value will be
constant for the remaining term of the Securities. At such time, no
adjustment will be made to the Multiplier of such Portfolio Security. The
Company may at its sole discretion increase such last available Market
Price to reflect payments or dividends of cash, securities or other
consideration to holders of such Portfolio Security in connection with such
a merger or consolidation which may not be reflected in such last available
Market Price.
6. If the issuer of a Portfolio Security issues to all of its
shareholders equity securities of an issuer other than the issuer of the
Portfolio Security, then such new equity securities will be added to the
Portfolio as a new Portfolio Security. The Multiplier for such new
Portfolio Security will equal the product of the original Multiplier with
respect to the Portfolio Security for which the new Portfolio Security is
being issued (the "Original Portfolio Security") and the number of shares
of the new Portfolio Security issued with respect to one share of the
Original Portfolio Security.
7. If an ADR is no longer listed or admitted to trading on a United
States securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act, is no longer
a NASDAQ NMS security or is no longer included in the OTC Bulletin Board
operated by the NASD, then the Underlying Shares represented by such ADR
will be deemed to be a new Portfolio Security and such ADR will no longer
constitute a Portfolio Security. The initial Multiplier for such new
Portfolio Security will equal the last value of the Multiplier for such ADR
multiplied by the number of shares of Underlying Shares represented by a
single ADR.
No adjustments of any Multiplier of a Portfolio Security will be required
unless such adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in the Multiplier
then in effect. The Multiplier resulting from any of the adjustments specified
above will be rounded to the nearest one thousandth with five ten-thousandths
being rounded upward.
No adjustments to the Multiplier of any Portfolio Security or to the
Portfolio will be made other than those specified above.
12
HYPOTHETICAL PAYMENTS
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Closing
Portfolio Values, the amount payable at maturity for each Unit of Securities.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE PORTFOLIO SECURITIES WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT THAN
INVESTING IN THE SECURITIES. AMONG OTHER THINGS, AN INVESTOR IN THE PORTFOLIO
SECURITIES MAY REALIZE CERTAIN DIVIDENDS THAT ARE NOT REFLECTED BY INVESTING IN
THE SECURITIES, AND CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS MAY SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE OR DECREASE
THE RATE OF RETURN OF THE PORTFOLIO SECURITIES VERSUS INVESTING IN THE
SECURITIES.
Payment at Maturity
Hypothetical Closing Percentage Change per $10 Principal
Portfolio Value in the Portfolio Level Amount of Securities
--------------- ---------------------- --------------------
$ 0.00 -100.00% $ 9.00
$ 10.00 -90.00% $ 9.00
$ 20.00 -80.00% $ 9.00
$ 30.00 -70.00% $ 9.00
$ 40.00 -60.00% $ 9.00
$ 50.00 -50.00% $ 9.00
$ 60.00 -40.00% $ 9.00
$ 70.00 -30.00% $ 9.00
$ 80.00 -20.00% $ 9.00
$ 90.00 -10.00% $ 9.00
$100.00 0.00% $10.00
$110.00 10.00% $11.00
$120.00 20.00% $12.00
$130.00 30.00% $13.00
$140.00 40.00% $14.00
$150.00 50.00% $15.00
$160.00 60.00% $16.00
$170.00 70.00% $17.00
$180.00 80.00% $18.00
$190.00 90.00% $19.00
$200.00 100.00% $20.00
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual amount
payable at maturity with respect to the Securities will depend entirely on the
actual Closing Portfolio Value.
The investor will not receive their entire principal at maturity should the
Portfolio decline in value. The investor will only receive $9.00 for each $10
principal amount of Securities (90% of their original investment) should the
Portfolio decline in value by 10% or more.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have
occurred and be continuing, the amount payable to a Holder of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities will be equal to the amount payable
calculated as though the date of early repayment were the maturity date of the
Securities. See "Description of Securities--Payment at Maturity" in this
Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of the Company,
the claim of the Holder of a Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of
Title 11 of the United States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus
an additional amount, if any, of contingent interest calculated as though the
date of the commencement of the proceeding were the maturity date of the
Securities.
13
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities
(whether at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the
maturity date the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the
Holders thereof, at the rate of 6% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of
such amount has been made or duly provided for.
SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
The Securities are represented by one fully registered global security (the
"Global Security"). Such Global Security has been deposited with, or on behalf
of, The Depository Trust Company, as Securities Depository (the "Securities
Depository), registered in the name of the Securities Depository or a nominee
thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in
definitive form, the Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by
the Securities Depository to a nominee of such Securities Depository or by a
nominee of such Securities Depository to such Securities Depository or another
nominee of such Securities Depository or by such Securities Depository or any
such nominee to a successor of such Securities Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The
Securities Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the
Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a
"clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial
Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
17A of the Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. The Securities Depository's Participants include securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain
other organizations.
The Securities Depository is owned by a number of Participants and by the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the NASD.
Access to the Securities Depository book-entry system is also available to
others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through
or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or
indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in
turn to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer
of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered
owner of the Global Security, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Securities
represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Senior Indenture.
Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in the Global Security will not be
entitled to have the Securities represented by such Global Security registered
in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
the Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or
Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a
beneficial interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of the
Securities Depository and, if such Person is not a Participant, on the
procedures of the Participant through which such Person owns its interest, to
exercise any rights of a Holder under the Senior Indenture. The Company
understands that
14
under existing industry practices, in the event that the Company requests any
action of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest in the Global
Security desires to give or take any action which a Holder is entitled to give
or take under the Senior Indenture, the Securities Depository would authorize
the Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such
action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning through
such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of beneficial owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by the Securities Depository to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any additional amount payable at maturity
with respect to, Securities registered in the name of the Securities Depository
or its nominee will be made to the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the
case may be, as the Holder of the Global Security representing such Securities.
None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent of the Company or agent of
the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests or for supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the Securities
Depository, upon receipt of any payment of principal or any additional amount
payable at maturity in respect of the Global Security, will credit the accounts
of the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as
shown on the records of the Securities Depository. The Company also expects
that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing
customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with
securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
"street name", and will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) the Securities Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as Securities Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by
the Company within 60 days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee
a Company Order to the effect that the Global Security shall be exchangeable or
(z) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the
Securities, the Global Security will be exchangeable for Securities in
definitive form of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in
denominations of $10 and integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities
shall be registered in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall
instruct the Trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon
directions received by the Securities Depository from Participants with respect
to ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security.
THE PORTFOLIO
GENERAL
While the Portfolio consists of stocks (or ADRs representing interests
therein) of European issuers, the Portfolio is not intended to provide an
indication of the pattern of price movements of common stocks of European
corporations generally. As of December 22, 1993, all of the Portfolio
Securities were registered under the Exchange Act, except for the Portfolio
Securities which are ADRs representing shares in Bayer A.G., Deutsche Bank A.G.,
Hoechst A.G., Siemens A.G. and Nestle S.A. Companies with securities registered
under the Exchange Act are required to file periodically certain financial and
other information specified by the Commission (including a reconciliation of
their financial statements to United States generally accepted accounting
principles). As of December 22, 1993, Bayer A.G., Deutsche Bank A.G., Hoechst
A.G., Siemens A.G. and Nestle S.A. had qualified for an exemption from the
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and had agreed to provide to the
Commission certain financial and other information that the issuer provides to
its shareholders or files with stock exchanges in its home country or is
otherwise required to make public. Such information is not required to contain
a reconciliation of their financial statements to United States generally
accepted accounting principles. Information provided to or filed with the
Commission is available at the offices of the Commission specified under
"Available Information" in this Prospectus. Information contained in such
information filed with the Commission will generally be more limited than that
available with respect to a United States issuer. The Company makes no
representation
15
or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of such reports. THE INCLUSION
OF A PORTFOLIO SECURITY IN THE PORTFOLIO IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY OR SELL
SUCH PORTFOLIO SECURITY OR THE UNDERLYING SHARES RELATING THERETO, AND NEITHER
THE COMPANY NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION TO ANY PURCHASER
OF SECURITIES AS TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO.
The Company or its affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in
business with one or more of the issuers of the Portfolio Securities or of the
Underlying Shares relating to the Portfolio Securities, including extending
loans to, or making equity investments in, such issuers or providing advisory
services to such issuers, including merger and acquisition advisory services.
In the course of such business, the Company or its affiliates may acquire non-
public information with respect to such issuers and, in addition, one or more
affiliates of the Company may publish research reports with respect to such
issuers. The Company does not make any representation to any purchaser of
Securities with respect to any matters whatsoever relating to such issuers. Any
prospective purchaser of a Security should undertake an independent
investigation of the issuers of the Underlying Shares relating to the Portfolio
Securities as in its judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with
respect to an investment in the Securities.
EUROPE
The issuers of the Portfolio Securities, or of the shares underlying the
Portfolio Securities which are ADRs, are companies which have been organized in
countries located in Europe. The amount payable at the maturity of the
Securities is dependent on the value of such Portfolio Securities and the value
of such Portfolio Securities will be affected by political and economic
developments in Europe.
The economies of individual European countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic
product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and
balance of payments position. European countries in recent years generally have
experienced weak economic performance and suffer from relatively high
unemployment levels, slow growth, falling industrial competitiveness, and
increasing costs for social welfare programs.
The securities markets of most European countries have substantially less
trading volume than the securities markets of the United States and Japan.
Further, securities of some European companies are less liquid and more volatile
than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Accordingly, European securities
markets may be subject to greater influence by adverse events generally
affecting the market, and by large investors trading significant blocks of
securities or by large dispositions of securities than is the case in the United
States.
ISSUERS OF THE UNDERLYING SHARES
Among the issuers of Portfolio Securities and the Underlying Shares, 9 are
incorporated in the United Kingdom, 4 in the Federal Republic of Germany, 4 in
France, 2 in the Netherlands, 2 in Spain, 1 in Italy, 1 in Sweden and 1 in
Switzerland. The following table sets forth the issuers of the Portfolio
Securities and Underlying Shares, the country in which each such issuer is
organized and the primary industry in which each such issuer is engaged:
16
Company Name Country Industry
- ------------ ------- --------
The British Petroleum Co., plc United Kingdom Energy
British Telecommunications plc United Kingdom Telecommunications
Cadbury Schweppes plc United Kingdom Beverage
Grand Metropolitan plc United Kingdom Food/Beverage
Hanson plc. United Kingdom Conglomerate
Reuters Holdings plc. United Kingdom Media/Publishing
Unilever plc. United Kingdom Foods
Vodaphone Group plc United Kingdom Telecommunications
Waste Management International plc United Kingdom Pollution Control
Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie Generale
d'Electricite France Telecommunications
Rhone-Poulenc S.A. France Chemicals
Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine France Energy
Total S.A. France Energy
Bayer A.G. Germany Chemicals
Deutsche Bank A.G. Germany Bank
Hoechst A.G. Germany Chemicals
Siemens A.G. Germany Electrical Equipment
Philips Electronics N.V. Netherlands Electrical Equipment
Royal Dutch Petroleum Company Netherlands Energy
Banco de Santander S.A. Spain Bank
Telefonica de Espana, S.A Spain Telecommunications
Benetton Group S.p.A. Italy Retailing
L.M. Ericsson
Telephone Co., Inc Sweden Telecommunications
Nestle S.A. Switzerland Foods
A potential investor should review the historical prices of the securities
underlying the Portfolio. The historical prices of such securities should not be
taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that
the prices of such securities will increase sufficiently to cause the beneficial
owners of the Securities to receive an amount in excess of the Minimum Payment
at the maturity of the Securities.
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York.
17
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or
18
currency of any payment of principal or any premium, interest or Additional
Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair the right to institute
suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Senior Debt
Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required
to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the foregoing requirements or
reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities necessary to waive
any past default to less than a majority. No modification or amendment of the
Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent Indenture for Subordinated Debt
Securities may adversely affect the rights of any holder of Senior Indebtedness
without the consent of such Holder. Except with respect to certain fundamental
provisions, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series may, with respect to such
series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and waive compliance by the
Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
19
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
20
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEMENT OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
STOCK MARKET ANNUAL RESET TERM(SM) NOTES DUE DECEMBER 31, 1999
(SERIES A)
"SMART NOTES(SM)"
On April 29, 1993, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$50,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Stock Market Annual Reset Term Notes
(Series A) due December 31, 1999 (the "Notes" or "SMART Notes"). As of the date
of this Prospectus, $20,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes remain
outstanding. The Notes were issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof and will mature and be repayable at 100% of the principal
amount thereof on December 31, 1999. The Notes are not subject to redemption
prior to maturity.
The Company will make interest payments on the Notes for each year at a
rate per annum equal to the Participation Rate multiplied by the percent
increase, if any, in the S&P MidCap 400 Composite Stock Price Index as
determined in each year as further described herein (the "Annual Percent
Appreciation"). Annual payments will in no event be less than the Minimum Annual
Payment or more than the Maximum Annual Payment. The table below specifies the
Minimum Annual Payment and the Maximum Annual Payment on a per annum basis per
$1,000 principal amount of Notes as well as the Participation Rate. Interest
payments will be payable on June 30 and December 31 of each year.
Minimum Annual Payment................... $30 (3%)
Maximum Annual Payment................... $100 (10%)
Participation Rate....................... 65%
For information as to the calculation of the amount payable in any calendar
year and the calculation of the S&P MidCap 400 Index, see "Description of Notes"
and "The Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index" in this Prospectus. FOR OTHER
INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "RISK
FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Notes will be maintained only in book-entry form by or
through the Securities Depository. Beneficial owners of the Notes will not have
the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except
under the limited circumstances described herein.
The Notes have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"MERIQ 99".
________________
THESE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
________________
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Notes and is to be
used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with offers
and sales related to market-making transactions in the Notes. MLPF&S may act as
principal or agent in such transactions. The Notes may be offered on the New
York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated transactions, or
otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing prices at the time
of sale. The distribution of the Notes will conform to the requirements set
forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
________________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
________________
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
(SM)"SMART Notes" and "Stock Market Annual Reset Term" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P") DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE
COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES
NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY
OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED UNDER THE LICENSE
AGREEMENT DESCRIBED HEREIN OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX OR ANY
DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL
S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER
OF INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June
27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January
13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997,
May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
2
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF
ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS
FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the
largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are
engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one
of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory
services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies.
Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and
Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers
and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative
transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance
underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and
annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted
through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit,
offering money market deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing
currency exchange facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges......... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
3
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
INTEREST PAYMENTS
If the Ending Annual Value applicable to a December Payment Date does not
exceed the Starting Annual Value applicable to such December Payment Date by
more than approximately 4.62%, beneficial owners of the Notes will receive only
the Minimum Annual Payment on such December Payment Date, even if the value of
the S&P MidCap 400 Index at some point between the determination of the
applicable Starting Annual Value and the determination of the applicable Ending
Annual Value exceeded such Starting Annual Value by more than approximately
4.62%. The annual amount payable on the Notes based on the S&P MidCap 400 Index
is limited to the Participation Rate multiplied by the percent increase in such
index during the period between the date of the determination of the applicable
Starting Annual Value for such year and the date of the determination of the
applicable Ending Annual Value for such year, and in no event will such amount
exceed the Maximum Annual Payment. If the Ending Annual Value applicable to a
December Payment Date exceeds the Starting Annual Value applicable to such
December Payment Date by more than approximately 15.38%, the beneficial owners
of the Notes would receive only the Maximum Annual Payment for the applicable
payment period.
Beneficial owners of the Notes will receive total annual payments equal to
not less than the Minimum Annual Payment, and will be repaid 100% of the
principal amount of the Notes at maturity. Beneficial owners of Notes may
receive interest payments with respect to the Notes equal to only the Minimum
Annual Payment for each year, and such interest payments are below what the
Company would pay as interest as of the date of issuance if the Company issued
non-callable senior debt securities with a similar maturity as that of the
Notes. The payment of additional amounts on the Notes is subject to the
conditions described under "Description of Notes--Interest Payments". The return
of principal of the Notes at maturity and the payment of the Minimum Annual
Payment are not expected to reflect the full opportunity costs implied by
inflation or other factors relating to the time value of money.
The amount payable on the Notes based on the S&P MidCap 400 Index will not
produce the same return as if the underlying stocks underlying the S&P MidCap
400 Index were purchased and held for a similar period because of the following:
(i) the S&P MidCap 400 Index does not reflect the payment of dividends on the
stocks underlying it, (ii) the amounts payable on the Notes do not reflect any
changes in the S&P MidCap 400 Index for the period between the determination of
an Ending Annual Value and the determination of the next succeeding Starting
Annual Value, and (iii), the annual amount payable is limited to 65% of the
percentage increase in the S&P MidCap 400 Index during any relevant period,
subject to the Minimum Annual Payment and the Maximum Annual Payment.
TRADING
The Notes have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"MERIQ 99". It is expected that the secondary market for the Notes (including
prices in such market) will likely be affected by the creditworthiness of the
Company and by a number of other factors. It is possible to view the Notes as
the economic equivalent of a debt obligation plus a series of cash settlement
options; however, there can be no assurance that the Notes will not trade in the
secondary market at a discount from the aggregate value of such economic
components, if such economic components were valued and capable of being traded
separately.
4
The trading values of the Notes may be affected by a number of interrelated
factors, including those listed below. The following is the expected theoretical
effect on the trading value of the Notes of each of the factors listed below.
The following discussion of each separate factor generally assumes that all
other factors are held constant, although the actual interrelationship between
certain of such factors is complex.
Relative Level of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The trading value of the Notes
is expected to depend significantly on the extent of the appreciation, if
any, of the S&P MidCap 400 Index over the Annual Starting Value applicable
to the next succeeding December Payment Date. If, however, Notes are sold
at a time when the S&P MidCap 400 Index exceeds the Annual Starting Value,
the sale price may nevertheless be at a discount from the amount expected
to be payable to the beneficial owner if such excess were to prevail until
the next December Payment Date. Furthermore, the price at which a
beneficial owner will be able to sell Notes prior to a December Payment
Date may be at a discount, which could be substantial, from the principal
amount thereof, if, at such time, the S&P MidCap 400 Index is below, equal
to or not sufficiently above the Annual Starting Value applicable to such
December Payment Date. The value of the Notes may also be affected by the
limitation of the applicable Maximum Annual Payment.
Volatility of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. If the volatility of the S&P MidCap
400 Index increases, the trading value of the Notes is expected to
increase. If the volatility of the S&P MidCap 400 Index decreases, the
trading value of the Notes is expected to decrease.
U.S. Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the value
of the Notes is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease, the
value of the Notes is generally expected to increase. Interest rates may
also affect the U.S. economy, and, in turn, the level of the S&P MidCap 400
Index. Rising interest rates may lower the level of the S&P MidCap 400
Index and, thus, the value of the Notes. Falling interest rates may
increase the level of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and, thus, may increase the
value of the Notes.
Time Remaining to December Payment Dates. The Notes may trade at a value
above that which may be inferred from the level of U.S. interest rates and
the S&P MidCap 400 Index. This difference will reflect a "time premium" due
to expectations concerning the level of the S&P MidCap 400 Index during the
period prior to each December Payment Date. As the time remaining to each
December Payment Date decreases, however, this time premium may decrease,
thus decreasing the trading value of the Notes.
Time Remaining to Maturity. As the number of remaining December Payment
Dates decreases, the cumulative value of all the annual rights to receive
an amount that reflects participation in the appreciation of the S&P MidCap
400 Index above the Starting Annual Value (which would be realized in
interest payments in excess of the Minimum Annual Payment) will decrease,
thus decreasing the value of the Notes. Furthermore, as the time to
maturity decreases, the value of the right to receive the Minimum Annual
Payment and the principal amount is expected to increase, thus increasing
the value of the Note.
Dividend Rates. A number of complex relationships between the relative
values of the Notes and dividend rates are likely to exist. If dividend
rates on the stocks comprising the S&P MidCap 400 Index increase, the value
of the annual right to receive an amount that reflects participation in the
appreciation of the S&P MidCap 400 Index above the Starting Annual Value is
expected to decrease. Consequently the value of the Notes is expected to
decrease. Conversely, if dividend rates on the stocks comprising the S&P
MidCap 400 Index decrease, the value of the annual right to receive such an
amount is expected to increase and, therefore, the value of the Notes is
expected to increase. However, in general, rising U.S. corporate dividend
rates may increase the S&P MidCap 400 Index and, in turn, increase the
value of the Notes. Conversely, falling U.S. dividend rates may decrease
the S&P MidCap 400 Index and, in turn, decrease the value of the Notes.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
5
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Notes should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering the
suitability of the Notes in the light of their particular circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Notes and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
GENERAL
The Notes were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, which is
more fully described below. The Notes will mature, and the principal of the
Notes will be repayable at par, on December 31, 1999.
The Notes are not subject to redemption prior to maturity by the Company or
at the option of any beneficial owner. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Notes, however, beneficial owners of the Notes or
the Senior Debt Trustee may accelerate the maturity of the Notes, as described
under "Description of Notes--Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other
Terms--Events of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Notes were issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
thereof.
INTEREST PAYMENTS
For each full calendar year, the Company will pay interest in an amount
equal to the following for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes:
$1,000 x Annual Percent Appreciation x Participation Rate
provided, however, that the per annum amount payable as a result of the
foregoing on the Notes will not be less than the Minimum Annual Payment or
greater than the Maximum Annual Payment. The table below specifies the Minimum
Annual Payment and the Maximum Annual Payment on a per annum basis per $1,000
principal amount of Notes as well as the Participation Rate.
Minimum Annual Payment........... $30 (3%)
Maximum Annual Payment...........$100 (10%)
Participation Rate............... 65%
The "Annual Percent Appreciation" applicable to the determination of the
amount payable in any year will equal (i) the Ending Annual Value minus the
Starting Annual Value, divided by (ii) the Starting Annual Value. The "Starting
Annual Value" applicable to the determination of the amount payable in a
calendar year will equal the closing value of the S&P MidCap 400 Index on the
first NYSE Business Day (as defined herein) in such year on which a Market
Disruption Event has not occurred as determined by State Street Bank and Trust
Company (the "Calculation Agent"); provided, however, that if a Market
Disruption Event shall have occurred on each of the first ten NYSE Business Days
in any year, the "Starting Annual Value" applicable to the determination of the
amount payable in such year will equal the closing value of the S&P MidCap 400
Index on such tenth NYSE Business Day regardless of whether a Market Disruption
Event occurs on such day. The "Ending Annual Value" applicable to the
determination of the amount payable in a calendar year will equal the closing
value of the S&P MidCap 400 Index on the seventh scheduled NYSE Business Day
preceding the end of such year (including December 31 if it is a scheduled NYSE
Business Day) as determined by the Calculation Agent, unless a Market Disruption
Event has occurred on such day. In the event that a Market Disruption Event has
occurred on the seventh scheduled NYSE Business Day preceding the end of such
year, the "Ending Annual Value" applicable to the determination of the amount
payable in such year will equal the closing value of the S&P MidCap 400 Index on
the sixth scheduled
6
NYSE Business Day preceding the end of such year regardless of whether such day
is a NYSE Business Day or a Market Disruption Event occurs on such day. The
Calculation Agent will determine the seventh scheduled NYSE Business Day, and,
if necessary, the sixth scheduled NYSE Business Day prior to each December
Payment Date.
If the Ending Annual Value applicable to such December Payment Date does
not exceed the Starting Annual Value applicable to such December Payment Date by
more than approximately 4.62%, beneficial owners of the Notes will receive only
the Minimum Annual Payment on such December Payment Date, even if the value of
the S&P MidCap 400 Index at some point between the determination of the
applicable Starting Annual Value and the determination of the applicable Ending
Annual Value exceeded such Starting Annual Value by more than approximately
4.62%. If the Ending Annual Value applicable to a December Payment Date exceeds
the Starting Annual Value applicable to such December Payment Date by more than
approximately 15.38%, the beneficial owners of the Notes would receive only the
Maximum Annual Payment for the applicable payment period.
Any day on which a Starting Annual Value or an Ending Annual Value is
required to be calculated is referred to herein as a "Calculation Day". A "NYSE
Business Day" is a day on which The New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.
All determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion
of the Calculation Agent and, in the absence of manifest error, shall be
conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial owners of
the Notes. All percentages resulting from any calculation on the Notes will be
rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five
one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards (e.g., 9.876545% (or
.09876545) would be rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)), and all dollar amounts
used in or resulting from such calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent
(with one-half cent being rounded upwards).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as
determined by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to New
York Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted
or promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange, any other self regulatory
organization or the Securities and Exchange Commission of similar scope as
determined by the Calculation Agent) on trading during significant market
fluctuations shall be considered "material" for purposes of this
definition), in each case, for more than two hours of trading in 80 or more
of the securities included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation, in each case for more than
two hours of trading (whether by reason of movements in price exceeding
levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise), in (A) futures
contracts related to the S&P MidCap 400 Index which are traded on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange or (B) option contracts related to the S&P
MidCap 400 Index which are traded on the American Stock Exchange.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES
The Company will make semiannual interest payments on the Notes on June 30
and December 31 of each year ("June Payment Dates" and "December Payment Dates",
respectively), except as provided below, to the persons in whose names the Notes
are registered on the next preceding June 29 or December 30. For each Note, the
Company will pay half of the Minimum Annual Payment for each calendar year on
the June Payment Date, and will pay the balance of the annual amount payable on
such Note for such year on the December Payment Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is known at least three Business Days
prior to December 31 that December 31 will not be a Business Day, the amount
payable by the Company with respect to a December Payment Date for
7
Series A Notes will be made on the Business Day immediately preceding such
December 31 to the persons in whose names the Notes are registered on the second
Business Day immediately preceding such December 31.
S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX
The following table illustrates hypothetical annual payments on the Notes
using assumed changes in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The numbers below are shown
for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to predict either the future
levels of the S&P MidCap 400 Index or the payments to be received on the Notes.
HYPOTHETICAL SMART NOTE PAYMENTS
INDEX HYPOTHETICAL ANNUALIZED
HYPOTHETICAL STARTING HYPOTHETICAL ENDING PERCENT PARTICIPATION SMART
YEAR ANNUAL VALUE(1) ANNUAL VALUE(2) CHANGE RATE NOTE PAYMENT RATE/(3)/
- ---- --------------------- ------------------- ------- ------------- -----------------------
1........... 163 180 10.43% 65% 6.78%
2........... 178 206 15.73% 65% 10.00%**
3........... 208 174 -16.35% 65% 3.00%*
4........... 174 218 25.29% 65% 10.00%**
5........... 217 216 -0.46% 65% 3.00%*
6........... 219 284 29.68% 65% 10.00%**
7........... 283 310 9.54% 65% 6.20%
- -----------
(1) Assumed closing value of the S&P MidCap 400 Index on the first NYSE
Business Day of each year.
(2) Assumed closing value of the S&P MidCap 400 Index on the seventh scheduled
NYSE Business Day prior to the end of each year.
(3) Simple interest basis.
* Minimum Annual Payment ($30 per $1,000 principal amount (3% per annum)).
** Maximum Annual Payment ($100 per $1,000 principal amount (10% per annum)).
The above information is for purposes of illustration only. The actual
amount payable in any year on the Notes will depend entirely on the Starting
Annual Value and Ending Annual Value applicable to such year determined by the
Calculation Agent as provided herein and the Minimum Annual Payment, Maximum
Annual Payment and Participation Rate.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the S&P
MidCap 400 Index. The historical performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index should
not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be
given that the S&P MidCap 400 Index will increase sufficiently during any
calendar year to cause the beneficial owners of the Notes to receive an amount
in excess of the Minimum Annual Payment during any such calendar year.
UNAVAILABILITY OF THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and S&P or
another entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation
Agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the S&P MidCap 400
Index (any such index being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"),
then, upon the Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the
Trustee and the Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor
Index as calculated by S&P or such other entity for the S&P MidCap 400 Index and
calculate the Starting Annual Value and/or the Ending Annual Value as described
above. Upon any selection by the Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the
Company shall cause notice thereof to be published in The Wall Street Journal
(or another newspaper of general circulation) within three Business Days of such
selection.
If the S&P MidCap 400 Index is unavailable or S&P discontinues publication
of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and a Successor Index is not selected by the
Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the Calculation Days,
8
the value to be substituted for the S&P MidCap 400 Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Starting Annual Value or Ending Annual
Value, as the case may be, will be calculated as described below.
If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent calculates a
value as a substitute for the S&P MidCap 400 Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the S&P MidCap 400 Index for
all purposes.
If at any time the method of calculating the S&P MidCap 400 Index, or the
value thereof, is changed in a material respect, or if the S&P MidCap 400 Index
is in any other way modified so that such Index does not, in the opinion of the
Calculation Agent, fairly represent the value of the S&P MidCap 400 Index had
such changes or modifications not been made, then, from and after such time, the
Calculation Agent shall, at the close of business in New York, New York, on each
Calculation Date, make such adjustments as, in the good faith judgment of the
Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order to arrive at a calculation of a
value of a stock index comparable to the S&P MidCap 400 Index as if such changes
or modifications had not been made, and calculate such closing value with
reference to the S&P MidCap 400 Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the method
of calculating the S&P MidCap 400 Index is modified so that the value of such
Index is a fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been
modified (e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall
adjust such Index in order to arrive at a value of the S&P MidCap 400 Index as
if it had not been modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
If the S&P MidCap 400 Index is unavailable or the publication of the S&P
MidCap 400 Index is discontinued and S&P or another entity does not publish a
Successor Index on any of the Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for
the S&P MidCap 400 Index for any such Calculation Day will be the value computed
by the Calculation Agent for each such Calculation Day in accordance with the
following procedures:
(1) identifying the component stocks of the S&P MidCap 400 Index or
any Successor Index as of the last date on which either of such indices was
calculated by S&P or another entity and published by S&P or such other
entity (each such component stock is a "Last Component Stock");
(2) for each Last Component Stock, calculating as of each such NYSE
Business Day the product of the market price per share and the number of
the then outstanding shares (such product referred to as the "Market Value"
of such stock), by reference to (a) the closing market price per share of
such Last Component Stock as quoted by the New York Stock Exchange or the
American Stock Exchange or any other registered national securities
exchange that is the primary market for such Last Component Stock, or if no
such quotation is available, then the closing market price as quoted by any
other registered national securities exchange or the National Association
of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation National Market System
("NASDAQ"), or if no such price is quoted, then the market price from the
best available source as determined by the Calculation Agent (collectively,
the "Exchanges") and (b) the most recent publicly available statement of
the number of outstanding shares of such Last Component Stock;
(3) aggregating the Market Values obtained in clause (2) for all Last
Component Stocks;
(4) ascertaining the Base Value (as defined below under "The Standard
& Poor's MidCap 400 Index--Computation of the S&P MidCap 400 Index") in
effect as of the last day on which either the S&P MidCap 400 Index or any
Successor Index was published by S&P or another entity, adjusted as
described below;
(5) dividing the aggregate Market Value of all Last Component Stocks
by the Base Value (adjusted as aforesaid);
(6) multiplying the resulting quotient (expressed in decimals) by 100.
9
If any Last Component Stock is no longer publicly traded on any registered
national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, the last
available market price per share for such Last Component Stock as quoted by any
registered national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, and
the number of outstanding shares thereof at such time, will be used in computing
the last available Market Value of such Last Component Stock. Such Market Value
will be used in all computations of the S&P MidCap 400 Index thereafter.
If a company that has issued a Last Component Stock and another company
that has issued a Last Component Stock are consolidated to form a new company,
the common stock of such new company will be considered a Last Component Stock
and the common stocks of the constituent companies will no longer be considered
Last Component Stocks. If any company that has issued a Last Component Stock
merges with, or acquires, a company that has not issued a Last Component Stock,
the common stock of the surviving corporation will, upon the effectiveness of
such merger or acquisition, be considered a Last Component Stock. In each such
case, the Base Value will be adjusted so that the Base Value immediately after
such consolidation, merger or acquisition will equal (a) the Base Value
immediately prior to such event, multiplied by (b) the quotient of the aggregate
Market Value of all Last Component Stocks immediately after such event, divided
by the aggregate Market Value for all Last Component Stocks immediately prior to
such event .
If a company that has issued a Last Component Stock issues a stock
dividend, declares a stock split or issues new shares pursuant to the
acquisition of another company, then, in each case, the Base Value will be
adjusted (in accordance with the formula described below) so that the Base Value
immediately after the time the particular Last Component Stock commences trading
ex-dividend, the effectiveness of the stock split or the time new shares of such
Last Component Stock commence trading equals (a) the Base Value immediately
prior to such event, multiplied by (b) the quotient of the aggregate Market
Value for all Last Component Stocks immediately after such event, divided by the
aggregate Market Value of all Last Component Stocks immediately prior to such
event. The Base Value used by the Calculation Agent to calculate the value
described above will not necessarily be adjusted in all cases in which S&P, in
its discretion, might adjust the Base Value (as described below under "The
Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index--Computation of the S&P MidCap 400 Index").
If S&P discontinues publication of the S&P MidCap 400 Index prior to the
period during which the amount payable with respect to any year is to be
determined and the Calculation Agent determines that no Successor Index is
available at such time, then on each NYSE Business Day until the earlier to
occur of (i) the determination of the amount payable with respect to such year
or (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor Index is
available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would be used in
computing the amount payable with respect to such year by reference to the
method set forth in clauses (1) through (6) in the fourth preceding paragraph
above as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent will cause
notice of each such value to be published not less often than once each month in
the Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general circulation), and
arrange for information with respect to such values to be made available by
telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements, discontinuance of the
publication of the S&P MidCap 400 Index may adversely affect trading in the
Notes.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Notes shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Note upon any
acceleration permitted by the Notes, will equal: (i) the principal amount
thereof, plus (ii) an additional amount, if any, of interest calculated as
though the date of early repayment were a December Payment Date and prorated
through such date of early repayment based on the ratio of the number of days
from and including the date the Starting Annual Value applicable to such year is
determined to but excluding the date of early repayment, computed on the basis
of a year consisting of 360 days of twelve 30-day months, divided by 360. If a
bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the
beneficial owner of a Note may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11
of the United States Code, to the principal amount of the Note plus an
additional amount, if any, of contingent interest calculated as though the date
of the commencement of the proceeding were the maturity date of the Notes.
10
SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
The Notes are represented by one fully registered global security (the
"Global Security"). Such Global Security has been deposited with, or on behalf
of, The Depository Trust Company, as Securities Depository (the "Securities
Depository"), registered in the name of the Securities Depository or a nominee
thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in
definitive form, the Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the
Securities Depository to a nominee of such Securities Depository or by a nominee
of such Securities Depository to such Securities Depository or another nominee
of such Securities Depository or by such Securities Depository or any such
nominee to a successor of such Securities Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
Purchases of Notes must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each Note ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn
to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer
of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered
owner of the Global Security, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Notes
represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Senior Indenture.
Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in the Global Security will not be
entitled to have the Notes represented by such Global Security registered in
their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the
Notes in definitive registered form and will not be considered the owners or
Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a
beneficial interest in the Global Security must rely on the procedures of the
Securities Depository and, if such Person is not a Participant, on the
procedures of the Participant through which such Person owns its interest, to
exercise any rights of a Holder under the Senior Indenture. The Company
understands that under existing industry practices, in the event that the
Company requests any action of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest
in the Global Security desires to give or take any action which a Holder is
entitled to give or take under the Senior Indenture, the Securities Depository
would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to
give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial
Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action or would
otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners. Conveyance of notices
and other communications by the Securities Depository to Participants, by
Participants to Indirect Participants, and by
11
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and amounts payable on any June Payment Date
or December Payment Date with respect to Notes registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or its nominee, will be made to the Securities Depository
or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global Security
representing such Notes. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent of
the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability
for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records
relative to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the
Securities Depository, upon receipt of any payment of principal or amounts
payable on any June Payment Date or December Payment Date in respect of the
Global Security, will credit the accounts of the Participants with payment in
amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of
beneficial interest in such Global Security as shown on the records of the
Securities Depository. The Company also expects that payments by Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing customer instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will be the
responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) the Securities Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as Securities Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by
the Company within 60 days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee
a Company Order to the effect that the Global Security shall be exchangeable or
(z) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the
Notes, the Global Security will be exchangeable for Notes in definitive form of
like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Notes shall be registered
in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall instruct the Trustee.
It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by
the Securities Depository from Participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security.
THE STANDARD & POOR'S MIDCAP 400 INDEX
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the S&P MidCap 400
Index, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and
changes in its components, is derived from publicly available information
prepared by S&P as of April 16, 1993. Neither the Company nor MLPF&S take any
responsibility for such information.
GENERAL
The S&P MidCap 400 Index is published by S&P and is intended to provide an
indication of the pattern of price movements of common stocks of corporations
having mid-market capitalization. The calculation of the value of the S&P MidCap
400 Index (discussed below in further detail) is based on the relative value of
the aggregate Market Value (as defined above) of the common stocks of 400
companies as of a particular time as compared to the aggregate average Market
Value of the common stocks of 400 substantially similar companies on December
31, 1990. As of April 16, 1993, 263 (66%) of the companies included in the S&P
MidCap 400 Index were listed on the New York Stock Exchange, 125 (31%) of the
companies were traded in the over-the-counter market and 12 (3%) of the
companies were listed on the American Stock Exchange. As of February 3, 1993,
the aggregate Market Value of the 400 companies included in the S&P MidCap 400
Index represented approximately 15% of the aggregate Market Value of United
States domestic companies. The 400 companies are not the largest companies
listed on The New York Stock Exchange (the companies included in the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, which had a median market capitalization
of $3.1 billion at April 16, 1993, are generally larger than those included in
the S&P MidCap 400 Index, which had a median market capitalization of $846.8
million at April 16, 1993). S&P chooses companies for inclusion in the S&P
MidCap 400 Index with the aim of achieving (for companies of mid-market
capitalization) a distribution by broad industry groupings that approximates the
distribution of these groupings in the common stock population of The New York
Stock Exchange, which S&P uses as an assumed model
12
for the composition of the total market with respect to such mid-market
corporations. Relevant criteria employed by S&P in selecting companies for the
S&P MidCap 400 Index include the viability of the particular company, the extent
to which that company represents the industry group to which it is assigned, the
extent to which the market price of that company's common stock is generally
responsive to changes in the affairs of the respective industry and the Market
Value and trading activity of the common stock of that company.
COMPUTATION OF THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX
As of April 16, 1993, S&P computed the S&P MidCap 400 Index as of a
particular time as follows:
(1) the Market Value of each component stock is determined as of such
time;
(2) the Market Values of all component stocks as of such time (as
determined under clause (1) above) are aggregated;
(3) the Market Values as of December 31, 1990 (the "Base Period") of
the common stock of each company in a group of 400 substantially similar
companies is determined ;
(4) the Market Values of all such common stocks as of the Base Period
(as determined under clause (3) above) are aggregated (such aggregate
amount being referred to as the "Base Value");
(5) the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks as of such time
(as determined under clause (2) above) is divided by the Base Value; and
(6) the resulting quotient (expressed in decimals) is multiplied by
100.
While S&P currently employs the above methodology to calculate the S&P
MidCap 400 Index, no assurance can be given that S&P will not modify or change
such methodology in a manner that may affect the amounts payable on any December
Payment Date to beneficial owners of the Notes.
S&P adjusts the foregoing formula to negate the effect of changes in the
Market Value of a component stock that are determined by S&P to be arbitrary or
not due to true market fluctuations. Such changes may result from such causes as
the issuance of stock dividends, the granting to shareholders of rights to
purchase additional shares of such stock, the purchase of additional shares of
stock by employees pursuant to employee benefit plans, certain consolidations
and acquisitions, the granting to shareholders of rights to purchase other
securities of the company, the substitution by S&P of particular component
stocks in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and other reasons. In all such cases, S&P
first recalculates the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks (after
taking account of the new market price per share of the particular component
stock or the new number of outstanding shares thereof or both, as the case may
be) and then determines the New Base Value in accordance with the following
formula:
New Market Value
Old Base Value x ________________ = New Base Value
Old Market Value
The result is that the Base Value is adjusted in proportion to any change in the
aggregate Market Value of all component stocks resulting from the causes
referred to above to the extent necessary to negate the effects of such causes
upon the S&P MidCap 400 Index.
13
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the S&P
MidCap 400 Index. The historical performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index should
not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be
given that the S&P MidCap 400 Index will increase sufficiently to cause the
beneficial owners of the Notes to receive an amount in excess of the principal
amount at the maturity of the Notes.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. have entered into a non-
exclusive license agreement providing for the license to Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and
published by S&P in connection with certain securities, including the Notes, and
the Company is an authorized sublicensee thereof.
The license agreement between S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc.
provides that the following language must be stated in this Prospectus:
"The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P
makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Holders of
the Notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in securities generally or in the Notes particularly or the
ability of the S&P MidCap 400 Index to track general stock market
performance. S&P's only relationship to Merrill Lynch Capital Services,
Inc. and the Company (other than transactions entered into in the ordinary
course of business) is the licensing of certain service marks and trade
names of S&P and of the S&P MidCap 400 Index which is determined, composed
and calculated by S&P without regard to the Company or the Notes. S&P has
no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the Holders of the Notes
into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the S&P MidCap
400 Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in the
determination or calculation of the equation by which the Notes are to be
converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with
the administration, marketing or trading of the Notes."
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Note were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Notes. The following summaries of
certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be complete and are
subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of
the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Notes are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
14
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and under rules of certain exchanges and other
regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders
15
is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the foregoing
requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities
necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No modification or
amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent Indenture for
Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of any holder of
Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except with respect to
certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a majority in principal
amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series may, with respect to
such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and waive compliance by the
Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating
16
Results", "Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five
years in the period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report
to Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
17
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEMENT OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
JAPAN INDEX (SM)
EQUITY PARTICIPATION SECURITIES WITH MINIMUM RETURN PROTECTION DUE JANUARY 31,
2000
On January 27, 1994, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$115,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Japan Index (SM) Equity Participation
Securities with Minimum Return Protection due January 31, 2000 (the "Securities"
or the "Notes") in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. As
of the date of this Prospectus, $60,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the
Securities remain outstanding. The Securities will mature on January 31, 2000.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive, with
respect to each Security, the principal amount thereof plus an interest payment
(the "Supplemental Redemption Amount") based on the percentage increase, if any,
in the Index (as hereinafter defined). The Securities were issued as a series of
Senior Debt Securities under the Senior Indenture described herein. The
Securities are not redeemable or callable by the Company prior to maturity.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal
amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, there will be
no payment of interest, periodic or otherwise.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount payable with respect to a Security at
maturity will equal the product of (A) the principal amount of the applicable
Security, (B) the percentage change from 195.46, the closing value of the Index
on January 20, 1994 as compared to the Final Average Value (as hereinafter
defined), and (C) 115% (the "Participation Rate"). In no event, however, will
the Supplemental Redemption Amount be less than $150 per $1,000 principal amount
of the Securities (the "Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount"), representing a
minimum annualized rate of return of 2.33%. The calculation of the Final Average
Value, as more fully described herein, will equal the arithmetic average of the
closing values of the Index on certain days during January of 1998, 1999 and
2000. Although the Index will initially be the Japan Index (as defined herein),
under certain circumstances described herein, a New Japan Index (as defined
herein) may be substituted for the Japan Index. The Japan Index (or, if such
substitution shall occur, the New Japan Index) is referred to herein as the
"Index".
For information as to the calculation of the Supplemental Redemption Amount
which will be paid at maturity and the calculation and the composition of the
Index, see "Description of Securities" and "The Index", respectively, in this
Prospectus. FOR OTHER INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE
INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 OF IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Securities is maintained in book-entry form by or through
the Depository (as hereinafter defined). Beneficial owners of the Securities do
not have the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership
except under the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MJP.A".
______________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
______________
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is
to be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may be
offered on the American Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
___________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
___________
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
(SM) "Japan Index" is a service mark of The American Stock Exchange.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER
OF INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June
27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January
13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997,
May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF
ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS
FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
2
TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.
THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the
largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are
engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one
of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory
services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies.
Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and
Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers
and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative
transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance
underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and
annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted
through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit,
offering money market deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing
currency exchange facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- -----------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges ........ 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
3
Investors should be aware that if the Final Average Value of the Index does
not exceed the Initial Value by more than approximately 13.04%, beneficial
owners of the Securities will receive only the principal amount thereof and the
Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount. A beneficial owner of the Securities may
receive a Supplemental Redemption Amount equal only to the Minimum Supplemental
Redemption Amount at maturity, and such Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount
is below what the Company would pay as interest as of the date of issuance if
the Company issued non-callable senior debt securities with a similar maturity
as that of the Securities. The return of principal of the Securities at maturity
and the payment of the Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount are not expected
to reflect the full opportunity costs implied by inflation or other factors
relating to the time value of money.
The Index does not reflect the payment of dividends on the stocks
underlying it and therefore, in addition to the considerations regarding
averaging discussed below, the yield based on the Index to the maturity of the
Securities will not produce the same yield as if such underlying stocks were
purchased and held for a similar period. Because the Final Average Value will be
based upon average values of the Index during specified periods in three
successive years, a significant increase in the Index as measured by the average
values during the specified period in the final year, or in either earlier year,
may be substantially or entirely offset by the average values of the Index
during the specified periods in the other two years.
The Index used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount will
initially be the Japan Index, which is currently calculated and published by the
American Stock Exchange. Upon the occurrence of certain events described under
"Description of Securities--Substitution of the Index", a New Japan Index (which
will also relate to the trading of equity securities in Japan) will be
substituted for the Japan Index as the basis of the calculation of the
Supplemental Redemption Amount. The required characteristics of such New Japan
Index are described herein; however, the New Japan Index does not currently
exist, and such New Japan Index may be calculated and published by a United
States stock exchange other than the American Stock Exchange. In the event that
a New Japan Index is substituted for the Japan Index, no assurance can be given
as to whether the Supplemental Redemption Amount calculated on the basis of such
New Japan Index will be more than or less than or equal to the Supplemental
Redemption Amount which would have been payable had such substitution not
occurred.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New York. Under
present New York law the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple
interest basis. This limit may not apply to Securities in which $2,500,000 or
more has been invested. While the Company believes that New York law would be
given effect by a state or Federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws
frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a
borrower (including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). The Company has
covenanted for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities, to the extent
permitted by law, not to claim voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning
usurious rates of interest against a Holder of the Securities.
TRADING
The Securities are listed on the American Stock Exchange. It is expected
that the secondary market for the Securities will be affected by the
creditworthiness of the Company and by a number of other factors. Because the
Final Average Value is an average of the three Calculation Values as described
below, the price at which a beneficial owner of a Security will be able to sell
such Security in the secondary market may be at a discount if the first or
second such Calculation Value is below the Initial Value.
The trading value of the Securities is expected to depend primarily on the
extent of the appreciation, if any, of the Index over the Initial Value. If,
however, Securities are sold prior to the maturity date at a time when the Index
exceeds the Initial Value, the sale price may be at a discount from the amount
expected to be payable to the beneficial owner if such excess of the Index over
the Initial Value were to prevail until maturity of the Securities because of
the possible fluctuation of the Index between the time of such sale and the
maturity date and the effect of the value of the Index on prior days used to
calculate the Final Average Value, if any. Furthermore, the price
4
at which a beneficial owner will be able to sell Securities prior to maturity
may be at a discount, which could be substantial, from the principal amount
thereof if, at such time, the Index is below, equal to or not sufficiently above
the Initial Value and/or if the value of the Index on prior days used to
calculate the Final Average Value, if any, was below, equal to or not
sufficiently above the Initial Value. A discount could also result from rising
interest rates in the U.S.
The trading values of the Securities may be affected by a number of
interrelated factors, including the creditworthiness of the Company and those
factors listed below. The relationship among these factors is complex, including
how these factors affect the relative value of the principal amount of the
Securities to be repaid at maturity and the value of the Supplemental Redemption
Amount. Accordingly, investors should be aware that factors other than the level
of the Index are likely to affect the Securities' trading value. The expected
theoretical effect on the trading value of the Securities of each of the factors
listed below, assuming in each case that all other factors are held constant, is
as follows:
Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the value
of the Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease,
the value of the Securities is expected to increase. In general, if
Japanese interest rates increase, the value of the Securities is expected
to increase. If Japanese interest rates decrease, the value of the
Securities is expected to decrease. Interest rates may also affect the
Japanese economy, and, in turn, the value of the Index. Rising interest
rates may lower the value of the Index and, thus, the Securities. Falling
interest rates may increase the value of the Index and, thus, may increase
the value of the Securities.
Volatility of the Index. If the volatility of the Index increases, the
trading value of the Securities is expected to increase. If the volatility
of the Index decreases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
decrease .
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above
that which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the Index.
This difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations
concerning the value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of
the Securities. As the time remaining to maturity of the Securities
decreases, however, this time premium is expected to decrease, thus
decreasing the trading value of the Securities. In addition, the price at
which a beneficial owner may be able to sell Securities prior to maturity
may be at a discount, which may be substantial, from the minimum expected
value at maturity if one or more Calculation Values, as defined below, were
below, equal to or not sufficiently above the Initial Value.
Dividend Rates in Japan. If dividend rates on the stocks comprising
the Index increase, the value of the Securities is expected to decrease.
Conversely, if dividend rates on the stocks comprising the Index decrease,
the value of the Securities is expected to increase. However, in general,
rising Japanese corporate dividend rates may increase the value of the
Index and, in turn, increase the value of the Securities. Conversely,
falling Japanese dividend rates may decrease the value of the Index and, in
turn, decrease the value of the Securities.
Although the stocks comprising the Japan Index are traded in Japanese yen
and the Securities are denominated in U.S. dollars, the Supplemental Redemption
Amount will not be adjusted for the currency exchange rate in effect at the
maturity of the Securities. The Supplemental Redemption Amount is based upon the
percentage increase in the Japan Index. The Japan Index is calculated using a
constant U.S.$/Japanese Yen exchange rate. The value of the Securities should
not, therefore, be directly affected by the currency exchange rate. For example,
if the Japan Index were to increase by 25% from the Initial Value to the Final
Average Value, a holder of the Securities would receive a Supplemental
Redemption Amount equal to $287.50 per $1,000 principal amount of Securities at
maturity regardless of the U.S.$/Japanese Yen exchange rate prevailing at
maturity. Changes in the exchange rate, however, may reflect changes in the
Japanese economy which, of course, would affect the value of the Index and the
Securities.
5
THE JAPANESE MARKET
The underlying stocks that constitute the Japan Index have been issued by
Japanese companies. If a New Japan Index is substituted for the Japan Index,
such New Japan Index would also be based upon stocks issued by Japanese
companies. Investments in securities indexed to the value of Japanese equity
securities involve certain risks. The Japanese securities markets may be more
volatile than U.S. or other securities markets and may be affected by market
developments in different ways than U.S. or other securities markets. Direct or
indirect government intervention to stabilize the Japanese securities markets
and cross-shareholdings in Japanese companies on such markets may affect prices
and volume of trading on those markets. Also, there is generally less publicly
available information about Japanese companies than about those U.S. companies
that are subject to the reporting requirements of the Commission, and Japanese
companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
and requirements that differ from those to which U.S. reporting companies are
subject.
Securities prices in Japan are subject to political, economic, financial
and social factors that apply in Japan. These factors (including the possibility
that recent or future changes in the Japanese government's economic and fiscal
policies, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or
other Japanese laws or restrictions applicable to Japanese companies or
investments in Japanese equity securities and the possibility of fluctuations in
the rate of exchange between currencies) could negatively affect the Japanese
securities markets. Moreover, the Japanese economy may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national
product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-
sufficiency.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in light of their particular circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, which is
more fully described below. The Securities will mature on January 31, 2000.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the
principal amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, there
will be no payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. (See "Payment at
Maturity", below.)
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the
option of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the
Securities may accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under
"Description of Securities--Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other
Terms--Events of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities were issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof.
6
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive
the principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, all as
provided below. If the Final Average Value of the Index does not exceed the
Initial Value by more than approximately 13.04% a beneficial owner of a Security
will be entitled to receive only the principal amount thereof and the Minimum
Supplemental Redemption Amount. Although the Index will initially be the Japan
Index, under certain circumstances described herein a New Japan Index (as
defined herein) may be substituted for the Japan Index. The Japan Index (or, if
such substitution shall occur, the New Japan Index) is referred to herein as the
"Index".
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive,
with respect to each such Security, (i) the principal amount thereof, and (ii)
the Supplemental Redemption Amount equal in amount to:
Principal Amount x Final Average Value-Initial Value x 115%
---------------------------------
Initial Value
provided, that the Supplemental Redemption Amount will not be less than the
Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount of $150 per $1,000 principal amount of
Securities. The Initial Value equals 195.46, the closing value of the Japan
Index on January 20, 1994; provided, however, that a new Initial Value will be
calculated as described herein if a New Japan Index is substituted for the Japan
Index.
The Final Average Value of the Index will be determined by State Street
Bank and Trust Company (the "Calculation Agent") and will equal the arithmetic
average (mean) of the Yearly Values, as defined below, for 1998, 1999 and 2000.
The Yearly Value for any year will be calculated during the Calculation Period
for such year which will be from and including January 22 in 1998, January 21 in
1999 and January 20 in 2000 to and including the fifth scheduled Business Day
after each such date. The Yearly Value for each year will equal the arithmetic
average (mean) of the closing values of the Index on the first Business Day in
the applicable Calculation Period (provided that a Market Disruption Event, as
defined below, shall not have occurred on such day) and on each succeeding
Business Day (provided that a Market Disruption Event shall not have occurred on
the applicable day) up to and including the last Business Day in the applicable
Calculation Period (each, a "Calculation Date") until the Calculation Agent has
so determined such closing values for five Business Days. If a Market Disruption
Event occurs on two or more of the Business Days during a Calculation Period,
the Yearly Value for the relevant year will equal the average of the values on
Business Days on which a Market Disruption Event did not occur during such
Calculation Period or, if there is only one such Business Day, the value on such
day. If a Market Disruption Event occurs on all of such Business Days during a
Calculation Period, the Yearly Value for the relevant year shall equal the
closing value of the Index on the last Business Day of the Calculation Period
regardless of whether a Market Disruption Event shall have occurred on such day.
A Yearly Value may be restated if the Substitution Event occurs after the
determination of such Yearly Value, see "Substitution of the Index".
For purposes of determining the Final Average Value, a "Business Day" is a
day on which the Relevant Stock Exchange is open for trading. "Relevant Stock
Exchange" means the American Stock Exchange or, if a New Japan Index has been
substituted for the Japan Index, the U.S. stock exchange that publishes such New
Japan Index. All determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the
sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and, absent a determination by the
Calculation Agent of a manifest error, shall be conclusive for all purposes and
binding on the Company and beneficial owners of the Securities.
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Final Average
Values, the total amount payable at maturity for each $1,000 principal amount of
Securities.
7
TOTAL
HYPOTHETICAL FINAL PERCENTAGE AMOUNT
AVERAGE VALUE OF CHANGE OVER PAYABLE AT
THE JAPAN INDEX INITIAL VALUE MATURITY
--------------- ------------- --------
97.73 -50% $1,150
117.28 -40% $1,150
136.82 -30% $1,150
156.37 -20% $1,150
175.91 -10% $1,150
195.46(1) 0% $1,150
215.01 10% $1,150
234.55 20% $1,230
254.10 30% $1,345
273.64 40% $1,460
293.19 50% $1,575
312.74 60% $1,690
332.28 70% $1,805
351.83 80% $1,920
371.37 90% $2,035
390.92 100% $2,150
410.47 110% $2,265
430.01 120% $2,380
__________
(1) The Initial Value.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual total
redemption amount received by investors will depend entirely on the actual Final
Average Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein. Because
the Final Average Value will be based upon average values of the Index (which
may be a New Japan Index substituted for the Japan Index) during specified
periods in three successive years, a significant increase or decrease in the
Index as measured by the average values during the specified period in any year
may be substantially or entirely offset by the average values of the Index
during the specified periods in the other two years.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Japan
Index. The historical performance of the Japan Index should not be taken as an
indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Japan
Index will increase sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the
Securities to receive an amount in excess of the principal amount and the
Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount at the maturity of the Securities.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INDEX; MARKET DISRUPTION EVENT
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof,
is changed in a material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified
so that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Final Average Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments
as, in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in
order to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the
Index as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
8
"Market Disruption Event" means the occurrence or existence of either of
the following events on a Business Day during a Calculation Period as determined
by the Calculation Agent:
(i) a suspension or absence of trading on the TSE of 20% or more of
the Underlying Stocks which then comprise the Index or a Successor Index
during the one-half hour period preceding the close of trading on the TSE;
or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation on the Singapore
International Monetary Exchange Ltd. (the "SIMEX"), Osaka Securities
Exchange (the "OSE") or the Relevant Stock Exchange or any other major
securities market of trading in futures or options contracts related to the
Index during the one-half hour period preceding the close of trading on the
applicable exchange.
For purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred:
(1) a limitation on the hours or number of days of trading will not constitute a
Market Disruption Event if it results from an announced change in the regular
business hours of the relevant exchange, (2) a decision to permanently
discontinue trading in the relevant contract will not constitute a Market
Disruption Event, (3) a suspension of trading in a futures or options contract
on the Index by the Relevant Stock Exchange or other major securities market by
reason of (x) a price change exceeding limits set by the Relevant Stock Exchange
or such securities market, (y) an imbalance of orders relating to such contracts
or (z) a disparity in bid and ask quotes relating to such contracts will
constitute a suspension or material limitation of trading in futures or options
contracts related to the Index and (4) an "absence of trading" on the SIMEX,
OSE, the Relevant Stock Exchange or a major securities market on which futures
or options contracts related to the Index are traded will not include any time
when the SIMEX, OSE, the Relevant Stock Exchange or such securities market, as
the case may be, itself is closed for trading under ordinary circumstances.
SUBSTITUTION OF THE INDEX
Movements in the Japan Index correspond generally to movements in the
Nikkei 225 Index published by Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc., which is currently the
most widely utilized index relating to Japanese equity securities, as measured
by trading volume and open interest relating to the futures contract on such
index (the "Nikkei 225 Futures Contract"). In October of 1993, Nihon Keizai
Shimbun, Inc. commenced the calculation and publication of a new broad-based,
capitalization-weighted index referred to as the Nikkei 300 Index (the "Nikkei
300 Index"). Unlike the Nikkei 225 Index, which is a price-weighted index of 225
Japanese companies listed in the First Section of the TSE, the Nikkei 300 Index
is a capitalization-weighted index of 300 Japanese companies listed in the First
Section of the TSE. See "The Index--The New Japan Index" for a description of
the Nikkei 300 Index. The OSE announced that, if a broad-based, capitalization-
weighted index were introduced on the TSE, the OSE expected to establish a new
futures contract on such index. Although the OSE has not as of the date of this
Prospectus introduced a new futures contract on the Nikkei 300 Index, any such
contract which it may introduce at some future date is referred to herein as the
"Nikkei 300 Futures Contract".
If the Nikkei 300 Futures Contract is introduced and publicly traded on an
exchange in Japan, and such contract develops trading volume and open interest
exceeding that of the Nikkei 225 Futures Contract, the Company believes this
would indicate that the Nikkei 300 Futures Contract will have become more widely
utilized than the Nikkei 225 Futures Contract. Therefore, in the event that a
Nikkei 300 Futures Contract is publicly traded at some future date on an
exchange in Japan and each of the additional conditions described below are
fulfilled (the occurrence of all such conditions being referred to herein as a
"Substitution Event"), a New Japan Index (as defined below) will be substituted
for the Japan Index. From and after such time, the Index used to determine the
Supplemental Redemption Amount with respect to the Notes will be such New Japan
Index. Upon the substitution of the New Japan Index for the Japan Index, the
Company will cause notice thereof to be given to Holders of the Securities. Such
notice will also state that, for purposes of calculating the Supplemental
Redemption Amount, an adjusted Initial Value will be substituted for the
original Initial Value. Such adjusted Initial Value will be calculated as
follows:
9
Initial Value of Japan Index x current value of New Japan Index
----------------------------------
current value of Japan Index
where the current values of the Japan Index and of the New Japan Index will
equal their respective levels reported by the relevant exchange at the close of
business on the day that the Calculation Agent substitutes the New Japan Index
for the Japan Index. If the Substitution Event occurs after the determination of
a Yearly Value, any such Yearly Value will be restated in terms of the New Japan
Index pursuant to the following formula:
Yearly Value prior to restatement x adjusted Initial Value
---------------------------------
original Initial Value
The Supplemental Redemption Amount will then be calculated using such restated
Yearly Value.
A "Substitution Event" will have occurred if, as determined by the
Calculation Agent (whose opinion shall be conclusive and binding on the Company
and on the holders of the Notes), the following conditions are fulfilled:
(a) Nikkei 300 Futures Contracts shall be introduced and publicly
traded on an exchange in Japan; and
(b) The American Stock Exchange or another United States securities
exchange publishes (on a basis not less regularly than each day on which
such exchange and the TSE are open for trading) an index (the "New Japan
Index") which:
(i) for a period of 90 days immediately preceding the date of
the Substitution Event has a correlation based on daily, closing value
to closing value, percentage changes of not less than 90% with the
Nikkei 300 Index; and
(ii) an option, warrant or other security which has payments
determined by reference to the New Japan Index has been approved to be
listed on a national securities exchange by the Securities and
Exchange Commission; and
(c) Either of the following has occurred:
(i) the Nikkei 225 Index is no longer published and/or the
Nikkei 225 Futures have been delisted from trading on the OSE; or
(ii) the Nikkei 300 Futures Contracts publicly traded on
exchanges in Japan have (A) greater average daily volume and (B)
greater average daily open interest than the Nikkei 225 Futures
Contracts which trade on the OSE, each for any three-month period
prior to the date of the Substitution Event, commencing on a futures
expiration date on the OSE and ending on the following futures
expiration date; and
(d) To the extent required, the Company shall have obtained any
license necessary to use the New Japan Index as described herein. The
Company has agreed in the Securities to use its reasonable efforts to
obtain any such license.
Notwithstanding the above, unless the Nikkei 225 Index is no longer published
and/or the Nikkei 225 Futures Contracts shall have been delisted from trading on
the OSE, a Substitution Event will not be deemed to have occurred on any of the
180 days next preceding the maturity date of the Notes.
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the Nikkei 225 Index,
Nikkei 225 Futures Contract, Nikkei 300 Index, Nikkei 300 Futures Contract, or
their publisher, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc., is derived from publicly available
information as of January 20, 1994. Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. has no
relationship with the Company
10
or the Securities; it does not sponsor, endorse, authorize, sell or promote the
Securities, and has no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the Securities.
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE INDEX
If the American Stock Exchange discontinues publication of the Japan Index
(or, if a New Japan Index has been substituted for the Japan Index, publication
of the New Japan Index has been discontinued) and the American Stock Exchange or
another entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation
Agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any
such index being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the
Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the
Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated
by the American Stock Exchange or such other entity for the Japan Index or the
New Japan Index, as the case may be, and calculate the Final Average Value as
described above under "Payment at Maturity". Upon any selection by the
Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof
to be given to Holders of the Securities.
If the American Stock Exchange discontinues publication of the Japan Index
(or, if a New Japan Index has been substituted for the Japan Index, publication
of the New Japan Index has been discontinued) and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Dates, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Date used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at
maturity will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation
Date in accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to
any such discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation
Agent calculates a value as a substitute for the Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the Index for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If the American Stock Exchange discontinues publication of the Japan Index
(or, if a New Japan Index has been substituted for the Japan Index, publication
of the New Japan Index has been discontinued) prior to the period during which
the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation Agent
determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (i) the determination of the Final
Average Value and (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Date. The Calculation
Agent will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than
once each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely affect trading in
the Securities.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have
occurred and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a
Security upon any acceleration permitted by the Securities will be equal to: (i)
the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) an additional amount of contingent
interest calculated as though the date of early repayment were the maturity date
of the Securities. The Calculation Period used to calculate the final Yearly
Value of the Securities so accelerated will begin on the eighth scheduled
Business Day next preceding the scheduled date for such early redemption. If
such final Yearly Value is the only Yearly Value which shall have been
calculated with respect to the Securities, such final Yearly Value will be the
Final Average Value. If one or two other Yearly Values shall have been
calculated with respect to the Securities for prior years when the Securities
shall have been outstanding, the average (mean) of the final Yearly Value and
such one other Yearly Value or such two other Yearly Values, as the case may be,
will be the Final Average Value. The Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to any such early redemption date will be an amount equal to the
interest which would have accrued on the Securities from and including the date
of original issuance to but excluding the date of early redemption at an
annualized rate of 2.33%, calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis. See
"Description of
11
Securities--Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding
is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a
Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United
States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an additional amount
of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the
proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities
(whether at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the
maturity date the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the
beneficial owners thereof, at the rate of 5.5% per annum (to the extent that
payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due
and payable on such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the
date payment of such amount has been made or duly provided for.
SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
All Securities are represented by one fully registered global security (the
"Global Security"). The Global Security is deposited with, or on behalf of, The
Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), as Depository (the "Depository"), registered
in the name of DTC or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in
whole or in part for Securities in definitive form, the Global Security may not
be transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a nominee of such
Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to such Depository or another
nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or any such nominee to a
successor of such Depository or a nominee of such successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust
company organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of
the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the
New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to
the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also
available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that
clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either
directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not
receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners
are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered
into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial interests in the Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of
Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests of
persons held through Participants). The laws of some states may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to own,
transfer or pledge beneficial interests in the Global Security.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of the Global
Security, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole
owner or Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all
purposes under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners
in a Global Security will not be entitled to have the Securities represented by
such Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be
entitled to receive physical delivery of the Securities in definitive form and
will not be considered the owners or
12
Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a
beneficial interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and,
if such Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant
through which such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder
under the Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in the Global Security desires to give or take
any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Senior
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to, Securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made
to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global Security
representing such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other
agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account
of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that DTC,
upon receipt of any payment of principal or any Supplemental Redemption Amount
in respect of the Global Security, will credit the accounts of the Participants
with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal
amount of beneficial interest in the Global Security as shown on the records of
DTC. The Company also expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners
will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as
is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer
form or registered in "street name", and will be the responsibility of such
Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Security shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Security will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Security.
THE INDEX
THE JAPAN INDEX
The Index for purposes of calculating the Supplemental Redemption Amount
will initially be the Japan Index. Unless otherwise stated, all information
herein relating to the Japan Index has been provided by the American Stock
Exchange as of January 20, 1994. Such information reflects the policies of the
American Stock Exchange; such policies are subject to change in the discretion
of the American Stock Exchange.
The Japan Index is a stock index calculated, published and disseminated by
the American Stock Exchange that measures the composite price performance of
selected Japanese stocks. The Japan Index as of January 20, 1994 was based on
210 highly capitalized Underlying Stocks trading on the TSE representing a broad
cross-section of Japanese industries. All 210 Underlying Stocks are stocks
listed in the First Section of the TSE. Stocks listed in the First Section are
among the most actively traded stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Options
contracts on the Japan Index are traded on the American Stock Exchange.
13
The Japan Index is a modified, price-weighted index (i.e., an Underlying
Stock's weight in the index is based on its price per share rather than the
total market capitalization of the issuer) which is calculated by (i)
multiplying the per share price of each Underlying Stock by the corresponding
weighing factor for such Underlying Stock (a "Weight Factor"), (ii) calculating
the sum of all these products and (iii) dividing such sums by a divisor (the
"Divisor"). The Divisor, initially set in September 1990 at 9,799,460, was
9,608,946 as of January 20, 1994, and is subject to periodic adjustments as set
forth below. Each Weight Factor is computed by dividing (Yen)50 by the par value
of the relevant Underlying Stock and multiplying the result by 100, so that the
share price of each Underlying Stock when multiplied by its Weight Factor
corresponds to a share price based on a uniform par value of (Yen)50. Each
Weight Factor represents the number of shares of the related Underlying Stock
which are included in one trading unit of the Japan Index. The stock prices used
in the calculation of the Japan Index are those reported by a primary market for
the Underlying Stock (as of January 20, 1994, the TSE). The level of the Japan
Index is calculated once per day using last sale prices only (i.e., not "special
bid quotes" or "special ask quotes" which are used in connection with other
stock indices) for transactions in Underlying Stock on the TSE. The level of the
Japan Index is disseminated via the Consolidated Tape Authority Network-B
(commonly referred to as the "American Stock Exchange Tape"). The American Stock
Exchange Tape symbol for the Japan Index is "JPN".
In order to maintain continuity in the level of the Japan Index in the
event of certain changes due to non-market factors affecting the Underlying
Stocks, such as the addition or deletion of stocks, substitution of stocks,
stock dividends, stock splits or distributions of assets to stockholders, the
Divisor used in calculating the Japan Index is adjusted in a manner designed to
prevent any instantaneous change or discontinuity in the level of the Japan
Index. Thereafter, the Divisor remains at the new value until a further
adjustment is necessary as the result of another change. As a result of each
such change affecting any Underlying Stock, the Divisor is adjusted in such a
way that the sum of all share prices immediately after such change multiplied by
the applicable Weight Factor and divided by the new Divisor (i.e., the level of
the Japan Index immediately after such change) will equal the level of the Japan
Index immediately prior to the change.
Underlying Stocks may be deleted or added by the American Stock Exchange.
However, to maintain continuity in the Japan Index, the policy of the American
Stock Exchange is generally not to alter the composition of the Underlying
Stocks except when an Underlying Stock is deleted due to (i) bankruptcy of the
issuer, (ii) merger of the issuer with, or acquisition of the issuer by, another
company, (ii) delisting of such stock, or (iv) failure of such stock to meet,
upon periodic review by the American Stock Exchange, market value and trading
volume criteria established by the American Stock Exchange (as such may change
from time to time). Upon deletion of a stock from the Underlying Stocks, the
American Stock Exchange may select a suitable replacement for such deleted
Underlying Stock. The policy of the American Stock Exchange is to announce any
such change in advance via distribution of an information circular.
The American Stock Exchange is under no obligation to continue the
calculation and dissemination of the Japan Index. The Securities are not
sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the American Stock Exchange. No
inference should be drawn from the information contained in this Prospectus that
the American Stock Exchange makes any representation or warranty, implied or
express, to the Company, beneficial owners of the Securities or any member of
the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in
the Securities in particular or the ability of the Japan Index to track general
stock market performance. The American Stock Exchange has no obligation to take
the needs of the Company or beneficial owners of the Securities into
consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Japan Index. The
American Stock Exchange is not responsible for, and has not participated in the
determination or calculation of the equation by which the Supplemental
Redemption Amount with respect to the Securities will be determined. The
American Stock Exchange has no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the Securities.
The use of and reference to the Japan Index in connection with the
Securities has been consented to by the American Stock Exchange, the publisher
of the Japan Index. "Japan Index" is a service mark of the American Stock
Exchange.
14
None of the Company, the Calculation Agent and MLPF&S accepts any
responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Japan
Index or any Successor Index. The American Stock Exchange disclaims all
responsibility for any errors or omissions in the calculation and dissemination
of the Japan Index or the manner in which such index is applied in determining
the Supplemental Redemption Amount with respect to the Securities.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Index.
The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an indication of
future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Index will increase
sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the Securities to receive an
amount in excess of the principal amount and the Minimum Supplemental Redemption
Amount at the maturity of the Securities.
THE TOKYO STOCK EXCHANGE
The following information relating to the Tokyo Stock Exchange was derived
from information publicly available as of January 20, 1994. The TSE is one of
the world's largest securities exchanges in terms of market capitalization. The
TSE is a two-way, continuous pure auction market. Trading hours are from 9:00
A.M. to 11:00 A.M. and from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., Tokyo time, Monday through
Friday.
Due to the time zone difference, on any normal trading day the TSE will
close prior to the opening of business in New York City on the same calendar
day. Therefore, the closing level of the Japan Index on such trading day will
generally be available in the United States by the opening of business on the
same calendar day.
The TSE has adopted certain measures intended to prevent any extreme short-
term price fluctuation resulting from order imbalances. These include daily
price floors and ceilings intended to prevent extreme fluctuations in individual
stock prices. Any stock listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange cannot be traded at a
price outside of these limits which are stated in absolute Japanese yen, and not
percentage, limits from the closing price of the stock on the previous day. In
addition, when there is a major order imbalance in a listed stock, the TSE posts
a "special bid quote" or a "special asked quote" for that stock at a specified
higher or lower price level than the stock's last sale price in order to solicit
counter orders and balance supply and demand for the stock. Investors should
also be aware that the TSE may suspend the trading of individual stocks in
certain limited and extraordinary circumstances including, for example, unusual
trading activity in that stock. As a result, variations in the Japan Index may
be limited by price limitations on, or by suspension of trading in, individual
stocks which comprise the Japan Index which may, in turn, adversely affect the
value of the Securities or result in a Market Disruption Event. See "Description
of Securities--Adjustments to the Index; Market Disruption Event".
THE NEW JAPAN INDEX
Under certain circumstances, a New Japan Index may be substituted for the
Japan Index for purposes of calculating the Supplemental Redemption Amount. The
New Japan Index would be an index published by the American Stock Exchange or
another United States securities exchange with a high correlation to the Nikkei
Stock Index 300. See "Substitution of the Index".
The Nikkei Stock Index 300 is an index calculated, published and
disseminated by Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc., that measures the composite price
performance of stocks of 300 Japanese companies. All 300 stocks are listed in
the First Section of the TSE. Stocks listed in the First Section are among the
most actively traded stocks on the TSE. Publication of the Nikkei Stock Index
300 began on October 8, 1993.
The Nikkei Stock Index 300 is a market capitalization-weighted index which
is calculated by (i) multiplying the per share price of each stock included in
the Nikkei Stock Index 300 by the number of outstanding shares (excluding shares
held by the Japanese Government), (ii) calculating the sum of all these products
(such sum being hereinafter referred to as the "Aggregate Market Price"), (iii)
dividing the Aggregate Market Price by the Base Aggregate
15
Market Price (i.e. the Aggregate Market Price as of October 1, 1982) and (iv)
multiplying the result by 100. Larger companies' shares have a larger effect on
moving the entire index than smaller companies' shares.
Although the Nikkei Stock Index 300 was first published in October 1993,
Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. has calculated values for the Nikkei Stock Index 300
for the period from October 1, 1982 through October 8, 1993. The stocks included
in the Nikkei Stock Index 300 (such stocks being hereinafter referred to as the
"Underlying Stocks") were selected from a reference group of stocks which were
selected by excluding stocks listed in the First Section of the TSE that have
relatively low market liquidity or extremely poor financial results. The
Underlying Stocks were selected from this reference group by (i) selecting from
the remaining stocks in this reference group the stocks with the largest
aggregate market value in each of 36 industrial sectors and (ii) selecting
additional stocks (with priority within each industrial sector given to the
stock with the largest aggregate market value) so that the selection ratios
(i.e. the ratio of the aggregate market value of the included stocks to that of
the stocks in the reference group) with respect to all 36 industry sectors will
be as nearly equal as possible and the total number of companies with stocks
included in the Nikkei Stock Index 300 will be 300.
In order to maintain continuity in the level of the Nikkei Stock Index 300,
the Nikkei Stock Index 300 will be reviewed annually by Nihon Keizai Shimbun,
Inc. and the Underlying Stocks may be replaced, if necessary, in accordance with
the "deletion/addition rule". The "deletion/addition" rule provides generally
for the deletion of a stock from the Nikkei Stock Index 300 if such stock is no
longer included in the reference group or if the aggregate market value of such
stock is low relative to other stocks in the relevant industry sector. Stocks
deleted pursuant to the "deletion/addition" rule will be replaced by stocks
included in the reference group which have relatively high aggregate market
values. In addition, stocks may be added or deleted from time to time for
extraordinary reasons.
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the Nikkei 225 Index,
Nikkei 225 Futures Contract, Nikkei Stock Index 300, Nikkei 300 Futures
Contract, or their publisher, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc., is derived from
information publicly available as of January 20, 1994. Nihon Keizai Shimbun,
Inc. has no relationship with the Company or the Securities; it does not
sponsor, endorse, authorize, sell or promote the Securities, and has no
obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of the Securities.
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
16
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose
17
Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors,
18
as stated in their reports incorporated by reference herein. The Selected
Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results", "Financial Position" and
"Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the period ended December 27,
1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders of the Company, and
incorporated by reference herein, has been derived from consolidated financial
statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, as set forth in their reports
included as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or incorporated by
reference herein. Such consolidated financial statements and related financial
statement schedules, and such Selected Financial Data appearing or incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus and the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part, have been included or incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such reports of Deloitte & Touche LLP given upon their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
19
Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
AMEX OIL INDEX(SM)
STOCK MARKET ANNUAL RESET TERM(SM) NOTES
DUE DECEMBER 29, 2000 "SMART NOTES(SM)"
On March 31, 1994, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$25,000,000 aggregate principal amount of AMEX Oil Index Stock Market Annual
Reset Term Notes due December 29, 2000 (the "Notes" or "SMART Notes"). The Notes
were issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof and will
mature and be repayable at 100% of the principal amount thereof on December 29,
2000. The Notes are not subject to redemption prior to maturity.
The Company will make interest payments on the Notes for each calendar year
at a rate per annum equal to 85% (the "Participation Rate") of the average
percentage increase, if any, in the AMEX Oil Index (as defined herein) as
determined in each calendar year from the Starting Annual Value to the Ending
Average Value as further described herein (the "Average Percent Change"). Annual
payments will in no event be less than the Minimum Annual Payment of $20 per
$1,000 principal amount of Notes on a per annum basis (2% per annum).
The "Starting Annual Value" applicable to the determination of the amount
payable in a calendar year will equal the closing value of the AMEX Oil Index on
the last AMEX Business Day (as defined below) in the immediately preceding
calendar year. The "Ending Average Value" applicable to the determination of the
amount payable in a calendar year will equal the arithmetic average (mean) of
the Quarterly Values of the AMEX Oil Index for each calendar quarter during such
year. Interest payments will be payable on June 30 and December 31 of each year
and at maturity as described below.
For information as to the calculation of the amount payable in any calendar
year and the calculation of the AMEX Oil Index, see "Description of Notes" and
"The AMEX Oil Index" in this Prospectus. FOR OTHER INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 OF
IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Notes will be maintained only in book-entry form by or
through the Securities Depository. Beneficial owners of the Notes will not have
the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except
under the limited circumstances described herein.
The Notes have been listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol
"MOI.F".
_____________________________
THESE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
_____________________________
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Notes and is to be used
by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with offers
and sales related to market-making transactions in the Notes. MLPF&S may act as
principal or agent in such transactions. The Notes may be offered on the
American Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated transactions, or
otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing prices at the time
of sale. The distribution of the Notes will conform to the requirements set
forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
_____________________________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
_____________________________
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
(SM)"SMART Notes" and "Stock Market Annual Reset Term" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
(SM)"Oil Index" is a registered service mark of the American Stock Exchange,
Inc.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER
OF INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June
27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January
13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997,
May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF
ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS
FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED NOTES TO WHICH IT RELATES
OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME
SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the
largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are
engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one
of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory
services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies.
Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and
Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers
and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative
transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance
underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and
annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted
through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit,
offering money market deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing
currency exchange facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges................ 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
INTEREST PAYMENTS
If the Ending Average Value applicable to a December Payment Date does not
exceed the Starting Annual Value applicable to such December Payment Date by
more than approximately 2.35%, beneficial owners of the Notes will receive only
the Minimum Annual Payment on such December Payment Date, even if the value of
the AMEX Oil Index at some point between the determination of the applicable
Starting Annual Value and the determination of the applicable Ending Average
Value exceeded such Starting Annual Value by more than approximately 2.35%. The
annual amount payable on the Notes based on the AMEX Oil Index is limited to the
Participation Rate multiplied by the percentage increase, if any, between the
Starting Annual Value and the Ending Average Value for such year.
Beneficial owners of the Notes will receive total annual payments equal to
not less than the Minimum Annual Payment, and will be repaid 100% of the
principal amount of the Notes at maturity. Beneficial owners of Notes may
receive interest payments with respect to the Notes equal to only the Minimum
Annual Payment for each year, and
3
such interest payments are below what the Company would pay as interest as of
the date hereof if the Company issued non-callable senior debt securities with a
similar maturity as that of the Notes. The payment of additional amounts on the
Notes is subject to the conditions described under "Description of Notes--
Interest Payments". The return of principal of the Notes at maturity and the
payment of the Minimum Annual Payment are not expected to reflect the full
opportunity costs implied by inflation or other factors relating to the time
value of money.
The amount payable on the Notes based on the AMEX Oil Index will not
produce the same return as if the stocks underlying the AMEX Oil Index were
purchased and held for a similar period because of the following: (i) the AMEX
Oil Index does not reflect the payment of dividends on the stocks underlying it,
(ii) the annual amount payable is limited to the Participation Rate multiplied
by the percentage increase in the AMEX Oil Index during any relevant period,
subject to the Minimum Annual Payment, (iii) the Ending Average Value may not
reflect the full percentage increase in the AMEX Oil Index during any relevant
period because it is an average of the AMEX Oil Index at various points in time
and (iv) the amounts payable on the Notes do not reflect changes in the AMEX Oil
Index for the period between the determination of an Ending Average Value and
the determination of the next succeeding Starting Annual Value.
The Indenture provides that the Indenture and the Notes are governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York. Under present
New York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest
basis. This limit may not apply to Notes in which $2,500,000 or more has been
invested. While the company believes that New York law would be given effect by
a state or federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws frequently
regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower
(including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). It is suggested that
prospective investors consult their personal advisors with respect to the
applicability of such laws. The Company has covenanted for the benefit of the
beneficial owners of the Notes, to the extent permitted by law, not to claim
voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning usurious rates of interest
against a beneficial owner of the Notes.
TRADING
The Notes have been listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol
"MOI.F". It is expected that the secondary market for the Notes (including
prices in such market) will likely be affected by the creditworthiness of the
Company and by a number of other factors. It is possible to view the Notes as
the economic equivalent of a debt obligation plus a series of cash settlement
options; however, the Notes may trade in the secondary market at a discount from
the aggregate value of such economic components, if such economic components
were valued and capable of being traded separately.
The trading values of the Notes may be affected by a number of interrelated
factors, including those listed below. The following is the expected theoretical
effect on the trading value of the Notes of each of the factors listed below.
The following discussion of each separate factor generally assumes that all
other factors are held constant, although the actual interrelationship between
certain of such factors is complex.
Relative Level of the AMEX Oil Index. The trading value of the Notes is
expected to depend significantly on the extent of the excess of the expected
Ending Average Value for a calendar year over the Starting Annual Value
applicable to such calendar year. If, however, Notes are sold at a time when the
AMEX Oil Index (or the estimated Ending Average Value if such value were
calculated at such time) exceeds the Starting Annual Value, the sale price may
nevertheless be at a discount from the amount expected to be payable to the
beneficial owner if such excess were to prevail until the next December Payment
Date. Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial owner will be able to sell
Notes prior to a December Payment Date may be at a discount, which could be
substantial, from the principal amount thereof, if, at such time, the AMEX Oil
Index is below, equal to or not sufficiently above the Annual Starting Value
applicable to such December Payment Date. The level of the AMEX Oil Index will
depend on the prices of the stocks underlying such Index which, in turn, will be
affected by factors affecting the oil industry, see "The AMEX Oil Index--Oil
Industry Sector".
Volatility of the AMEX Oil Index. If the volatility of the AMEX Oil Index
increases, the trading value of the Notes is expected to increase. If the
volatility of the AMEX Oil Index decreases, the trading value of the Notes is
expected to decrease.
4
U.S. Interest Rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the
value of the Notes is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease, the
value of the Notes is generally expected to increase. Interest rates may also
affect the U.S. economy, and, in turn, the level of the AMEX Oil Index. Rising
interest rates may lower the level of the AMEX Oil Index and, thus, the value of
the Notes. Falling interest rates may increase the level of the AMEX Oil Index
and, thus, may increase the value of the Notes.
Time Remaining to December Payment Dates. The Notes may trade at a value
above that which may be inferred from the level of U.S. interest rates and the
AMEX Oil Index. This difference will reflect a "time premium" due to
expectations concerning the level of the AMEX Oil Index during the period prior
to each December Payment Date. As the time remaining to each December Payment
Date decreases, however, this time premium may decrease, thus decreasing the
trading value of the Notes.
Time Remaining to Maturity. As the number of remaining December Payment
Dates decreases, the cumulative value of all the annual rights to receive an
amount that reflects participation in the payments in excess of the Minimum
Annual Payment will decrease, thus decreasing the value of the Notes.
Dividend Rates. A number of complex relationships between the relative
values of the Notes and dividend rates are likely to exist. If dividend rates on
the stocks comprising the AMEX Oil Index increase, the value of the annual right
to receive an amount that reflects participation in the average appreciation of
the AMEX Oil Index above the Starting Annual Value is expected to decrease.
Consequently the value of the Notes is expected to decrease. Conversely, if
dividend rates on the stocks comprising the AMEX Oil Index decrease, the value
of the annual right to receive such an amount is expected to increase and,
therefore, the value of the Notes is expected to increase. In general, however,
because the majority of issuers of stocks underlying the AMEX Oil Index are
organized in the United States, rising U.S. corporate dividend rates may
increase the AMEX Oil Index and, in turn, increase the value of the Notes.
Conversely, falling U.S. dividend rates may decrease the AMEX Oil Index and, in
turn, decrease the value of the Notes.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Notes should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering the
suitability of the Notes in light of their particular circumstances. Investors
should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the Notes and should
consult their tax advisors.
5
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
GENERAL
The Notes were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and restated, as
described below. The Notes will mature, and the principal of the Notes will be
repayable at par, on December 29, 2000.
The Notes are not subject to redemption prior to maturity by the Company or
at the option of any beneficial owner. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Notes, however, beneficial owners of the Notes or
the Senior Debt Trustee may accelerate the maturity of the Notes, as described
under "Description of Notes--Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other
Terms--Events of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Notes are transferable in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof.
INTEREST PAYMENTS
For each full calendar year, the Company will pay interest in an amount
equal to the following for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes:
$1,000 x Average Percent Change x Participation Rate
provided, however, that the per annum amount payable as a result of the
foregoing on the Notes will not be less than the Minimum Annual Payment of $20
per $1,000 principal amount of Notes on a per annum basis (2% per annum). The
Participation Rate equals 85%.
The "Average Percent Change" applicable to the determination of the amount
payable in any calendar year will equal:
Ending Average Value -- Starting Annual Value
---------------------------------------------
Starting Annual Value
The "Starting Annual Value" applicable to the determination of the amount
payable in a calendar year will equal the closing value of the AMEX Oil Index on
the last AMEX Business Day in the immediately preceding calendar year as
determined by State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Calculation Agent"). The
"Ending Average Value" applicable to the determination of the amount payable in
a calendar year will equal the arithmetic average (mean) of the Quarterly Values
of the AMEX Oil Index for each calendar quarter during such year as determined
by the Calculation Agent. The "Quarterly Value" for any of the first three
calendar quarters in a calendar year will be the closing value of the AMEX Oil
Index on the last scheduled AMEX Business Day in any such calendar quarter;
provided, however, that if a Market Disruption Event has occurred on such last
scheduled AMEX Business Day in such calendar quarter, the Quarterly Value for
such calendar quarter will be the closing value of the AMEX Oil Index on the
next succeeding scheduled AMEX Business Day regardless of whether a Market
Disruption Event occurs on such day. The "Quarterly Value" for the fourth
calendar quarter in a calendar year will be the closing value of the AMEX Oil
Index on the seventh scheduled AMEX Business Day preceding the end of such
calendar quarter; provided, however, that if a Market Disruption Event has
occurred on such seventh scheduled AMEX Business Day, the Quarterly Value for
such calendar quarter will be the closing value of the AMEX Oil Index on the
sixth scheduled AMEX Business Day preceding the end of such calendar quarter
regardless of whether a Market Disruption Event occurs on such day. The
Calculation Agent will determine scheduled AMEX Business Days.
If the Ending Average Value applicable to such December Payment Date does
not exceed the Annual Starting Value by more than approximately 2.35%,
beneficial owners of the Notes will receive only the Minimum Annual Payment on
such December Payment Date, even if the value of the AMEX Oil Index at some
point between the determination of the applicable Starting Annual Value and the
determination of the applicable Ending Average Value exceeded such Starting
Annual Value by more than approximately 2.35%.
6
Any day on which a Starting Annual Value or a closing value of the AMEX Oil
Index for a calendar quarter is required to be calculated is referred to herein
as a "Calculation Day". An "AMEX Business Day" is a day on which the American
Stock Exchange is open for trading. All determinations made by the Calculation
Agent shall be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and, in the
absence of manifest error, shall be conclusive for all purposes and binding on
the Company and beneficial owners of the Notes. All percentages resulting from
any calculation on the Notes will be rounded to the nearest one hundred-
thousandth of a percentage point, with five one millionths of a percentage point
rounded upwards (e.g., 9.876545% (or .09876545) would be rounded to 9.87655% (or
.0987655)), and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation
will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upwards).
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INDEX; MARKET DISRUPTION EVENT
If at any time the method of calculating the AMEX Oil Index, or the value
thereof, is changed in a material respect, or if the AMEX Oil Index is in any
other way modified so that such index does not, in the opinion of the
Calculation Agent, fairly represent the value of the AMEX Oil Index had such
changes or modifications not been made, then, from and after such time, the
Calculation Agent shall, at the close of business in New York, New York, on each
Calculation Day, make such adjustments as, in the good faith judgment of the
Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order to arrive at a calculation of a
value of a stock index comparable to the AMEX Oil Index as if such changes or
modifications had not been made, and calculate such closing value with reference
to the AMEX Oil Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the method of calculating
the AMEX Oil Index is modified so that the value of such index is a fraction or
a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified (e.g., due to
a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust such index in
order to arrive at a value of the AMEX Oil Index as if it had not been modified
(e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as
determined by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to
New York Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation
enacted or promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock
Exchange, or the Commission of similar scope as determined by the
Calculation Agent) on trading during significant market fluctuations shall
be considered "material" for purposes of this definition), in each case,
during the last half hour of trading in any of the component stocks, or
depository receipts representing such stocks, included in the AMEX Oil
Index on any national securities exchange in the United States, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation, in each case during the
last half hour of trading (whether by reason of movements in price
exceeding levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise), in (A)
futures contracts related to the AMEX Oil Index which are traded on any
exchange or board of trade in the United States or (B) option contracts
related to the AMEX Oil Index which are traded on the American Stock
Exchange.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES
The Company will make semiannual interest payments on the Notes on June 30
of each year ("June Payment Dates") and December 31 of each year and at maturity
("December Payment Dates"), except as provided below, to the persons in whose
names the Notes are registered on the immediately preceding June 29 or December
30, and, at maturity, to the person to whom the principal is payable. For each
Note, the Company will pay half of the Minimum Annual Payment for each calendar
year on the June Payment Date, and will pay the balance of the annual amount
payable on such Note for such year on the December Payment Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is known at least three Business Days
prior to December 31 that December 31 will not be a Business Day, the amount
payable by the Company with respect to a December Payment Date for the Notes
will be made on the Business Day immediately preceding such December 31 to the
persons in whose names the Notes are registered on the second Business Day
immediately preceding such December 31.
7
UNAVAILABILITY OF THE AMEX OIL INDEX
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the AMEX Oil Index and the AMEX or
another entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation
Agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the AMEX Oil Index
(any such index being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then,
upon the Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee
and the Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as
calculated by the AMEX or such other entity for the AMEX Oil Index and calculate
the annual amount payable as described above under "Interest Payments". Upon any
selection by the Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company shall cause
notice thereof to be given to Holders of the Notes.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the AMEX Oil Index and a Successor
Index is not selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any
of the Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the AMEX Oil Index for
any such Calculation Day used to calculate the annual amount payable will be a
value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in accordance
with the procedures last used to calculate the AMEX Oil Index prior to any such
discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent
calculates a value as a substitute for the AMEX Oil Index such Successor Index
or value shall be substituted for the AMEX Oil Index for all purposes, including
for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the AMEX Oil Index prior to the
period during which the amount payable with respect to any year is to be
determined and the Calculation Agent determines that no Successor Index is
available at such time, then on each AMEX Business Day until the earlier to
occur of (i) the determination of the amount payable with respect to such year
or (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor Index is
available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would be used in
computing the amount payable with respect to such year as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in the Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the AMEX Oil Index may adversely affect
trading in the Notes.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Notes shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Note upon any
acceleration permitted by the Notes, will equal: (i) the principal amount
thereof, plus (ii) an additional amount, if any, of interest calculated as
though the date of early repayment were a December Payment Date and prorated
through such date of early repayment on the basis of a year consisting of 360
days of twelve 30-day months. If Quarterly Values have been calculated prior to
the early redemption date for the calendar year in which such early redemption
date occurs, such Quarterly Values shall be averaged with the value of the AMEX
Oil Index determined with respect to such date of early redemption. If no
Quarterly Values have been calculated prior to the early redemption date for the
calendar year in which the early redemption date occurs, the Ending Average
Value for such calendar year will be the value of the AMEX Oil Index determined
with respect to such date of early redemption. The Minimum Supplemental
Redemption Amount with respect to any such early redemption date will be an
amount equal to the interest which would have accrued on the Notes from and
including January 1 in the calendar year in which such early redemption date
occurs, to but excluding the date of early redemption at an annualized rate of
2%, calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis. If a bankruptcy proceeding
is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a
Note may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United States
Code, to the principal amount of the Note plus an additional amount, if any, of
contingent interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the
proceeding were the maturity date of the Notes.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Notes (whether at
their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Notes shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the Holders thereof, at
the rate of 7% per annum (to the extent that payment of such interest shall be
legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on such date in
accordance with the terms of the Notes to the date payment of such amount has
been made or duly provided for.
8
SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
The Notes are represented by one fully registered global security (the
"Global Security"). Such Global Security has been deposited with, or on behalf
of, The Depository Trust Company, as Securities Depository (the "Securities
Depository"), registered in the name of the Securities Depository or a nominee
thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in
definitive form, the Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by
the Securities Depository to a nominee of such Securities Depository or by a
nominee of such Securities Depository to such Securities Depository or another
nominee of such Securities Depository or by such Securities Depository or any
such nominee to a successor of such Securities Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The
Securities Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the
Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a
"clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial
Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
17A of the Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. The Securities Depository's Participants include securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain
other organizations. The Securities Depository is owned by a number of
Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock
Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access
to the Securities Depository book-entry system is also available to others, such
as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly
("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Notes must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each Note ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn
to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer
of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered
owner of the Global Security, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Notes
represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Senior Indenture.
Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in the Global Security will not be
entitled to have the Notes represented by such Global Security registered in
their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the
Notes in definitive registered form and will not be considered the owners or
Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a
beneficial interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of the
Securities Depository and, if such Person is not a Participant, on the
procedures of the Participant through which such Person owns its interest, to
exercise any rights of a Holder under the Senior Indenture. The Company
understands that under existing industry practices, in the event that the
Company requests any action of Holders or that an owner of a beneficial interest
in the Global Security desires to give or take any action which a Holder is
entitled to give or take under the Senior Indenture, the Securities Depository
would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to
give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial
Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action or would
otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners. Conveyance of notices
and other communications by the Securities Depository to Participants, by
Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and amounts payable on any June Payment Date
or December Payment Date with respect to Notes registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or its nominee, will be made to the Securities Depository
or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global Security
representing such Notes. None of the Company,
9
the Trustee or any other agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have
any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The
Company expects that the Securities Depository, upon receipt of any payment of
principal or amounts payable on any June Payment Date or December Payment Date
in respect of the Global Security, will credit the accounts of the Participants
with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal
amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as shown on the records of
the Securities Depository. The Company also expects that payments by
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing customer
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) the Securities Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as Securities Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by
the Company within 60 days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee
a Company Order to the effect that the Global Security shall be exchangeable or
(z) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the
Notes, the Global Security will be exchangeable for Notes in definitive form of
like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Notes shall be registered
in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall instruct the Trustee.
It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by
the Securities Depository from Participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security.
THE AMEX OIL INDEX
GENERAL
All information relating to the AMEX Oil Index was derived from information
publicly available as of March 24, 1994. The AMEX Oil Index is a price-weighted
stock index (i.e., an Underlying Stock's weight in the index is based on its
price per share rather than the total market capitalization of the issuer)
calculated, published and disseminated by the AMEX that measures the composite
price performance of selected common stocks of widely-held corporations involved
in various segments of the oil industry. The AMEX Oil Index was originally
published by the AMEX as the Oil and Gas Index. In September 1984, the AMEX
changed the Oil and Gas Index from a market-weighted index to a price-weighted
index and deleted all companies engaged exclusively in gas exploration and
production activities. The Oil and Gas Index was then renamed the Oil Index. At
March 24, 1994, the calculation of the value of the AMEX Oil Index was based on
the relative value of the aggregate market price of the common stocks of sixteen
companies engaged in various segments of the oil industry.
The AMEX may from time to time, with approval of the Commission, add
companies to, or delete companies from, the AMEX Oil Index to fulfill the above-
stated intention of providing an indication of price movements of common stock
of corporations engaged in various segments of the oil industry. The level of
the AMEX Oil Index is calculated once per day using last sale prices only (i.e.,
not special "bid quotes" or special "ask quotes" which are used in connection
with other stock indices). The level of the AMEX Oil Index is disseminated via
the Consolidated Tape Authority Network-B (commonly referred to as the "AMEX
Tape"). The AMEX Tape Symbol for the AMEX Oil Index is "XOI".
COMPUTATION OF THE AMEX OIL INDEX
At March 24, 1994, the AMEX computed the AMEX Oil Index as of a particular
time as follows:
(1) the market price of one share of each component stock is determined as
of such time;
(2) the market prices of all component stocks as of such time (as
determined under clause (1) above) are aggregated;
(3) the aggregate amount (as determined under clause (2) above) is divided
by 3.47874 (the "Divisor").
While the AMEX employed the above methodology to calculate the AMEX Oil
Index at March 24, 1994, no assurance can be given that the AMEX will not modify
or change such methodology in a manner that may affect the amounts payable on
any December Payment Date to beneficial owners of the Notes.
10
In order to maintain continuity in the level of the AMEX Oil Index in the
event of certain changes due to non-market factors affecting the Underlying
Stocks, such as the addition or deletion of stocks, substitution of stocks,
stock dividends, stock splits or distributions of assets to stockholders, the
Divisor used in calculating the AMEX Oil Index is adjusted in a manner designed
to prevent any instantaneous change or discontinuity in the level of the AMEX
Oil Index. Thereafter, the Divisor remains at the new value until a further
adjustment is necessary as the result of another change. As a result of each
such change affecting any component stock, the Divisor is adjusted in such a way
that the level of the AMEX Oil Index immediately after such change will equal
the level of the AMEX Oil Index immediately prior to the change.
Component stocks may be deleted or added by the AMEX with approval of the
Commission. However, to maintain continuity in the AMEX Oil Index, the policy
of the AMEX is generally not to alter the composition of the component stocks
except when a component Stock is deleted due to (i) bankruptcy of the issuer,
(ii) merger of the issuer with, or acquisition of the issuer by, another
company, (iii) delisting of such stock, or (iv) failure of such stock to meet,
upon periodic review by the AMEX, market value and trading volume criteria
established by the AMEX (as such may change from time to time). Upon deletion of
a stock from the component stocks, the AMEX may select a suitable replacement
for such deleted component stock. The policy of the AMEX is to announce any such
change in advance via distribution of an information circular.
The use of and reference to the AMEX Oil Index in connection with the Notes
has been consented to by the AMEX, the publisher of the AMEX Oil Index and, in
connection with such consent, the AMEX has requested that the following
information appear in this Prospectus. The AMEX is under no obligation to
continue the calculation and dissemination of the AMEX Oil Index. The Notes are
not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the AMEX. No inference should be
drawn from the information contained in this Prospectus that the AMEX makes any
representation or warranty, implied or express, to the Company, beneficial
owners of the Notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in securities generally or in the Notes in particular or the ability
of the AMEX Oil Index to track general stock market performance. The AMEX has no
obligation to take the needs of the Company or beneficial owners of the Notes
into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the AMEX Oil Index.
The AMEX is not responsible for, and has not participated, in the determination
or calculation of the equation by which the Notes with respect to the annual
payments will be determined. The AMEX has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Notes. The AMEX
disclaims all responsibility for any errors or omissions in the calculation and
dissemination of the AMEX Oil Index or the manner in which such index is applied
in determining the annual payments with respect to the Notes.
None of the Company, the Calculation Agent, MLPF&S nor the Trustee accepts
any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the AMEX
Oil Index or any Successor Index.
A potential investor should review the historical prices of the securities
underlying the Amex Oil Index. The historical prices of such securities should
not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be
given that the prices of such securities will increase sufficiently to cause the
beneficial owners of the Notes to receive an amount in excess of the Minimum
Annual Payment on any December Payment Date and at the maturity of the Notes.
OIL INDUSTRY SECTOR
The oil industry is subject to varying degrees of regulatory, political and
economic risk which may affect the price of the stocks of the companies engaged
in the industry. Such risks depend on a number of factors including the
countries in which a particular company conducts its activities, evolving levels
of governmental regulation, and litigation with respect to environmental and
other matters. All segments of the oil industry are competitive, including
manufacturing, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and
petrochemicals. In addition, the oil industry competes with other industries in
supplying the energy needs of various types of consumers. Refining margins (the
difference between the price of products and the price of crude oil) and
marketing margins (the difference between the wholesale and retail price of
petroleum products) also affect companies engaged in the oil industry.
The profitability of companies engaged in the oil industry is directly
affected by the worldwide price of oil and related petroleum products which, in
turn, depends upon the worldwide demand for oil and related petroleum products.
Environmental regulation is a significant factor affecting profitability of
companies engaged in the oil industry. In the U.S., companies engaged in the oil
industry are subject to substantial environmental regulation by federal, state,
and local
11
authorities. Federal regulations include the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (often referred to
as CERCLA or Superfund), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorizations Act of
1986, and the Resource Conservation Recovery Act of 1976.
In the United States and elsewhere, various laws and regulations are either
now in force, in standby status or under consideration, with respect to such
matters as price controls, crude oil and refined product allocations, refined
product specifications, environmental, health and safety regulations,
retroactive and prospective tax increases, cancellation of contract rights,
expropriation of property, divestiture of certain operations, foreign exchange
rate restrictions as to the convertibility of currencies, tariffs and other
international trade restrictions. Other regulations such as the U.S. Federal
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 may have a substantial impact on companies
engaged in the oil industry despite the fact that they do not impose direct
regulations. Finally, regional regulations like those proposed by California's
South Coast Air Quality Management District may have substantial effects on the
oil industry as well.
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Notes were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Notes. The following summaries
of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be complete and
are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions
of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Notes are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
12
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or such
lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt Securities of that
series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series and the
interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, if any
to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with respect to Senior
Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing at the time of such
declaration. At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series but before a judgment or decree
for payment of money due has been obtained by
13
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
14
Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
S&P 500 MARKET INDEX TARGET-TERM SECURITIES(SM) DUE MAY 10, 2001
("MITTS(R)")
On May 13, 1996, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued an aggregate
principal amount of $110,000,000 of S&P 500 Market Index Target-Term Securities
due May 10, 2001 (the "Securities" or "MITTS"). Each $10 principal amount of
Securities will be deemed a "Unit" for purposes of trading and transfer at the
Securities Depository described below. Units will be transferable by the
Securities Depository, as more fully described below, in denominations of whole
Units.
The Securities are debt securities of the Company. The Securities were issued
in denominations of $10 and integral multiples thereof, will bear no periodic
payments of interest and will mature on May 10, 2001. At maturity, a beneficial
owner of a Security will be entitled to receive, with respect to each Security,
the principal amount thereof plus an interest payment, if any (the "Supplemental
Redemption Amount"), based on the percentage increase, if any, in the S&P 500
Composite Stock Price Index (the "Index") over the Starting Index Value. The
Supplemental Redemption Amount will in no event be less than zero. The
Securities are not redeemable or callable by the Company prior to maturity. At
maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal amount of
such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, however, there
will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount payable with respect to a Security at
maturity will equal the product of (A) the principal amount of the applicable
Security, (B) the percentage increase from the Starting Index Value to the
Ending Index Value, and (C) the Participation Rate. The Starting Index Value
equals 638.26 which was the closing value of the Index on the date the
Securities were priced by the Company for initial sale to the public (the
"Pricing Date"). The Ending Index Value, as more particularly described herein,
will be the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index on
certain days, or, if certain events occur, the closing value of the Index on a
single day prior to the maturity of the Securities. The Participation Rate
equals 110%.
FOR INFORMATION AS TO THE CALCULATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL REDEMPTION AMOUNT
WHICH WILL BE PAID AT MATURITY, THE CALCULATION AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE
INDEX, SEE "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES" AND "THE INDEX", RESPECTIVELY, IN THIS
PROSPECTUS. FOR OTHER INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE
INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form by or
through the Depository. Beneficial owners of the Securities will not have the
right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except under
the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MIX".
--------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the New York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
--------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
--------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
(R)"MITTS" is a registered service mark and (SM) "Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P") DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR
THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES
NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, HOLDERS OF THE SECURITIES,
OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED UNDER THE LICENSE
AGREEMENT DESCRIBED HEREIN OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P 500
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN
NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
2
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS
IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY (WITHOUT
EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF ANY OR
ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS FOR SUCH
COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE SECRETARY'S
OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges . . . . . . 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs,
3
amortization of debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-
owned subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative
of the interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
Supplemental Redemption Amount May be Zero. Investors should be aware that
if the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index Value, beneficial
owners of the Securities will receive only the principal amount thereof at
maturity, even if the value of the Index at some point between the issue date
and the maturity date of the Securities exceeded the Starting Index Value.
Yield may be Below Market Interest Rates on the Pricing Date. A beneficial
owner of the Securities may receive no Supplemental Redemption Amount at
maturity, or a Supplemental Redemption Amount that is below what the Company
would pay as interest as of the Pricing Date if the Company issued non-callable
senior debt securities with a similar maturity as that of the Securities. The
return of principal of the Securities at maturity and the payment of the
Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may not reflect the full opportunity
costs implied by inflation or other factors relating to the time value of money.
Yield on Securities will not Reflect Dividends. The Index does not reflect
the payment of dividends on the stocks underlying it and therefore the yield
based on the Index to the maturity of the Securities will not produce the same
yield as if such underlying stocks were purchased and held for a similar period.
State Law Limit on Interest Paid. Because the Senior Indenture provides that
the Securities are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New
York, certain usury laws of New York State may apply. Under present New York
law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest basis.
This limit may not apply to Securities in which $2,500,000 or more has been
invested. While the Company believes that New York law would be given effect by
a state or Federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws frequently
regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower
(including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). It is suggested that
prospective investors consult their personal advisors with respect to the
applicability of such laws. The Company will covenant for the benefit of the
Holders of the Securities, to the extent permitted by law, not to claim
voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning usurious rates of interest
against a Holder of the Securities.
TRADING
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MIX".
It is expected that the trading value of the Securities in the secondary
market will be affected by the creditworthiness of the Company and by a number
of other factors. The trading value of the Securities is expected to depend
substantially on the extent of the appreciation, if any, of the Index over the
Starting Index Value. See "The Index--Historical Data on the Index" in this
Prospectus for historical values of the Index. If, however, Securities are sold
prior to the maturity date at a time when the Index exceeds the Starting Index
Value, the sale price may be at a substantial discount from the amount expected
to be payable to the beneficial owner if such excess of the Index over the
Starting Index Value were to prevail until maturity of the Securities because of
the possible fluctuation of the Index between the time of such sale and the time
that the Ending Index Value is determined. Furthermore, the price at which a
beneficial owner will be able to sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a
discount, which could be substantial, from the principal amount thereof, if, at
such time, the Index is below, equal to, or not sufficiently above the Starting
Index Value. A discount could also result from rising interest rates.
In addition to the value of the Index, the trading value of the Securities may
be affected by a number of interrelated factors, including the creditworthiness
of the Company and those factors listed below. The relationship
4
among these factors is complex, including how these factors affect the relative
value of the principal amount of the Securities to be repaid at maturity and the
value of the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any. Accordingly, investors
should be aware that factors other than the level of the Index are likely to
affect the Securities' trading value. The expected effect on the trading value
of the Securities of each of the factors listed below, assuming in each case
that all other factors are held constant, is as follows:
Interest Rates. Because the Securities repay at a minimum the principal
amount thereof at maturity, the trading value of the Securities will likely be
affected by changes in interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates
increase, the trading value of the Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S.
interest rates decrease, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
increase. Interest rates may also affect the U.S. economy, and, in turn, the
value of the Index. Rising interest rates may lower the value of the Index and,
thus, the Securities. Falling interest rates may increase the value of the Index
and, thus, may increase the value of the Securities.
Volatility of the Index. If the volatility of the Index increases, the
trading value of the Securities is expected to increase. If the volatility of
the Index decreases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the Index. This
difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the
value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of the Securities. As the
time remaining to maturity of the Securities decreases, however, this time
premium is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of the
Securities. In addition, the price at which a beneficial owner may be able to
sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which may be
substantial, from the principal amount of the Securities if the value of the
Index is below, equal to, or not sufficiently above the Starting Index Value.
Dividend Rates in the United States. If dividend rates on the stocks
comprising the Index increase, the value of the Securities is expected to
decrease. Conversely, if dividend rates on the stocks comprising the Index
decrease, the value of the Securities is expected to increase. However, in
general, rising U.S. corporate dividend rates may increase the value of the
Index and, in turn, increase the value of the Securities. Conversely, falling
U.S. dividend rates may decrease the value of the Index and, in turn, decrease
the value of the Securities.
The impact of the factors specified above, excluding the value of the Index,
may offset, partially or in whole, any increase in the trading value of the
Securities that is attributable to an increase in the value of the Index. For
example, an increase in U.S. interest rates may cause the Securities to trade at
a discount from their initial offering price, even if the Index has appreciated
significantly. In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, the
effect on the trading value of the Securities of a given change in interest
rates, Index volatility and/or dividend rates of stocks comprising the Index is
expected to be less if it occurs later in the term of the Securities than if it
occurs earlier in the term of the Securities. The effect on the trading value of
the Securities of a given appreciation of the Index in excess of the Starting
Index Value is expected to be greater if it occurs later in the term of the
Securities than if it occurs earlier in the term of the Securities, assuming all
other relevant factors are held constant.
THE INDEX
The value of the Index and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may be
adversely affected by political, economic and other developments that affect the
stocks underlying the Index.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in light of their particular circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
5
MLPF&S or its affiliates may from time to time engage in transactions
involving the stocks underlying the Index for their proprietary accounts and for
other accounts under their management, which may influence the value of such
stocks and therefore the value of the Securities. MLPF&S and its affiliates will
also be the counterparties to the hedge of the Company's obligations under the
Securities. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, conflicts of interest may
arise between MLPF&S's responsibilities as Calculation Agent with respect to the
Securities and its obligations under its hedge and its status as a subsidiary of
the Company. Under certain circumstances, the duties of MLPF&S as Calculation
Agent in determining the existence of Market Disruption Events could conflict
with the interests of MLPF&S as an affiliate of the issuer of the Securities,
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., and with the interests of the holders of the
Securities.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, referred to as the "Senior Indenture", which is more fully
described below. The Securities will mature on May 10, 2001.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal
amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any,
however, there will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. (See
"Payment at Maturity" below.)
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities--Events of Default and Acceleration" in this Prospectus and "Other
Terms--Events of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities were issued in denominations of whole Units.
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, all as
provided below. If the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index
Value a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive only the
principal amount thereof.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive,
with respect to each such Security, (i) the principal amount thereof ($10 for
each Unit), and (ii) the Supplemental Redemption Amount equal in amount to:
Principal Amount X Ending Index Value--Starting Index Value X Participation
---------------------------------------- Rate
Starting Index Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero. The Starting Index Value equals 638.26, which was the closing
value of the Index on the date the Securities were priced by the Company for
initial sale to the public (i.e, the Pricing Date). The Participation Rate
equals 110%. The Ending Index Value will be determined by Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated (the "Calculation Agent") and will equal the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index determined on each of the
first five Calculation Days during the Calculation Period. If there are fewer
than five Calculation Days, then the Ending Index Value will equal the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index on such Calculation Days,
and if there is only one Calculation Day, then the Ending Index Value will equal
the closing value of the Index on such Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days
occur during the Calculation Period because of Market Disruption Events, then
the Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of the Index determined on
the last scheduled Index Business Day in the Calculation Period, regardless of
the occurrences of a Market Disruption Event on such day.
6
The "Calculation Period" means the period from and including the seventh
scheduled Index Business Day prior to the maturity date to and including the
second scheduled Index Business Day prior to the maturity date. "Calculation
Day" means any Index Business Day during the Calculation Period on which a
Market Disruption Event has not occurred. For purposes of determining the Ending
Index Value, an "Index Business Day" is a day on which the New York Stock
Exchange and the American Stock Exchange are open for trading and the Index or
any Successor Index is calculated and published. All determinations made by the
Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and,
absent a determination by the Calculation Agent of a manifest error, shall be
conclusive for all purpose and binding on the Company and beneficial owners of
the Securities.
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Index
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities, (ii) the total rate of return to beneficial owners of the
Securities, (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return to beneficial owners of
Securities, and (iv) the pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in
the stocks underlying the Index (which includes an assumed aggregate dividend
yield of 2.20% per annum, as more fully described below).
TOTAL AMOUNT PRETAX PRETAX ANNUALIZED
PERCENTAGE CHANGE PAYABLE AT MATURITY ANNUALIZED RATE RATE OF RETURN OF
HYPOTHETICAL ENDING OVER THE STARTING PER $10 PRINCIPAL OF RETURN ON STOCKS UNDERLYING
INDEX VALUE INDEX VALUE AMOUNT OF SECURITIES THE SECURITIES(1) THE INDEX(1)(2)
------------------- ------------------ -------------------- ------------------ -----------------
319.13 -50% $10.00 0.00% -11.41%
382.96 -40% $10.00 0.00% -7.89%
446.78 -30% $10.00 0.00% -4.89%
510.61 -20% $10.00 0.00% -2.25%
574.43 -10% $10.00 0.00% 0.09%
638.26(3) 0% $10.00 0.00% 2.21%
702.09 10% $11.10 2.10% 4.15%
765.91 20% $12.20 4.02% 5.94%
829.74 30% $13.30 5.80% 7.61%
893.56 40% $14.40 7.44% 9.16%
957.39 50% $15.50 8.97% 10.62%
1,021.22 60% $16.60 10.42% 12.00%
1,085.04 70% $17.70 11.77% 13.30%
1,148.87 80% $18.80 13.05% 14.54%
1,212.69 90% $19.90 14.27% 15.72%
1,276.52 100% $21.00 15.43% 16.84%
1,340.35 110% $22.10 16.53% 17.92%
1,404.17 120% $23.20 17.59% 18.95%
- --------------
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes (i) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Index with the allocation of such amount reflecting
the current relative weights of such stocks in the Index; (ii) a percentage
change in the aggregate price of such stocks that equals the percentage
change in the Index from the Starting Index Value to the relevant
hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iii) a constant dividend yield of 2.20%
per annum, paid quarterly from the date of initial delivery of Securities,
applied to the value of the Index at the end of each such quarter assuming
such value increases or decreases linearly from the Starting Index Value to
the applicable hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iv) no transaction fees or
expenses; (v) a term for the Securities from May 13, 1996 to May 10, 2001;
and (vi) a final Index value equal to the Ending Index Value. The aggregate
dividend yield of the stocks underlying the Index as of May 7, 1996 was
approximately 2.20%.
(3) The Starting Index Value.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the total and pretax
annualized rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual
Ending Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein.
Historical data regarding the Index is included in this Prospectus under "The
Index--Historical Data on the Index".
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INDEX; MARKET DISRUPTION EVENTS
7
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof, is
changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified so
that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as determined
by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to New York
Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or
promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange or any other self regulatory
organization or the Securities and Exchange Commission of similar scope as
determined by the Calculation Agent) on trading during significant market
fluctuations shall be considered "material" for purposes of this definition), in
each case, for more than two hours of trading in 100 or more of the securities
included in the S&P 500 Index, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation, in each case, for more than two
hours of trading (whether by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding
levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in (A) futures contracts
related to the Index which are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or (B)
option contracts related to the Index which are traded on the Chicago Board
Options Exchange, Inc.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE INDEX
If S&P discontinues publication of the Index and S&P or another entity
publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent determines,
in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such index being
referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the Calculation
Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the Company, the
Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated by S&P or
such other entity for the Index and calculate the Ending Index Value as
described above under "Payment at Maturity". Upon any selection by the
Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof
to be given to Holders of the Securities.
If S&P discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in
accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to any
such discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent
calculates a value as a substitute for the Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the Index for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If S&P discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during which
the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation Agent
determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (i) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be
8
published not less often than once each month in The Wall Street Journal (or
another newspaper of general circulation), and arrange for information with
respect to such values to be made available by telephone. Notwithstanding these
alternative arrangements, discontinuance of the publication of the Index may
adversely affect trading in the Securities.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each $10 principal
amount thereof, will be equal to: (i) the initial issue price ($10), plus (ii)
an additional amount of contingent interest calculated as though the date of
early repayment were the maturity date of the Securities. See "Description of
Securities--Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding
is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a
Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United
States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an additional amount
of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the
proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities (whether
at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the beneficial owners
thereof, at the rate of 8% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of
such amount has been made or duly provided for.
DEPOSITORY
The issuance, all Securities are represented by one or more fully registered
global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global Security has been
deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), as
Depository (the "Depository"), registered in the name of DTC or a nominee
thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in
definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the
Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to
such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or
any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also available
to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly
or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not
receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners
are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which
9
the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial
interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of such
ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC
(with respect to interests of Participants) and on the records of Participants
(with respect to interests of persons held through Participants). The laws of
some states may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical
delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may
impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Global
Securities.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in a
Global Security will not be entitled to have the Securities represented by such
Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the Securities in definitive form and will not be
considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture, including
for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the Trustee
pursuant to the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial
interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such
Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which
such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder under the
Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Senior
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to, Securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made
to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global
Securities representing such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any
other agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility
or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects
that DTC, upon receipt of any payment of principal or any Supplemental
Redemption Amount in respect of a Global Security, will credit the accounts of
the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as
shown on the records of DTC. The Company also expects that payments by
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing customer
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
Settlement for the Securities will be made by the Underwriter in immediately
available funds. All payments of principal and the Supplemental Redemption
Amount, if any, will be made by the Company in immediately available funds so
long as the Securities are maintained in book-entry form.
10
THE INDEX
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the Index, including,
without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its
components, is derived from publicly available information prepared by S&P as of
May 7, 1996. Neither the Company nor the Underwriter takes any responsibility
for the accuracy or completeness of such information.
GENERAL
The Index is published by S&P and is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock price movement. The calculation of the value of the
Index (discussed below in further detail) is based on the relative value of the
aggregate Market Value (as defined below) of the common stocks of 500 companies
as of a particular time as compared to the aggregate average Market Value of the
common stocks of 500 similar companies during the base period of the years 1941
through 1943. As of April 29, 1996, the 500 companies included in the Index
represented approximately 77% of the aggregate Market Value of common stocks
traded on The New York Stock Exchange; however, these 500 companies are not the
500 largest companies listed on The New York Stock Exchange and not all of these
500 companies are listed on such exchange. As of April 29, 1996, the aggregate
market value of the 500 companies included in the Index represented
approximately 70% of the aggregate market value of United States domestic,
public companies. S&P chooses companies for inclusion in the Index with the aim
of achieving a distribution by broad industry groupings that approximates the
distribution of these groupings in the common stock population of The New York
Stock Exchange, which S&P uses as an assumed model for the composition of the
total market. Relevant criteria employed by S&P include the viability of the
particular company, the extent to which that company represents the industry
group to which it is assigned, the extent to which the market price of that
Company's common stock is generally responsive to changes in the affairs of the
respective industry and the Market Value and trading activity of the common
stock of that company. As of April 29, 1996, the 500 companies included in the
Index were divided into 90 individual groups. These individual groups comprised
the following four main groups of companies (with the number of companies
currently included in each group indicated in parentheses): Industrials (372),
Utilities (49), Transportation (14) and Financial (65). S&P may from time to
time, in its sole discretion, add companies to, or delete companies from, the
Index to achieve the objectives stated above.
COMPUTATION OF THE S&P 500 INDEX
S&P currently computes the Index as of a particular time as follows:
(1) the product of the market price per share and the number of then
outstanding shares of each component stock is determined as of such time (such
product referred to as the "Market Value" of such stock);
(2) the Market Value of all component stocks as of such time (as determined
under clause (1) above) are aggregated;
(3) the mean average of the Market Values as of each week in the base period
of the years 1941 through 1943 of the common stock of each company in a group of
500 substantially similar companies is determined;
(4) the mean average Market Values of all such common stocks over such base
period (as determined under clause (3) above) are aggregated (such aggregate
amount being referred to as the "Base Value");
(5) the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks as of such time (as
determined under clause (2) above) is divided by the Base Value; and
(6) the resulting quotient (expressed in decimals) is multiplied by ten.
While S&P currently employs the above methodology to calculate the Index, no
assurance can be given that S&P will not modify or change such methodology in a
manner that may affect the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, payable to
beneficial owners of Securities upon maturity or otherwise.
11
S&P adjusts the foregoing formula to negate the effect of changes in the
Market Value of a component stock that are determined by S&P to be arbitrary or
not due to true market fluctuations. Such changes may result from such causes as
the issuance of stock dividends, the granting to shareholders of rights to
purchase additional shares of such stock, the purchase thereof by employees
pursuant to employee benefit plans, certain consolidations and acquisitions, the
granting to shareholders of rights to purchase other securities of the company,
the substitution by S&P of particular component stocks in the Index, and other
reasons. In all such cases, S&P first recalculates the aggregate Market Value of
all component stocks (after taking account of the new market price per share of
the particular component stock or the new number of outstanding shares thereof
or both, as the case may be) and then determines the New Base Value in
accordance with the following formula:
Old Base Value X New Market Value = New Base Value
-----------------
Old Market Value
The result is that the Base Value is adjusted in proportion to any change in the
aggregate Market Value of all component stocks resulting from the causes
referred to above to the extent necessary to negate the effects of such causes
upon the Index.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Index.
The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an indication of
future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Index will increase
sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the Securities to receive an
amount in excess of the principal amount at the maturity of the Securities.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. have entered into a non-exclusive
license agreement providing for the license to Merrill Lynch Capital Services,
Inc., in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by
S&P in connection with certain securities, including the Securities, and the
Company is an authorized sublicensee thereof.
The license agreement between S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc.
provides that the following language must be stated in this Prospectus:
"The Securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P
makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Holders of the
Securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing
in securities generally or in the Securities particularly or the ability of
the Index to track general stock market performance. S&P's only relationship
to Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. and the Company (other than
transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business) is the licensing
of certain servicemarks and trade names of S&P and of the Index which is
determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard to the Company or
the Securities. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the
Holders of the Securities into consideration in determining, composing or
calculating the Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in
the determination of the timing of the sale of the Securities, prices at which
the Securities are to initially be sold, or quantities of the Securities to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the
Securities are to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability
in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
Securities."
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to,
12
and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the Senior
Indenture, including the definition therein of certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior
13
Indenture to be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or
such successor corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter
be in default under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any
14
trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of such series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any
rule of law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or
power under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee
shall be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
15
Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
TECHNOLOGY MARKET INDEX TARGET-TERM SECURITIES(SM) DUE AUGUST 15, 2001
("MITTS(R)")
On August 12, 1996, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$25,000,000 aggregate principal amount (2,500,000 Units) of Technology Market
Index Target-Term Securities due August 15, 2001 (the "Securities" or "MITTS").
Each $10 principal amount of Securities will be deemed a "Unit" for purposes of
trading and transfer at the Depository described below. Units will be
transferable by the Depository, as more fully described below, in denominations
of whole Units.
The Securities are debt securities of the Company, which were issued in
denominations of $10 and integral multiples thereof, will bear no periodic
payments of interest and will mature on August 15, 2001. At maturity, a
beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive, with respect to each
Security, the principal amount thereof plus an interest payment (the
"Supplemental Redemption Amount"), based on the percentage increase, if any, in
the CBOE Technology Index* (the "Index") over the Benchmark Index Value. The
Supplemental Redemption Amount will in no event be less than zero or more than
$10 per $10 principal amount of Securities, representing a maximum annualized
rate of return of 14.33% compounded semi-annually over the term of the
Securities. The Securities are not redeemable or callable by the Company prior
to maturity. At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the
principal amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if
any, however, there will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount payable with respect to a Security at
maturity will equal the product of (A) the principal amount of the applicable
Security and (B) the percentage increase from the Benchmark Index Value to the
Ending Index Value. The Benchmark Index Value equals 189.48 and was determined
as described herein. The closing value of the Index on the date the Securities
were priced by the Company for initial sale to the public was 168.43, and the
Benchmark Index Value exceeded such closing value by 12.5%. The Ending Index
Value, as more particularly described herein, will be the average (arithmetic
mean) of the closing values of the Index on certain days, or, if certain events
occur, the closing value of the Index on a single day prior to the maturity of
the Securities.
FOR INFORMATION AS TO THE CALCULATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL REDEMPTION AMOUNT
WHICH WILL BE PAID AT MATURITY, THE CALCULATION AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE
INDEX, SEE "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES" AND "THE INDEX", RESPECTIVELY, IN THIS
PROSPECTUS. FOR OTHER INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE
INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form by or
through the Depository. Beneficial owners of the Securities will not have the
right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except under
the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc.
(the "CBOE") and the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol
"TKM".
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the CBOE and the NYSE, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules to the By-Laws of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
(R)"MITTS" is a registered service mark and "Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
* The use and reference of the term "CBOE Technology Index" herein has been
consented to by the CBOE.
The "CBOE Technology Index" is a service mark of the CBOE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS
IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY (WITHOUT
EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF ANY OR
ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS FOR SUCH
COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE SECRETARY'S
OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
2
TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.
THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges . . . . . . 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
Benchmark Index Value will Exceed Value of Index on the Pricing Date. The
Benchmark Index Value exceeded the closing value of the Index on the Pricing
Date by 12.5%. Investors should be aware that if, at
3
maturity, the Ending Index Value does not exceed the closing Index value on the
Pricing Date by more than 12.5%, beneficial owners of the Securities will
receive only the principal amount thereof.
Yield may be Below Market Interest Rates on the Pricing Date. A beneficial
owner of the Securities may receive no Supplemental Redemption Amount at
maturity, or a Supplemental Redemption Amount that is below what the Company
would pay as interest as of the Pricing Date if the Company issued non-callable
senior debt securities with a similar maturity as that of the Securities. The
return of principal of the Securities at maturity and the payment of the
Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may not reflect the full opportunity
costs implied by inflation or other factors relating to the time value of money.
Limitation of Supplemental Redemption Amount. Because the Supplemental
Redemption Amount will not exceed $10 per $10 principal amount of Securities,
beneficial owners of Securities will not benefit from Index increases in excess
of approximately 125% of the closing Index value on the Pricing Date (the
"Maximum Index Value"). In no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount
exceed $10 per $10 principal amount of Securities.
Yield on Securities will not Reflect Dividends. The Index does not reflect
the payment of dividends on the stocks underlying it and therefore the yield
based on the Index to the maturity of the Securities will not produce the same
yield as if such underlying stocks were purchased and held for a similar period.
TRADING
The Securities have been listed on the CBOE and on the NYSE under the symbol
"TKM". It is expected that the secondary market for the Securities will be
affected by the creditworthiness of the Company and by a number of other
factors.
The trading value of the Securities is expected to depend substantially on the
extent of the appreciation, if any, of the Index over the Benchmark Index Value.
If, however, Securities are sold prior to the maturity date at a time when the
Index exceeds the Benchmark Index Value, the sale price may be at a substantial
discount from the amount expected to be payable to the beneficial owner if such
excess of the Index over the Benchmark Index Value were to prevail until
maturity of the Securities because of the possible fluctuation of the Index
between the time of such sale and the time that the Ending Index Value is
determined. Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial owner will be able to
sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which could be
substantial, from the principal amount thereof, if, at such time, the Index is
below, equal to, or not sufficiently above the Benchmark Index Value. The
limitation that the Supplemental Redemption Amount will not exceed $10 per $10
principal amount of Securities may adversely affect the secondary market value
of the Securities and such adverse effect could occur even if the value of the
Index is below the Maximum Index Value. A discount could also result from rising
interest rates.
In addition to the value of the Index, the trading value of the Securities may
be affected by a number of interrelated factors, including the creditworthiness
of the Company and those factors listed below. The relationship among these
factors is complex, including how these factors affect the relative value of the
principal amount of the Securities to be repaid at maturity and the value of the
Supplemental Redemption Amount. Accordingly, investors should be aware that
factors other than the level of the Index are likely to affect the Securities'
trading value. The expected effect on the trading value of the Securities of
each of the factors listed below, assuming in each case that all other factors
are held constant, is as follows:
Interest Rates. Because the Securities repay at a minimum the principal
amount thereof at maturity, the trading value of the Securities will likely be
affected by changes in interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates
increase, the trading value of the Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S.
interest rates decrease, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
increase. Interest rates may also affect the U.S. economy, and, in turn, the
value of the Index. Rising interest rates may lower the value of the Index and,
thus, may decrease the trading value of the
4
Securities. Falling interest rates may increase the value of the Index and,
thus, may increase the trading value of the Securities.
Volatility of the Index. If the volatility of the Index increases, the
trading value of the Securities is expected to increase. If the volatility of
the Index decreases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the Index. This
difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the
value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of the Securities. As the
time remaining to maturity of the Securities decreases, however, this time
premium is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of the
Securities. In addition, the price at which a beneficial owner may be able to
sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which may be
substantial, from the principal amount of the Securities if the value of the
Index is below, equal to, or not sufficiently above the Benchmark Index Value.
Dividend Rates in the United States. If dividend rates on the stocks
comprising the Index increase, the trading value of the Securities is expected
to decrease. Conversely, if dividend rates on the stocks comprising the Index
decrease, the value of the Securities is expected to increase. However, in
general, rising U.S. corporate dividend rates may increase the value of the
Index and, in turn, increase the trading value of the Securities. Conversely,
falling U.S. corporate dividend rates may decrease the value of the Index and,
in turn, decrease the trading value of the Securities.
The impact of the factors specified above, excluding the value of the Index,
may offset, partially or in whole, any increase in the trading value of the
Securities that is attributable to an increase in the value of the Index. For
example, an increase in U.S. interest rates may cause the Securities to trade at
a discount from their initial offering price, even if the Index has appreciated
significantly. In addition, the impact of a given factor may change depending on
the prevailing value of the Index relative to the Benchmark Index Value and the
Maximum Index Value and on the time remaining to maturity. In general, assuming
all relevant factors are held constant, the effect on the trading value of the
Securities of a given change in interest rates, Index volatility and/or dividend
rates of stocks comprising the Index is expected to be less if it occurs later
in the term of the Securities than if it occurs earlier in the term of the
Securities. The effect on the trading value of the Securities of a given
appreciation of the Index in excess of the Benchmark Index Value is expected to
be greater if it occurs later in the term of the Securities than if it occurs
earlier in the term of the Securities, assuming all other relevant factors are
held constant.
THE INDEX
The value of the Index and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may be
adversely affected by political, economic and other developments that affect the
stocks underlying the Index. Since the stocks underlying the Index are of
companies involved in various aspects of the high technology industry segment,
factors affecting this industry segment may affect the value of the Index and
therefore the trading value of the Securities.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in light of their particular circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
5
MLPF&S or its affiliates may from time to time engage in transactions
involving the stocks underlying the Index for their proprietary accounts and for
other accounts under their management, which may influence the value of such
stocks and therefore the value of the Securities. MLPF&S and its affiliates will
also be the counterparties to the hedge of the Company's obligations under the
Securities. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, conflicts of interest may
arise between MLPF&S's responsibilities as Calculation Agent with respect to the
Securities and its obligations under its hedge and its status as a subsidiary of
the Company. Under certain circumstances, the duties of MLPF&S as Calculation
Agent in determining the existence of Market Disruption Events could conflict
with the interests of MLPF&S as an affiliate of the issuer of the Securities,
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., and with the interests of the holders of the
Securities.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, referred to as the "Senior Indenture", which is more fully
described below. The Securities will mature on August 15, 2001.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal
amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any,
however, there will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. (See
"Payment at Maturity" below.)
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities--Events of Default and Acceleration" in this Prospectus and "Other
Terms--Events of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities were issued in denominations of whole Units.
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, all as
provided below. If the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Benchmark Index
Value a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive only the
principal amount thereof.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive,
with respect to each such Security, (i) the principal amount thereof ($10 for
each Unit), and (ii) the Supplemental Redemption Amount equal in amount to:
Principal Amount X Ending Index Value--Benchmark Index Value
-----------------------------------------
Benchmark Index Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero or more than $10 per $10 principal amount of Securities. The
Benchmark Index Value equals 189.48. The Benchmark Index Value was determined on
the Pricing Date by multiplying the closing value of the Index on the Pricing
Date by a factor equal to 112.5%. The Ending Index Value will be determined by
MLPF&S (the "Calculation Agent") and will equal the average (arithmetic mean) of
the closing values of the Index determined on each of the first five Calculation
Days during the Calculation Period. If there are fewer than five Calculation
Days, then the Ending Index Value will equal the average (arithmetic mean) of
the closing values of the Index on such Calculation Days, and if there is only
6
one Calculation Day, then the Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of
the Index on such Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days occur during the
Calculation Period because of Market Disruption Events, then the Ending Index
Value will equal the closing value of the Index determined on the last scheduled
Index Business Day in the Calculation Period, regardless of the occurrence of a
Market Disruption Event on such day. The "Calculation Period" means the period
from and including the seventh scheduled Index Business Day prior to the
maturity date to and including the second scheduled Index Business Day prior to
the maturity date. "Calculation Day" means any Index Business Day during the
Calculation Period on which a Market Disruption Event has not occurred. For
purposes of determining the Ending Index Value, an "Index Business Day" is a day
on which the NYSE is open for trading and trading generally occurs in the over-
the-counter market for equity securities and the Index or any Successor Index is
calculated and published. All determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall
be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and, absent a determination
by the Calculation Agent of a manifest error, shall be conclusive for all
purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial owners of the Securities.
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Index
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities, (ii) the pretax annualized rate of return to beneficial owners of
Securities, and (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in
the stocks underlying the Index (which includes an assumed aggregate dividend
yield of 0.20% per annum, as more fully described below).
TOTAL PRETAX PRETAX ANNUALIZED
PERCENTAGE CHANGE ---------- --------------------- ---------------------
HYPOTHETICAL ENDING ------------------ AMOUNT ANNUALIZED RATE OF RATE OF RETURN OF
- ---------------------- OVER THE STARTING ---------- --------------------- ---------------------
------------------ PAYABLE AT RETURN ON THE STOCKS UNDERLYING
INDEX VALUE INDEX VALUE ---------- --------------------- ---------------------
- ---------------------- ------------------ MATURITY SECURITIES(1) THE INDEX(1)(2)
---------- --------------------- ---------------------
84.22 -50% $10.00 0.00% -13.20%
101.06 -40% $10.00 0.00% -9.77%
117.90 -30% $10.00 0.00% -6.81%
134.74 -20% $10.00 0.00% -4.22%
151.59 -10% $10.00 0.00% -1.90%
168.43(3) 0% $10.00 0.00% 0.20%
185.27 10% $10.00 0.00% 2.12%
202.12 20% $10.67 1.30% 3.88%
218.96 30% $11.56 2.92% 5.52%
235.80 40% $12.44 4.41% 7.05%
252.65 50% $13.33 5.82% 8.49%
269.49 60% $14.22 7.15% 9.84%
286.33 70% $15.11 8.41% 11.12%
303.17 80% $16.00 9.61% 12.33%
320.02 90% $16.89 10.74% 13.48%
336.86 100% $17.78 11.83% 14.58%
353.70 110% $18.67 12.86% 15.63%
370.55 120% $19.56 13.85% 16.64%
387.39 130% $20.00 14.33% 17.60%
404.23 140% $20.00 14.33% 18.53%
421.08 150% $20.00 14.33% 19.43%
- --------------
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes (i) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Index with the allocation of such amount reflecting
the relative weights of such stocks in the Index; (ii) a percentage change
in the aggregate price of such stocks that equals the percentage change in
the Index from the closing value of the Index on the Pricing Date to the
relevant hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iii) a constant dividend yield of
0.20% per annum, paid quarterly from the date of initial delivery of
Securities, applied to the value of the
7
Index at the end of each such quarter assuming such value increases or
decreases linearly from the closing value of the Index on the Pricing Date
to the applicable hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iv) no transaction fees
or expenses; (v) an investment term equal to the term of the Securities; and
(vi) a final Index value equal to the Ending Index Value. The aggregate
dividend yield of the stocks underlying the Index as of August 7, 1996 was
approximately 0.20%.
(3) The closing value of the Index on the Pricing Date.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the pretax annualized
rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual Ending
Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein. Historical
data regarding the Index is included in this Prospectus under "The Index--
Historical Data on the Index".
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INDEX; MARKET DISRUPTION EVENTS
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof, is
changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified so
that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as determined
by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to New York
Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or
promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange or any other self regulatory
organization or the Commission of similar scope as determined by the Calculation
Agent) on trading during significant market fluctuations shall be considered
"material" for purposes of this definition), in each case, for more than two
hours of trading in 5 or more of the securities included in the Index, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation, in each case, for more than two
hours of trading (whether by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding
levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in option contracts on
the Index which are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE INDEX
If the CBOE discontinues publication of the Index and the CBOE or another
entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent
determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such
index being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the
Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee (as
defined below) and the Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the
Successor Index as calculated by the CBOE or such other entity for the Index and
calculate the Ending Index Value as described above under "Payment at Maturity".
Upon any selection by the Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company
shall cause notice thereof to be given to Holders of the Securities.
8
If the CBOE discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in
accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to any
such discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent
calculates a value as a substitute for the Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the Index for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If the CBOE discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during
which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation
Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (i) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely affect trading in
the Securities.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each $10 principal
amount thereof, will be equal to: (i) the initial issue price ($10), plus (ii)
an additional amount of contingent interest calculated as though the date of
early repayment were the maturity date of the Securities. See "Description of
Securities--Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding
is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a
Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United
States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an additional amount
of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the
proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities (whether
at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the beneficial owners
thereof, at the rate of 7.76% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of
such amount has been made or duly provided for.
DEPOSITORY
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"), as Depository (the "Depository"), registered in the name of DTC or a
nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for
Securities in definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a
whole by the Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such
Depository to such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such
Depository or any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of
such successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
9
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC
was created to hold securities of its participants ("Participants") and to
facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its
Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of the Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of securities certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other
organizations.
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also available
to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly
or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not
receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners
are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered
into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of
Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests of
persons held through Participants). The laws of some states may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to own,
transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in a
Global Security will not be entitled to have the Securities represented by such
Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the Securities in definitive form and will not be
considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture, including
for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the Trustee
pursuant to the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial
interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such
Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which
such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder under the
Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Senior
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to, Securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made
to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global
Securities representing such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any
other agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility
or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects
that DTC, upon receipt of any payment of principal or any Supplemental
Redemption Amount in respect of a Global Security, will credit the accounts of
the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as
shown on the records of DTC. The Company also expects that payments by
Participants to
10
Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing customer instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and will be the
responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $10 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
All payments of principal and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, will
be made by the Company in immediately available funds so long as the Securities
are maintained in book-entry form.
THE INDEX
THE INDEX
Unless otherwise stated, all information herein on the Index is derived from
the CBOE or other publicly available sources. Such information reflects the
policies of the CBOE as stated in such sources and such policies are subject to
change by the CBOE.
The Index is a price-weighted stock index designed, developed, maintained and
operated by, and is a service mark of, the CBOE. The Index is designed to
provide an indication of the composite price performance of the common stocks of
companies involved in the U.S. high technology industry segment (i.e., companies
involved in the design and manufacture of high technology components and
systems). The Index consists of the stocks of 30 issuers involved in various
aspects of the high technology industry segment, including: computer services,
telecommunications equipment, server software and hardware, design software, PC
software and hardware, networking, peripherals, and semiconductors. (See the
table below for a list of the stocks underlying the Index as of August 5, 1996.)
The CBOE selects companies for inclusion in the Index with the aim of
representing the spectrum of companies that develop components and systems that
define high technology. Relevant criteria employed by the CBOE include the
viability of the particular company, the extent to which that company represents
the high technology sector, the extent to which the market price of that
company's common stock is generally responsive to changes in the affairs of the
technology sector and the market value and trading activity of the common stock
of that company. As of August 5, 1996, the 30 companies included in the Index
were divided into five main individual groups. These individual groups comprised
the following (with the number of companies currently included in each group
indicated in parentheses): Computer Hardware (8), Computer Software (6),
Computer Systems & Services (6), Telecommunications (5) and Semiconductors (5).
The CBOE may from time to time, in its sole discretion, add companies to, or
delete companies from, the Index to achieve the objectives stated above. The
Index has a base date of January 3, 1995.
The common stocks comprising the Index are currently listed either on the New
York Stock Exchange or traded through the facilities of the National Association
of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System and reported as National Market
System securities. As of August 5, 1996, the 30 companies included in the Index
had an aggregate market value of $445.9 billion, with an average capitalization
of $14.86 billion. The Index components
11
ranged in size from $906.6 million to $72.3 billion, with a median
capitalization of $4.81 billion. All of the stocks are currently the subject of
listed options trading in the U.S.
The average monthly trading volumes per Index component over the six month
period ending July 31, 1996 ranged from a low of 5.65 million shares to a high
of 177.6 million shares. As of August 5, 1996, the largest stock in the Index,
by value, accounted for 8.88% of the Index, while the smallest represented 0.78%
of the Index. Also on that date, the top five stocks in the Index accounted for
32.26% of the Index by value.
The Index satisfies the CBOE's generic maintenance standards for options on
narrow-based stock indexes.
COMPUTATION OF THE INDEX
The Index is a price-weighted index (i.e., the weight in the Index of a stock
underlying the Index (an "Underlying Stock") is based on its price per share
rather than the total market capitalization of the issuer of such stock) and
reflects changes in the prices of the Underlying Stocks relative to the index
base date, January 3, 1995, when the Index equaled 100.00. Specifically, the
Index value is calculated by (i) totaling the prices of a single share of each
of the Underlying Stocks (the "Market Price Aggregate"), and (ii) dividing the
Market Price Aggregate by the Index Divisor. The Index Divisor was originally
chosen to result in an Index value of 100 on January 3, 1995, and is subject to
periodic adjustments as set forth below. The stock prices used to calculate the
Index are those reported by a primary market for the Underlying Stocks.
The CBOE adjusts the foregoing Index Divisor to negate the effects of changes
in the price of an Underlying Stock that are determined by the CBOE to be
arbitrary and not due to market fluctuations. Such adjustments may result from
stock splits, certain consolidations and acquisitions, the grant to shareholders
of the right to purchase other securities of the issuer (e.g., spinoffs and
rights issuances). The CBOE may also adjust the Index Divisor because of the
substitution of an Underlying Security. In all such cases, the CBOE first
recalculates the Market Price Aggregate and then determines a new Index Divisor
based on the following formula:
Old Divisor X New Market Price Aggregate = New Divisor
--------------------------
Old Market Price Aggregate
The Index will be maintained by the CBOE. The Index is reviewed on
approximately a monthly basis by the CBOE staff. The CBOE may change the
composition of the Index at any time to reflect changes affecting the components
of the Index or the technology industry generally. If it becomes necessary to
remove a stock from the Index (for example, because of a takeover or merger),
the CBOE will only add a stock having characteristics that will permit the Index
to remain within the maintenance criteria specified in CBOE Rules and within the
applicable rules of the Commission. These maintenance criteria currently
provide, among other things, that each component security must have (1) a market
capitalization of at least $75 million, except that securities accounting for
the bottom 10% of the weight of the Index may have market capitalizations of at
least $50 million, and (2) trading volume of at least 500,000 shares in each of
the last six months, except that securities accounting for the bottom 10% of the
weight of the Index may have trading volumes of at least 400,000 shares in each
of the last six months. Additionally, as of the first trading day of each
January and July, no single security may account for over 25% of the weight of
the Index and no five securities may account for over 50% of the weight of the
Index. Furthermore, each component security must be a reported security as
defined in Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Finally, at least 90% of the weight
of the Index and 80% of the number of components in the Index must be eligible
for standardized options trading pursuant to CBOE Rules or, if currently listed
for options trading, must meet the applicable maintenance standards specified in
CBOE Rules. The CBOE will also take into account the capitalizations, liquidity,
volatility, and name recognition of any proposed replacement stock.
12
Absent prior approval of the Commission, the CBOE will not increase to more
than 40, or decrease to fewer than 20, the number of stocks in the Index.
Additionally, the CBOE will not make any change in the composition of the Index
that would cause fewer than 90% of the stocks by weight, or fewer than 80% of
the total number of stocks in the index, to qualify as stocks eligible for
equity options trading under CBOE rules.
The CBOE is under no obligation to continue the calculation and dissemination
of the Index and the method by which the Index is calculated and the name "CBOE
Technology Index" may be changed at the discretion of the CBOE. The Securities
are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the CBOE. No inference should
be drawn from the information contained in this Prospectus that the CBOE makes
any representation or warranty, implied or express, to the Company, the
beneficial owners of Securities or any member of the public regarding the
advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Securities in
particular or the ability of the Index to track general stock market
performance. The CBOE has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the
beneficial owners of Securities into consideration in determining, composing or
calculating the Index. The CBOE is not responsible for, and has not participated
in the determination of the timing of prices for or quantities of, the
Securities to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation
by which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is determined. The CBOE has no
obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of the Securities.
The use of and reference to the Index in connection with the Securities have
been consented to by the CBOE.
Except with respect to the responsibility of the Calculation Agent to make
certain calculations under certain circumstances as described herein, none of
the Company, the Trustee, the Calculation Agent or the Underwriter has
undertaken independent diligence of the calculation, maintenance or publication
of the Index or any Successor Index. The CBOE disclaims all responsibility for
any inaccuracies in the data on which the Index is based and any mistakes or
errors or omissions in the calculation or dissemination of the Index and for the
manner in which the Index is used in determining the Supplemental Redemption
Amount, if any.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Index.
The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an indication of
future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Index will increase
sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the Securities to receive an
amount in excess of the principal amount at the maturity of the Securities.
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
13
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the
14
consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security affected thereby,
(a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of
interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or any
premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the Redemption Price; (b)
reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or Additional Amounts payable
on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of principal which could be
declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity; (c) change place or
currency of any payment of principal or any premium, interest or Additional
Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair the right to institute
suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Senior Debt
Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required
to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the foregoing requirements or
reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities necessary to waive
any past default to less than a majority. No modification or amendment of the
Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent Indenture for Subordinated Debt
Securities may adversely affect the rights of any holder of Senior Indebtedness
without the consent of such Holder. Except with respect to certain fundamental
provisions, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series may, with respect to such
series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and waive compliance by the
Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
15
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
16
Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
HEALTHCARE/BIOTECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO MARKET INDEX TARGET-TERM SECURITIES(SM)
DUE OCTOBER 31, 2001
("MITTS(R)")
On October 30, 1996, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$15,000,000 aggregate principal amount (1,500,000 Units) of
Healthcare/Biotechnology Portfolio Market Index Target-Term Securities due
October 31, 2001 (the "Securities" or "MITTS"). Each $10 principal amount of
Securities will be deemed a "Unit" for purposes of trading and transfer at the
Depository described below. Units will be transferable by the Depository, as
more fully described below, in denominations of whole Units.
The Securities are debt securities of the Company, which were issued in
denominations of $10 and integral multiples thereof, will bear no periodic
payments of interest and will mature on October 31, 2001. At maturity, a
beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive, with respect to each
Security, the principal amount thereof plus an interest payment (the
"Supplemental Redemption Amount"), based on the percentage increase, if any, in
the value of a portfolio (the "Portfolio Value") of specified stocks (the
"Portfolio") of companies involved in various segments of the healthcare
industry and the biotechnology industry over the Benchmark Portfolio Value. The
Supplemental Redemption Amount will in no event be less than zero. The
Securities are not redeemable or callable by the Company prior to maturity. At
maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal amount of
such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, however, there
will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount payable with respect to a Security at
maturity will equal the product of (A) the principal amount of the applicable
Security, and (B) the percentage increase from the Benchmark Portfolio Value to
the Ending Portfolio Value. The Benchmark Portfolio Value equals 115 and was
determined as described herein. The Benchmark Portfolio Value exceeds the
closing value of the Portfolio on the date the Securities were priced by the
Company for initial sale to the Public (the "Pricing Date") by 15%. The Ending
Portfolio Value, as more particularly described herein, will be the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Portfolio on certain days, or, if
certain events occur, the closing value of the Portfolio on a single day prior
to the maturity of the Securities.
FOR INFORMATION AS TO THE CALCULATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL REDEMPTION AMOUNT,
IF ANY, WHICH WILL BE PAID AT MATURITY AND THE CALCULATION AND THE COMPOSITION
OF THE PORTFOLIO, SEE "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES" AND "THE PORTFOLIO",
RESPECTIVELY, IN THIS PROSPECTUS. FOR OTHER INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form by or
through the Depository. Beneficial owners of the Securities will not have the
right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except under
the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the American Stock Exchange (the "AMEX")
under the symbol "MLH".
----------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the CBOE and the NYSE, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules to the By-Laws of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
----------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
----------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
(R)"MITTS" is a registered service mark and (TM)"Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS
IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY (WITHOUT
EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF ANY OR
ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS FOR SUCH
COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE SECRETARY'S
OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
2
TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.
THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges............. 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
Benchmark Portfolio Value will Exceed Value of Starting Portfolio Value on the
Pricing Date. On the Pricing Date, the Benchmark Portfolio Value exceeded the
Starting Portfolio Value (as defined below) by 15%. Investors
3
should be aware that if, at maturity, the Ending Portfolio Value does not exceed
the Starting Portfolio Value by more than 15%, beneficial owners of the
Securities will receive only the principal amount thereof.
Yield may be Below Market Interest Rates on the Pricing Date. A beneficial
owner of the Securities may receive no Supplemental Redemption Amount at
maturity, or a Supplemental Redemption Amount that is below what the Company
would pay as interest as of the Pricing Date if the Company issued non-callable
senior debt securities with a similar maturity as that of the Securities. The
return of principal of the Securities at maturity and the payment of the
Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may not reflect the full opportunity
costs implied by inflation or other factors relating to the time value of money.
Yield on Securities will not Reflect Dividends. The Portfolio does not
reflect the payment of dividends on the stocks underlying it and therefore the
yield based on the Portfolio to the maturity of the Securities will not produce
the same yield as if such underlying stocks were purchased and held for a
similar period.
State Law Limit on Interest Paid. Because the Senior Indenture (as defined
below) provides that the Securities are governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of New York, certain usury laws of New York State may apply. Under
present New York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple
interest basis. This limit may not apply to Securities in which $2,500,000 or
more has been invested. While the Company believes that New York law would be
given effect by a state or Federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws
frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a
borrower (including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). It is suggested that
prospective investors consult their personal advisors with respect to the
applicability of such laws. The Company will covenant for the benefit of the
Holders of the Securities, to the extent permitted by law, not to claim
voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning usurious rates of interest
against a Holder of the Securities.
TRADING
The Securities have been listed on the AMEX under the symbol "MLH". It is
expected that the secondary market for the Securities will be affected by the
creditworthiness of the Company and by a number of other factors.
The trading value of the Securities is expected to depend substantially on the
extent of the appreciation, if any, of the Portfolio Value over the Benchmark
Portfolio Value. If, however, Securities are sold prior to the maturity date at
a time when the Portfolio Value exceeds the Benchmark Portfolio Value, the sale
price may be at a substantial discount from the amount expected to be payable to
the beneficial owner if such excess of the Portfolio Value over the Benchmark
Portfolio Value were to prevail until maturity of the Securities because of the
possible fluctuation of the Portfolio between the time of such sale and the time
that the Ending Portfolio Value is determined. Furthermore, the price at which a
beneficial owner will be able to sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a
discount, which could be substantial, from the principal amount thereof, if, at
such time, the Portfolio is below, equal to, or not sufficiently above the
Benchmark Portfolio Value. A discount could also result from rising interest
rates.
In addition to the value of the Portfolio, the trading value of the Securities
may be affected by a number of interrelated factors, including the
creditworthiness of the Company and those factors listed below. The relationship
among these factors is complex, including how these factors affect the relative
value of the principal amount of the Securities to be repaid at maturity and the
value of the Supplemental Redemption Amount. Accordingly, investors should be
aware that factors other than the level of the Portfolio are likely to affect
the Securities' trading value. The expected effect on the trading value of the
Securities of each of the factors listed below, assuming in each case that all
other factors are held constant, is as follows:
Interest Rates. Because the Securities repay at a minimum the principal
amount thereof at maturity, the trading value of the Securities will likely be
affected by changes in interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates
increase,
4
the trading value of the Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S. interest
rates decrease, the trading value of the Securities is expected to increase.
Interest rates may also affect the U.S. economy, and, in turn, the value of the
Portfolio. Rising interest rates may lower the value of the Portfolio and, thus,
may decrease the trading value of the Securities. Falling interest rates may
increase the value of the Portfolio and, thus, may increase the trading value of
the Securities.
Volatility of the Portfolio. If the volatility of the Portfolio Value
increases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to increase. If the
volatility of the Portfolio Value decreases, the trading value of the Securities
is expected to decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the Portfolio. This
difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the
value of the Portfolio during the period prior to maturity of the Securities. As
the time remaining to maturity of the Securities decreases, however, this time
premium is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of the
Securities. In addition, the price at which a beneficial owner may be able to
sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which may be
substantial, from the principal amount of the Securities if the value of the
Portfolio is below, equal to, or not sufficiently above the Benchmark Portfolio
Value.
Dividend Rates in the United States. If dividend rates on the stocks
comprising the Portfolio increase, the trading value of the Securities is
expected to decrease. Conversely, if dividend rates on the stocks comprising the
Portfolio decrease, the value of the Securities is expected to increase.
However, in general, rising U.S. corporate dividend rates may increase the value
of the Portfolio and, in turn, increase the trading value of the Securities.
Conversely, falling U.S. corporate dividend rates may decrease the value of the
Portfolio and, in turn, decrease the trading value of the Securities.
The impact of the factors specified above, excluding the value of the
Portfolio, may offset, partially or in whole, any increase in the trading value
of the Securities that is attributable to an increase in the value of the
Portfolio. For example, an increase in U.S. interest rates may cause the
Securities to trade at a discount from their initial offering price, even if the
Portfolio has appreciated significantly. In general, assuming all relevant
factors are held constant, the effect on the trading value of the Securities of
a given change in interest rates, Portfolio volatility and/or dividend rates of
stocks comprising the Portfolio is expected to be less if it occurs later in the
term of the Securities than if it occurs earlier in the term of the Securities.
The effect on the trading value of the Securities of a given appreciation of the
Portfolio in excess of the Benchmark Portfolio Value is expected to be greater
if it occurs later in the term of the Securities than if it occurs earlier in
the term of the Securities, assuming all other relevant factors are held
constant.
THE PORTFOLIO
The value of the Portfolio and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may
be adversely affected by political, economic and other developments that affect
the stocks underlying the Portfolio. Since the stocks underlying the Portfolio
are of companies involved in various segments of the healthcare industry and the
biotechnology industry, factors affecting these industries may affect the value
of the Portfolio and therefore the trading value of the Securities. See "The
Portfolio--Healthcare and Biotechnology Industries".
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in light of their particular circumstances.
5
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities, and should consult their tax advisors.
MLPF&S or its affiliates may from time to time engage in transactions
involving the stocks underlying the Portfolio for their proprietary accounts and
for other accounts under their management, which may influence the value of such
stocks and therefore the value of the Securities. MLPF&S and its affiliates will
also be the counterparties to the hedge of the Company's obligations under the
Securities. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, conflicts of interest may
arise between MLPF&S's responsibilities as Calculation Agent with respect to the
Securities and its obligations under its hedge and its status as a subsidiary of
the Company. Under certain circumstances, the duties of MLPF&S as Calculation
Agent in determining the existence of Market Disruption Events could conflict
with the interests of MLPF&S as an affiliate of the issuer of the Securities,
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., and with the interests of the holders of the
Securities.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, referred to as the "Senior Indenture", which is more fully
described below. The Securities will mature on October 31, 2001.
At maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal amount
of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, however, there
will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. (See "Payment at
Maturity" below.)
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities--Events of Default and Acceleration" in this Prospectus and "Other
Terms--Events of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities were issued in denominations of whole Units.
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, all as
provided below. If the Ending Portfolio Value does not exceed the Benchmark
Portfolio Value a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive
only the principal amount thereof.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive,
with respect to each such Security, (i) the principal amount thereof ($10 for
each Unit), and (ii) the Supplemental Redemption Amount equal in amount to:
Principal Amount x Ending Portfolio Value--Benchmark Portfolio Value
-------------------------------------------------
Benchmark Portfolio Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero. The Benchmark Portfolio Value equals 115. The Benchmark
Portfolio Value was determined on the Pricing Date by multiplying the Starting
Portfolio Value (as defined below) by a factor equal to 115%. Based on the
individual prices of the Portfolio Securities on the Pricing Date, the
Multiplier for each Portfolio Security was initially set by the AMEX so that, on
the Pricing Date, the Portfolio Securities were equally dollar-weighted in the
Portfolio and the Portfolio
6
Value equaled 100 (the "Starting Portfolio Value"). The Ending Portfolio Value
will be determined by MLPF&S (the "Calculation Agent") and will equal the
average (arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Portfolio determined on
each of the first five Calculation Days during the Calculation Period. If there
are fewer than five Calculation Days, then the Ending Portfolio Value will equal
the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Portfolio on such
Calculation Days, and if there is only one Calculation Day, then the Ending
Portfolio Value will equal the closing value of the Portfolio on such
Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days occur during the Calculation Period
because of Market Disruption Events, then the Ending Portfolio Value will equal
the closing value of the Portfolio determined on the last scheduled Portfolio
Business Day in the Calculation Period, regardless of the occurrence of a Market
Disruption Event on such day. The "Calculation Period" means the period from and
including the seventh scheduled Portfolio Business Day prior to the maturity
date to and including the second scheduled Portfolio Business Day prior to the
maturity date. "Calculation Day" means any Portfolio Business Day during the
Calculation Period on which a Market Disruption Event has not occurred. For
purposes of determining the Ending Portfolio Value, a "Portfolio Business Day"
is a day on which the AMEX is open for trading and trading generally occurs in
the over-the-counter market for equity securities and the Portfolio or any
Successor Portfolio is calculated and published. All determinations made by the
Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and,
absent a determination by the Calculation Agent of a manifest error, shall be
conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial owners of
the Securities.
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Portfolio
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities, based on the Benchmark Portfolio Value, which equals 115% of the
Starting Portfolio Value; (ii) the pretax annualized rate of return to
beneficial owners of Securities, and (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return
of an investment in the stocks underlying the Portfolio (which includes an
assumed aggregate dividend yield of 0.23% per annum, as more fully described
below).
TOTAL PRETAX PRETAX ANNUALIZED
PERCENTAGE CHANGE AMOUNT ANNUALIZED RATE OF RATE OF RETURN OF
HYPOTHETICAL ENDING OVER THE STARTING PAYABLE AT RETURN ON THE STOCK UNDERLYING
PORTFOLIO VALUE PORTFOLIO VALUE MATURITY(1) SECURITIES(2) THE PORTFOLIO(2)(3)
--------------- --------------- ----------- ------------- -------------------
50 -50% $10.00 0.00% -13.09%
60 -40% $10.00 0.00% -9.66%
70 -30% $10.00 0.00% -6.71%
80 -20% $10.00 0.00% -4.11%
90 -10% $10.00 0.00% -1.79%
100(4) 0% $10.00 0.00% 0.23%
110 10% $10.00 0.00% 2.23%
120 20% $10.43 0.85% 4.00%
130 30% $11.30 2.47% 5.64%
140 40% $12.17 3.97% 7.17%
150 50% $13.04 5.39% 8.60%
160 60% $13.91 6.72% 9.96%
170 70% $14.78 7.97% 11.23%
180 80% $15.65 9.16% 12.45%
190 90% $16.52 10.30% 13.60%
200 100% $17.39 11.38% 14.70%
210 110% $18.26 12.41% 15.75%
220 120% $19.13 13.40% 16.76%
230 130% $20.00 14.35% 17.77%
240 140% $20.87 15.27% 18.66%
250 150% $21.74 16.15% 19.56%
7
(1) The total amount payable at maturity is based on the Benchmark Portfolio
Value, which equals 115% of the Starting Portfolio Value.
(2) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(3) This rate of return assumes (i) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Portfolio with the allocation of such amount
reflecting the relative weights of such stocks in the Portfolio; (ii) a
percentage change in the aggregate price of such stocks that equals the
percentage change in the Portfolio from the Starting Portfolio Value to the
relevant hypothetical Ending Portfolio Value; (iii) a constant dividend
yield of 0.23% per annum, paid quarterly from the date of initial delivery
of Securities, applied to the value of the Portfolio at the end of each such
quarter assuming such value increases or decreases linearly from the
Starting Portfolio Value to the applicable hypothetical Ending Portfolio
Value; (iv) no transaction fees or expenses; (v) a five year maturity of the
Securities from the date of issuance; and (vi) a final Portfolio value equal
to the Ending Portfolio Value. The aggregate dividend yield of the stocks
underlying the Portfolio as of October 24, 1996 was approximately 0.23% per
annum.
(4) The Starting Portfolio Value was set at 100 based on the closing prices on
the Pricing Date.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the pretax annualized
rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual Ending
Portfolio Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE PORTFOLIO; MARKET DISRUPTION EVENTS
If at any time the method of calculating the Portfolio Value is changed in any
material respect, or if the Portfolio is in any other way modified so that such
Portfolio Value does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the Portfolio Value had such changes or modifications not been made,
then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close of
business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with respect
to the Ending Portfolio Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as, in
the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order to
arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Portfolio
Value as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Portfolio Value, as adjusted. Accordingly,
if the method of calculating the Portfolio Value is modified so that the
Portfolio Value is a fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had
not been modified (e.g., due to a split in the Portfolio Value), then the
Calculation Agent shall adjust such Portfolio Value in order to arrive at a
Portfolio Value as if it had not been modified (e.g., as if such split had not
occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as determined
by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to New York
Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or
promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange or any other self regulatory
organization or the Commission of similar scope as determined by the Calculation
Agent) on trading during significant market fluctuations shall be considered
"material" for purposes of this definition) in the trading of three or more of
the Portfolio Securities on any exchange in the United States or in the over-
the-counter market for more than two hours of trading or during the period one-
half hour prior to the close of such trading, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation (whether by reason of movements in
price otherwise exceeding levels permitted by the relevant exchange or
otherwise) in the trading of option contracts related to three or more of the
Portfolio Securities traded on any exchange for more than two hours of trading
or during the period one-half hour prior to the close of such trading.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
8
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Portfolio Value and the AMEX or
another entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation
Agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Portfolio
Value (any such index being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Portfolio
Value"), then, upon the Calculation Agent's notification of such determination
to the Trustee (as defined below) and the Company, the Calculation Agent will
substitute the Successor Portfolio Value as calculated by the AMEX or such other
entity for the Portfolio Value and calculate the Ending Portfolio Value as
described above under "Payment at Maturity". Upon any selection by the
Calculation Agent of a Successor Portfolio Value, the Company shall cause notice
thereof to be given to Holders of the Securities.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Portfolio Value and a Successor
Portfolio Value is not selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer
published on any of the Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the
Portfolio Value for any such Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental
Redemption Amount at maturity will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent
for each Calculation Day in accordance with the procedures last used to
calculate the Portfolio Value prior to any such discontinuance. If a Successor
Portfolio Value is selected or the Calculation Agent calculates a value as a
substitute for the Portfolio Value as described below, such Successor Portfolio
Value or value shall be substituted for the Portfolio Value for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Portfolio Value prior to the
period during which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and
the Calculation Agent determines that no Successor Portfolio Value is available
at such time, then on each Business Day until the earlier to occur of (i) the
determination of the Ending Portfolio Value and (ii) a determination by the
Calculation Agent that a Successor Portfolio Value is available, the Calculation
Agent shall determine the value that would be used in computing the Supplemental
Redemption Amount as described in the preceding paragraph as if such day were a
Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent will cause notice of each such value to
be published not less often than once each month in The Wall Street Journal (or
another newspaper of general circulation), and arrange for information with
respect to such values to be made available by telephone. Notwithstanding these
alternative arrangements, discontinuance of the publication of the Portfolio
Value may adversely affect trading in the Securities.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each $10 principal
amount thereof, will be equal to: (i) the initial issue price ($10), plus (ii)
an additional amount of contingent interest calculated as though the date of
early repayment were the maturity date of the Securities. See "Description of
Securities--Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding
is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a
Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United
States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an additional amount
of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the
proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities (whether
at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the beneficial owners
thereof, at the rate of 7.7% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of
such amount has been made or duly provided for.
9
DEPOSITORY
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"), as Depository (the "Depository"), registered in the name of DTC or a
nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for
Securities in definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a
whole by the Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such
Depository to such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such
Depository or any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of
such successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also available
to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly
or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not
receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners
are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered
into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of
Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests of
persons held through Participants). The laws of some states may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to own,
transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in a
Global Security will not be entitled to have the Securities represented by such
Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the Securities in definitive form and will not be
considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture, including
for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the Trustee
pursuant to the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial
interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such
Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which
such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder under the
Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Senior
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
10
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to, Securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made
to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global
Securities representing such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any
other agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility
or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects
that DTC, upon receipt of any payment of principal or any Supplemental
Redemption Amount in respect of a Global Security, will credit the accounts of
the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as
shown on the records of DTC. The Company also expects that payments by
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing customer
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $10 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
All payments of principal and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, will
be made by the Company in immediately available funds so long as the Securities
are maintained in book-entry form.
THE PORTFOLIO
GENERAL
While the Portfolio consists of stocks of certain companies involved in
various segments of the healthcare industry and the biotechnology industry, the
Portfolio is not intended to provide an indication of the pattern of price
movements of common stocks of healthcare and biotechnology corporations
generally. All of the Portfolio Securities are registered under the Exchange
Act. Companies with securities registered under the Exchange Act are required
to file periodically certain financial and other information specified by the
Commission. Information provided to or filed with the Commission is available at
the offices of the Commission and at the Web site specified under "Available
Information" in this Prospectus. Neither the Company nor MLPF&S makes any
representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of such reports.
THE INCLUSION OF A PORTFOLIO SECURITY IN THE PORTFOLIO IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION
TO BUY OR SELL SUCH PORTFOLIO SECURITY AND NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ANY OF ITS
AFFILIATES MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION TO ANY PURCHASER OF SECURITIES AS TO THE
PERFORMANCE OF THE PORTFOLIO.
The Company or its affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in
business with one or more of the issuers of the Portfolio Securities, including
extending loans to, or making equity investments in, such issuers or providing
advisory services to such issuers, including merger and acquisition advisory
services. In the course of such business, the Company or its affiliates may
acquire non-public information with respect to such issuers and, in addition,
one or more affiliates of the Company may publish research reports with respect
to such issuers. The
11
Company does not make any representation to any purchaser of Securities with
respect to any matters whatsoever relating to such issuers. Any prospective
purchaser of a Security should undertake an independent investigation of the
issuers of the Portfolio Securities as in its judgment is appropriate to make an
informed decision with respect to an investment in the Securities.
HEALTHCARE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES
The healthcare industry is subject to various federal, state and local laws
and regulations which are frequently subject to change in many ways that can
affect the price of the stocks of companies involved in such industry.
A number of legislative bills and proposals to regulate, control or alter
substantially the methods of financing and delivering healthcare, including
proposals covering cost controls, imposition of charitable care requirements,
national health insurance, incentives for competition in the provision of
healthcare insurance premiums, catastrophic illness coverage under Medicare, a
voucher system for Medicare, and the promotion of prepaid healthcare plans, are
currently under discussion, and certain of such bills have been introduced in
Congress. There are wide variations among these bills and proposals, and the
effect of these bills and proposals on the healthcare industry cannot be
determined at this time. Because of the many possible financial effects that
could result from an enactment of any of these bills and proposals, it is not
possible at this time to predict with assurance the effect on the prices of
Portfolio Securities and therefore the Securities if any of these bills or
proposals were enacted.
The biotechnology industry segment is subject to many of the same factors that
affect the healthcare industry. In addition, the products produced by
biotechnology companies often entail costly research and development and can be
subject to extensive regulatory review prior to approval for sale.
12
COMPUTATION OF THE PORTFOLIO VALUE
The AMEX will generally calculate and disseminate the value of the Portfolio
based on the most recently reported prices of the Portfolio Securities (as
reported by the Exchanges), at approximately 15-second intervals during the
AMEX's business hours and at the end of each Portfolio Business Day via the
Consolidated Tape Association's Network B. The Portfolio Value, at any time,
will equal the sum of the products of such prices and the applicable Multipliers
for the Portfolio Securities. The Ending Portfolio Value, however, is calculated
by the Calculation Agent based on averaging the Portfolio Values reported by the
AMEX at the end of certain Portfolio Business Days. See "Description of
Securities--Payment at Maturity". The securities listed below are the Portfolio
Securities and will be used to calculate the value of the Portfolio. Holders of
the MITTS will not have any right to receive the Portfolio Securities. The
following table sets forth the issuers of the Portfolio Securities, the
exchanges, the percentage of each Portfolio Security in the Starting Portfolio
Value and the initial Multipliers:
Approximate
Market
Capitalization % of Starting
Issuer of the Industry as of Portfolio Initial
Portfolio Security Exchanges Segment October 23, 1996 Value Multiplier
------------------ --------- ------- ---------------- --------- ----------
(In Millions)
Amgen Inc......................... Nasdaq Biotechnology 16,312.14 4% 0.0640000
Apria Healthcare Group Inc........ NYSE Health--Specialty 874.73 4% 0.2269504
Baxter International Inc.......... NYSE Hospital Supplies 11,718.40 4% 0.0981595
Beverly Enterprises............... NYSE Health--Long Term Care 1,166.27 4% 0.3368421
Biogen, Inc....................... Nasdaq Biotechnology 2,870.02 4% 0.0487805
Chiron Corporation................ Nasdaq Biotechnology 3,270.62 4% 0.2077922
Columbia/HCA Healthcare
Corporation...................... NYSE Hospital Management 24,148.37 4% 0.1126761
Emcare Holdings Inc............... Nasdaq Health--Specialty 215.90 4% 0.1502347
Genzyme Corporation............... Nasdaq Biotechnology 1,629.46 4% 0.1649485
Genesis Health Ventures, Inc...... NYSE Health--Long Term Care 730.63 4% 0.1675393
Health Management Associates,
Inc.............................. NYSE Hospital Management 2,495.82 4% 0.1729730
Healthsource, Inc................. NYSE Health Maintenance Organization 741.34 4% 0.3440860
Healthsouth Corporation........... NYSE Health--Specialty 5,909.69 4% 0.1038961
Humana Inc........................ NYSE Health Maintenance Organization 3,086.40 4% 0.2105263
Johnson & Johnson................. NYSE Hospital Supplies 66,327.34 4% 0.0822622
Medpartners/Mullikin, Inc......... NYSE Health Maintenance Organization 1,205.26 4% 0.1720430
Neuromedical Systems, Inc......... Nasdaq Health--Specialty 516.75 4% 0.2162162
Olsten Corporation................ NYSE Health--Specialty 1,283.15 4% 0.1739130
Oxford Health Plans, Inc.......... Nasdaq Health Maintenance Organization 3,441.59 4% 0.0871935
Phycor, Inc....................... Nasdaq Health Maintenance Organization 1,759.06 4% 0.1216730
Quorum Health Group, Inc.......... Nasdaq Hospital Management 1,291.42 4% 0.1428571
Renal Treatment Centers, Inc...... NYSE Health--Specialty 683.50 4% 0.1361702
Tenet Healthcare Corporation...... NYSE Hospital Management 4,476.70 4% 0.1893491
Total Renal Care Holdings, Inc.... NYSE Health--Specialty 1,119.74 4% 0.0932945
United Healthcare Corporation..... NYSE Health Maintenance Organization 6,657.24 4% 0.1126761
The initial Multiplier relating to each Portfolio Security indicates the
number of shares of such Portfolio Security, given the market price of such
Portfolio Security, required to be included in the calculation of the Starting
Portfolio Value so that each Portfolio Security represents an equal percentage
of the Starting Portfolio Value. The price of each Portfolio Security used to
calculate the initial Multiplier relating to each such Portfolio Security was
13
the closing price of such Portfolio Security on the Pricing Date. The respective
Multipliers will remain constant for the term of the Securities unless adjusted
for certain corporate events, as described below.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MULTIPLIER AND PORTFOLIO
The Multiplier with respect to any Portfolio Security and the Portfolio will
be adjusted as follows:
1. If a Portfolio Security is subject to a stock split or reverse stock split,
then once such split has become effective, the Multiplier relating to such
Portfolio Security will be adjusted to equal the product of the number of shares
issued with respect to one such share of such Portfolio Security and the prior
multiplier.
2. If a Portfolio Security is subject to a stock dividend (issuance of
additional shares of the Portfolio Security) that is given equally to all
holders of shares of the issuer of such Portfolio Security, then once the
dividend has become effective and such Portfolio Security is trading ex-
dividend, the Multiplier will be adjusted so that the new Multiplier shall equal
the former Multiplier plus the product of the number of shares of such Portfolio
Security issued with respect to one such share of such Portfolio Security and
the prior multiplier.
3. There will be no adjustments to the Multipliers to reflect cash dividends
or distributions paid with respect of a Portfolio Security other than for
Extraordinary Dividends as described below. A cash dividend with respect to a
Portfolio Security will be deemed to be an "Extraordinary Dividend" if such
dividend exceeds the immediately preceding non-Extraordinary Dividend for such
Portfolio Security by an amount equal to at least 10% of the market price on the
Portfolio Business Day preceding the record day for the payment of such
Extraordinary Dividend (the "ex-dividend date"). If an Extraordinary Dividend
occurs with respect to a Portfolio Security, the Multiplier with respect to such
Portfolio Security will be adjusted on the ex-dividend date with respect to such
Extraordinary Dividend so that the new Multiplier will equal the product of (i)
the then current Multiplier, and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the
sum of the Extraordinary Dividend Amount and the market price on the Trading Day
preceding the ex-dividend date, and the denominator of which is the market price
on the Trading Day preceding the ex-dividend date. The "Extraordinary Dividend
Amount" with respect to an Extraordinary Dividend for a Portfolio Security will
equal such Extraordinary Dividend minus the amount of the immediately preceding
non-Extraordinary Dividend for such Portfolio Security.
4. If the issuer of a Portfolio Security is being liquidated or is subject to
a proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law,
such Portfolio Security will continue to be included in the Portfolio so long as
a market price for such Portfolio Security is available. If a market price is no
longer available for a Portfolio Security for whatever reason, including the
liquidation of the issuer of such Portfolio Security or the subjection of the
issuer of such Portfolio Security to a proceeding under any applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, then the value of such Portfolio
Security will equal zero in connection with calculating the Portfolio Value and
the Ending Portfolio Value for so long as no market price is available, and no
attempt will be made to find a replacement stock or increase the value of the
Portfolio to compensate for the deletion of such Portfolio Security.
5. If the issuer of a Portfolio Security has been subject to a merger or
consolidation and is not the surviving entity or is nationalized, then a value
for such Portfolio Security will be determined at the time such issuer is merged
or consolidated or nationalized and will equal the last available market price
for such Portfolio Security and that value will be constant for the remaining
term of the Securities. At such time, no adjustment will be made to the
Multiplier of such Portfolio Security. The Company may at its sole discretion
increase such last available market price to reflect payments or dividends of
cash, securities or other consideration to holders of such Portfolio Security in
connection with such a merger or consolidation which may not be reflected in
such last available market price.
6. If the issuer of a Portfolio Security issues to all of its shareholders
equity securities that are publicly traded of an issuer other than the issuer of
the Portfolio Security, then such new equity securities will be added to the
Portfolio as a new Portfolio Security. The Multiplier for such new Portfolio
Security will equal the product of the
14
original Multiplier with respect to the Portfolio Security for which the new
Portfolio Security is being issued (the "Original Portfolio Security") and the
number of shares of the new Portfolio Security issued with respect to one share
of the Original Portfolio Security.
No adjustments of any Multiplier of a Portfolio Security will be required
unless such adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in the Multiplier
then in effect. The Multiplier resulting from any of the adjustments specified
above will be rounded to the nearest one thousandth with five ten-thousandths
being rounded upward.
The AMEX expects that no adjustments to the Multiplier of any Portfolio
Security or to the Portfolio will be made other than those specified above,
however, the AMEX may at its discretion make adjustments to maintain the
economic intent of the Portfolio.
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the
Portfolio. The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an
indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that the
Portfolio will increase sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the
Securities to receive an amount in excess of the principal amount at the
maturity of the Securities.
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
15
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding
16
Senior Debt Securities of any series may, with respect to such series, waive
past defaults under the Indenture and waive compliance by the Company with
certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Solely for purposes of applying final Treasury regulations (the "Final
Regulations") concerning the United States Federal income tax treatment of
contingent payment debt instruments to the Securities, the Company has
determined that the projected payment schedule for the Securities will consist
of payment on the maturity date of the principal amount thereof and a
Supplemental Redemption Amount equal to $3.8425 per Unit. This represents an
estimated yield on the Securities equal to 6.61% per annum (compounded
semiannually).
The projected payment schedule (including both the projected Supplemental
Redemption Amount and the estimated yield on the Securities) has been determined
solely for United States Federal income tax purposes (i.e.,
17
for purposes of applying the Final Regulations to the Securities), and is not a
prediction of what the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will be, or that
the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will even exceed zero.
The following table sets forth the amount of interest that will be deemed to
have accrued with respect to each Unit of the Securities during each accrual
period over the term of the Securities based upon the projected payment schedule
for the Securities (including both the projected Supplemental Redemption Amount
and the estimated yield equal to 6.61% per annum (compounded semiannually)) as
determined by the Company for purposes of the application of the Final
Regulations to the Securities:
TOTAL INTEREST DEEMED
TO HAVE ACCRUED ON
INTEREST DEEMED TO SECURITIES AS OF END
ACCRUE DURING ACCRUAL OF ACCRUAL PERIOD
ACCRUAL PERIOD PERIOD (PER UNIT) (PER UNIT)
-------------- ----------------- -----------------
October 30, 1996 through
April 30, 1997........... $0.3305 $0.3305
May 1, 1997 through
October 31, 1997......... $0.3414 $0.6719
November 1, 1997 through
April 30, 1998........... $0.3527 $1.0246
May 1, 1998 through
October 31, 1998......... $0.3644 $1.3890
November 1, 1998 through
April 30, 1999........... $0.3764 $1.7654
May 1, 1999 through
October 31, 1999......... $0.3888 $2.1542
November 1, 1999 through
April 30, 2000........... $0.4017 $2.5559
May 1, 2000 through
October 31, 2000......... $0.4150 $2.9709
November 1, 2000 through
April 30, 2001........... $0.4287 $3.3996
May 1, 2001 through
October 31, 2001......... $0.4429 $3.8425
- ------------
Projected Supplemental Redemption Amount = $3.8425 per Unit
Investors in the Securities may also obtain the projected payment schedule, as
determined by the Company for purposes of the application of the Final
Regulations to the Securities, by submitting a written request for such
information to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., Attn: Darryl W. Colletti, Office of
the Corporate Secretary, 100 Church Street, New York, New York 10080.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating
18
Results", "Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five
years in the period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report
to Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
19
Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
NIKKEI 225 MARKET INDEX TARGET-TERM SECURITIES(SM) DUE JUNE 14, 2002
("MITTS(R)")
On June 3, 1997, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued an
aggregate principal amount of $255,000,000 (25,500,000 Units) of Nikkei 225
Market Index Target-Term Securities due June 14, 2002 (the "Securities" or
"MITTS"). Each $10 principal amount of Securities will be deemed a "Unit" for
purposes of trading and transfer at the Securities Depository described below.
Units will be transferable by the Securities Depository, as more fully described
below, in denominations of whole Units.
GENERAL:
. Senior unsecured debt securities . Not redeemable prior to maturity
. No payments prior to maturity . Transferable only in whole Units
PAYMENT AT MATURITY:
Principal Amount + Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Supplemental Redemption Amount will be based on the percentage change in the
Nikkei Stock Average multiplied by a Participation Rate of 140%. The
Supplemental Redemption Amount may be zero, but will not be less than zero.
BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO INVEST IN THE MITTS, CAREFULLY READ THIS PROSPECTUS,
ESPECIALLY THE RISK FACTORS BEGINNING ON PAGE 3.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") nor any state
securities commission has approved these securities or passed upon the adequacy
of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
We expect that the MITTS will be maintained in book-entry form only through
the facilities of DTC.
-------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-------------------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the New York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
-------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
-------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
(R)"MITTS" is a registered service mark and (SM) "Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS
IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY (WITHOUT
EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF ANY OR
ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS FOR SUCH
COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE SECRETARY'S
OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed earnings... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in MITTS will involve certain risks. For example, there is the
risk that you might not earn a return on your investment, and the risk that you
will be unable to sell your MITTS prior to their maturity. You should carefully
consider the following discussion of risks before deciding whether an investment
in the MITTS is suitable for you.
THE SUPPLEMENTAL REDEMPTION AMOUNT.
You should be aware that if the Ending Index Value does not exceed the
Starting Index Value at maturity, the Supplemental Redemption Amount will be
zero. This will be true even if the value of the Index was higher than the
Starting Index Value at some time during the life of the MITTS but later falls
below the Starting Index Value. If the Supplemental Redemption Amount is zero,
we will pay you only the principal amount of your MITTS.
3
The Participation Rate equals 140%. If the Ending Index Value exceeds the
Starting Index Value, then the Participation Rate will enhance the amount of the
interest payment received at maturity. However, if the Ending Index Value does
not exceed the Starting Index Value you will receive only the principal amount
of your MITTS.
YOUR YIELD MAY BE LOWER THAN THE YIELD ON A STANDARD DEBT SECURITY OF COMPARABLE
MATURITY.
The amount we pay you at maturity may be less than the return you could earn
on other investments. Your yield may be less than the yield you would earn if
you bought a standard senior non-callable debt security of the Company with the
same maturity date. Your investment may not reflect the full opportunity cost to
you when you consider the effect of inflation or other factors that affect the
time value of money.
YOUR RETURN WILL NOT REFLECT THE PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS.
NKS calculates the Index by reference to the prices of the common stocks
comprising the Index without taking into consideration the value of dividends
paid on those stocks. Therefore, the return you earn on the MITTS, if any, will
not be the same as the return that you would earn if you actually owned each of
the common stocks in the Index and received the dividends paid on those stocks.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE.
Although the stocks comprising the Index are traded in Japanese yen and the
MITTS are denominated in U.S. dollars, we will not adjust the Supplemental
Redemption Amount for the currency exchange rate in effect at the maturity of
the MITTS. The Supplemental Redemption Amount is based solely upon the
percentage increase in the Index. Changes in the exchange rate, however, may
reflect changes in the Japanese economy which may affect the value of the Index
and the MITTS.
UNCERTAIN TRADING MARKET.
The MITTS have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "JEM", subject to official notice of issuance. While there have been
a number of issuances of Market Index Target-Term Securities, trading volumes
have varied historically from one transaction to another and it is therefore
impossible to predict how the MITTS will trade. You cannot assume that a trading
market will develop for the MITTS. If such a trading market does develop, there
can be no assurance that there will be liquidity in the trading market. The
development of a trading market for the MITTS will depend on the financial
performance of the Company, and other factors such as the appreciation, if any,
of the value of the Index.
If the trading market for the MITTS is limited, there may be a limited number
of buyers when you decide to sell your MITTS if you do not wish to hold your
investment until maturity. This may affect the price you receive.
FACTORS AFFECTING TRADING VALUE OF THE MITTS.
We believe that the market value of the MITTS will be affected by the value of
the Index and by a number of other factors. Some of these factors are
interrelated in complex ways; as a result, the effect of any one factor may be
offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. The following bullets
describe the expected impact on the market value of the MITTS given a change in
a specific factor, assuming all other conditions remain constant.
. Index Value. We expect that the market value of the MITTS will depend
substantially on the amount by which the Index exceeds the Starting Index
Value. If you choose to sell your MITTS when the value of the Index exceeds
the Starting Index Value, you may receive substantially less than the amount
that would be payable at maturity based on that Index value because of the
expectation that the Index will continue to fluctuate until the Ending Index
Value is determined. If you choose to sell your MITTS when the value of the
Index is below the Starting Index Value, you may receive less than the $10
principal amount per Unit of MITTS. In general, rising Japanese dividend rates
(i.e., dividends per share) may increase the value of the Index while falling
Japanese dividend rates may decrease the value of the Index. Political,
economic and other developments that affect the stocks underlying the Index
may also affect the value of the Index and the value of the MITTS.
4
. Interest Rates. Because the MITTS repay, at a minimum, the principal amount
at maturity, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will be affected by
changes in interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, we
expect that the trading value of the MITTS will decrease. If U.S. interest
rates decrease, we expect the trading value of the MITTS will increase. In
general, if interest rates in Japan increase, we expect that the trading value
of the MITTS will increase. If interest rates in Japan decrease, we expect the
trading value of the MITTS will decrease. However, interest rates in Japan may
also affect the Japanese economy and, in turn, the value of the Index. Rising
interest rates in Japan may lower the value of the Index and the MITTS.
Falling interest rates in Japan may increase the value of the Index and the
value of the MITTS.
. Volatility of the Index. Volatility is the term used to describe the size
and frequency of market fluctuations. If the volatility of the Index
increases, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will increase. If the
volatility of the Index decreases, we expect that the trading value of the
MITTS will decrease.
. Time Remaining to Maturity. The MITTS may trade at a value above that which
would be expected based on the level of interest rates and the Index. This
difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the
value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of the MITTS. However,
as the time remaining to maturity of the MITTS decreases, we expect that this
time premium will decrease, lowering the trading value of the MITTS.
. Dividend Yields. If dividend yields on the stocks comprising the Index
increase, we expect that the value of the MITTS will decrease. Conversely, if
dividend yields on the stocks comprising the Index decrease, we expect that
the value of the MITTS will increase.
. Company Credit Ratings. Real or anticipated changes in the Company's credit
ratings may affect the market value of the MITTS.
We want you to understand that the impact of one of the factors specified
above, such as an increase in interest rates, may offset some or all of any
change in the trading value of the MITTS attributable to another factor, such as
an increase in the Index value.
In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, we expect that
the effect on the trading value of the MITTS of a given change in most of the
factors listed above will be less if it occurs later in the term of the MITTS
than if it occurs earlier in the term of the MITTS except that we expect that
the effect on the trading value of the MITTS of a given increase in the value of
the Index will be greater if it occurs later in the term of the MITTS than if it
occurs earlier in the term of the MITTS.
STATE LAW LIMITS ON INTEREST PAID.
New York State laws govern the 1983 Indenture. New York has certain usury laws
that limit the amount of interest that can be charged and paid on loans, which
includes debt securities like the MITTS. Under present New York law, the maximum
rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest basis. This limit may not
apply to debt securities in which $2,500,000 or more has been invested.
While we believe that New York law would be given effect by a state or Federal
court sitting outside of New York, many other states also have laws that
regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower.
We will promise, for the benefit of the MITTS holders, to the extent permitted
by law, not to voluntarily claim the benefits of any laws concerning usurious
rates of interest.
THE JAPANESE SECURITIES MARKET.
The underlying stocks that constitute the Index have been issued by Japanese
companies. You should be aware that investments in securities indexed to the
value of Japanese equity securities involve certain risks. The Japanese
securities markets may be more volatile than U.S. or other securities markets
and may be affected by market developments in different ways than U.S. or other
securities markets. Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize the
Japanese securities markets and cross-shareholdings in Japanese companies on
such markets may affect prices and volume of trading on those markets. Also,
there is generally less publicly available information about Japanese companies
than about those U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements
of the U.S.
5
Securities and Exchange Commission, and Japanese companies are subject to
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that
differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.
Securities prices in Japan are subject to political, economic, financial and
social factors that apply in Japan. These factors (including the possibility
that recent or future changes in the Japanese government's economic and fiscal
policies, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or
other Japanese laws or restrictions applicable to Japanese companies or
investments in Japanese equity securities and the possibility of fluctuations in
the rate of exchange between currencies) could negatively affect the Japanese
securities markets. Moreover, the Japanese economy may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national
product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-
sufficiency.
PURCHASES AND SALES BY MERRILL LYNCH.
The Company, MLPF&S, and other affiliates of the Company may from time to time
buy or sell the stocks underlying the Index for their own accounts for business
reasons or in connection with hedging the Company's obligations under the MITTS.
These transactions could affect the price of such stocks and the value of the
Index.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS.
Under certain circumstances, MLPF&S's roles as a subsidiary of the Company, a
counterparty of the Company's hedge, the Underwriter and the Calculation Agent
for the MITTS could give rise to conflicts of interests.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Nikkei 225 Market Index Target-Term Securities due June 14, 2002, which
are referred to herein as the "MITTS" or the "Securities", are to be issued as a
series of Senior Debt Securities under the Senior Indenture, dated as of April
1, 1993, as amended and restated, which is more fully described below. The
Securities will mature on June 14, 2002.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal
amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, there
will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. See "Payment at
Maturity" below.
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities - Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other Terms - Events of
Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities are to be issued in denominations of whole Units.
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
General
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, as
provided below. If the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index
Value, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive only the
principal amount thereof. The principal amount for a Security will equal the
initial issue price of $10 per Unit of MITTS.
Determination of the Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Supplemental Redemption Amount for a Security will be determined by the
Calculation Agent and will equal:
X Ending Index Value - Starting Index Value
Principal Amount of such Security ($10 per Unit) ----------------------------------------- X Participation Rate
Starting Index Value
6
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero. As indicated in the formula above, the Supplemental Redemption
Amount for the MITTS will be calculated using the principal amount of the MITTS.
The Participation Rate equals 140%. The Starting Index Value equals 20,351.34,
which was the closing value of the Index on the Pricing Date. The Ending Index
Value will be determined by the Calculation Agent and will equal the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index determined on each of the
first five Calculation Days during the Calculation Period. If there are fewer
than five Calculation Days, then the Ending Index Value will equal the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index on such Calculation Days,
and if there is only one Calculation Day, then the Ending Index Value will equal
the closing value of the Index on such Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days
occur during the Calculation Period because of Market Disruption Events, then
the Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of the Index determined on
the last scheduled Index Business Day in the Calculation Period, regardless of
the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event on such day. The "Calculation
Period" means the period from and including the seventh scheduled Index Business
Day prior to the maturity date to and including the second scheduled Index
Business Day prior to the maturity date. "Calculation Day" means any Index
Business Day during the Calculation Period on which a Market Disruption Event
has not occurred. For purposes of determining the Ending Index Value, an "Index
Business Day" is a day on which the New York Stock Exchange and the American
Stock Exchange are open for trading and the Index or any Successor Index, as
defined below, is calculated and published. All determinations made by the
Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and,
absent a determination by the Calculation Agent of a manifest error, shall be
conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial owners of
the Securities.
HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Index
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities, (ii) the total rate of return to beneficial owners of the
Securities, (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return to beneficial owners of
Securities, and (iv) the pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in
the stocks underlying the Index (which includes an assumed aggregate dividend
yield of .75% per annum, as more fully described below).
TOTAL AMOUNT PRETAX ANNUALIZED
PAYABLE AT MATURITY PRETAX RATE OF RETURN OF
PERCENTAGE CHANGE PER $10 PRINCIPAL TOTAL RATE OF ANNUALIZED RATE STOCKS UNDERLYING
HYPOTHETICAL ENDING OVER THE STARTING AMOUNT OF RETURN ON OF RETURN ON THE
INDEX VALUE INDEX VALUE SECURITIES THE SECURITIES THE SECURITIES(1) INDEX(1)(2)
- ---------------------- ------------------ ------------------- --------------- ------------------ ------------------
8,140.54 -60% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -17.13%
10,175.67 -50% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -12.86%
12,210.80 -40% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -9.33%
14,245.94 -30% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -6.32%
16,281.07 -20% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -3.69%
18,316.21 -10% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -1.35%
20,351.34(3) 0% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% 0.75%
22,386.47 10% $11.40 14.00% 2.62% 2.66%
24,421.61 20% $12.80 28.00% 4.97% 4.42%
26,456.74 30% $14.20 42.00% 7.09% 6.04%
28,491.88 40% $15.60 56.00% 9.04% 7.55%
30,527.01 50% $17.00 70.00% 10.83% 8.96%
32,562.14 60% $18.40 84.00% 12.50% 10.29%
34,597.28 70% $19.80 98.00% 14.05% 11.54%
36,632.41 80% $21.20 112.00% 15.51% 12.72%
38,667.55 90% $22.60 126.00% 16.88% 13.84%
40,702.68 100% $24.00 140.00% 18.18% 14.91%
42,737.81 110% $25.40 154.00% 19.42% 15.92%
44,772.95 120% $26.80 168.00% 20.59% 16.90%
46,808.08 130% $28.20 182.00% 21.71% 17.83%
___________
7
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes (i) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Index with the allocation of such amount reflecting the
current relative weights of such stocks in the Index; (ii) a percentage change
in the aggregate price of such stocks that equals the percentage change in the
Index from the Starting Index Value to the relevant hypothetical Ending Index
Value; (iii) a constant dividend yield of .75% per annum, paid quarterly from
the date of initial delivery of Securities, applied to the value of the Index at
the end of each such quarter assuming such value increases or decreases linearly
from the Starting Index Value to the applicable hypothetical Ending Index Value;
(iv) no transaction fees or expenses; (v) a term for the Securities from June 3,
1997 to June 14, 2002; and (vi) a final Index value equal to the Ending Index
Value. The aggregate dividend yield of the stocks underlying the Index as of May
28, 1997 was approximately .75%.
(3) This is the Starting Index Value.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the total and pretax
annualized rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual
Ending Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INDEX; MARKET DISRUPTION EVENTS
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof,
is changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified
so that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as
determined by the Calculation Agent: (a)a suspension, material limitation or
absence of trading on the TSE of 20% or more of the Underlying Stocks which then
comprise the Index or a Successor Index during the one-half hour period
preceding the close of trading on the applicable exchange; or (b)the suspension
or material limitation on the Singapore International Monetary Exchange, Ltd.
(the "SIMEX"), the Osaka Securities Exchange (the "OSE") or any other major
futures or securities market from trading in futures or options contracts
related to the Index or a Successor Index during the one-half hour period
preceding the close of trading on the applicable exchange.
For the purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has
occurred: (i) a limitation on the hours or number of days of trading will not
constitute a Market Disruption Event if it results from an announced change in
the regular business hours of the relevant exchange, (ii) a decision to
permanently discontinue trading in the relevant futures or options contract will
not constitute a Market Disruption Event, (iii) a suspension in trading in a
futures or options contract on the Index by a major securities market by reason
of (a) a price change violating limits set by such securities market, (b) an
imbalance of orders relating to such contracts or (c) a disparity in bid and ask
quotes relating to such contracts will constitute a suspension or material
limitation of trading in futures or options contracts related to the Index, and,
(iv) an absence of trading on the TSE will not include any time when the TSE is
closed for trading under ordinary circumstances. Under certain circumstances,
the duties of MLPF&S as Calculation Agent in determining the existence of Market
Disruption Events could conflict with the interests of MLPF&S as an affiliate of
the issuer of the MITTS.
Based on the information currently available to the Company, the opening of
trading on the OSE was delayed on January 17, 1995 because of the earthquake in
Kobe. If such delay had occurred during the one-half hour period preceding the
close of trading on the OSE, it would have constituted a Market Disruption
Event. In addition,
8
because of movements in the price for futures contracts for the Index, the OSE
imposed price limits on such futures contracts on January 23, 1995 that were in
effect during the one-half hour period preceding the close of trading on the OSE
and that would have constituted a Market Disruption Event. On January 31 and
February 1 of 1994, prices for futures contracts for the Nikkei Stock Index 225
reached price limits imposed by the OSE, which would have been a Market
Disruption Event. Other than the foregoing events, to the Company's knowledge no
circumstances have arisen since the inception of the Index that could have
constituted a Market Disruption Event. The existence or non-existence of such
circumstances, however, is not necessarily indicative of the likelihood of such
circumstances arising or not arising in the future.
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE INDEX
If NKS discontinues publication of the Index and NKS or another entity
publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent determines,
in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such index being
referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the Calculation
Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the Company, the
Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated by NKS or
such other entity for the Index and calculate the Ending Index Value as
described above under "Payment at Maturity". Upon any selection by the
Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof
to be given to Holders of the Securities.
If NKS discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in
accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to any
such discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent
calculates a value as a substitute for the Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the Index for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If NKS discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during
which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation
Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (a) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (b) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely affect trading in
the Securities.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have
occurred and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a
Security upon any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each
$10 principal amount thereof, will be equal to the principal amount and the
Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, calculated as though the date of early
repayment were the stated maturity date of the Securities. See "Description of
Securities - Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding
is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a
Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United
States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an additional amount
of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the
proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities
(whether at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the
maturity date the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the
beneficial owners thereof, at the rate of 6.96% per annum (to the extent that
payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due
and payable on such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the
date payment of such amount has been made or duly provided for.
9
DEPOSITORY
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"), as Depository, registered in the name of DTC or a nominee thereof.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in
definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the
Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to
such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or
any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust
company organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of
the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the
New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to
the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. DTC was created to hold securities of its participants ("Participants")
and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among
its Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of the Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of securities certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other
organizations.
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also
available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that
clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either
directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not
receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners
are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered
into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of
Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests of
persons held through Participants). The laws of some states may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to own,
transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global
Security, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole
owner or Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all
purposes under the 1983 Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners
in a Global Security will not be entitled to have the Securities represented by
such Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be
entitled to receive physical delivery of the Securities in definitive form and
will not be considered the owners or Holders thereof under the 1983 Indenture,
including for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the
Trustee pursuant to the 1983 Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a
beneficial interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and,
if such Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant
through which such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder
under the 1983 Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the 1983
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal amount and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to the Securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be
made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global
Securities representing such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any
other agent of the
10
Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for
any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that DTC, upon receipt of
any payment of principal or any Supplemental Redemption Amount in respect of a
Global Security, will credit the accounts of the Participants with payment in
amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of
beneficial interest in such Global Security as shown on the records of DTC. The
Company also expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be
governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now
the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or
registered in "street name", and will be the responsibility of such
Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $10 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
All payments of principal and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any,
will be made by the Company in immediately available funds so long as the
Securities are maintained in book-entry form.
THE INDEX
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the Index, including,
without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its
components, is derived from publicly available information prepared by Nihon
Keizai Shimbun, Inc. ("NKS").
GENERAL
Unless otherwise stated, all information herein relating to the Nikkei 225
Index has been derived from the Stock Market Indices Data Book published by NKS
and other publicly-available sources. Such information reflects the policies of
NKS as stated in such sources; such policies are subject to change at the
discretion of NKS.
The Nikkei 225 Index is a stock index calculated, published and
disseminated by NKS that measures the composite price performance of selected
Japanese stocks. The Nikkei 225 Index is currently based on 225 Underlying
Stocks trading on the TSE and represents a broad cross-section of Japanese
industry. All 225 Underlying Stocks are stocks listed in the First Section of
the TSE. Stocks listed in the First Section are among the most actively traded
stocks on the TSE. Futures and options contracts on the Nikkei 225 Index are
traded on the Singapore International Monetary Exchange Ltd., the Osaka
Securities Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
The Nikkei 225 Index is a modified, price-weighted index (i.e., an
Underlying Stock's weight in the index is based on its price per share rather
than the total market capitalization of the issuer) which is calculated by (i)
multiplying the per share price of each Underlying Stock by the corresponding
weighting factor for such Underlying Stock (a "Weight Factor"), (ii) calculating
the sum of all these products and (iii) dividing such sum by a divisor. The
divisor, initially set in 1949 at 225, was 9.999 as of May 28, 1997, and is
subject to periodic adjustments as set forth below. Each Weight Factor is
computed by dividing (Yen)50 by the par value of the relevant Underlying Stock,
so that the share price of each Underlying Stock when multiplied by its Weight
Factor corresponds to a share price based on a uniform par value of (Yen)50.
Each Weight Factor represents the number of shares of the related Underlying
Stock which are included in one trading unit of the Nikkei 225 Index. The stock
prices used in the calculation of the Nikkei 225 Index are those reported by a
primary market for the Underlying Stocks (currently the TSE). The level of the
Nikkei 225 Index is calculated once per minute during TSE trading hours.
In order to maintain continuity in the level of the Nikkei 225 Index in the
event of certain changes due to non-market factors affecting the Underlying
Stocks, such as the addition or deletion of stocks, substitution of stocks,
11
stock dividends, stock splits or distributions of assets to stockholders, the
divisor used in calculating the Nikkei 225 Index is adjusted in a manner
designed to prevent any instantaneous change or discontinuity in the level of
the Nikkei 225 Index. Thereafter, the divisor remains at the new value until a
further adjustment is necessary as the result of another change. As a result of
each such change affecting any Underlying Stock, the divisor is adjusted in such
a way that the sum of all share prices immediately after such change multiplied
by the applicable Weight Factor and divided by the new divisor (i.e., the level
of the Nikkei 225 Index immediately after such change) will equal the level of
the Nikkei 225 Index immediately prior to the change.
Underlying Stocks may be deleted or added by NKS. However, to maintain
continuity in the Nikkei 225 Index, the policy of NKS is generally not to alter
the composition of the Underlying Stocks except when an Underlying Stock is
deleted in accordance with the following criteria. Any stock becoming ineligible
for listing in the First Section of the TSE due to any of the following reasons
will be deleted from the Underlying Stocks: bankruptcy of the issuer; merger of
the issuer into, or acquisition of the issuer by, another company; delisting of
such stock or transfer of such stock to the "Seiri-Post" because of excess debt
of the issuer or because of any other reason; or transfer of such stock to the
Second Section of the TSE. Upon deletion of a stock from the Underlying Stocks,
NKS will select, in accordance with certain criteria established by it, a
replacement for such deleted Underlying Stock. In an exceptional case, a newly
listed stock in the First Section of the TSE that is recognized by NKS to be
representative of a market may be added to the Underlying Stocks. In such case,
an existing Underlying Stock with low trading volume and not representative of a
market will be deleted.
NKS is under no obligation to continue the calculation and dissemination of
the Nikkei 225 Index. The MITTS are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by
NKS. No inference should be drawn from the information contained in this
Prospectus Supplement that NKS makes any representation or warranty, implied or
express, to the Company, the holders of the MITTS or any member of the public
regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the MITTS
in particular or the ability of the Nikkei 225 Index to track general stock
market performance. NKS has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or
the holders of the MITTS into consideration in determining, composing or
calculating the Nikkei 225 Index. NKS is not responsible for, and has not
participated in the determination of the timing of, prices for, or quantities
of, the MITTS to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the
equation by which the MITTS are to be settled in cash. NKS has no obligation or
liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
MITTS.
The use of and reference to the Nikkei 225 Index in connection with the
MITTS have been consented to by NKS, the publisher of the Nikkei 225 Index.
None of the Company, the Calculation Agent and the Underwriter accepts any
responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Nikkei 225
Index or any Successor Index. NKS disclaims all responsibility for any errors or
omissions in the calculation and dissemination of the Nikkei 225 Index or the
manner in which such Index is applied in determining any Starting or Ending
Index Values or any Supplemental Redemption Amount upon maturity of the MITTS.
THE TOKYO STOCK EXCHANGE
The Tokyo Stock Exchange is one of the world's largest securities exchanges
in terms of market capitalization. The TSE market is a two-way, continuous pure
auction market. Trading hours are currently from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. and
from 12:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., Tokyo time, Monday through Friday.
Due to the time zone difference, on any normal trading day the TSE will
close prior to the opening of business in New York City on the same calendar
day. Therefore, the closing level of the Nikkei 225 Index on such trading day
will generally be available in the United States by the opening of business on
the same calendar day.
The TSE has adopted certain measures, including daily price floors and
ceilings on individual stocks, intended to prevent any extreme short-term price
fluctuations resulting from order imbalances. In general, any stock listed on
the TSE cannot be traded at a price lower than the applicable price floor or
higher than the applicable price ceiling. Such price floors and ceilings are
expressed in absolute Japanese yen, rather than percentage, limits based on the
closing price of the stock on the previous trading day. In addition, when there
is a major order imbalance in a listed stock, the TSE posts a "special bid
quote" or a "special asked quote" for that stock at a specified higher or lower
price level than the stock's last sale price in order to solicit counter-orders
and balance supply and demand
12
for the stock. Investors should also be aware that the TSE may suspend the
trading of individual stocks in certain limited and extraordinary circumstances,
including, for example, unusual trading activity in that stock. As a result,
changes in the Nikkei 225 Index may be limited by price limitations or special
quotes, or by suspension of trading, on individual stocks which comprise the
Nikkei 225 Index, which limitations may, in turn, adversely affect the value of
the MITTS.
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
13
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
14
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Solely for purposes of applying final Treasury regulations (the "Final
Regulations") concerning the United States Federal income tax treatment of
contingent payment debt instruments to the Securities, the Company has
determined that the projected payment schedule for the Securities will consist
of payment on the maturity date of the principal amount thereof and a
Supplemental Redemption Amount equal to $4.1078 per Unit. This represents an
estimated yield on the Securities equal to 6.96% per annum (compounded
semiannually).
The projected payment schedule (including both the projected Supplemental
Redemption Amount and the estimated yield on the Securities) has been determined
solely for United States Federal income tax purposes (i.e., for purposes of
applying the Final Regulations to the Securities), and is not a prediction of
what the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will be, or that the actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount will even exceed zero.
The following table sets forth the amount of interest that will be deemed
to have accrued with respect to each Unit of the Securities during each accrual
period over the term of the Securities based upon the projected payment schedule
for the Securities (including both the projected Supplemental Redemption Amount
and the estimated yield equal to 6.96% per annum (compounded semiannually)) as
determined by the Company for purposes of the application of the Final
Regulations to the Securities:
TOTAL INTEREST DEEMED
TO HAVE ACCRUED ON
INTEREST DEEMED TO SECURITIES AS OF END
ACCRUE DURING ACCRUAL OF ACCRUAL PERIOD
ACCRUAL PERIOD PERIOD (PER UNIT) (PER UNIT)
-------------- --------------------- ---------------------
June 3, 1997 through
June 14, 1997.......... $0.0206 $0.0206
June 15, 1997 through
December 14, 1997...... $0.3506 $0.3712
December 15, 1997 through
June 14, 1998.......... $0.3590 $0.7302
June 15, 1998 through
December 14, 1998...... $0.3734 $1.1036
December 15, 1998 through
June 14, 1999.......... $0.3864 $1.4900
June 15, 1999 through
December 14, 1999...... $0.3999 $1.8899
December 15, 1999 through
June 14, 2000.......... $0.4138 $2.3037
June 15, 2000 through
December 14, 2000...... $0.4281 $2.7318
15
June 15, 2001 through
December 14, 2001...... $0.4585 $3.6334
December 15, 2001 through
June 14, 2002.......... $0.4744 $4.1078
- -------------------
Projected Supplemental Redemption Amount = $4.1078 per Unit
Investors in the Securities may also obtain the projected payment schedule,
as determined by the Company for purposes of the application of the Final
Regulations to the Securities, by submitting a written request for such
information to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., Attn: Darryl W. Colletti, Office of
the Corporate Secretary, 100 Church Street, New York, New York 10080.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
16
Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
7,200,000 UNITS
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
MAJOR 8 EUROPEAN INDEX MARKET INDEX TARGET-TERM SECURITIES DUE AUGUST 30, 2002
"MITTS(R)"
($10 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT PER UNIT)
On July 28, 1997, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued an
aggregate principal amount $72,000,000 (7,200,000 Units) of Major 8 European
Index Market Index Target-Term Securities due August 30, 2002 (the "Securities"
or "MITTS"). Each $10 principal amount of Securities will be deemed a "Unit"
for purposes of trading and transfer at the Securities Depository described
below. Units will be transferable by the Securities Depository, as more fully
described below, in denominations of whole Units.
GENERAL:
. Senior unsecured debt securities . Not redeemable prior to maturity
. No payments prior to maturity . Transferable only in whole Units
PAYMENT AT MATURITY:
Principal Amount + Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Supplemental Redemption Amount will be based on the percentage increase, if
any, in the Major 8 European Index, which is a compilation of eight European
equity indices, multiplied by a Participation Rate of 110%. The Supplemental
Redemption Amount may be ZERO, but will not be less than zero.
BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO INVEST IN THE MITTS, CAREFULLY READ THIS PROSPECTUS,
ESPECIALLY THE RISK FACTORS BEGINNING ON PAGE S-3.
We expect that the MITTS will be maintained in book-entry form only through
the facilities of DTC.
-------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-------------------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the American Stock Exchange (the "AMEX"), or off such exchange in
negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to
prevailing prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will
conform to the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of
the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
------------------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
------------------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is January __, 1998.
- ------------------------------------
(R) "MITTS" is a registered service mark and (SM) "Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark owned by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the AMEX, the Chicago Stock Exchange
and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web site at
http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June
27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January
13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997,
May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS
IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY (WITHOUT
EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF ANY OR
ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS FOR SUCH
COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE SECRETARY'S
OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
2
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its
clients; and an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries
provide financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are
engaged in such other activities as international banking, lending, and
providing other investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International
Incorporated, through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment,
financing, and related services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one
of the largest mutual fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory
services. Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies.
Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and
Merrill Lynch International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers
and enter into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative
transactions as intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance
underwriting operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and
annuity products. Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted
through subsidiaries of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit,
offering money market deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing
currency exchange facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios for earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
SEPTEMBER 26,
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER 1997
---------------------------------- -------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
----- ----- ---- ---- ----
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in MITTS will involve certain risks. For example, there is the
risk that you might not earn a return on your investment, and the risk that you
will be unable to sell your MITTS prior to their maturity. You should carefully
consider the following discussion of risks before deciding whether an investment
in the MITTS is suitable for you.
THE SUPPLEMENTAL REDEMPTION AMOUNT.
You should be aware that if the Ending Index Value does not exceed the
Starting Index Value at maturity, the Supplemental Redemption Amount will be
zero. This will be true even if the value of the Index was higher than the
Starting Index Value at some time during the life of the MITTS but later falls
below the Starting Index Value. If the Supplemental Redemption Amount is zero,
we will pay you only the principal amount of your MITTS.
The Participation Rate equals 110%. If the Ending Index Value exceeds the
Starting Index Value, then the Participation Rate will enhance the amount of the
interest payment received at maturity. However, if the Ending Index Value does
not exceed the Starting Index Value, you will receive only the principal amount
of your MITTS.
YOUR YIELD MAY BE LOWER THAN THE YIELD ON A STANDARD DEBT SECURITY OF COMPARABLE
MATURITY.
3
The amount we pay you at maturity may be less than the return you could earn
on other investments. Your yield may be less than the yield you would earn if
you bought a standard senior non-callable debt security of the Company with the
same maturity date. Your investment may not reflect the full opportunity cost to
you when you consider the effect of factors that affect the time value of money.
YOUR RETURN WILL NOT REFLECT THE PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS.
The AMEX calculates the Index by reference to the Sub-Indices which reflect
the prices of the common stocks comprising such Sub-Indices without taking into
consideration the value of dividends paid on those stocks, except in the case of
the Deutscher Aktienindex Sub-Index which reflects dividends paid on its
underlying common stocks. Therefore, the return you earn on the MITTS, if any,
will not be the same as the return that you would earn if you actually owned
each of the common stocks underlying each Sub-Index and received the dividends
paid on those stocks.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES.
Although the stocks comprising the Sub-Indices are traded in currencies other
than U.S. dollars and the MITTS are denominated in U.S. dollars, we will not
adjust the Supplemental Redemption Amount for currency exchange rates in effect
at the maturity of the MITTS. The Supplemental Redemption Amount is based solely
upon the percentage increase in the Index. Changes in exchange rates, however,
may reflect changes in the relevant European economies which may affect the
value of the Sub-Indices, and the MITTS.
UNCERTAIN TRADING MARKET.
The MITTS are traded on the AMEX under the symbol "MEM". While there have been
a number of issuances of Market Index Target-Term Securities, trading volumes
have varied historically from one transaction to another and it is therefore
impossible to predict how the MITTS will trade. You cannot assume that a trading
market will develop for the MITTS. If such a trading market does develop, there
can be no assurance that there will be liquidity in the trading market. The
development of a trading market for the MITTS will depend on the financial
performance of the Company, and other factors such as the appreciation, if any,
of the value of the Index.
If the trading market for the MITTS is limited, there may be a limited number
of buyers when you decide to sell your MITTS if you do not wish to hold your
investment until maturity. This may affect the price you receive.
FACTORS AFFECTING TRADING VALUE OF THE MITTS.
We believe that the market value of the MITTS will be affected by the value of
the Index and by a number of other factors. Some of these factors are
interrelated in complex ways; as a result, the effect of any one factor may be
offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. The following bullets
describe the expected impact on the market value of the MITTS given a change in
a specific factor, assuming all other conditions remain constant.
. INDEX VALUE. We expect that the market value of the MITTS will depend
substantially on the amount by which the Index exceeds the Starting Index
Value. If you choose to sell your MITTS when the value of the Index exceeds
the Starting Index Value, you may receive substantially less than the amount
that would be payable at maturity based on that Index value because of the
expectation that the Index will continue to fluctuate until the Ending Index
Value is determined. If you choose to sell your MITTS when the value of the
Index is below the Starting Index Value, you may receive less than the $10
principal amount per Unit of MITTS. In general, rising dividend rates (i.e.,
dividends per share) in the European countries related to the common stocks
underlying the Sub-Indices (each, an "applicable European country") may
increase the value of the Index while falling dividend rates in the applicable
European countries may decrease the value of the Index. Political, economic
and other developments that affect the stocks underlying the Index may also
affect the value of the Index and the value of the MITTS.
4
. INTEREST RATES. Because the MITTS repay, at a minimum, the principal
amount at maturity, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will be
affected by changes in interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates
increase, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will decrease. If U.S.
interest rates decrease, we expect the trading value of the MITTS will
increase. In general, if interest rates in the applicable European countries
increase, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will increase. If
interest rates in the applicable European countries decrease, we expect the
trading value of the MITTS will decrease. However, interest rates in the
applicable European countries may also affect the relevant economies and, in
turn, the value of the Sub-Indices. Rising interest rates in the applicable
European countries may lower the value of the Sub-Indices and the MITTS.
Falling interest rates in the applicable European countries may increase the
value of the Index and the value of the MITTS.
. VOLATILITY OF THE INDEX. Volatility is the term used to describe the size
and frequency of market fluctuations. If the volatility of the Index
increases, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will increase. If the
volatility of the Index decreases, we expect that the trading value of the
MITTS will decrease.
. TIME REMAINING TO MATURITY. The MITTS may trade at a value above that
which would be expected based on the level of interest rates and the Index.
This difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning
the value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of the MITTS.
However, as the time remaining to maturity of the MITTS decreases, we expect
that this time premium will decrease, lowering the trading value of the MITTS.
. DIVIDEND YIELDS. If dividend yields on the stocks comprising the Sub-
Indices increase, we expect that the value of the MITTS will decrease.
Conversely, if dividend yields on the stock comprising the Sub-Indices
decrease, we expect that the value of the MITTS will increase.
. COMPANY CREDIT RATINGS. Real or anticipated changes in the Company's
credit ratings may affect the market value of the MITTS.
We want you to understand that the impact of one of the factors specified
above, such as an increase in interest rates, may offset some or all of any
increase in the trading value of the MITTS attributable to another factor, such
as an increase in the Index value.
In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, we expect that
the effect on the trading value of the MITTS of a given change in most of the
factors listed above will be less if it occurs later in the term of the MITTS
than if it occurs earlier in the term of the MITTS except that we expect that
the effect on the trading value of the MITTS of a given increase in the value of
the Index will be greater if it occurs later in the term of the MITTS than if it
occurs earlier in the term of the MITTS.
STATE LAW LIMITS ON INTEREST PAID.
New York State laws govern the Senior Indenture, as defined below. New York
has certain usury laws that limit the amount of interest that can be charged and
paid on loans, which includes debt securities like the MITTS. Under present New
York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest
basis. This limit may not apply to debt securities in which $2,500,000 or more
has been invested.
While we believe that New York law would be given effect by a state or Federal
court sitting outside of New York, many other states also have laws that
regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower.
We will promise, for the benefit of the MITTS holders, to the extent permitted
by law, not to voluntarily claim the benefits of any laws concerning usurious
rates of interest.
5
THE EUROPEAN SECURITIES MARKETS.
The underlying stocks that constitute the Sub-Indices have been issued by
companies listed on European exchanges. You should be aware that investments in
securities indexed to the value of the European equity securities involve
certain risks. The European securities markets may be more volatile than U.S. or
other securities markets and may be affected by market developments in different
ways than U.S. or other securities markets. Direct or indirect government
intervention to stabilize a particular European securities market and cross-
shareholdings in European companies on such markets may affect prices and volume
of trading on those markets. Also, there is generally less publicly available
information about European companies than about those U.S. companies that are
subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC and European companies are
subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
requirements that differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.
Securities prices in Europe may be affected by political, economic, financial
and social factors in Europe. These factors (including the possibility that
recent or future changes in a European country's government, economic and fiscal
policies, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or
other laws or restrictions applicable to such European companies or investments
in European equity securities and the possibility of fluctuations in the rate of
exchange between currencies) could negatively affect the European securities
markets. Moreover, the relevant European economies may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national
product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-
sufficiency.
PURCHASES AND SALES BY MERRILL LYNCH.
The Company, MLPF&S and other affiliates of the Company may from time to time
buy or sell the stocks underlying the Index for their own accounts for business
reasons or in connection with hedging the Company's obligations under the MITTS.
These transactions could affect the price of such stocks and the value of the
Index.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS.
The Calculation Agent is a subsidiary of the Company, the issuer of the MITTS.
Under certain circumstances, MLPF&S's roles as a subsidiary of the Company and
its responsibilities as Calculation Agent for the MITTS could give rise to
conflicts of interests. You should be aware that because the Calculation Agent
is controlled by the Company, potential conflicts of interest could arise.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, referred to as the "Senior Indenture", which is more fully
described below. The Securities will mature on August 30, 2002.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal
amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, there
will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. See "Payment at
Maturity" below.
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities--Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other Terms--Events of
Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities were issued in denominations of whole Units.
6
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
General
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, all as
provided below. If the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index
Value, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive only the
principal amount thereof.
Determination of the Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Supplemental Redemption Amount for a Security will be determined by the
Calculation Agent and will equal:
Principal Amount of such Security ($10 per Unit) X Ending Index Value--Starting Index Value x Participation Rate
----------------------------------------
Starting Index Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero.
The Participation Rate equals 110%. The Starting Index Value equals 100. The
Ending Index Value will be determined by the Calculation Agent and will equal
the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index determined on
each of the first five Calculation Days during the Calculation Period. If there
are fewer than five Calculation Days, then the Ending Index Value will equal the
average (arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index on such Calculation
Days, and if there is only one Calculation Day, then the Ending Index Value will
equal the closing value of the Index on such Calculation Day. If no Calculation
Days occur during the Calculation Period because of Market Disruption Events,
then the Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of the Index determined
on the last scheduled Index Business Day in the Calculation Period, regardless
of the occurrences of a Market Disruption Event on such day. The "Calculation
Period" means the period from and including the seventh scheduled Index Business
Day prior to the maturity date to and including the second scheduled Index
Business Day prior to the maturity date. "Calculation Day" means any Index
Business Day during the Calculation Period on which a Market Disruption Event
has not occurred. For purposes of determining the Ending Index Value, an "Index
Business Day" is a day on which The New York Stock Exchange and the AMEX are
open for trading and the Index or any Successor Index, as defined below, is
calculated and published. All determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall
be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and, absent a determination
by the Calculation Agent of a manifest error, shall be conclusive for all
purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial owners of the Securities.
HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Index
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities, (ii) the total rate of return to beneficial owners of the
Securities, (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return to beneficial owners of
Securities, and (iv) the pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in
the stocks underlying the Index (which includes an assumed aggregate dividend
yield of 2.33% per annum, as more fully described below).
TOTAL AMOUNT PRETAX
PAYABLE AT MATURITY ANNUALIZED PRETAX ANNUALIZED
PERCENTAGE CHANGE PER $10 PRINCIPAL TOTAL RATE OF RATE RATE OF RETURN OF
HYPOTHETICAL ENDING OVER THE STARTING AMOUNT OF RETURN ON OF RETURN ON STOCKS UNDERLYING THE
INDEX VALUE INDEX VALUE SECURITIES THE SECURITIES THE SECURITIES(1) INDEX(1)(2)
- ---------------------- ------------------ ------------------- --------------- ----------------- -------------------------
40 -60% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -15.28%
50 -50% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -11.10%
60 -40% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -7.64%
70 -30% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -4.68%
80 -20% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -2.09%
90 -10% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% 0.21%
100(3) 0% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% 2.29%
110 10% $11.10 11.00% 2.06% 4.18%
120 20% $12.20 22.00% 3.95% 5.92%
7
TOTAL AMOUNT PRETAX
PAYABLE AT MATURITY ANNUALIZED PRETAX ANNUALIZED
PERCENTAGE CHANGE PER $10 PRINCIPAL TOTAL RATE OF RATE RATE OF RETURN OF
HYPOTHETICAL ENDING OVER THE STARTING AMOUNT OF RETURN ON OF RETURN ON STOCKS UNDERLYING THE
INDEX VALUE INDEX VALUE SECURITIES THE SECURITIES THE SECURITIES(1) INDEX(1)(2)
- ---------------------- ------------------ ------------------- --------------- ----------------- -------------------------
130 30% $13.30 33.00% 5.69% 7.53%
140 40% $14.40 44.00% 7.31% 9.03%
150 50% $15.50 55.00% 8.81% 10.43%
160 60% $16.60 66.00% 10.23% 11.75%
170 70% $17.70 77.00% 11.56% 12.99%
180 80% $18.80 88.00% 12.82% 14.17%
190 90% $19.90 99.00% 14.01% 15.28%
200 100% $21.00 110.00% 15.14% 16.35%
210 110% $22.10 121.00% 16.23% 17.36%
220 120% $23.20 132.00% 17.26% 18.34%
230 130% $24.30 143.00% 18.26% 19.27%
- --------------
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes (i) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Sub-Indices with the allocation of such amount
reflecting the current relative weights of such stocks in the Sub-Indices;
(ii) a percentage change in the aggregate price of such stocks that equals
the percentage change in the Index from the Starting Index Value to the
relevant hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iii) a constant dividend yield of
2.33% per annum, paid quarterly from the date of initial delivery of
Securities, applied to the value of the Index at the end of each such
quarter assuming such value increases or decreases linearly from the
Starting Index Value to the applicable hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iv)
no transaction fees or expenses; (v) a term for the Securities from August
1, 1997 to August 30, 2002; and (vi) a final Index value equal to the Ending
Index Value. The aggregate dividend yield of the stocks underlying the Sub-
Indices as of July 28, 1997 was approximately 2.33%.
(3) The Starting Index Value equals 100.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the total and pretax
annualized rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual
Ending Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INDEX; MARKET DISRUPTION EVENTS
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof, is
changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified so
that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means the occurrence or existence on any Overseas
Index Business Day with respect to a Sub-Index during the one-half hour period
that ends at the regular official weekday time at which trading on the Index
Exchange related to such Sub-Index occurs of any suspension of, or limitation
imposed on, trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted
by the relevant exchange or otherwise) on (i) the Index Exchange in securities
that comprise 20% or more of the value of such Sub-Index or (ii) any exchanges
on which futures or options on such Sub-Index are traded in such option or
futures if, in the determination of the Calculation Agent, such suspension or
limitation is material. For the purpose of the foregoing definition, (i) a
limitation on the hours and number of days of trading will not constitute a
Market Disruption Event if it results from an announced change in the regular
hours of the relevant exchange and (ii) a limitation on trading imposed during
the course of a day by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding levels
permitted by the relevant exchange will constitute a Market Disruption Event.
"Overseas Index Business Day" means, with respect to any Sub-Index, any day
that is (or, but for the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event, would have
been) a trading day on the relevant Index Exchange or on any exchanges on which
8
futures or options on such Sub-Index are traded, other than a day on which
trading on any such exchange is scheduled to close prior to its regular weekday
closing time.
"Index Exchange" means, with respect to any Sub-Index, the principal exchange
on which the shares comprising such Sub-Index are traded.
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE INDEX
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index and the AMEX or another
entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent
determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such
index being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the
Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the
Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated
by the AMEX or such other entity for the Index and calculate the Ending Index
Value as described above under "Payment at Maturity". Upon any selection by the
Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof
to be given to Holders of the Securities.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in
accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to any
such discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent
calculates a value as a substitute for the Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the Index for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during
which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation
Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (a) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (b) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely affect trading in
the Securities.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each $10 principal
amount thereof, will be equal to the Principal Amount and the Supplemental
Redemption Amount, if any, calculated as though the date of early repayment were
the stated maturity date of the Securities. See "Description of Securities--
Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced
in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a Security may
be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United States Code, to
the principal amount of the Security plus an additional amount of contingent
interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the proceeding
were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities (whether
at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the beneficial owners
thereof, at the rate of 6.32% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of
such amount has been made or duly provided for.
DEPOSITORY
9
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"), as Depository, registered in the name of DTC or a nominee thereof.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in
definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the
Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to
such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or
any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also available
to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly
or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not
receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners
are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered
into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of
Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests of
persons held through Participants). The laws of some states may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to own,
transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in a
Global Security will not be entitled to have the Securities represented by such
Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the Securities in definitive form and will not be
considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture, including
for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the Trustee
pursuant to the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial
interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such
Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which
such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder under the
Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Senior
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the Principal Amount and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to the Securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be
made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global
Securities representing such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any
other agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility
or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects
that DTC, upon receipt of any payment of principal or any Supplemental
Redemption Amount in respect of a Global Security, will credit the accounts of
the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as
shown on the records of DTC. The Company
10
also expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed
by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case
with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered
in "street name", and will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $10 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
All payments of principal and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, will
be made by the Company in immediately available funds so long as the Securities
are maintained in book-entry form.
THE INDEX
The value of the Index on any Index Business Day is calculated and
disseminated by the AMEX. The AMEX generally calculates and disseminates the
value of the Index based on the most recently reported values of the Sub-
Indices, at approximately 15-second intervals during the AMEX's business hours
and the end of each Index Business Day via the Consolidated Tape Association's
Network B.
Determination of Index Multiplier for each Sub-Index
The weighting of each Sub-Index was determined at the close of business on the
date the Securities were priced for initial sale to the public (the "Pricing
Date") based on its relative market capitalization. The market capitalization of
a stock equals the product of the total number of shares of such stock
outstanding and the price of a share of such stock. The total market
capitalization of the stocks comprising each Sub-Index was determined using the
most recently available information concerning the number of shares outstanding
for each stock contained in a Sub-Index and the most recently available price
for each such share. Current exchange rates were used to translate such market
capitalization information into U.S. dollars. The market capitalizations
expressed in U.S. dollars of each Sub-Index were totaled (the "Total Market
Capitalization"). The weighting of each Sub-Index was then determined and equals
the percentage of the market capitalization for such Sub-Index relative to the
Total Market Capitalization. The Index Multiplier for each Sub-Index was then
calculated and equals (i) the weighting for such Sub-Index multiplied by 100,
divided by (ii) the most recently available value of such Sub-Index. The Index
Multipliers were calculated in this way so that the Index would equal 100.00 on
the Pricing Date.
The Index Multiplier for each Sub-Index will remain fixed, except that the
AMEX may adjust such Index Multiplier in the event of a significant change in
how a Sub-Index is calculated. There will be no periodic rebalancing of the
Index to reflect changes in the relative market capitalizations of the Sub-
Indices.
Computation of the Index
The Index is calculated by totaling the products of the most recently
available value of each Sub-Index and the Index Multiplier applicable to such
Sub-Index. Since the Sub-Indices are based on stocks traded on stock exchanges
in Europe, once such stock exchanges close and the values of the Sub-Indices
become fixed until such stock exchanges reopen, the value of the Index will be
fixed.
Sub-Indices
11
The following table sets forth the name of each Sub-Index, the number of
stocks underlying each Sub-Index, the market capitalization in U.S. dollars of
each Sub-Index, the weighting of each Sub-Index as of the Pricing Date and the
Index Multiplier:
CURRENT INDEX
NUMBER MARKET --------------- ----------
SUB-INDEX OF STOCKS CAPITALIZATION/(1)/ WEIGHTING/(1)/ MULTIPLIER
- -------------------------------------------- --------- -------------------- --------------- ----------
(IN BILLIONS)
Financial Times SE 100 Index................ 102 U.S.$1,391.3 36.96% 0.0076009
Deutscher Aktienindex....................... 30 599.1 15.91% 0.0036398
Compagnie des Agents de Change 40 Index..... 40 398.2 10.58% 0.0035008
Swiss Market Index.......................... 23 399.2 10.60% 0.0018003
Amsterdam European Options Exchange Index... 25 398.0 10.57% 0.0106457
Milano Italia Borsa 30 Index................ 30 224.8 5.97% 0.0002623
Stockholm Options Market Index.............. 30 185.1 4.92% 0.0018909
IBEX 35..................................... 35 169.2 4.49% 0.0006586
--- ----- ------
Total..................................... 315 U.S.$3,764.9 100.00%
- --------------
(1) As of July 28, 1997.
The following is list of the Sub-Indices and certain information concerning
each such Sub-Index. All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the
Sub-Indices is derived from publicly available information.
FINANCIAL TIMES SE 100 INDEX--"FTSE 100"
Description of FTSE 100: The FTSE 100 is intended to provide an indication
of the pattern of common stock price movement of the 100 common stocks with
the largest market capitalization on the London Stock Exchange.
Publisher: The Financial Times and London Stock Exchange
Required Disclosure: The FTSE 100 is calculated by FTSE International
Limited in conjunction with the Institute of Actuaries and the Faculty of
Actuaries. Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. has obtained full license from FTSE
International Limited to use its trademark and copyright in the creation of
this Security. FTSE International Limited does not sponsor, endorse or promote
this Security.
DEUTSCHER AKTIENINDEX--"DAX(R)"
Description of DAX: The DAX is total rate of return index measuring the
performance of 30 common stocks on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange selected based
on their market capitalization and trading volume. A total rate of return
index reflects both the price performance of the relevant common stocks as
well as the dividends paid on such common stocks.
Publisher: Deutsche Borse AG
- --------------
"DAX" is a registered trademark of Deutsche Borse AG.
COMPAGNIE DES AGENTS DE CHANGE 40 INDEX--"CAC 40"
Description of CAC 40: The CAC 40 is intended to provide an indication of
the pattern of common stock price movement of the 40 common stocks with the
largest market capitalization on the Paris Bourse.
12
Publisher: SBF--Paris Bourse
Required Disclosure: "CAC-40" is a registered trademark of the Societe des
Bourses Francaises-Paris Bourse, which designates the index that the SBF-Paris
Bourse calculates and publishes. Authorization to use the index and the "CAC-
40" trademark in connection with the Securities has been granted by license.
The SBF-Paris Bourse, owner of the trademark and of the CAC-40, does not
sponsor, endorse or participate in the marketing of the Securities. The SBF-
Paris Bourse makes no warranty or representation to any person, express or
implied, as to the figure at which the CAC-40 stands at any particular time,
nor as to the results or performance of the Securities. Neither shall the SBF-
Paris Bourse be under any obligation to advise any person of any error in the
published level of the CAC-40.
SWISS MARKET INDEX--"SMI(R)"
Description of SMI: The SMI is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock price movement of common stocks with the largest
market capitalization and greatest liquidity on the Geneva, Zurich and Basle
Stock Exchanges.
Publisher: Swiss Exchange
Required Disclosure: The Securities are not in any way sponsored, endorsed,
sold or promoted by the Swiss Exchange and the Swiss Exchange makes no
warranty or representation whatsoever, express or implied, either as to the
results to be obtained from the use of the SMI index and/or the figure at
which the SMI index stands at any particular time on any particular day or
otherwise. The SMI index is compiled and calculated solely by the Swiss
Exchange. However, the Swiss Exchange shall not be liable (whether in
negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the SMI index and the
Swiss Exchange shall not be under any obligation to advise any person of any
error therein.
- --------------
"SMI" is a registered trademark of the Swiss Exchange.
AMSTERDAM EUROPEAN OPTIONS EXCHANGE INDEX--"AEX"
Description of AEX: The AEX is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock price movement of the 25 common stocks with the
largest market capitalization on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
Publisher: AEX--Optiebeurs nv
Required Disclosure: The AEX-Optiebeurs nv has all proprietary rights with
relation to the AEX index. The AEX-Optiebeurs nv in no way sponsors, endorses
or is otherwise involved in the issue and offering of the Securities. The AEX-
Optiebeurs nv disclaims any liability to any party for any inaccuracy in the
data on which the AEX Index is based, for any mistakes, errors, or omissions
in the calculation or dissemination of the AEX Index or for the manner in
which the AEX Index is used in connection with the issue and offering of the
Securities.
MILANO ITALIA BORSA 30 INDEX--"MIB 30"
Description of MIB 30: The MIB 30 is intended to provide an indication of
the pattern of common stock price movement of common stocks with the largest
market capitalization and greatest liquidity on the Italian Stock Exchange.
Publisher: Consiglio di Borsa
STOCKHOLM OPTIONS MARKET INDEX--"OMX INDEX"
13
Description of OMX index: The OMX index is intended to provide an indication
of the pattern of common stock price movement of the 30 common stocks with the
largest volume of trading on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
Publisher: OM Gruppen AB
Required Disclosure: The Securities are not in any way sponsored, endorsed,
sold or promoted by OM Gruppen AB ("OM") and OM makes no warranty or
representation whatsoever, express or implied, either as to the results to be
obtained from the use of the OMX index and/or the figure at which the said OMX
index stands at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise. The
OMX index is compiled and calculated solely by an indexer on behalf of OM.
However, OM shall not be liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any
person for any error in the OMX index and OM shall not be under any obligation
to advise any person of any error therein.
All rights to the trademark OMX, OMX INDEX are vested in OM Gruppen AB ("OM")
and are used under a license agreement with OM.
IBEX 35 INDEX
Description of IBEX 35: The IBEX 35 is intended to provide an indication of
the pattern of common stock price movement of the 35 common stocks with the
greatest liquidity continuously traded and quoted on the Joint Stock Exchange
System made up of the Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia stock exchanges.
Publisher: Sociedad de Bolsas, S.A.
Required Disclosure: Sociedad de Bolsas, S.A. does not warrant in any case
nor for any reason whatsoever: (a) The continuity of the composition of the
IBEX 35 Index exactly as it is today; (b) the continuity of the method for
calculating the IBEX 35 Index exactly as it is calculated today; (c) the
continuity of the calculation, formula and publication of the IBEX 35 Index;
(d) the precision, integrity or freedom from errors or mistakes in the
composition and calculation of the IBEX 35 Index; (e) the adequacy of the IBEX
35 Index for the purposes expected in the issue of the Securities nor for
dealing in the same.
The publisher of each Sub-Index will add or delete stocks due to events such
as the bankruptcy or merger of the issuer of a stock. The publisher of a Sub-
Index may reevaluate the composition of the stocks underlying the Sub-Index at
specified intervals to assure that they still meet the selection criteria or any
ongoing eligibility criteria.
The publisher of a Sub-Index is under no obligation to continue the
calculation and dissemination of such Sub-Index and such publisher may change
the method by which such Sub-Index is calculated. The publishers of the Sub-
Indices are under no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the holders
of the MITTS into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the
Sub-Indices.
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
14
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or
15
Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair the right to
institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any
Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders
is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the foregoing
requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities
necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No modification or
amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent Indenture for
Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of any holder of
Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except with respect to
certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a majority in principal
amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series may, with respect to
such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and waive compliance by the
Company with certain provisions thereof.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Solely for purposes of applying the final Treasury Department Regulations (the
"Final Regulations") concerning the United States Federal income tax treatment
of contingent payment debt instruments to the Securities, the Company has
determined that the projected payment schedule for the Securities will consist
of payment on the maturity date of the principal amount thereof and a projected
Supplemental Redemption Amount equal to $3.7137 per Unit. This represents an
estimated yield on the Securities equal to 6.32% per annum (compounded
semiannually).
16
The projected payment schedule (including both the projected Supplemental
Redemption Amount and the estimated yield on the Securities) has been determined
solely for United States Federal income tax purposes (i.e., for purposes of
applying the Final Regulations to the Securities), and is neither a prediction
nor a guarantee of what the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will be, or
that the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will even exceed zero.
The following table sets forth the amount of interest that will be deemed to
have accrued with respect to each Unit of the Securities during each accrual
period over an assumed term of five years and one month for the Securities based
upon the projected payment schedule for the Securities (including both the
projected Supplemental Redemption Amount and the estimated yield equal to 6.32%
per annum (compounded semiannually)) as determined by the Company for purposes
of application of the Final Regulations to the Securities:
17
TOTAL INTEREST
DEEMED TO HAVE
INTEREST DEEMED TO ACCRUED ON
ACCRUE DURING SECURITIES AS OF END
ACCRUAL PERIOD OF ACCRUAL PERIOD
ACCRUAL PERIOD (PER UNIT) (PER UNIT)
- ----------------------------------------------- ------------------- ---------------------
August 1, 1997 through August 30, 1997...... $0.0495 $0.0495
August 31, 1997 through February 28, 1998... $0.3173 $0.3668
March 1, 1998 through August 30, 1998....... $0.3274 $0.6942
August 31, 1998 through February 28, 1999... $0.3376 $1.0318
March 1, 1999 through August 30, 1999....... $0.3484 $1.3802
August 31, 1999 through February 29, 2000... $0.3593 $1.7395
March 1, 2000 through August 30, 2000....... $0.3707 $2.1102
August 31, 2000 through February 28, 2001... $0.3823 $2.4925
March 1, 2001 through August 30, 2001....... $0.3945 $2.8870
August 31, 2001 through February 28, 2002... $0.4069 $3.2939
March 1, 2002 through August 30, 2002....... $0.4198 $3.7137
- ------------------------------------
Projected Supplemental Redemption Amount = $3.7137 per Unit.
All prospective investors in the Securities should consult their own tax
advisors concerning the application of the Final Regulations to their investment
in the Securities. Investors in the Securities may also obtain the projected
payment schedule, as determined by the Company for purposes of the application
of the Final Regulations to the Securities, by submitting a written request for
such information to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., Attn: Darryl W. Colletti,
Corporate Secretary's Office, 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New York
10080-6512.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as stated
in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated
by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on
such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their
reports on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are not subject to the
liability provisions of Section 11 of the Act for any such report on unaudited
interim financial information because any such report is not a "report" or a
"part" of the registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant
within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
18
Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
S&P 500 MARKET INDEX TARGET-TERM SECURITIES(SM) DUE SEPTEMBER 16, 2002
("MITTS(R)")
On March 14, 1997, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued an
aggregate principal amount of $175,000,000 (17,500,000 Units) of S&P 500 Market
Index Target-Term Securities due September 16, 2002 (the "Securities" or
"MITTS"). Each $10 principal amount of Securities will be deemed a "Unit" for
purposes of trading and transfer at the Securities Depository described below.
Units will be transferable by the Securities Depository, as more fully described
below, in denominations of whole Units.
The Securities are debt securities of the Company, which were being issued in
denominations of $10 and integral multiples thereof, will bear no periodic
payments of interest and will mature on September 16, 2002. At maturity, a
beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive, with respect to each
Security, the principal amount thereof plus an interest payment, if any (the
"Supplemental Redemption Amount"), based on the percentage increase, if any, in
the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "Index") over the Starting Index
Value. The Supplemental Redemption Amount will in no event be less than zero.
The Securities are not redeemable or callable by the Company prior to maturity.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal amount
of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, however, there
will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount payable with respect to a Security at
maturity will equal the product of (A) the principal amount of the applicable
Security, (B) the percentage increase from the Starting Index Value to the
Ending Index Value, and (C) the Participation Rate. The Starting Index Value
equals 813.65 which was the closing value of the Index on the date the
Securities were priced by the Company for initial sale to the public (the
"Pricing Date"). The Ending Index Value, as more particularly described herein,
will be the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index on
certain days, or, if certain events occur, the closing value of the Index on a
single day prior to the maturity of the Securities. The Participation Rate
equals 101%.
FOR INFORMATION AS TO THE CALCULATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL REDEMPTION AMOUNT
WHICH WILL BE PAID AT MATURITY, THE CALCULATION AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE
INDEX, AND CERTAIN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF THE SECURITIES, SEE
"DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES" AND "THE INDEX", RESPECTIVELY, IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
FOR OTHER INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE
"RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
Ownership of the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form by or
through the Depository. Beneficial owners of the Securities will not have the
right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except under
the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MIM".
----------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the New York Stock Exchange, or off such exchange in negotiated
transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing
prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to
the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
--------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
--------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY ___, 1998.
(R)"MITTS" is a registered service mark and (SM)"Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P") DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR
THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES
NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, HOLDERS OF THE SECURITIES,
OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P 500 INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED UNDER THE LICENSE
AGREEMENT DESCRIBED HEREIN OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P 500
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN
NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except
2
as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS
IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY (WITHOUT
EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF ANY OR
ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS FOR SUCH
COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE SECRETARY'S
OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch Capital
Markets PLC are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter into
interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange trading
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges........... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from
3
continuing operations before income taxes and fixed charges. "Fixed charges"
consists of interest costs, amortization of debt expense, preferred stock
dividend requirements of majority-owned subsidiaries, and that portion of
rentals estimated to be representative of the interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
Supplemental Redemption Amount May be Zero. Investors should be aware that if
the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index Value, beneficial
owners of the Securities will receive only the principal amount thereof at
maturity, even if the value of the Index at some point between the issue date
and the maturity date of the Securities exceeded the Starting Index Value.
Yield may be Below Market Interest Rates on the Pricing Date. A beneficial
owner of the Securities may receive no Supplemental Redemption Amount at
maturity, or a Supplemental Redemption Amount that is below what the Company
would pay as interest as of the Pricing Date if the Company issued non-callable
senior debt securities with a similar maturity as that of the Securities. The
return of principal of the Securities at maturity and the payment of the
Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may not reflect the full opportunity
costs implied by inflation or other factors relating to the time value of money.
Yield on Securities will not Reflect Dividends. The Index does not reflect
the payment of dividends on the stocks underlying it and therefore the yield
based on the Index to the maturity of the Securities will not produce the same
yield as if such underlying stocks were purchased and held for a similar period.
State Law Limit on Interest Paid. Because the 1983 Indenture provides that
the Securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
New York, certain usury laws of New York State may apply. Under present New York
law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest basis.
This limit may not apply to Securities in which $2,500,000 or more has been
invested. While the Company believes that New York law would be given effect by
a state or Federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws frequently
regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower
(including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). It is suggested that
prospective investors consult their personal advisors with respect to the
applicability of such laws. The Company will covenant for the benefit of the
Holders of the Securities, to the extent permitted by law, not to claim
voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning usurious rates of interest
against a Holder of the Securities.
TRADING
The Securities have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "MIM". There is little precedent to indicate how the Securities will
trade in the secondary market or whether such market will be liquid.
It is expected that the trading value of the Securities in the secondary
market will be affected by the creditworthiness of the Company and by a number
of other factors. The trading value of the Securities is expected to depend
substantially on the extent of the appreciation, if any, of the Index over the
Starting Index Value. If, however, Securities are sold prior to the maturity
date at a time when the Index exceeds the Starting Index Value, the sale price
may be at a substantial discount from the amount expected to be payable to the
beneficial owner if such excess of the Index over the Starting Index Value were
to prevail until maturity of the Securities because of the possible fluctuation
of the Index between the time of such sale and the time that the Ending Index
Value is determined. Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial owner will be
able to sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which could be
substantial, from the principal amount thereof, if, at such time, the Index is
below, equal to, or not sufficiently above the Starting Index Value. A discount
could also result from rising interest rates.
4
In addition to the value of the Index, the trading value of the Securities may
be affected by a number of interrelated factors, including the creditworthiness
of the Company and those factors listed below. The relationship among these
factors is complex, including how these factors affect the relative value of the
principal amount of the Securities to be repaid at maturity and the value of the
Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any. Accordingly, investors should be aware
that factors other than the level of the Index are likely to affect the
Securities' trading value. The expected effect on the trading value of the
Securities of each of the factors listed below, assuming in each case that all
other factors are held constant, is as follows:
Interest Rates. Because the Securities repay at a minimum the principal
amount thereof at maturity, the trading value of the Securities will likely be
affected by changes in interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates
increase, the trading value of the Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S.
interest rates decrease, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
increase. Interest rates may also affect the U.S. economy, and, in turn, the
value of the Index. Rising interest rates may lower the value of the Index and,
thus, the Securities. Falling interest rates may increase the value of the Index
and, thus, may increase the value of the Securities.
Volatility of the Index. If the volatility of the Index increases, the
trading value of the Securities is expected to increase. If the volatility of
the Index decreases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the Index. This
difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the
value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of the Securities. As the
time remaining to maturity of the Securities decreases, however, this time
premium is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of the
Securities. In addition, the price at which a beneficial owner may be able to
sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which may be
substantial, from the principal amount of the Securities if the value of the
Index is below, equal to, or not sufficiently above the Starting Index Value.
Dividend Rates in the United States. If dividend rates on the stocks
comprising the Index increase, the value of the Securities is expected to
decrease. Conversely, if dividend rates on the stocks comprising the Index
decrease, the value of the Securities is expected to increase. However, in
general, rising U.S. corporate dividend rates may increase the value of the
Index and, in turn, increase the value of the Securities. Conversely, falling
U.S. dividend rates may decrease the value of the Index and, in turn, decrease
the value of the Securities.
The impact of the factors specified above, excluding the value of the Index,
may offset, partially or in whole, any increase in the trading value of the
Securities that is attributable to an increase in the value of the Index. For
example, an increase in U.S. interest rates may cause the Securities to trade at
a discount from their initial offering price, even if the Index has appreciated
significantly. In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, the
effect on the trading value of the Securities of a given change in interest
rates, Index volatility and/or dividend rates of stocks comprising the Index is
expected to be less if it occurs later in the term of the Securities than if it
occurs earlier in the term of the Securities. The effect on the trading value of
the Securities of a given appreciation of the Index in excess of the Starting
Index Value is expected to be greater if it occurs later in the term of the
Securities than if it occurs earlier in the term of the Securities, assuming all
other relevant factors are held constant.
THE INDEX
The value of the Index and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may be
adversely affected by political, economic and other developments that affect the
stocks underlying the Index.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in light of their particular circumstances.
5
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
MLPF&S or its affiliates may from time to time engage in transactions
involving the stocks underlying the Index for their proprietary accounts and for
other accounts under their management, which may influence the value of such
stocks and therefore the value of the Securities. MLPF&S and its affiliates will
also be the counterparties to the hedge of the Company's obligations under the
Securities. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, conflicts of interest may
arise between MLPF&S's responsibilities as Calculation Agent, as defined below,
with respect to the Securities and its obligations under its hedge and its
status as a subsidiary of the Company. Under certain circumstances, the duties
of MLPF&S as Calculation Agent in determining the existence of Market Disruption
Events could conflict with the interests of MLPF&S as an affiliate of the issuer
of the Securities, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., and with the interests of the
holders of the Securities.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Securities are to be issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under
the Senior Indenture, referred to as the "1983 Indenture", which is more fully
described in the accompanying Prospectus. The Securities will mature on
September 16, 2002.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal
amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, there
will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. (See "Payment at
Maturity" below.)
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities-Events of Default and Acceleration" in this Prospectus.
The Securities are to be issued in denominations of whole Units.
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, all as
provided below. If the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index
Value, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive only the
principal amount thereof.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive,
with respect to each such Security, (i) the principal amount thereof ($10 for
each Unit) and (ii) the Supplemental Redemption Amount equal in amount to:
Ending Index Value-Starting Index Value
Principal Amount X --------------------------- X Participation Rate
Starting Index Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero. The Starting Index Value equals 813.65, which was the closing
value of the Index on the date the Securities were priced by the Company for
initial sale to the public (i.e., the Pricing Date). The Participation Rate
equals 101%. The Ending Index Value will be determined by Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated (the "Calculation Agent") and will equal the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index determined on each of the
first five Calculation Days during the Calculation Period. If there are fewer
than five Calculation Days, then the Ending Index
6
Value will equal the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the
Index on such Calculation Days, and if there is only one Calculation Day, then
the Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of the Index on such
Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days occur during the Calculation Period
because of Market Disruption Events, then the Ending Index Value will equal the
closing value of the Index determined on the last scheduled Index Business Day
in the Calculation Period, regardless of the occurrences of a Market Disruption
Event on such day. The "Calculation Period" means the period from and including
the seventh scheduled Index Business Day prior to the maturity date to and
including the second scheduled Index Business Day prior to the maturity date.
"Calculation Day" means any Index Business Day during the Calculation Period on
which a Market Disruption Event has not occurred. For purposes of determining
the Ending Index Value, an "Index Business Day" is a day on which the New York
Stock Exchange and the American Stock Exchange are open for trading and the
Index or any Successor Index, as defined below, is calculated and published. All
determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of
the Calculation Agent and, absent a determination by the Calculation Agent of a
manifest error, shall be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company
and beneficial owners of the Securities.
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Index
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities, (ii) the total rate of return to beneficial owners of the
Securities, (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return to beneficial owners of
Securities and (iv) the pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in the
stocks underlying the Index (which includes an assumed aggregate dividend yield
of 1.80% per annum, as more fully described below).
HYPOTHETICAL ENDING PERCENTAGE CHANGE TOTAL AMOUNT TOTAL RATE OF PRETAX PRETAX ANNUALIZED
INDEX VALUE OVER THE STARTING PAYABLE AT MATURITY RETURN ON ANNUALIZED RATE RATE OF RETURN OF
----------- INDEX VALUE PER $10 PRINCIPAL THE SECURITIES OF RETURN ON STOCKS UNDERLYING
----------- AMOUNT OF -------------- THE SECURITIES(1) THE
SECURITIES ----------------- INDEX(1)(2)
---------- -----------
406.83 -50% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -10.43%
488.19 -40% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -7.30%
569.56 -30% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -4.60%
650.92 -20% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -2.23%
732.29 -10% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -0.12%
813.65(3) 0% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% 1.80%
895.02 10% $11.01 10.10% 1.76% 3.56%
976.38 20% $12.02 20.20% 3.37% 5.18%
1,057.75 30% $13.03 30.30% 4.87% 6.69%
1,139.11 40% $14.04 40.40% 6.26% 8.10%
1,220.48 50% $15.05 50.50% 7.56% 9.41%
1,301.84 60% $16.06 60.60% 8.79% 10.66%
1,383.21 70% $17.07 70.70% 9.95% 11.83%
1,464.57 80% $18.08 80.80% 11.05% 12.95%
1,545.94 90% $19.09 90.90% 12.10% 14.01%
1,627.30 100% $20.10 101.00% 13.09% 15.02%
1,708.67 110% $21.11 111.10% 14.04% 16.00%
1,790.03 120% $22.12 121.20% 14.95% 16.83%
___________
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes (i) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Index with the
7
allocation of such amount reflecting the current relative weights of such stocks
in the Index; (ii) a percentage change in the aggregate price of such stocks
that equals the percentage change in the Index from the Starting Index Value to
the relevant hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iii) a constant dividend yield of
1.80% per annum, paid quarterly from the date of initial delivery of Securities,
applied to the value of the Index at the end of each such quarter assuming such
value increases or decreases linearly from the Starting Index Value to the
applicable hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iv) no transaction fees or
expenses; (v) a term for the Securities from March 14, 1997 to September 16,
2002; and (vi) a final Index value equal to the Ending Index Value. The
aggregate dividend yield of the stocks underlying the Index as of March 10, 1997
was approximately 1.80%.
(3) This is the Starting Index Value.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the total and pretax
annualized rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual
Ending Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INDEX; MARKET DISRUPTION EVENTS
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof,
is changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified
so that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as
determined by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to New
York Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or
promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange or any other self regulatory
organization or the Securities and Exchange Commission of similar scope as
determined by the Calculation Agent) on trading during significant market
fluctuations shall be considered "material" for purposes of this definition), in
each case, for more than two hours of trading in 100 or more of the securities
included in the Index, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation, in each case, for more than two
hours of trading (whether by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding
levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in (A) futures contracts
related to the Index which are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or (B)
option contracts related to the Index which are traded on the Chicago Board
Options Exchange, Inc.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE INDEX
If S&P discontinues publication of the Index and S&P or another entity
publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent determines,
in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such index being
referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the Calculation
Agent's notification of such
8
determination to the Trustee and the Company, the Calculation Agent will
substitute the Successor Index as calculated by S&P or such other entity for the
Index and calculate the Ending Index Value as described above under "Payment at
Maturity". Upon any selection by the Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the
Company shall cause notice thereof to be given to Holders of the Securities.
If S&P discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in
accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to any
such discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent
calculates a value as a substitute for the Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the Index for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If S&P discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during
which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation
Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (i) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely affect trading in
the Securities.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have
occurred and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a
Security upon any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each
$10 principal amount thereof, will be equal to: (i) the initial issue price
($10), plus (ii) an additional amount of contingent interest calculated as
though the date of early repayment were the maturity date of the Securities. See
"Description of Securities-Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a
bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the
beneficial owner of a Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title
11 of the United States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an
additional amount of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the
commencement of the proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities
(whether at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the
maturity date the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the
beneficial owners thereof, at the rate of 6.75% per annum (to the extent that
payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due
and payable on such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the
date payment of such amount has been made or duly provided for.
DEPOSITORY
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"), as Depository, registered in the name of DTC or a nominee thereof.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in
definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the
Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to
such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or
any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
9
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust
company organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of
the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the
New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to
the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. DTC was created to hold securities of its participants ("Participants")
and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among
its Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of the Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of securities certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other
organizations.
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also
available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that
clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either
directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not
receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners
are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered
into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of
Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests of
persons held through Participants). The laws of some states may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to own,
transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global
Security, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole
owner or Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all
purposes under the 1983 Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners
in a Global Security will not be entitled to have the Securities represented by
such Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be
entitled to receive physical delivery of the Securities in definitive form and
will not be considered the owners or Holders thereof under the 1983 Indenture,
including for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the
Trustee pursuant to the 1983 Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a
beneficial interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and,
if such Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant
through which such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder
under the 1983 Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the 1983
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to, Securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made
to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global
Securities representing such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any
other agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility
or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects
that DTC, upon receipt of any payment of
10
principal or any Supplemental Redemption Amount in respect of a Global Security,
will credit the accounts of the Participants with payment in amounts
proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of beneficial
interest in such Global Security as shown on the records of DTC. The Company
also expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed
by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case
with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered
in "street name", and will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $10 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
Settlement for the Securities will be made by the Underwriter in
immediately available funds. All payments of principal and the Supplemental
Redemption Amount, if any, will be made by the Company in immediately available
funds so long as the Securities are maintained in book-entry form.
THE INDEX
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the Index, including,
without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its
components, is derived from publicly available information prepared by S&P.
Neither the Company nor the Underwriter takes any responsibility for the
accuracy or completeness of such information.
GENERAL
The Index is published by S&P and is intended to provide an indication of
the pattern of common stock price movement. The calculation of the value of the
Index (discussed below in further detail) is based on the relative value of the
aggregate Market Value (as defined below) of the common stocks of 500 companies
as of a particular time as compared to the aggregate average Market Value of the
common stocks of 500 similar companies during the base period of the years 1941
through 1943. As of December 31, 1996, the 500 companies included in the Index
represented approximately 88% of the aggregate Market Value of common stocks
traded on The New York Stock Exchange; however, these 500 companies are not the
500 largest companies listed on The New York Stock Exchange and not all of these
500 companies are listed on such exchange. As of December 31, 1996, the
aggregate market value of the 500 companies included in the Index represented
approximately 71% of the aggregate market value of United States domestic,
public companies. S&P chooses companies for inclusion in the Index with the aim
of achieving a distribution by broad industry groupings that approximates the
distribution of these groupings in the common stock population of The New York
Stock Exchange, which S&P uses as an assumed model for the composition of the
total market. Relevant criteria employed by S&P include the viability of the
particular company, the extent to which that company represents the industry
group to which it is assigned, the extent to which the market price of that
Company's common stock is generally responsive to changes in the affairs of the
respective industry and the Market Value and trading activity of the common
stock of that company. As of December 31, 1996, the 500 companies included in
the Index were divided into 105 individual groups. These individual groups
comprised the following four main groups of companies (with the number of
companies currently included in each group indicated in parentheses):
Industrials (381), Utilities (40), Transportation (12) and Financial (67). S&P
may from time to time, in its sole discretion, add companies to, or delete
companies from, the Index to achieve the
11
objectives stated above.
COMPUTATION OF THE INDEX
S&P currently computes the Index as of a particular time as follows:
(1) the product of the market price per share and the number of then
outstanding shares of each component stock is determined as of such time (such
product referred to as the "Market Value" of such stock);
(2) the Market Value of all component stocks as of such time (as determined
under clause (1) above) are aggregated;
(3) the mean average of the Market Values as of each week in the base
period of the years 1941 through 1943 of the common stock of each company in a
group of 500 substantially similar companies is determined;
(4) the mean average Market Values of all such common stocks over such base
period (as determined under clause (3) above) are aggregated (such aggregate
amount being referred to as the "Base Value");
(5) the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks as of such time (as
determined under clause (2) above) is divided by the Base Value; and
(6) the resulting quotient (expressed in decimals) is multiplied by ten.
While S&P currently employs the above methodology to calculate the Index, no
assurance can be given that S&P will not modify or change such methodology in a
manner that may affect the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, payable to
beneficial owners of Securities upon maturity or otherwise.
S&P adjusts the foregoing formula to negate the effect of changes in the
Market Value of a component stock that are determined by S&P to be arbitrary or
not due to true market fluctuations. Such changes may result from such causes as
the issuance of stock dividends, the granting to shareholders of rights to
purchase additional shares of such stock, the purchase thereof by employees
pursuant to employee benefit plans, certain consolidations and acquisitions, the
granting to shareholders of rights to purchase other securities of the company,
the substitution by S&P of particular component stocks in the Index, and other
reasons. In all such cases, S&P first recalculates the aggregate Market Value of
all component stocks (after taking account of the new market price per share of
the particular component stock or the new number of outstanding shares thereof
or both, as the case may be) and then determines the New Base Value in
accordance with the following formula:
New Market Value
Old Base Value X ---------------- = New Base Value
Old Market Value
The result is that the Base Value is adjusted in proportion to any change
in the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks resulting from the causes
referred to above to the extent necessary to negate the effects of such causes
upon the Index.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. have entered into a non-
exclusive license agreement providing for the license to Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and
published by S&P in connection with certain securities, including the
Securities, and the Company is an authorized sublicensee thereof.
12
The license agreement between S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc.
provides that the following language must be stated in this Prospectus:
"The Securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P
makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Holders of
the Securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in securities generally or in the Securities particularly or the
ability of the Index to track general stock market performance. S&P's only
relationship to Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. and the Company (other
than transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business) is the
licensing of certain servicemarks and trade names of S&P and of the Index
which is determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard to the
Company or the Securities. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the
Company or the Holders of the Securities into consideration in determining,
composing or calculating the Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not
participated in the determination of the timing of the sale of the
Securities, prices at which the Securities are to initially be sold, or
quantities of the Securities to be issued or in the determination or
calculation of the equation by which the Securities are to be converted
into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the Securities."
OTHER TERMS
GENERAL
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any
13
indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a pledge, lien or other encumbrance
(except for certain liens specifically permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the
Voting Stock owned directly or indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary
(other than a Subsidiary which, at the time of the incurrence of such secured
indebtedness, has a net worth of less than $3,000,000) without making effective
provision whereby the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally
and ratably with such secured indebtedness.
LIMITATION ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
14
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Solely for purposes of applying final Treasury regulations (the "Final
Regulations") concerning the United States Federal income tax treatment of
contingent payment debt instruments to the Securities, the Company has
determined that the projected payment schedule for the Securities will consist
of payment on the maturity date of the principal amount thereof and a
Supplemental Redemption Amount equal to $4.3254 per Unit. This represents an
estimated yield on the Securities equal to 6.64% per annum (compounded
semiannually).
The projected payment schedule (including both the projected Supplemental
Redemption Amount and the estimated yield on the Securities) has been determined
solely for United States Federal income tax purposes (i.e., for purposes of
applying the Final Regulations to the Securities), and is not a prediction of
what the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will be, or that the actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount will even exceed zero.
15
The following table sets forth the amount of interest that will be deemed
to have accrued with respect to each Unit of the Securities during each accrual
period over the term of the Securities based upon the projected payment schedule
for the Securities (including both the projected Supplemental Redemption Amount
and the estimated yield equal to 6.64% per annum (compounded semiannually)) as
determined by the Company for purposes of the application of the Final
Regulations to the Securities:
TOTAL INTEREST DEEMED
TO HAVE ACCRUED ON
INTEREST DEEMED TO SECURITIES AS OF END
ACCRUE DURING ACCRUAL OF ACCRUAL PERIOD
ACCRUAL PERIOD PERIOD (PER UNIT) (PER UNIT)
-------------- ----------------- -----------------
March 14, 1997 through
March 16, 1997.......... $0.0018 $0.0018
March 17, 1997 through
September 16, 1997...... $0.3338 $0.3356
September 17, 1997 through
March 16, 1998.......... $0.3413 $0.6769
March 17, 1998 through
September 16, 1998...... $0.3545 $1.0314
September 17, 1998 through
March 16, 1999.......... $0.3662 $1.3976
March 17, 1999 through
September 16, 1999...... $0.3785 $1.7761
September 17, 1999 through
March 16, 2000.......... $0.3909 $2.1670
March 17, 2000 through
September 16, 2000...... $0.4040 $2.5710
September 17, 2000 through
March 16, 2001.......... $0.4173 $2.9883
March 17, 2001 through
September 16, 2001...... $0.4312 $3.4195
September 17, 2001 through
March 16, 2002.......... $0.4456 $3.8651
March 17, 2002 through
September 16, 2002...... $0.4603 $4.3254
- --------------
Projected Supplemental Redemption Amount = $4.3254 per Unit
Investors in the Securities may also obtain the projected payment schedule,
as determined by the Company for purposes of the application of the Final
Regulations to the Securities, by submitting a written request for such
information to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., Attn: Darryl W. Colletti, Office of
the Corporate Secretary, 100 Church Street, New York, New York 10080.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating
16
Results", "Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five
years in the period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report
to Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
17
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+ registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+ Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor +
+ may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement +
+ becomes effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell +
+ or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+ securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+ unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws +
+ of any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
2,750,000 Units
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Major 11 International Market Index Target-Term Securities(SM) due December 6,
2002
"MITTS(R)"
($10 principal amount per Unit)
On November 26, 1997, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued an
aggregate principal amount of $27,250,000 (2,750,000 Units) of Major 11
International Market Index Target-Term Securities due December 6, 2002 (the
"Securities" or "MITTS"). Each $10 principal amount of Securities will be
deemed a "Unit" for purposes of trading and transfer at the Securities
Depository described below. Units will be transferable by the Securities
Depository, as more fully described below, in denominations of whole Units.
General:
. Senior unsecured debt securities . Not redeemable prior to maturity
. No payments prior to maturity . Transferable only in whole Units
Payment at Maturity:
Principal Amount + Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Supplemental Redemption Amount will be based on the percentage increase, if
any, in the Major 11 International Index, which is a compilation of eleven
equity indices reflecting select stocks listed on certain equity markets in
Europe, Australia and Asia, multiplied by a Participation Rate of 115%. The
Supplemental Redemption Amount may be zero, but will not be less than zero.
Before you decide to invest in the Securities, carefully read this Prospectus,
especially the risk factors beginning on page S-3.
We expect that the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form only
through the facilities of DTC.
---------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the American Stock Exchange (the "AMEX"), or off such exchange in
negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to
prevailing prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will
conform to the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of
the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
---------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
---------------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is January __, 1998.
- ------------------------
(R)"MITTS" is a registered service mark and (SM)"Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the AMEX, the Chicago Stock Exchange
and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web site at
http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus
is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy (without
exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of any or
all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate Secretary's
Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New
York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Securities to which it
relates or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in
any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange trading
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios for earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Nine Months Ended
Year Ended Last Friday in December September 26,
------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Securities will involve certain risks. For example,
there is the risk that you might not earn a return on your investment, and the
risk that you will be unable to sell your Securities prior to their maturity.
You should carefully consider the following discussion of risks before deciding
whether an investment in the Securities is suitable for you.
3
The Supplemental Redemption Amount.
You should be aware that if the Ending Index Value does not exceed the
Starting Index Value at maturity, the Supplemental Redemption Amount will be
zero. This will be true even if the value of the Index was higher than the
Starting Index Value at some time during the life of the Securities but later
falls below the Starting Index Value. If the Supplemental Redemption Amount is
zero, we will pay you only the principal amount of your Securities.
The Participation Rate equals 115%. If the Ending Index Value exceeds the
Starting Index Value, then the Participation Rate will enhance the amount of the
interest payment received at maturity. However, if the Ending Index Value does
not exceed the Starting Index Value, you will receive only the principal amount
of your Securities.
Your yield may be lower than the yield on a standard debt security of comparable
maturity.
The amount we pay you at maturity may be less than the return you could earn
on other investments. Your yield may be less than the yield you would earn if
you bought a standard senior non-callable debt security of the Company with the
same maturity date. Your investment may not reflect the full opportunity cost to
you when you consider the effect of factors that affect the time value of money.
Your return will not reflect the payment of dividends.
The AMEX calculates the Index by reference to the Sub-Indices which reflect
the prices of the common stocks comprising such Sub-Indices without taking into
consideration the value of dividends paid on those stocks, except in the case of
the Deutscher Aktienindex Sub-Index which reflects dividends paid on its
underlying common stocks. Therefore, the return you earn on the Securities, if
any, will not be the same as the return that you would earn if you actually
owned each of the common stocks underlying each Sub-Index and received the
dividends paid on those stocks.
Currency exchange rates.
Although the stocks comprising the Sub-Indices are traded in currencies other
than U.S. dollars and the Securities are denominated in U.S. dollars, we will
not adjust the Supplemental Redemption Amount for currency exchange rates in
effect at the maturity of the Securities. The Supplemental Redemption Amount is
based solely upon the percentage increase in the Index. Changes in exchange
rates, however, may reflect changes in the relevant European, Australian and
Asian economies which in turn may affect the value of the Sub-Indices, and the
Securities.
Uncertain trading market.
The Securities are traded on the AMEX under the symbol "EEM". While there have
been a number of issuances of Market Index Target-Term Securities, trading
volumes have varied historically from one transaction to another and it is
therefore impossible to predict how the Securities will trade. You cannot assume
that a trading market will develop for the Securities. If such a trading market
does develop, there can be no assurance that there will be liquidity in the
trading market. The development of a trading market for the Securities will
depend on the financial performance of the Company, and other factors such as
the appreciation, if any, of the value of the Index.
If the trading market for the Securities is limited, there may be a limited
number of buyers when you decide to sell your Securities if you do not wish to
hold your investment until maturity. This may affect the price you receive.
4
Factors affecting trading value of the Securities.
We believe that the market value of the Securities will be affected by the
value of the Index and by a number of other factors. Some of these factors are
interrelated in complex ways; as a result, the effect of any one factor may be
offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. The following paragraphs
describe the expected impact on the market value of the Securities given a
change in a specific factor, assuming all other conditions remain constant.
.Index Value. We expect that the market value of the Securities will depend
substantially on the amount by which the Index exceeds the Starting Index
Value. If you choose to sell your Securities when the value of the Index
exceeds the Starting Index Value, you may receive substantially less than the
amount that would be payable at maturity based on that Index value because of
the expectation that the Index will continue to fluctuate until the Ending
Index Value is determined. If you choose to sell your Securities when the
value of the Index is below the Starting Index Value, you may receive less
than the 0 principal amount per Unit of Securities. In general, rising
dividend rates (i.e., dividends per share) in Australia and in the European
and Asian countries related to the common stocks underlying the Sub-Indices
(each, an "applicable home country") may increase the value of the Index while
falling dividend rates in the applicable home countries may decrease the value
of the Index. Political, economic and other developments that affect the
stocks underlying the Index may also affect the value of the Index and the
value of the Securities.
.that the trading value of the Securities will be affected by changes in
interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, we expect that
the trading value of the Securities will decrease. If U.S. interest rates
decrease, we expect the trading value of the Securities will increase. In
general, if interest rates in the applicable home countries increase, we
expect that the trading value of the Securities will increase. If interest
rates in the applicable home countries decrease, we expect the trading value
of the Securities will decrease. However, interest rates in the applicable
home countries may also affect the relevant economies and, in turn, the value
of the Sub-Indices. Rising interest rates in the applicable home countries may
lower the value of the Sub-Indices and the Securities. Falling interest rates
in the applicable home countries may increase the value of the Index and the
value of the Securities.
.Volatility of the Index. Volatility is the term used to describe the size
and frequency of market fluctuations. If the volatility of the Index
increases, we expect that the trading value of the Securities will increase.
If the volatility of the Index decreases, we expect that the trading value of
the Securities will decrease.
.Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which would be expected based on the level of interest rates and the Index.
This difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning
the value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of the Securities.
However, as the time remaining to maturity of the Securities decreases, we
expect that this time premium will decrease, lowering the trading value of the
Securities.
.Dividend Yields. If dividend yields on the stocks comprising the Sub-
Indices increase, we expect that the value of the Securities will decrease.
Conversely, if dividend yields on the underlying stock comprising the Sub-
Indices decrease, we expect that the value of the Securities will increase.
.Company Credit Ratings. Real or anticipated changes in the Company's
credit ratings may affect the market value of the Securities.
It is important for you to understand that the impact of one of the factors
specified above, such as an increase in interest rates, may offset some or all
of any increase in the trading value of the Securities attributable to another
factor, such as an increase in the Index value.
In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, we expect that
the effect on the trading value of the Securities of a given change in most of
the factors listed above will be less if it occurs later in the term of the
5
Securities than if it occurs earlier in the term of the Securities except that
we expect that the effect on the trading value of the Securities of a given
increase in the value of the Index will be greater if it occurs later in the
term of the Securities than if it occurs earlier in the term of the Securities.
State law limits on interest paid.
New York State laws govern the Senior Indenture, as hereinafter defined. New
York has certain usury laws that limit the amount of interest that can be
charged and paid on loans, which includes debt securities like the Securities.
Under present New York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a
simple interest basis. This limit may not apply to debt securities in which
$2,500,000 or more has been invested.
While we believe that New York law would be given effect by a state or Federal
court sitting outside of New York, many other states also have laws that
regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower.
We will promise, for the benefit of the Securities holders, to the extent
permitted by law, not to voluntarily claim the benefits of any laws concerning
usurious rates of interest.
The international securities markets.
The underlying stocks that constitute the Sub-Indices have been issued by
companies listed on European, Australian and Asian exchanges. You should be
aware that investments in securities indexed to the value of European,
Australian and Asian securities involve certain risks. The European, Australian
and Asian securities markets may be more volatile than U.S. or other securities
markets and may be affected by market developments in different ways than U.S.
or other securities markets. Direct or indirect government intervention to
stabilize a particular non-U.S. securities market and cross-shareholdings in
European, Australian and Asian companies on such markets may affect prices and
volume of trading on those markets. Also, there is generally less publicly
available information about non-U.S. companies than about those U.S. companies
that are subject to the reporting requirements of the Commission and non-U.S.
companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
and requirements that differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.
Securities prices in Europe, Australia and Asia may be affected by political,
economic, financial and social factors in those regions. These factors
(including recent or future changes in a country's government, economic and
fiscal policies; the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange
laws or other laws or restrictions applicable to non-U.S. companies or
investments in non-U.S. equity securities; and possible fluctuations in the rate
of exchange between currencies) could negatively affect the international
securities markets. Moreover, the relevant European, Australian and Asian
economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such
respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency. Because some Sub-Indices have a
greater weighting than others in calculating the value of the Index,
fluctuations in the securities markets relating to those Sub-Indices will have a
greater effect on the value of the Index than fluctuations in securities markets
relating to Sub-Indices with a lesser weighting. See "The Index--Sub-Indices" in
this Prospectus for the current weightings of the Sub-Indices.
Purchases and sales by Merrill Lynch.
The Company, MLPF&S and other affiliates of the Company may from time to time
buy or sell the stocks underlying the Index for their own accounts for business
reasons or in connection with hedging the Company's obligations under the
Securities. These transactions could affect the price of such stocks and the
value of the Index.
6
Potential conflicts.
The Calculation Agent is a subsidiary of the Company, the issuer of the
Securities. Under certain circumstances, MLPF&S's role as a subsidiary of the
Company and its responsibilities as Calculation Agent for the Securities could
give rise to conflicts of interests. You should be aware that because the
Calculation Agent is controlled by the Company, potential conflicts of interest
could arise.
Other Considerations.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, referred to as the "Senior Indenture", which is more fully
described below. The Securities will mature on December 6, 2002.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal
amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, there
will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. See "Payment at
Maturity" below.
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities--Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other Terms--General Events
of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities were issued in denominations of whole Units.
Payment at Maturity
General
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, all as
provided below. If the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index
Value, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive only the
principal amount thereof.
Determination of the Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Supplemental Redemption Amount for a Security will be determined by the
Calculation Agent and will equal:
Principal Amount of such Security ($10 per Unit) x Ending Index Value - Starting Index Value x Participation Rate
-----------------------------------------
Starting Index Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero.
The Participation Rate equals 115%. The Starting Index Value equals 100. The
Ending Index Value will be determined by the Calculation Agent and will equal
the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index
7
in New York determined on each of the first five Calculation Days during the
Calculation Period. If there are fewer than five Calculation Days, then the
Ending Index Value will equal the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing
values of the Index on such Calculation Days, and if there is only one
Calculation Day, then the Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of the
Index on such Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days occur during the
Calculation Period because of Market Disruption Events, then the Ending Index
Value will equal the closing value of the Index determined on the last scheduled
Index Business Day in the Calculation Period, regardless of the occurrences of a
Market Disruption Event on such day. The "Calculation Period" means the period
from and including the seventh scheduled Index Business Day prior to the
maturity date to and including the second scheduled Index Business Day prior to
the maturity date. "Calculation Day" means any Index Business Day during the
Calculation Period on which a Market Disruption Event has not occurred. For
purposes of determining the Ending Index Value, an "Index Business Day" is a day
on which the New York Stock Exchange and the AMEX are open for trading and the
Index or any Successor Index, as defined below, is calculated and published. All
determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of
the Calculation Agent and, absent a determination by the Calculation Agent of a
manifest error, shall be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company
and beneficial owners of the Securities.
Hypothetical Returns
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Index
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities, (ii) the total rate of return to beneficial owners of the
Securities, (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return to beneficial owners of
Securities, and (iv) the pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in
the stocks underlying the Index (which includes an assumed aggregate dividend
yield of 2.36% per annum, as more fully described below).
Total Amount
Payable at Pretax
Maturity Annualized Pretax Annualized
Percentage Change per $10 Principal Total Rate of Rate Rate of Return of
Hypothetical Ending Over the Starting Amount of Return on of Return on Stocks Underlying the
Index Value Index Value Securities the Securities the Securities(1) Index(1)(2)
----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- ----------------- -----------
40 -60% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -15.48%
50 -50% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -11.24%
60 -40% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -7.73%
70 -30% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -4.72%
80 -20% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -2.09%
90 -10% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% 0.25%
100(3) 0% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% 2.36%
110 10% $11.15 11.50% 2.18% 4.28%
120 20% $12.30 23.00% 4.16% 6.04%
130 30% $13.45 34.50% 5.98% 7.68%
140 40% $14.60 46.00% 7.67% 9.20%
150 50% $15.75 57.50% 9.24% 10.62%
160 60% $16.90 69.00% 10.71% 11.96%
170 70% $18.05 80.50% 12.09% 13.22%
180 80% $19.20 92.00% 13.40% 14.41%
190 90% $20.35 103.50% 14.64% 15.55%
200 100% $21.50 115.00% 15.81% 16.63%
210 110% $22.65 126.50% 16.93% 17.66%
220 120% $23.80 138.00% 18.00% 18.64%
230 130% $24.95 149.50% 19.03% 19.59%
- --------------
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes (i) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Sub-Indices with the allocation of such amount
reflecting the current relative weights of such stocks in the Sub-Indices;
(ii) a percentage change in the aggregate price of such stocks that equals
the percentage change in the Index from the Starting Index Value to the
relevant hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iii) a constant dividend yield of
2.36% per annum, paid quarterly from the date of initial delivery of
Securities, applied to the value of the Index at the end of each such
quarter assuming such value increases or decreases linearly from the
Starting Index Value to the applicable hypothetical Ending Index Value; (iv)
no transaction fees or expenses; (v) a term for the Securities from November
26, 1997 to December 6, 2002; and
8
(vi) a final Index value equal to the Ending Index Value. The aggregate
dividend yield of the stocks underlying the Sub-Indices as of the close of
business on November 20, 1997 was approximately 2.36%.
(3) The Starting Index Value equals 100.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the total and pretax
annualized rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual
Ending Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein.
Adjustments to the Index; Market Disruption Events
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof, is
changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified so
that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means the occurrence or existence on any Overseas
Index Business Day with respect to a Sub-Index during the one-half hour period
that ends at the regular official weekday time at which trading on the Index
Exchange related to such Sub-Index occurs of any suspension of, or limitation
imposed on, trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted
by the relevant exchange or otherwise) on (i) the Index Exchange in securities
that comprise 20% or more of the value of such Sub-Index or (ii) any exchanges
on which futures or options on such Sub-Index are traded in such options or
futures if, in the determination of the Calculation Agent, such suspension or
limitation is material. For the purpose of the foregoing definition, (i) a
limitation on the hours and number of days of trading will not constitute a
Market Disruption Event if it results from an announced change in the regular
hours of the relevant exchange and (ii) a limitation on trading imposed during
the course of a day by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding levels
permitted by the relevant exchange will constitute a Market Disruption Event.
"Overseas Index Business Day" means, with respect to any Sub-Index, any day
that is (or, but for the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event, would have
been) a trading day on the relevant Index Exchange or on any exchanges on which
futures or options on such Sub-Index are traded, other than a day on which
trading on any such exchange is scheduled to close prior to its regular weekday
closing time.
"Index Exchange" means, with respect to any Sub-Index, the principal exchange
on which the shares comprising such Sub-Index are traded.
Discontinuance of the Index
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index and the AMEX or another
entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent
determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such
index being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the
Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the
Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated
by the AMEX or such other entity for the Index and calculate the Ending Index
Value as described above
9
under "Payment at Maturity". Upon any selection by the Calculation Agent of a
Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof to be given to Holders
of the Securities.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in
accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to any
such discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent
calculates a value as a substitute for the Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the Index for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during
which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation
Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (a) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (b) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely affect trading in
the Securities.
Events of Default and Acceleration
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each $10 principal
amount thereof, will be equal to the Principal Amount and the Supplemental
Redemption Amount, if any, calculated as though the date of early repayment were
the stated maturity date of the Securities. See "Description of
Securities--Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding
is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a
Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United
States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an additional amount
of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the
proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities (whether
at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the beneficial owners
thereof, at the rate of 6.25% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of
such amount has been made or duly provided for.
Depository
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"), as Depository, registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership
nominee). Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in
definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the
Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to
such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or
any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
10
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is a registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, the actual owner of the
Securities represented by a Global Security (the "Beneficial Owner") will not be
entitled to have the Securities represented by such Global Securities registered
in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
the Securities in definitive form, except in the event that use of the book-
entry system for the Securities is discontinued, and will not be considered the
owners or Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture, including for purposes of
receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the Trustee pursuant to the
Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a
Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such person is not a
participant of DTC (a "Participant"), on the procedures of the Participant
through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder
under the Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Senior
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, as defined below, and by Participants and Indirect
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time.
If (x) the Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $10 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
The following is based on information furnished by DTC:
DTC will act as securities depository for the Securities. The Securities will
be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co.
(DTC's partnership nominee). One or more fully registered Global Security will
be issued for the Securities in the aggregate principal amount of such issue,
and will be deposited with DTC.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC
holds securities that its Participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates
the settlement among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers
and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants of DTC ("Direct
Participants") include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number
of its Direct Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the
American Stock Exchange, Inc., and the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC's system is also available to others such as
securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or
indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its
Participants are on file with the Commission.
Purchases of Securities under the DTC's system must be made by or through
Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Securities on the DTC's
records. The ownership interest of each Beneficial Owner is in turn
11
to be recorded on the records of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their
purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations
providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their
holdings, from the Direct Participants or Indirect Participants through which
such Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership
interests in the Securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books
of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will
not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in Securities,
except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Securities is
discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Securities deposited with DTC are
registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of
Securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. effect no
change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial
Owners of the Securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct
Participants to whose accounts such Securities are credited, which may or may
not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for
keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants,
by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and
Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements
among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to the
Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to the
Company as soon as possible after the applicable record date. The Omnibus Proxy
assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to
whose accounts the Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a
listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Principal, premium, if any, and/or interest, if any, payments on the
Securities will be made in immediately available funds to DTC. DTC's practice is
to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the applicable payment date in
accordance with their respective holdings shown on the Depository's records
unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such date.
Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for
the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, the Trustee or
the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time. Payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or
interest, if any, to DTC is the responsibility of the Company or the Trustee,
disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants shall be the responsibility
of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners shall be the
responsibility of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with
respect to the Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Company
or the Trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor
securities depository is not obtained, Security certificates are required to be
printed and delivered.
The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry
transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event,
Security certificates will be printed and delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's system has been
obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable, but the Company
takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
All payments of principal and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, will
be made by the Company in immediately available funds so long as the Securities
are maintained in book-entry form.
12
THE INDEX
The value of the Index on any Index Business Day is calculated and
disseminated by the AMEX. The AMEX generally calculates and disseminates the
value of the Index based on the most recently reported values of the Sub-
Indices, at approximately 15-second intervals during the AMEX's business hours
and the end of each Index Business Day via the Consolidated Tape Association's
Network B. The Index will be reported on the AMEX under the symbol "EUX". The
Starting Index Value was set to 100 on the date the Securities were priced for
initial sale to the public (the "Pricing Date").
Determination of Index Multiplier for each Sub-Index
The weighting of each Sub-Index was determined at the close of business on the
Pricing Date based on its relative market capitalization. The market
capitalization of a stock equals the product of the total number of shares of
such stock outstanding and the price of a share of such stock. The total market
capitalization of the stocks comprising each Sub-Index was determined using the
most recently available information concerning the number of shares outstanding
for each stock contained in a Sub-Index and the most recently available price
for each such share. Current exchange rates were used to translate such market
capitalization information into U.S. dollars. The market capitalizations
expressed in U.S. dollars of each Sub-Index were totaled (the "Total Market
Capitalization"). The weighting of each Sub-Index was then determined and equals
the percentage of the market capitalization for such Sub-Index relative to the
Total Market Capitalization. The Index Multiplier for each Sub-Index was then
calculated and equals (i) the weighting for such Sub-Index multiplied by 100,
divided by (ii) the most recently available value of such Sub-Index. The Index
Multipliers were calculated in this way so that the Index would equal 100.00 on
the Pricing Date.
The Index Multiplier for each Sub-Index will remain fixed, except that the
AMEX may adjust such Index Multiplier in the event of a significant change in
how a Sub-Index is calculated. There will be no periodic rebalancing of the
Index to reflect changes in the relative market capitalizations of the Sub-
Indices.
Computation of the Index
The Index is calculated by totaling the products of the most recently
available value of each Sub-Index and the Index Multiplier applicable to such
Sub-Index. Since the Sub-Indices are based on stocks traded on stock exchanges
in Europe, Asia and Australia, once such stock exchanges close and the values of
the Sub-Indices become fixed until such stock exchanges reopen, the value of the
Index will be fixed.
13
Sub-Indices
The following table sets forth the name of each Sub-Index, the number of
stocks underlying each Sub-Index, the market capitalization in U.S. dollars of
each Sub-Index, the weighting of each Sub-Index as of the Pricing Date and the
Index Multiplier:
Number
of Market Current Index
Sub-Index Stocks Capitalization(1) Weighting(1) Multiplier
- --------------------------- ------ ----------------- ------------ ----------
(in billions)
Financial Times SE 100
Index..................... 102 US$1,534 25.18% .0051303
Nikkei 225................. 225 1,366 22.43% .0013754
Deutscher Aktienindex...... 30 586 9.62% .0024576
Swiss Market Index......... 23 545 8.95% .0015832
Amsterdam Exchanges-index.. 25 432 7.10% .0080236
Compagnie des Agents de
Change 40 Index........... 40 399 6.54% .0023191
Australia All Ordinaries
Index..................... 338 309 5.08% .0020840
Stockholm Options Market
Index..................... 30 267 4.39% .0018237
Milano Italia Borsa 30
Index..................... 30 258 4.23% .0001851
Hong Kong 30 Index......... 30 216 3.54% .0070410
IBEX 35.................... 35 179 2.94% .0004344
--- ----- ------
Total.................... 908 US$6,091 100.00%
- --------------
(1) As of November 20, 1997.
The following is a list of the Sub-Indices and certain information concerning
each such Sub-Index. All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the
Sub-Indices is derived from publicly available information.
Nikkei Stock Average-- "Nikkei 225"
Description of Nikkei 225: The Nikkei 225 is intended to provide an
indication of the pattern of common stock price movement of the 225 most
actively traded common stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Nikkei 225 is a
modified price-weighted index which means that an underlying stock's weight in
the Nikkei 225 is based on its price per share rather than the total market
capitalization of the issuer.
Publisher: Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. ("NKS")
Required Disclosure: NKS is under no obligation to continue the calculation
and dissemination of the Nikkei 225. The Securities are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by NKS. No inference should be drawn from the
information contained in this Prospectus Supplement that NKS makes any
representation or warranty, implied or express, to the Company, the holders of
the Securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in securities generally or in the Securities in particular or the
ability of the Nikkei 225 to track general stock market performance. NKS has
no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the holders of the
Securities into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the
Nikkei 225. NKS is not responsible for, and has not participated in the
determination of the timing of, prices for, or quantities of, the Securities
to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which
the Securities are to be settled in cash. NKS has no obligation or liability
in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Securities.
The use of and reference to the Nikkei 225 in connection with the Securities
have been consented to by NKS, the publisher of the Nikkei 225.
14
Financial Times SE 100 Index--"FTSE 100"
Description of FTSE 100: The FTSE 100 is intended to provide an indication
of the pattern of common stock price movement of the 100 common stocks with
the largest market capitalization on the London Stock Exchange.
Publisher: The Financial Times and London Stock Exchange
Required Disclosure: The FTSE 100 is calculated by FTSE International
Limited in conjunction with the Institute of Actuaries and the Faculty of
Actuaries. Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. has obtained full license from FTSE
International Limited to use its trademark and copyright in the creation of
this Security. FTSE International Limited does not sponsor, endorse or promote
this Security.
Deutscher Aktienindex--"DAX(R)"
Description of DAX: The DAX is a total rate of return index measuring the
performance of 30 common stocks on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange selected on
the basis of their market capitalization and trading volume. A total rate of
return index reflects both the price performance of the relevant common stocks
as well as the dividends paid on such common stocks.
Publisher: Deutsche Borse AG
--------------
"DAX" is a registered trademark of Deutsche Borse AG.
Compagnie des Agents de Change 40 Index--"CAC 40"
Description of CAC 40: The CAC 40 is intended to provide an indication of
the pattern of common stock price movement of the 40 common stocks with the
largest market capitalization on the Paris Bourse.
Publisher: SBF--Paris Bourse
Required Disclosure: "CAC-40" is a registered trademark of the Societe des
Bourses Francaises-Paris Bourse, which designates the index that the SBF-Paris
Bourse calculates and publishes. Authorization to use the index and the "CAC-
40" trademark in connection with the Securities has been granted by license.
The SBF-Paris Bourse, owner of the trademark and of the CAC-40, does not
sponsor, endorse or participate in the marketing of the Securities. The SBF-
Paris Bourse makes no warranty or representation to any person, express or
implied, as to the figure at which the CAC-40 stands at any particular time,
nor as to the results or performance of the Securities. Neither shall the SBF-
Paris Bourse be under any obligation to advise any person of any error in the
published level of the CAC-40.
Swiss Market Index--"SMI(R)"
Description of SMI: The SMI is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock price movement of common stocks with the largest
market capitalization and greatest liquidity on the Geneva, Zurich and Basle
Stock Exchanges.
Publisher: Swiss Exchange
15
Required Disclosure: The Securities are not in any way sponsored, endorsed,
sold or promoted by the Swiss Exchange and the Swiss Exchange makes no
warranty or representation whatsoever, express or implied, either as to the
results to be obtained from the use of the SMI and/or the figure at which the
SMI stands at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise. The SMI
is compiled and calculated solely by the Swiss Exchange. However, the Swiss
Exchange shall not be liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any
person for any error in the SMI and the Swiss Exchange shall not be under any
obligation to advise any person of any error therein.
--------------
"SMI" is a registered trademark of the Swiss Exchange.
Amsterdam Exchanges-index(R)--"AEX-index(R)"
Description of AEX: The AEX is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock price movement of the 25 common stocks with the
largest market capitalization on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
Publisher: AEXOptiebeurs nv
Required Disclosure: The AEX-Optiebeurs nv has all proprietary rights with
relation to the AEX. The AEX-Optiebeurs nv in no way sponsors, endorses or is
otherwise involved in the issue and offering of the Securities. The AEX-
Optiebeurs nv disclaims any liability to any party for any inaccuracy in the
data on which the AEX is based, for any mistakes, errors, or omissions in the
calculation or dissemination of the AEX or for the manner in which the AEX is
used in connection with the issue and offering of the Securities.
--------------
"AEX-index" is a registered trademark of the AEX-Optiebeurs nv.
AMEX Hong Kong 30 Index--"HK30"
Description of HK30: The HK30 is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock price movement of 30 common stocks listed on the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange and selected on the basis of market weight, trading
liquidity and representation of business industry.
Publisher: The American Stock Exchange
Required Disclosure: The AMEX in no way sponsors, endorses or is otherwise
involved in the issuance of the Securities (other than the fact that the
Securities will be listed and traded on the AMEX and the AMEX will calculate
and disseminate the Major 11 Index) and the AMEX disclaims any liability to
any party for any inaccuracy in the data on which the HK30 is based, for any
mistakes, errors or omissions in the calculation, and/or dissemination of the
HK30, or for the manner in which it is applied in connection with the issuance
of the Securities.
--------------
The use and reference to the term "AMEX Hong Kong 30 Index" herein has been
consented to by the AMEX. The "AMEX Hong Kong 30 Index" is a service mark of
the AMEX.
Australia All Ordinaries Index--"XAO"
Description of XAO: The XAO is a capitalization-weighted index of 338 common
stocks listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
16
Publisher: ASX Operations Pty Limited
Required Disclosure: The XAO is a registered trade mark of ASX Operations
Pty Limited ("ASXO"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Australian Stock
Exchange Limited ("ASX"). ASXO has granted a license for the use of the XAO on
the basis that ASXO does not expressly or impliedly approve, endorse, make any
judgment or express any opinion in respect of the Company or the Securities.
ASX and its related corporations, shall be under no liability for any claim
whatsoever where the claim arises wholly or substantially out of accident or
negligence of ASX, its related corporations and their servants and agents as
the case may be or acts of third parties; and without in any way limiting the
generality of the foregoing, arising out of unavailability of the All
Ordinaries Index or non-supply of the All Ordinaries Index.
Milano Italia Borsa 30 Index--"MIB 30"
Description of MIB 30: The MIB 30 is intended to provide an indication of
the pattern of common stock price movement of common stocks with the largest
market capitalization and greatest liquidity on the Italian Stock Exchange.
Publisher: Consiglio di Borsa
Stockholm Options Market Index--"OMX index"
Description of OMX index: The OMX index is intended to provide an indication
of the pattern of common stock price movement of the 30 common stocks with the
largest volume of trading on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
Publisher: OM Gruppen AB
Required Disclosure: The Securities are not in any way sponsored, endorsed,
sold or promoted by OM Gruppen AB ("OM") and OM makes no warranty or
representation whatsoever, express or implied, either as to the results to be
obtained from the use of the OMX index and/or the figure at which the said OMX
index stands at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise. The
OMX index is compiled and calculated solely by an indexer on behalf of OM.
However, OM shall not be liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any
person for any error in the OMX index and OM shall not be under any obligation
to advise any person of any error therein.
All rights to the trademark OMX, OMX INDEX are vested in OM Gruppen AB and are
used under a license agreement with OM.
IBEX 35 Index--"IBEX 35"
Description of IBEX 35: The IBEX 35 is intended to provide an indication of
the pattern of common stock price movement of the 35 common stocks with the
greatest liquidity continuously traded and quoted on the Joint Stock Exchange
System made up of the Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia stock exchanges.
Publisher: Sociedad de Bolsas, S.A.
Required Disclosure: Sociedad de Bolsas, S.A. does not warrant in any case
nor for any reason whatsoever: (a) the continuity of the composition of the
IBEX 35 exactly as it is today; (b) the continuity of the method for
calculating the IBEX 35 exactly as it is calculated today; (c) the continuity
of the calculation, formula and
17
publication of the IBEX 35; (d) the precision, integrity or freedom from
errors or mistakes in the composition and calculation of the IBEX 35; and (e)
the adequacy of the IBEX 35 for the purposes expected in the issue of the
Securities nor for dealing in the same.
The publisher of each Sub-Index will add or delete stocks due to events such
as the bankruptcy or merger of the issuer of a stock. The publisher of a Sub-
Index may reevaluate the composition of the stocks underlying the Sub-Index at
specified intervals to assure that they still meet the selection criteria or any
ongoing eligibility criteria.
The publisher of a Sub-Index is under no obligation to continue the
calculation and dissemination of such Sub-Index and such publisher may change
the method by which such Sub-Index is calculated. The publishers of the Sub-
Indices are under no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the holders
of the MITTS into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the
Sub-Indices.
OTHER TERMS
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities are
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Limitations Upon Liens
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth
18
of less than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such
secured indebtedness.
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
Merger and Consolidation
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the
19
Company contained in the Indenture for the benefit of such series or in the
Senior Debt Securities of such series, continued for 60 days after written
notice as provided in the Senior Indenture; (e) certain events in bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any other Event of Default provided with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of that series. The Trustee or the Holders of
25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series
may declare the principal amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for
in the Senior Debt Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of that series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts
payable in respect thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event
of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and
be continuing at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration
of acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any
series but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been
obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Solely for purposes of applying the final Treasury Department Regulations (the
"Final Regulations") concerning the United States Federal income tax treatment
of contingent payment debt instruments to the Securities, the Company has
determined that the projected payment schedule for the Securities will consist
of payment on the maturity date of the principal amount thereof and a projected
Supplemental Redemption Amount equal to $3.6261 per Unit. This represents an
estimated yield on the Securities equal to 6.25% per annum (compounded
semiannually).
The projected payment schedule (including both projected Supplemental
Redemption Amount and the estimated yield on the Securities) has been determined
solely for United States Federal income tax purposes (i.e., for purposes of
applying the Final Regulations to the Securities), and is neither a prediction
nor a guarantee of what the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will be, or
that the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will even exceed zero.
The following table sets forth the amount of interest that will be deemed to
have accrued with respect to each Unit of the Securities during each accrual
period over a term of five years and ten days for the Securities based upon the
projected payment schedule for the Securities (including both the projected
Supplemental Redemption Amount and the estimated yield equal to 6.25% per annum
(compounded semiannually)) as determined by the Company for purposes of
illustrating the application of the Final Regulations to the Securities:
20
Total Interest
Deemed to Have
Interest Deemed to Accrued on
Accrue During Securities as of End
Accrual Period of Accrual Period
Accrual Period (per Unit) (per Unit)
- ----------------------------------- ---------- ----------
November 26, 1997 through December 6, 1997.... $0.0169 $0.0169
December 7, 1997 through June 6, 1998......... $0.3130 $0.3299
June 7, 1998 through December 6, 1998......... $0.3228 $0.6527
December 7, 1998 through June 6, 1998......... $0.3329 $0.9856
June 7, 1999 through December 6, 1999......... $0.3433 $1.3289
December 7, 1999 through June 6, 2000......... $0.3540 $1.6829
June 7, 2000 through December 6, 2000......... $0.3651 $2.0480
December 7, 2000 through June 6, 2001......... $0.3765 $2.4245
June 7, 2001 through December 6, 2001......... $0.3883 $2.8128
December 7, 2001 through June 6, 2002......... $0.4004 $3.2132
June 7, 2002 through December 6, 2002......... $0.4129 $3.6261
- --------------
Projected Supplemental Redemption Amount = $3.6261 per Unit.
All prospective investors in the Securities should consult their own tax
advisors concerning the application of the Final Regulations to their investment
in the Securities. Investors in the Securities may also obtain the projected
payment schedule, as determined by the Company for purposes of the application
of the Final Regulations to the Securities, by submitting a written request for
such information to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., Attn: Darryl W. Colletti,
Corporate Secretary's Office, 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New York
10080-6512.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as stated
in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated
by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on
such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their
reports on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are not subject to the
liability provisions of Section 11 of the Act for any such report on unaudited
interim financial information because any such report is not a "report" or a
"part" of the registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant
within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
21
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may +
+offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes+
+effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the +
+solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would +
+be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws +
+of any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
16,750,000 Units
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Russell 2000(R) Index* Market Index Target-Term Securities due
September 30, 2004
"MITTS(R)/1/"
($10 principal amount per Unit)
On September 29, 1997, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued an
aggregate principal amount $167,500,000 (16,750,000 Units) of Russell 2000(R)
Index Market Index Target-Term Securities due September 30, 2004 (the
"Securities" or "MITTS"). Each $10 principal amount of Securities will be
deemed a "Unit" for purposes of trading and transfer at the Securities
Depository described below. Units will be transferable by the Securities
Depository, as more fully described below, in denominations of whole Units.
General:
. Senior unsecured debt securities . Not redeemable prior to maturity
. No payments prior to maturity . Transferable only in whole Units
Payment at Maturity:
Principal Amount + Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Supplemental Redemption Amount will be based on the percentage increase, if
any, in the Russell 2000 Index above a benchmark value of 494.36, which exceeded
the closing value of such Index on the date the Securities were priced for
initial sale to the public by 10%. The Supplemental Redemption Amount may be
zero, but will not be less than zero.
Before you decide to invest in the MITTS, carefully read this Prospectus,
especially the risk factors beginning on page S-3.
------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the American Stock Exchange (the "AMEX"), or off such exchange in
negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to
prevailing prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will
conform to the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of
the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
We expect that the MITTs will be maintained in book-entry form only through
the facilities of DTC.
-----------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
-----------------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is January __, 1998.
- ----------------------
* The use of, and reference to, the term "Russell 2000 Index" herein has
been consented to by Frank Russell Company.
/1/ "MITTS" is a registered service mark and "Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark owned by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), the AMEX, the Chicago
Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web site at
http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus
is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy (without
exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of any or
all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate Secretary's
Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New
York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Securities to which it
relates or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in
any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
2
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Year Ended Last Friday in
December Nine Months
---------------------------- Ended
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 September 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
to fixed charges...
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in MITTS will involve certain risks. For example, there is
the risk that you might not earn a return on your investment, and the risk that
you will be unable to sell your MITTS prior to their maturity. You should
carefully consider the following discussion of risks before deciding whether an
investment in the MITTS is suitable for you.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount.
The Benchmark Index Value exceeded the closing value of the Russell 2000
Index (i.e., the Starting Index Value) on the date the MITTS are priced for
initial sale to the public (the "Pricing Date") by 10%. You should be aware that
if the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index Value at maturity
by more than 10%, the Supplemental Redemption Amount will be zero. This will be
true even if the value of the Russell 2000 Index was higher than the Benchmark
Index Value at some time during the life of the MITTS but later falls below the
Benchmark Index Value. If the Supplemental Redemption Amount is zero, we will
pay you only the principal amount of your MITTS.
3
Your yield may be lower than the yield on a standard debt security of comparable
maturity.
The amount we pay you at maturity may be less than the return you could
earn on other investments. Your yield may be less than the yield you would earn
if you bought a standard senior non-callable debt security of the Company with
the same maturity date. Your investment may not reflect the full opportunity
cost to you when you take into account factors that affect the time value of
money.
Your return will not reflect the payment of dividends.
FRC calculates the Index by reference to the prices of the common stocks
comprising the Index without taking into consideration the value of dividends
paid on those stocks. Therefore, the return you earn on the MITTS, if any, will
not be the same as the return that you would earn if you actually owned each of
the common stocks underlying the Index and received the dividends paid on those
stocks.
Uncertain trading market.
The MITTS are listed on the AMEX under the symbol "RUM". While there have
been a number of issuances of Market Index Target-Term Securities, trading
volumes have varied historically from one transaction to another and it is
therefore impossible to predict how the MITTS will trade. You cannot assume that
a trading market will develop for the MITTS. If such a trading market does
develop, there can be no assurance that there will be liquidity in the trading
market. The development of a trading market for the MITTS will depend on the
financial performance of the Company, and other factors such as the
appreciation, if any, of the value of the Index.
If the trading market for the MITTS is limited, there may be a limited
number of buyers when you decide to sell your MITTS if you do not wish to hold
your investment until maturity. This may affect the price you receive.
Factors affecting trading value of the MITTS.
We believe that the market value of the MITTS will be affected by the value
of the Index and by a number of other factors. Some of these factors are
interrelated in complex ways; as a result, the effect of any one factor may be
offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. The following paragraphs
describe the expected impact on the market value of the MITTS given a change in
a specific factor, assuming all other conditions remain constant.
. Index Value. We expect that the market value of the MITTS will depend
substantially on the value of the Index relative to the Benchmark
Index Value. If you choose to sell your MITTS when the value of the
Index exceeds the Benchmark Index Value, you may receive substantially
less than the amount that would be payable at maturity based on that
Index value because of the expectation that the Index will continue to
fluctuate until the Ending Index Value is determined. If you choose to
sell your MITTS when the value of the Index is below the Benchmark
Index Value, you may receive less than the $10 principal amount per
Unit of MITTS. In general, rising U.S. dividend rates (i.e., dividends
per share) may increase the value of the Index while falling U.S.
dividend rates may decrease the value of the Index. Political,
economic and other developments that affect the stocks underlying the
Index may also affect the value of the Index and the value of the
MITTS.
. Interest Rates. Because the MITTS repay, at a minimum, the principal
amount at maturity, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will
be affected by changes in interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest
rates increase, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will
decrease. If U.S. interest rates decrease, we expect the trading value
of the MITTS will increase. Interest rates may also affect the U.S.
economy and, in turn, the value of the Index. Rising interest rates
may lower the value of the Index and, thus, the MITTS. Falling
interest rates may increase the value of the Index and, thus, may
increase the value of the MITTS.
. Volatility of the Index. Volatility is the term used to describe the
size and frequency of market fluctuations. If the volatility of the
Index increases, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will
increase. If the volatility of the Index decreases, we expect that the
trading value of the MITTS will decrease.
4
. Time Remaining to Maturity. The MITTS may trade at a value above that
which would be expected based on the level of interest rates and the
Index. This difference will reflect a "time premium" due to
expectations concerning the value of the Index during the period prior
to maturity of the MITTS. However, as the time remaining to maturity
of the MITTS decreases, we expect that this time premium will
decrease, lowering the trading value of the MITTS.
. Dividend Yields. If dividend yields on the stocks comprising the
Index increase, we expect that the value of the MITTS will decrease.
Conversely, if dividend yields on the stock comprising the Index
decrease, we expect that the value of the MITTS will increase.
. Company Credit Ratings. Real or anticipated changes in the Company's
credit ratings may affect the market value of the MITTS.
We want you to understand that the impact of one of the factors specified
above, such as an increase in interest rates, may offset some or all of any
increase in the trading value of the MITTS attributable to another factor, such
as an increase in the Index value.
In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, we expect that
the effect on the trading value of the MITTS of a given change in most of the
factors listed above will be less if it occurs later in the term of the MITTS
than if it occurs earlier in the term of the MITTS except that we expect that
the effect on the trading value of the MITTS of a given increase in the value of
the Index will be greater if it occurs later in the term of the MITTS than if it
occurs earlier in the term of the MITTS.
State law limits on interest paid.
New York State laws govern the Senior Indenture, as defined below. New York
has certain usury laws that limit the amount of interest that can be charged and
paid on loans, which includes debt securities like the MITTS. Under present New
York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest
basis. This limit may not apply to debt securities in which $2,500,000 or more
has been invested.
While we believe that New York law would be given effect by a state or
Federal court sitting outside of New York, many other states also have laws that
regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower.
We will promise, for the benefit of the MITTS holders, to the extent permitted
by law, not to voluntarily claim the benefits of any laws concerning usurious
rates of interest.
Small capitalization stocks.
The underlying stocks that constitute the Index (the "Underlying Stocks")
have been issued by corporations domiciled in the U.S. and its territories and
traded on the NYSE, on the AMEX or in the over-the-counter market. If a
Successor Index is substituted for the Index as described below, such Successor
Index would also be based upon stocks issued by corporations domiciled in the
U.S. and its territories and traded on the NYSE, on the AMEX or in the over-the-
counter market. You should be aware that investments in securities indexed to
the value of small capitalization companies involve certain risks. In general,
the stocks comprising the Index have smaller market capitalizations, less
trading liquidity and greater price volatility than stocks in other larger
capitalization indexes which are designed to measure the broad movement of the
U.S. stock markets. We want you to understand that these factors could adversely
affect the value of the Index and the MITTS.
Purchases and sales by Merrill Lynch.
The Company, MLPF&S and other affiliates of the Company may from time to
time buy or sell the stocks underlying the Index for their own accounts for
business reasons or in connection with hedging the Company's obligations under
the MITTS. These transactions could affect the price of such stocks and the
value of the Index.
5
Potential conflicts.
Under certain circumstances, MLPF&S's roles as a subsidiary of the Company
and its responsibilities as Calculation Agent for the MITTS could give rise to
conflicts of interests. You should be aware that because the Calculation Agent
is controlled by the Company, potential conflicts of interest could arise.
Other Considerations.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, referred to as the "Senior Indenture", which is more fully
described below. The Securities will mature on September 30, 2004.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the
principal amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if
any, there will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. See
"Payment at Maturity" below.
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the
option of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the
Securities may accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under
"Description of Securities-Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other
Terms-Events of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities were issued in denominations of whole Units.
Payment at Maturity
General
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive
the principal amount thereof plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any,
all as provided below. If the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Benchmark
Index Value, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive only
the principal amount thereof.
Determination of the Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Supplemental Redemption Amount for a Security will be determined by the
Calculation Agent and will equal:
Principal Amount of such Security ($10 per Unit)
x
Ending Index Value - Benchmark Index Value
------------------------------------------
Benchmark Index Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero.
The Benchmark Index Value equals 494.36. The Benchmark Index Value was
determined on the Pricing Date by multiplying the Starting Index Value by a
factor equal to 110%. The Ending Index Value will be determined by the
Calculation Agent and will equal the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing
values of the Index determined on each of the first five Calculation Days during
the Calculation Period. If there are fewer than five Calculation Days, then the
Ending Index Value will equal the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing
values of the Index on such Calculation Days, and if there is only one
Calculation Day, then the Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of the
Index on such Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days occur during the
Calculation Period because of
6
Market Disruption Events, then the Ending Index Value will equal the closing
value of the Index determined on the last scheduled Index Business Day in the
Calculation Period, regardless of the occurrences of a Market Disruption Event
on such day. The "Calculation Period" means the period from and including the
seventh scheduled Index Business Day prior to the maturity date to and including
the second scheduled Index Business Day prior to the maturity date. "Calculation
Day" means any Index Business Day during the Calculation Period on which a
Market Disruption Event has not occurred. For purposes of determining the Ending
Index Value, an "Index Business Day" is a day on which the NYSE and the AMEX are
open for trading and the Index or any Successor Index, as defined below, is
calculated and published. All determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall
be at the sole discretion of the Calculation Agent and, absent a determination
by the Calculation Agent of a manifest error, shall be conclusive for all
purposes and binding on the Company and beneficial owners of the Securities.
Hypothetical Returns
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Index
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities, (ii) the total rate of return to beneficial owners of the
Securities, (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return to beneficial owners of
Securities, and (iv) the pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in
the stocks underlying the Index (which includes an assumed aggregate dividend
yield of 1.15% per annum, as more fully described below).
Hypothetical Ending Percentage Change Total Amount Total Rate of Pretax Pretax Annualized
Index Value Over the Starting Payable at Maturity Return on Annualized Rate of Return of
----------- Index Value per $10 Principal the Securities Rate Stocks Underlying the
----------- Amount of -------------- of Return on Index(1)(2)
Securities the Securities(1) -----------
---------- -----------------
179.77 -60.00% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -11.69%
224.71 -50.00% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -8.61%
269.65 -40.00% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -6.08%
314.59 -30.00% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -3.92%
359.54 -20.00% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -2.03%
404.48 -10.00% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% -0.36%
449.42(3) 0.00% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% 1.15%
494.36 10.00% $10.00 0.00% 0.00% 2.52%
539.30 20.00% $10.91 9.09% 1.25% 3.77%
584.25 30.00% $11.82 18.18% 2.40% 4.93%
629.19 40.00% $12.73 27.27% 3.48% 6.01%
674.13 50.00% $13.64 36.36% 4.48% 7.02%
719.07 60.00% $14.55 45.45% 5.43% 7.96%
764.01 70.00% $15.45 54.55% 6.32% 8.85%
808.96 80.00% $16.36 63.64% 7.16% 9.69%
853.90 90.00% $17.27 72.73% 7.96% 10.49%
898.84 100.00% $18.18 81.82% 8.73% 11.25%
943.78 110.00% $19.09 90.91% 9.45% 11.98%
988.72 120.00% $20.00 100.00% 10.15% 12.67%
1,033.67 130.00% $20.91 109.09% 10.82% 13.33%
1,078.61 140.00% $21.82 118.18% 11.46% 13.97%
1,123.55 150.00% $22.73 127.27% 12.08% 14.58%
- --------------
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes (i) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Index with the allocation of such amount reflecting
the current relative weights of such stocks in the Index; (ii) a percentage
change in the aggregate price of such stocks that equals the percentage
change in the Index from
7
the Starting Index Value to the relevant hypothetical Ending Index Value;
(iii) a constant dividend yield of 1.15% per annum, paid quarterly from the
date of initial delivery of Securities, applied to the value of the Index
at the end of each such quarter assuming such value increases or decreases
linearly from the Starting Index Value to the applicable hypothetical
Ending Index Value; (iv) no transaction fees or expenses; (v) a term for
the Securities from September 29, 1997 to September 30, 2004; and (vi) a
final Index value equal to the Ending Index Value. The aggregate dividend
yield of the stocks underlying the Index as of September 23, 1997 was
approximately 1.15%.
(3) This is the Starting Index Value.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the total and pretax
annualized rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual
Ending Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein.
Adjustments to the Index; Market Disruption Events
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof,
is changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified
so that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events; as
determined by the Calculation Agent:
(a) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to New York
Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or
promulgated by the NYSE or any other self regulatory organization or the SEC of
similar scope as determined by the Calculation Agent) on trading during
significant market fluctuations shall be considered "material" for purposes of
this definition), in each case, for more than two hours of trading, or during
the one-half hour period preceding the close of trading on the applicable
exchange, in 20% or more of the stocks which then comprise the Index; or
(b) the suspension or material limitation, in each case, for more than two
hours of trading (whether by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding
levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in (A) futures contracts
related to the Index which are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or (B)
option contracts related to the Index which are traded on the Chicago Board
Options Exchange, Inc.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
Discontinuance of the Index
If FRC discontinues publication of the Index and FRC or another entity
publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent determines,
in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such index being
referred to herein as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the Calculation Agent's
notification of such determination to the Trustee and the Company, the
Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated by FRC or
such other entity for the Index. Upon any selection by the Calculation Agent of
a Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof to be given to Holders
of the Securities.
If FRC discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
8
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in
accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to such
discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent
calculates a value as a substitute for the Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the Index for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If the Calculation Agent calculates a value as a substitute for the Index,
"Index Calculation Day" shall mean any day on which the Calculation Agent is
able to calculate such value.
If FRC discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during
which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation
Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (a) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (b) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely affect trading in
the Securities.
Events of Default and Acceleration
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have
occurred and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a
Security upon any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each
$10 principal amount thereof, will be equal to the Principal Amount and the
Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, calculated as though the date of early
repayment were the stated maturity date of the Securities. See "Description of
Securities-Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding
is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a
Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United
States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an additional amount
of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the
proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities
(whether at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the
maturity date the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the
beneficial owners thereof, at the rate of 6.39% per annum (to the extent that
payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due
and payable on such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the
date payment of such amount has been made or duly provided for.
Depository
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"), as Depository, registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership
nominee). Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities
in definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by
the Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such
Depository to such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such
Depository or any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of
such successor.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is a registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, the actual owner of the
Securities represented by a Global Security (the "Beneficial Owner") will not be
entitled to have the Securities represented by such Global Securities registered
in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
the Securities in definitive form, except in the event that use of the book-
entry system for the Securities is discontinued, and will not be considered the
owners or Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture, including for purposes of
receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the Trustee pursuant to the
Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a
Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such Person is not a
participant of DTC (a "Participant"), on the procedures of the Participant
through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder
under the Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
9
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or than
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Senior
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, as defined below, and by Participants and Indirect
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time.
If (x) the Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $10 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
The following is based on information furnished by DTC:
DTC will act as securities depository for the Securities. The Securities
will be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede &
Co. (DTC's partnership nominee). One or more fully registered Global Security
will be issued for the Securities in the aggregate principal amount of such
issue, and will be deposited with DTC.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC
holds securities that its Participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates
the settlement among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers
and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants of DTC ("Direct
Participants") include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number
of its Direct Participants and by The New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the
American Stock Exchange, Inc., and the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC's system is also available to others such as
securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or
indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its
Participants are on file with the Commission.
Purchases of Securities under the DTC's system must be made by or through
Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Securities on the DTC's
records. The ownership interest of each Beneficial Owner is in turn to be
recorded on the records of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their
purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations
providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their
holdings, from the Direct Participants or Indirect Participants through which
such Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership
interests in the Securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books
of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will
not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in Securities,
except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Securities is
discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Securities deposited with DTC are
registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of
Securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. effect no
change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial
Owners of the Securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct
Participants to whose accounts such Securities are credited, which may or may
not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for
keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
10
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to the
Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to the
Company as soon as possible after the applicable record date. The Omnibus Proxy
assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to
whose accounts the Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a
listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Principal, premium, if any, and/or interest, if any, payments on the
Securities will be made in immediately available funds to DTC. DTC's practice is
to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the applicable payment date in
accordance with their respective holdings shown on the Depository's records
unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such date.
Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for
the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, the Trustee or
the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time. Payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or
interest, if any, to DTC is the responsibility of the Company or the Trustee,
disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants shall be the responsibility
of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners shall be the
responsibility of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with
respect to the Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Company
or Trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities
depository is not obtained, Security certificates are required to be printed and
delivered.
The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry
transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event,
Security certificates will be printed and delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's system has been
obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable, but the Company
takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
All payments of Adjusted Principal Amount and the Supplemental Redemption
Amount, if any, will be made by the Company in immediately available funds so
long as the Securities are maintained in book-entry form.
THE INDEX
General
Unless otherwise stated, all information herein on the Index is derived
from FRC or other publicly available sources. Such information reflects the
policies of FRC as stated in such sources and such policies are subject to
change by FRC. FRC is under no obligation to continue to publish the Index and
may discontinue publication of the Index at any time.
The Index is an index calculated, published and disseminated by FRC, and
measures the composite price performance of stocks of 2,000 companies domiciled
in the U.S. and its territories. All 2,000 stocks are traded on either the NYSE
or the AMEX or in the over-the-counter market and form a part of the Russell
3000(R) Index. The Russell 3000 Index is composed of the 3,000 largest U.S.
companies as determined by market capitalization and represents approximately
98% of the investable U.S. equity market. As of August 31, 1997, the average
market capitalization of companies included in the Russell 3000 Index was $3.12
billion.
The Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell
3000 Index and represents approximately 9.51% of the total market capitalization
of the Russell 3000 Index. The Index is designed to track the performance of the
small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. As of August 31, 1997,
the market capitalization of the stocks in the Russell 2000 Index ranged from
approximately $90 million to $2.36 billion, with the average market
capitalization being $540 million.
11
Only common stocks belonging to corporations domiciled in the U.S. and its
territories are eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000 Index and the Index.
Stocks traded on U.S. exchanges but domiciled in other countries are excluded.
Preferred stock, convertible preferred stock, participating preferred stock,
paired shares, warrants and rights are also excluded. Trust receipts, Royalty
Trusts, limited liability companies, OTC Bulletin Board companies, pink sheets,
closed-end mutual funds, and limited partnerships that are traded on U.S.
exchanges, are also ineligible for inclusion. Real Estate Investment Trusts and
Beneficial Trusts are eligible for inclusion, however. Generally, only one class
of securities of a company is allowed in the Russell 3000 Index, although
exceptions to this general rule have been made where FRC has determined that
each class of securities acts independent of the other.
The primary criteria used to determine the initial list of securities
eligible for the Russell 3000 Index is total market capitalization, which is
defined as the price of the shares times the total number of shares outstanding.
Based on closing values on May 31 of each year, FRC reconstitutes the
composition of the Russell 3000 Index using the then existing market
capitalizations of eligible companies. As of June 30 of each year, the Index is
adjusted to reflect the reconstitution of the Russell 3000 Index for that year.
Publication of the Index began on January 1, 1987.
As a capitalization-weighted index, the Russell 2000 Index reflects changes
in the capitalization (market value) of the component stocks relative to the
capitalization on a base date. The current Index value is calculated by adding
the market values of the Index's component stocks, which are derived by
multiplying the price of each stock by the number of shares outstanding, to
arrive at the total market capitalization of the 2,000 stocks. The total market
capitalization is then divided by a divisor, which represents the "adjusted"
capitalization of the Index on the base date of December 31, 1986. To calculate
the Index, last sale prices will be used for exchange-traded and NASDAQ stocks.
If a component stock is not open for trading, the most recently traded price for
that security will be used in calculating the Index. In order to provide
continuity for the Index's value, the divisor is adjusted periodically to
reflect such events as changes in the number of common shares outstanding for
component stocks, company additions or deletions, corporate restructurings and
other capitalization changes.
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the Index, or its
publisher, is derived from publicly available information. All copyrights and
other intellectual property rights relating to the Index are owned by FRC. FRC
has no relationship with the Company or the Securities; it does not sponsor,
endorse, authorize, sell or promote the Securities, and has no obligation or
liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
Securities.
12
Below is a breakdown of the component stocks of the Index by industry group
as of August 31, 1997:
Number of Percentage of Index
Industry Companies Market Capitalization
- -------- --------- ---------------------
Technology................. 258 13.4%
Health Care................ 214 9.9%
Consumer Discretionary and
Services.................. 376 16.1%
Consumer Staples........... 57 2.8%
Integrated Oils............ 7 0.5%
Other Energy............... 65 3.9%
Materials and Processing... 196 9.9%
Producer Durables.......... 153 8.6%
Auto and Transportation.... 81 4.1%
Financial Services,
including REITS........... 424 23.3%
Utilities.................. 108 6.4%
Other...................... 25 1.3%
------- ------------
Total................... 1,964 100%(1)
- ---------------
(1) 100.2% was rounded down to 100%.
Source: FRC.
Note: The Index included fewer than 2,000 stocks (1,964) as of August 31,
1997 due to company attrition (e.g., mergers, bankruptcies, etc.).
As of August 31, 1997, the ten largest holdings in the Index represented
1.9% of the aggregate market capitalization of the Index. Twenty-three of the
1,964 stocks in the Index were also components of the S&P 500 Index. These 23
stocks represented 2.1% of the Russell 2000 Index market capitalization. The
dividend yield on the Index as of September 23, 1997 was 1.15%.
Historical Data on the Index
The following table sets forth the closing level of the Index at the end of
each quarter, in the period from March 1979 through June 1997. All historical
data presented in the following table relating to periods prior to January 1,
1987 (the date FRC commenced publication of the Index) are presented as if the
Index had existed during such periods and such closing levels have been
calculated hypothetically on the same basis that the Index is calculated. All
historical data presented in the following table relating to periods after
January 1, 1987 are based on actual data from the Index. These historical data
on the Index are not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the
Index or what the value of the Securities may be. Any historical upward or
downward trend in the closing level of the Index during any period set forth
below is not any indication that the Index is more or less likely to decline at
any time during the term of the Securities.
13
March June September December
----- ---- --------- --------
Quarter-End Closing Level
-------------------------
1979.................................... 46.94 49.62 54.68 55.91
1980.................................... 48.27 57.47 69.94 74.80
1981.................................... 80.25 82.56 67.55 73.67
1982.................................... 66.21 64.67 70.84 88.90
1983.................................... 103.77 124.17 117.43 112.27
1984.................................... 104.10 100.30 105.17 101.49
1985.................................... 114.92 118.38 112.65 129.87
1986.................................... 147.63 154.23 134.73 135.00
1987.................................... 166.79 164.75 170.81 120.42
1988.................................... 142.15 151.30 149.09 147.36
1989.................................... 157.90 167.43 178.21 168.31
1990.................................... 163.64 169.12 126.74 132.20
1991.................................... 171.01 167.61 180.16 189.94
1992.................................... 203.69 188.64 192.92 221.01
1993.................................... 229.21 233.35 252.95 258.59
1994.................................... 251.06 240.29 256.12 250.36
1995.................................... 260.77 283.63 310.38 315.97
1996.................................... 330.77 346.61 346.39 362.61
1997.................................... 342.56 396.37
The closing value of the Index on September 23, 1997 was 449.42.
License Agreement
The Index is a trademark of FRC and has been licensed for use by the
Company. The Securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by FRC.
The Securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by FRC. FRC makes
no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the
Securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing
in securities generally or in the Securities particularly or the ability of the
Index to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. FRC's
publication of the Index in no way suggests or implies an opinion by FRC as to
the advisability of investment in any or all of the Securities upon which the
Index is based. FRC's only relationship to the Company is the licensing of
certain trademarks, and trade names of FRC and of the Index which is determined,
composed and calculated by FRC without regard to the Company or the Securities.
FRC is not responsible for and has not reviewed the Securities or any associated
literature or publications and FRC makes no representation or warranty express
or implied as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. FRC reserves the
right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate or in any way
change the Index. FRC has no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the Securities.
FRC DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR
ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND FRC SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS,
OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. FRC MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY, INVESTORS, OWNERS OF THE
SECURITIES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. FRC MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING
ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL FRC HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL,
PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF
NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
14
OTHER TERMS
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Limitations Upon Liens
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
Merger and Consolidation
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior
15
Indenture to be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or
such successor corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter
be in default under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
16
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Solely for purposes of applying the Treasury Department Final Regulations
(the "Final Regulations") concerning the United States Federal income tax
treatment of contingent payment debt instruments to the Securities, the Company
has determined that the projected payment schedule for the Securities will
consist of payment on the maturity date of the principal amount thereof and a
projected Supplemental Redemption Amount equal to $5.5304 per Unit. This
represents an estimated yield on the Securities equal to 6.39% per annum
(compounded semiannually).
The projected payment schedule (including both the projected Supplemental
Redemption Amount and the estimated yield on the Securities) has been determined
solely for United States Federal income tax purposes (i.e., for purposes of
applying the Final Regulations to the Securities), and is neither a prediction
nor a guarantee of what the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will be, or
that the actual Supplemental Redemption Amount will even exceed zero.
The following table sets forth the amount of interest that will be deemed
to have accrued with respect to each Unit of the Securities during each accrual
period over a term of seven years and one day for the Securities based upon the
projected payment schedule for the Securities (including both the projected
Supplemental Redemption Amount and the estimated yield equal to 6.39% per annum
(compounded semiannually)) as determined by the Company for purposes of
application of the Final Regulations to the Securities:
Total Interest
Deemed to
Have Accrued
Interest Deemed to on Securities
Accrue During as of End of
Accrual Period Accrual Period
Accrual Period (per Unit) (per Unit)
-------------- ---------- ----------
September 29, 1997 through March 30, 1998........................... $0.3186 $0.3186
March 31, 1998 through September 30, 1998........................... $0.3315 $0.6501
October 1, 1998 through March 30, 1999.............................. $0.3384 $0.9885
March 31, 1999 through September 30, 1999........................... $0.3511 $1.3396
October 1, 1999 through March 30, 2000.............................. $0.3623 $1.7019
March 31, 2000 through September 30, 2000........................... $0.3739 $2.0758
October 1, 2000 through March 30, 2001.............................. $0.3858 $2.4616
March 31, 2001 through September 30, 2001........................... $0.3981 $2.8597
October 1, 2001 through March 30, 2002.............................. $0.4109 $3.2706
March 31, 2002 through September 30, 2002........................... $0.4240 $3.6946
October 1, 2002 through March 30, 2003.............................. $0.4375 $4.1321
March 31, 2003 through September 30, 2003........................... $0.4516 $4.5837
October 1, 2003 through March 30, 2004.............................. $0.4659 $5.0496
March 31, 2004 through September 30, 2004........................... $0.4808 $5.5304
- ---------------
Projected Supplemental Redemption Amount = $5.5304 per Unit.
All prospective investors in the Securities should consult their own tax
advisors concerning the application of the Final Regulations to their investment
in the Securities. Investors in the Securities may also obtain the projected
payment schedule, as determined by the Company for purposes of the application
of the Final Regulations to the Securities, by submitting a written request for
such information to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., Attn: Darryl W. Colletti,
Corporate Secretary's Office, 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New York
10080-6512.
EXPERTS
17
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as stated
in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated
by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on
such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their
reports on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are not subject to the
liability provisions of Section 11 of the Act for any such report on unaudited
interim financial information because any such report is not a "report" or a
"part" of the registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant
within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
18
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may +
+offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement +
+ becomes This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the +
+solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of +
+any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Top Ten Yield Market Index Target-Term Securities (SM) due August 15, 2006
("MITTS(R)")
On August 12, 1996, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued
$35,000,000 aggregate principal amount (3,500,000 Units) of Top Ten Yield Market
Index Target-Term Securities due August 15, 2006 (the "Securities" or the
"MITTS"). Each $10 principal amount of the Securities will be deemed a "Unit"
for purposes of trading and transfer at the Depository described below. Units
will be transferable by the Depository, as more fully described below, in
denominations of whole Units.
The Securities are debt securities of the Company, which were issued in
denominations of $10 and integral multiples thereof, will bear no periodic
payments of interest and will mature on August 15, 2006. At maturity, a
beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive, with respect to each
Security, the principal amount thereof plus an interest payment (the
"Supplemental Redemption Amount") based on the percentage increase, if any, in
the Top Ten Yield Index (the "Index") over the Starting Index Value. The
Supplemental Redemption Amount will in no event be less than $2.40 per $10
principal amount of the Securities (the "Minimum Supplemental Redemption
Amount"), representing a minimum yield-to-maturity of 2.16% per annum calculated
on a semi-annual bond equivalent basis. The Index will reflect the price
movements and cash dividends on a portfolio of ten common stocks with the
highest dividend yields in the Dow Jones Industrial Average* (the "DJIA") on
July 26, 1996 that will be reconstituted annually to reflect the stocks having
the highest dividend yields in the DJIA (the "Top Ten Yield Stocks"), as more
particularly described herein. Subject to certain exceptions, the Index will be
reduced each calendar quarter by a value equal to 0.4375% of the then current
Index value. The Securities are not redeemable or callable by the Company prior
to maturity. While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the
principal amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount there
will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount payable with respect to a Security at
maturity will equal the product of (A) the principal amount of the applicable
Security, and (B) the percentage increase from the Starting Index Value to the
Ending Index Value, however, in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount
be less than the Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount. The Starting Index
Value, as more particularly described herein, was set to 100 on the date the
Securities were priced by the Company for initial sale to the public ("the
Pricing Date"). The Ending Index Value, as more particularly described herein,
will be the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index on
certain days, or, if certain events occur, the closing value of the Index on a
single day prior to the maturity of the Securities.
For information as to the calculation of the Supplemental Redemption Amount
which will be paid at maturity, the calculation and the composition of the
Index, see "Description of Securities" and "The Index", respectively, in this
Prospectus. For other information that should be considered by prospective
investors, see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 3 of this Prospectus.
Ownership of the Securities will be maintained in book-entry form by or
through the Depository. Beneficial owners of the Securities will not have the
right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership except under
the limited circumstances described herein.
The Securities have been listed on the American Stock Exchange (the "AMEX")
under the symbol "MTT".
-----------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-----------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the AMEX, or off such exchange in negotiated transactions, or
otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing prices at the
time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will conform to the
requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct
Rules to the By-Laws of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
-----------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
-----------------
The date of this Prospectus is January ___, 1998.
(R)"MITTS" is a registered service mark and (SM)"Market Index Target-Term
Securities" is a service mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF
INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus
is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy (without
exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of any or
all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate Secretary's
Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New
York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Securities to which it
relates or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer
2
to buy from, any person in any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful.
The delivery of this Prospectus at any time does not imply that information
herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Year Ended Last Friday in December Nine Months Ended
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 September 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges . . . . . . 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Payment at Maturity
Supplemental Redemption Amount May Equal Minimum Supplemental Redemption
Amount. Investors should be aware that if the Ending Index Value does not
exceed the Starting Index Value by more than 24%, beneficial
3
owners of the Securities will receive at maturity only the principal amount
thereof and the Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount, even if the value of the
Index at some point between the issue date and the maturity date of the
Securities exceeded such amounts.
Yield may be Below Market Interest Rates on the Pricing Date. The Minimum
Supplemental Redemption Amount is below what the Company would pay as interest
as of the Pricing Date if the Company issued non-callable senior debt securities
with a similar maturity as that of the Securities. The return of principal of
the Securities at maturity and the payment of the Minimum Supplemental
Redemption Amount may not reflect the full opportunity costs implied by
inflation or other factors relating to the time value of money.
Yield on Securities will not Reflect Yield on Securities Underlying the Index.
While the Index does reflect the payment of dividends on the stocks underlying
the Index as described in more detail below, the yield based on the Index to the
maturity of the Securities will not produce the same yield as if such underlying
stocks were purchased and held for a similar period. At the end of each calendar
quarter, the dividends accrued on the stocks underlying the Index will be
incorporated into the Index by adjusting the Share Multipliers of such stocks
and such amounts will thereafter be subject to the price movements of such
stocks. In addition, as described in more detail below, at the end of each
calendar quarter, an amount equal to 0.4375% of the current value of the Index
will be deducted from the value of the Index, provided that (i) there will be no
deduction at the end of the calendar quarter ending in September 1996 and the
deduction at the end of the calendar quarter ending in December 1996 will be
increased to reflect the quarterly rate of 0.4375% prorated for the period from
the date of the issuance of the Securities through the end of the calendar
quarter in December 1996, and (ii) there will be a prorated amount deducted on
July 31, 2006 equal to 0.1507% of the then current Index value to reflect the
quarterly rate of 0.4375% for the period from July 1, 2006 through July 31,
2006. Although the Index is based on stocks which are selected based on
dividends paid, the Securities will not pay any interest, periodic or otherwise,
prior to their maturity.
State Law Limit on Interest Paid. Because the Senior Indenture (as defined
below) provides that the Securities are governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of New York, certain usury laws of New York State may apply. Under
present New York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple
interest basis. This limit may not apply to Securities in which $2,500,000 or
more has been invested. While the Company believes that New York law would be
given effect by a state or Federal court sitting outside of New York, state laws
frequently regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a
borrower (including, in some cases, corporate borrowers). It is suggested that
prospective investors consult their personal advisors with respect to the
applicability of such laws. The Company will covenant for the benefit of the
Holders of the Securities, to the extent permitted by law, not to claim
voluntarily the benefits of any laws concerning usurious rates of interest
against a Holder of the Securities.
Trading
The Securities have been listed on the AMEX under the symbol "MTT". It is
expected that the secondary market for the Securities will be affected by the
creditworthiness of the Company and by a number of other factors.
The trading value of the Securities is expected to depend substantially on the
extent of the appreciation, if any, of the Index over the Starting Index Value.
If, however, Securities are sold prior to the maturity date at a time when the
Index exceeds the Starting Index Value, the sale price may be at a substantial
discount from the amount expected to be payable to the beneficial owner if such
excess of the Index over the Starting Index Value were to prevail until maturity
of the Securities because of the possible fluctuation of the Index between the
time of such sale and the time that the Ending Index Value is determined.
Furthermore, the price at which a beneficial owner will be able to sell
Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which could be substantial,
from the principal amount thereof, if, at such time, the Index is below, equal
to, or not sufficiently above the Starting Index Value. A discount could also
result from rising interest rates.
4
In addition to the value of the Index, the trading value of the Securities may
be affected by a number of interrelated factors, including the creditworthiness
of the Company and those factors listed below. The relationship among these
factors is complex, including how these factors affect the relative value of the
principal amount of the Securities to be repaid at maturity and the value of the
Supplemental Redemption Amount. Accordingly, investors should be aware that
factors other than the level of the Index are likely to affect the Securities'
trading value. The expected effect on the trading value of the Securities of
each of the factors listed below, assuming in each case that all other factors
are held constant, is as follows:
Interest Rates. Because the Securities repay at a minimum the principal
amount thereof at maturity, the trading value of the Securities will likely be
affected by changes in interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates
increase, the trading value of the Securities is expected to decrease. If U.S.
interest rates decrease, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
increase. Interest rates may also affect the U.S. economy, and, in turn, the
value of the Index. Rising interest rates may lower the value of the Index and,
thus, may decrease the trading value of the Securities. Falling interest rates
may increase the value of the Index and, thus, may increase the trading value of
the Securities.
Volatility of the Index. If the volatility of the Index increases, the
trading value of the Securities is expected to increase. If the volatility of
the Index decreases, the trading value of the Securities is expected to
decrease.
Time Remaining to Maturity. The Securities may trade at a value above that
which may be inferred from the level of interest rates and the Index. This
difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the
value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of the Securities. As the
time remaining to maturity of the Securities decreases, however, this time
premium is expected to decrease, thus decreasing the trading value of the
Securities. In addition, the price at which a beneficial owner may be able to
sell Securities prior to maturity may be at a discount, which may be
substantial, from the principal amount of the Securities if the value of the
Index is below, equal to, or not sufficiently above the Starting Index Value.
The impact of the factors specified above, excluding the value of the Index,
may offset, partially or in whole, any increase in the trading value of the
Securities that is attributable to an increase in the value of the Index. For
example, an increase in U.S. interest rates may cause the Securities to trade at
a discount from their initial offering price, even if the Index has appreciated
significantly. In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, the
effect on the trading value of the Securities of a given change in interest
rates and/or Index volatility is expected to be less if it occurs later in the
term of the Securities than if it occurs earlier in the term of the Securities.
The effect on the trading value of the Securities of a given appreciation of the
Index in excess of the Starting Index Value is expected to be greater if it
occurs later in the term of the Securities than if it occurs earlier in the term
of the Securities, assuming all other relevant factors are held constant.
The Index
The value of the Index and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, may be
adversely affected by political, economic and other developments that affect the
Top Ten Yield Stocks. The stocks underlying the Index will be adjusted annually
as more fully described below, see "The Index" in this Prospectus.
Other Considerations
It is suggested that prospective investors who consider purchasing the
Securities should reach an investment decision only after carefully considering
the suitability of the Securities in light of their particular circumstances.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
MLPF&S or its affiliates may from time to time engage in transactions
involving the Top Ten Yield Stocks underlying the Index for their proprietary
accounts and for other accounts under their management, which may influence the
value of such stocks and therefore the value of the Securities. MLPF&S and its
affiliates will also be the counterparties to the hedge of the Company's
obligations under the Securities. Accordingly, under certain
5
circumstances, conflicts of interest may arise between MLPF&S's responsibilities
as Calculation Agent with respect to the Securities and its obligations under
its hedge and its status as a subsidiary of the Company. Under certain
circumstances, the duties of MLPF&S as Calculation Agent in determining the
existence of Market Disruption Events could conflict with the interests of
MLPF&S as an affiliate of the issuer of the Securities, Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Inc., and with the interests of the holders of the Securities.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, referred to as the "Senior Indenture", which is more fully
described below. The Securities will mature on August 15, 2006.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the principal
amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any,
however, there will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. (See
"Payment at Maturity" below.)
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities--Events of Default and Acceleration" in this Prospectus and "Other
Terms--Events of Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities were issued in denominations of whole Units.
Payment at Maturity
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
principal amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount all as provided
below. If the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index Value by
more than 24%, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive only
the principal amount thereof and the Minimum Supplemental Redemption Amount.
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive,
with respect to each such Security, (i) the principal amount thereof ($10 for
each Unit), and (ii) the Supplemental Redemption Amount equal in amount to:
Principal Amount X Ending Index Value--Starting Index Value
----------------------------------------
Starting Index Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than $2.40 per $10 principal amount of the Securities. The Minimum
Supplemental Redemption Amount is equivalent to a rate of return of 2.16% per
annum calculated on a semi-annual bond equivalent basis. The Starting Index
Value was set to 100 on the Pricing Date. The Ending Index Value will be
determined by MLPF&S (the "Calculation Agent") and will equal the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index determined on each of the
first five Calculation Days during the Calculation Period. If there are fewer
than five Calculation Days, then the Ending Index Value will equal the average
(arithmetic mean) of the closing values of the Index on such Calculation Days,
and if there is only one Calculation Day, then the Ending Index Value will equal
the closing value of the Index on such Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days
occur during the Calculation Period because of Market Disruption Events, then
the
6
Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of the Index determined on the
last scheduled Index Business Day in the Calculation Period, regardless of the
occurrence of a Market Disruption Event on such day. The "Calculation Period"
means the period from and including the seventh scheduled Index Business Day
prior to the maturity date to and including the second scheduled Index Business
Day prior to the maturity date. "Calculation Day" means any Index Business Day
during the Calculation Period on which a Market Disruption Event has not
occurred. For purposes of determining the Ending Index Value, an "Index Business
Day" is a day on which the New York Stock Exchange and AMEX are open for trading
and trading generally occurs in the over-the-counter market for equity
securities and the Index is calculated and published by the AMEX. All
determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of
the Calculation Agent and, absent a determination by the Calculation Agent of a
manifest error, shall be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company
and beneficial owners of the Securities.
The following table illustrates, for a range of hypothetical Ending Index
Values, (i) the total amount payable at maturity for each $10 principal amount
of Securities, (ii) the pretax annualized rate of return to beneficial owners of
Securities, and (iii) the pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in
the stocks underlying the Index, as adjusted from time to time, that experience
the same price changes and dividend payments necessary to produce the indicated
hypothetical Ending Index Value (which reflects a deduction from the value of
the Index at the end of each calendar quarter equal to 0.4375% of the then
current Index value). The pretax annualized rate of return of the stocks
underlying the Index illustrated below is intended to reflect the return that
might be earned by an investor who seeks to replicate the Index return by
trading in the actual stocks underlying the Index and differs from the pretax
annualized rate of return on the Securities because of the percentage deducted
from the value of the Index each calendar quarter equal to 0.4375% of the then
current Index value. Investors seeking to replicate the Index return by trading
in the actual underlying stocks would not incur this periodic deduction although
they might incur commissions and other transaction-related costs.
7
Total Pretax Pretax Annualized
Percentage Change Amount Annualized Rate of Rate of Return of
Hypothetical Ending Over the Starting Payable at Return on the Stock Underlying
Index Value Index Value Maturity Securities(1) Index(1)(2)
----------- ----------- -------- ------------- -----------
50 -50% $12.40 2.16% -5.09%
60 -40% $12.40 2.16% -3.31%
70 -30% $12.40 2.16% -1.80%
80 -20% $12.40 2.16% -0.47%
90 -10% $12.40 2.16% 0.70%
100 0% $12.40 2.16% 1.75%
110 10% $12.40 2.16% 2.71%
120 20% $12.40 2.16% 3.59%
130 30% $13.00 2.64% 4.41%
140 40% $14.00 3.39% 5.16%
150 50% $15.00 4.10% 5.87%
160 60% $16.00 4.76% 6.53%
170 70% $17.00 5.38% 7.15%
180 80% $18.00 5.97% 7.74%
190 90% $19.00 6.52% 8.30%
200 100% $20.00 7.05% 8.84%
210 110% $21.00 7.56% 9.35%
220 120% $22.00 8.04% 9.83%
230 130% $23.00 8.50% 10.30%
240 140% $24.00 8.94% 10.74%
250 150% $25.00 9.37% 11.17%
260 160% $26.00 9.78% 11.58%
270 170% $27.00 10.17% 11.98%
280 180% $28.00 10.56% 12.37%
290 190% $29.00 10.93% 12.74%
300 200% $30.00 11.28% 13.10%
310 210% $31.00 11.63% 13.44%
320 220% $32.00 11.97% 13.78%
330 230% $33.00 12.29% 14.11%
340 240% $34.00 12.61% 14.43%
350 250% $35.00 12.92% 14.74%
360 260% $36.00 13.22% 15.04%
370 270% $37.00 13.51% 15.33%
380 280% $38.00 13.80% 15.62%
390 290% $39.00 14.07% 15.90%
400 300% $40.00 14.34% 16.17%
- -------------
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes, in addition to the price changes and dividend
payments described above, (i) an initial investment of a fixed amount in the
Top Ten Yield Stocks with the allocation of such amount reflecting an equal
dollar-weighted portfolio of such stocks in the Index; (ii) a reconstruction
of this portfolio investment
8
on each Anniversary Date so as to be an equal-dollar weighted portfolio of
the ten common stocks in the DJIA having the highest Dividend Yield on the
second scheduled Index Business Day prior to each such Anniversary Date;
(iii) a compounded quarterly rate of return on the stocks which is greater
than the compounded quarterly return on the Index by 0.4375% (the amount of
the quarterly deduction applied to the Index), with dividends being
reinvested on a quarterly basis; (iv) no transaction fees or expenses; (v)
an investment term equal to the term of the Securities; and (vi) a final
Index value equal to the Ending Index Value.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the pretax annualized
rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual Ending
Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein. Historical
data regarding the Index is included in this Prospectus under "The Index--
Historical Data on the Index".
Adjustments to the Index; Market Disruption Events
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof, is
changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified so
that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as determined
by the Calculation Agent:
(i) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to New York
Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or
promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange or any other self regulatory
organization or the Commission of similar scope as determined by the Calculation
Agent) on trading during significant market fluctuations shall be considered
"material" for purposes of this definition), in the trading of one or more of
the Top Ten Yield Stocks on any exchange in the United States or in the over-
the-counter market for more than two hours of trading or during the period one-
half hour prior to the close of such trading, or
(ii) the suspension or material limitation (whether by reason of movements in
price otherwise exceeding levels permitted by the relevant exchange or
otherwise) in option contracts related to one or more of the Top Ten Yield
Stocks traded on any exchange for more than two hours of trading or during the
period one-half hour prior to the close of such trading.
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
Discontinuance of the Index
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index and the AMEX or another
entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent
determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such
index being referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the
Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee (as
defined below) and the Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the
Successor Index as calculated by the AMEX or such other entity for the Index and
calculate the Ending Index Value as described above under "Payment at Maturity".
Upon any selection by the Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company
shall cause notice thereof to be given to Holders of the Securities.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed
9
by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in accordance with the
procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to any such discontinuance. If
a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent calculates a value as a
substitute for the Index as described below, such Successor Index or value shall
be substituted for the Index for all purposes, including for purposes of
determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If the AMEX discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during
which the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation
Agent determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (i) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (ii) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation) (the "WSJ"), and arrange for information with respect to such
values to be made available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative
arrangements, discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely
affect trading in the Securities.
Events of Default and Acceleration
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each $10 principal
amount thereof, will be equal to: (i) the initial issue price ($10), plus (ii)
an additional amount of contingent interest calculated as though the date of
early repayment were the maturity date of the Securities. The Minimum
Supplemental Redemption Amount with respect to any such early redemption date
will be an amount equal to the interest which would have accrued on the
Securities from and including the date of original issuance to but excluding the
date of early redemption at an annualized rate of 2.16%, calculated on a semi-
annual bond equivalent basis. See "Description of Securities--Payment at
Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect
of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a Security may be limited,
under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United States Code, to the principal
amount of the Security plus an additional amount of contingent interest
calculated as though the date of the commencement of the proceeding were the
maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities (whether
at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the beneficial owners
thereof, at the rate of 7.76% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on
such date in accordance with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of
such amount has been made or duly provided for.
Depository
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"), as Depository (the "Depositary"), registered in the name of DTC or a
nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for
Securities in definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a
whole by the Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such
Depository to such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such
Depository or any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of
such successor.
DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC's Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations.
10
DTC is owned by a number of Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC book-entry system is also available
to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly
or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Purchases of Securities must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of DTC. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the
Participants' or Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not
receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners
are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered
into the transaction. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security
will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of
Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests of
persons held through Participants). The laws of some states may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to own,
transfer or pledge beneficial interests in Global Securities.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, Beneficial Owners in a
Global Security will not be entitled to have the Securities represented by such
Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of the Securities in definitive form and will not be
considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture, including
for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the Trustee
pursuant to the Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial
interest in a Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such
Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which
such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder under the
Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Senior
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of the principal of, and any Supplemental Redemption Amount with
respect to, Securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made
to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder of the Global
Securities representing such Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee or any
other agent of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility
or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects
that DTC, upon receipt of any payment of principal or any Supplemental
Redemption Amount in respect of a Global Security, will credit the accounts of
the Participants with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security as
shown on the records of DTC. The Company also expects that payments by
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing customer
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If (x) any Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $10 and
integral multiples thereof.
11
Such definitive Securities shall be registered in such name or names as the
Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected that such instructions may
be based upon directions received by the Depository from Participants with
respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Securities.
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
All payments of principal and the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, will
be made by the Company in immediately available funds so long as the Securities
are maintained in book-entry form.
THE INDEX
Top Ten Yield Index
The value of the Index on any Index Business Day will be calculated and
disseminated by the AMEX and will equal the Top Ten Yield Portfolio Value plus
the Current Quarter Dividends (as defined below) as of such Index Business Day.
The Top Ten Yield Portfolio Value will equal the sum of the products of the most
recently available market price and the applicable Share Multiplier for each Top
Ten Yield Stock. The AMEX will generally calculate and disseminate the value of
the Index based on the most recently reported prices of the stocks underlying
the Index (as reported by the exchange or trading system on which such
underlying stocks are listed or traded), at approximately 15-second intervals
during the AMEX's business hours and the end of each Index Business Day via the
Consolidated Tape Association's Network B.
Initial Determination of Top Ten Yield Portfolio
The initial stocks in the Top Ten Yield Portfolio and their respective
Dividend Yields and Share Multipliers are shown below, and have been determined
by the AMEX to be the ten common stocks in the DJIA having the highest Dividend
Yield on July 26, 1996 (the "Initial Stocks"). "Dividend Yield" for each common
stock is determined by the AMEX by annualizing the last quarterly or semi-annual
ordinary cash dividend for which the ex-dividend date has occurred, excluding
any extraordinary dividend as determined by the AMEX in its sole discretion, and
dividing the result by the last available sale price for each stock on its
primary exchange on the date such Dividend Yield is to be determined.
Dividend Initial
Name of Issuer Yield on Share
-------------- July 26, 1996 Multiplier
-------------- ----------
Philip Morris Companies, Inc.............. 3.92% 0.09479
Texaco Inc. .............................. 3.80 0.11511
Exxon Corporation......................... 3.80 0.12121
J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated............ 3.79 0.11111
Chevron Corporation....................... 3.46 0.17021
General Motors Corporation................ 3.35 0.19656
Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company.. 2.85 0.15094
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company....... 2.83 0.11994
International Paper Company............... 2.64 0.25157
AT&T Company.............................. 2.55 0.18141
The average (mean) dividend yield of the ten Initial Stocks contained in the
Index as of July 26, 1996 was 3.30%.
The initial Share Multiplier for each Initial Stock was determined by the AMEX
and indicates the number of shares of each such Initial Stock, or portion
thereof, given the closing market price of such Initial Stock on the Pricing
Date, required to be included in the calculation of the original Top Ten Yield
Portfolio Value so that each
12
Initial Stock represents approximately an equal percentage of the starting value
of the Index (i.e., 100) as of the Pricing Date. The respective Share
Multipliers will remain constant unless adjusted for certain corporate events,
quarterly dividend adjustments and annual reconstitutions as described below.
The initial Share Multipliers for each of the Initial Stocks are set forth in
the above table.
Annual Top Ten Yield Portfolio Reconstitution
As of the close of business on each Anniversary Date (as defined below)
through the applicable Anniversary Date in 2005, the content of the Top Ten
Yield Portfolio shall be reconstituted so as to include the ten common stocks in
the DJIA having the highest Dividend Yield (the "New Stocks") on the second
scheduled Index Business Day prior to such Anniversary Date (the "Annual
Determination Date"), provided, however that the AMEX will only add a stock
having characteristics as of such Annual Determination Date that will permit the
Index to remain within certain criteria specified in the AMEX rules and within
the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such criteria
and rules will apply only on an Annual Determination Date to exclude a proposed
New Stock. If a proposed New Stock does not meet such criteria or rules, the
AMEX will replace it with the common stock in the DJIA with the next highest
Dividend Yield which does meet such criteria and rules. These criteria currently
provide, among other things, (1) that each component stock must have a minimum
market value of at least $75 million, except that up to 10% of the component
securities in the Index may have a market value of $50 million; (2) that each
component stock must have an average monthly trading volume in the preceding six
months of not less than 1,000,000 shares, except that up to 10% of the component
stocks in the Index may have an average monthly trading volume of 500,000 shares
or more in the last six months; (3) 90% of the Index's numerical Index value and
at least 80% of the total number of component stocks will meet the then current
criteria for standardized option trading set forth in the rules of the AMEX; and
(4) all component stocks will either be listed on the AMEX, the New York Stock
Exchange, or traded through the facilities of the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System and reported as National Market
System securities.
The Share Multiplier for each New Stock will be determined by the AMEX and
will indicate the number of shares of each New Stock, given the closing market
price of such New Stock on the Anniversary Date, required to be included in the
calculation of the Top Ten Yield Portfolio Value so that each New Stock
represents approximately an equal percentage of a value equal to the Index in
effect at the close of business on such Anniversary Date. As an example, if the
Index in effect at the close of business on an Anniversary Date equaled 200,
then each of the ten New Stocks relating to such Anniversary Date would be
allocated a portion of the value of the Index equal to 20 and if the closing
market price of one such New Stock on the Anniversary Date was 40, the
applicable Share Multiplier would be 0.5. If the Index equaled 80, then each of
the ten New Stocks would be allocated a portion of the value of the Index equal
to 8 and if the closing market price of one such New Stock on the Anniversary
Date was 40, the applicable Share Multiplier would be 0.2. The last Anniversary
Date on which such reconstitution will occur will be the Anniversary Date in
2005, which will be approximately one year prior to the maturity date of the
Securities. "Anniversary Date" shall mean the anniversary date of the date the
Securities are initially issued; provided, however, that if such date is not an
Index Business Day or a Market Disruption Event occurs on such date, then the
Anniversary Date for such year shall mean the immediately succeeding Index
Business Day on which a Market Disruption Event does not occur. "Top Ten Yield
Stock" at any time shall mean the stocks contained in the Top Ten Yield
Portfolio at such time.
Dow Jones Industrial Average
The DJIA is comprised of 30 common stocks chosen by the editors of the WSJ as
representative of the broad market of American industry generally. The companies
are major factors in their industries and their stocks are typically widely held
by individuals and institutional investors. Changes in the composition of the
DJIA are made entirely by the editors of the WSJ without consultation with the
companies, the stock exchange or any official agency or the Company. For the
sake of continuity, changes are made infrequently. Most substitutions have been
the result of mergers, but from time to time, changes may be made to achieve a
better representation. The components of the DJIA may be changed at any time for
any reason. Dow Jones & Company, Inc., publisher of the WSJ, is not affiliated
with the Company, has not participated in any way in the creation of the
Securities or in the selection of stocks to be included in the Top Ten Yield
Portfolio and has not reviewed or approved any information included in this
Prospectus.
13
The first DJIA, consisting of 12 stocks, was published in the WSJ in 1896. The
list grew to 20 stocks in 1916 and to 30 stocks on October 1, 1928. For two
periods of 17 consecutive years each, there were no changes to the list; March
15, 1939-July 2, 1956 and June 2, 1959-August 8, 1976.
The Company or its affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in
business with one or more of the issuers of the Top Ten Yield Portfolio stocks,
including extending loans to, or making equity investments in, such issuers or
providing advisory services to such issuers, including merger and acquisition
advisory services. In the course of such business, the Company or its affiliates
may acquire non-public information with respect to such issuers and, in
addition, one or more affiliates of the Company may publish research reports
with respect to such issuers. The Company does not make any representation to
any purchaser of Securities with respect to any matters whatsoever relating to
such issuers. Any prospective purchaser of Securities should undertake an
independent investigation of the issuers of the Top Ten Yield Portfolio stocks
as in its judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to
an investment in the Securities. The composition of the Index does not reflect
any investment or sell recommendations of the Company or its affiliates.
Cash Dividends
Current Quarter Dividend
As described above, the value of the Index will include an amount reflecting
Current Quarter Dividends. "Current Quarter Dividends" for any day will be
determined by the AMEX and will equal the sum of the Dividend Payment for each
Top Ten Yield Stock. The "Dividend Payment" with respect to a Top Ten Yield
Stock for any day will equal the sum of the products of (i) each dividend paid
by the issuer of such Top Ten Yield Stock on one share of such Top Ten Yield
Stock during the Current Quarter (not including any reinvestment thereof)
multiplied by (ii) the Share Multiplier applicable to such Top Ten Yield Stock
at the time each such dividend is paid. A dividend will be considered paid by an
issuer at the open of business on the ex-dividend date (i.e., generally, the
trading day on which the market price of the stock reflects the payment of the
dividend). "Current Quarter" shall mean the period from and including August 9,
1996 through December 31, 1996, and after December 31, 1996, from and including
the first day of the then current calendar quarter containing the day on which
the applicable Dividend Payment is being determined to and including the day on
which the applicable Dividend Payment is being determined.
Quarterly Stock Dividend
As of the first day of the start of each calendar quarter, the AMEX will
allocate the Current Quarter Dividends as of the end of the immediately
preceding calendar quarter to each then outstanding Top Ten Yield Stock. The
amount of the Current Quarter Dividends allocated to each Top Ten Yield Stock
will equal the percentage of the value of such Top Ten Yield Stock contained in
the Top Ten Yield Portfolio relative to the value of the entire Top Ten Yield
Portfolio based on the closing market price on the last Index Business Day in
the immediately preceding calendar quarter. The Share Multiplier of each such
outstanding Top Ten Yield Stock will be increased to reflect the number of
shares, or portion of a share, that the amount of the Current Quarter Dividend
allocated to such Top Ten Yield Stock can purchase of each such Top Ten Yield
Stock based on the closing market price on the last Index Business Day in the
immediately preceding calendar quarter.
Quarterly Deduction
At the end of each calendar quarter, the Index will be reduced by a value
equal to 0.4375% of the then current Index, provided that (i) there will be no
deduction at the end of the calendar quarter ending in September 1996 and the
deduction at the end of the calendar quarter ending in December 1996 will be
increased to reflect the quarterly rate of 0.4375% prorated for the period from
the date of the issuance of the Securities through the end of the calendar
quarter in December 1996 and (ii) the Index will be reduced at the close of
business on July 31, 2006 by a value equal to 0.1507% of the closing value of
the Index on such date. With respect to the period ending December 31, 1996, the
quarterly rate of 0.4375% will be prorated by multiplying it by a factor equal
to the result of dividing the number of days in the period from the date the
Securities are issued through the calendar quarter ending in December 1996 by
90.
14
Adjustments to the Share Multiplier and Top Ten Yield Portfolio
The Share Multiplier with respect to any Top Ten Yield Stock and the Top Ten
Yield Portfolio will be adjusted as follows:
1. If a Top Ten Yield Stock is subject to a stock split or reverse stock
split, then once such split has become effective, the Share Multiplier relating
to such Top Ten Yield Stock will be adjusted to equal the product of the number
of shares issued with respect to one such share of such Top Ten Yield Stock and
the prior multiplier.
2. If a Top Ten Yield Stock is subject to a stock dividend (issuance of
additional shares of the Top Ten Yield Stock) that is given equally to all
holders of shares of the issuer of such Top Ten Yield Stock, then once the
dividend has become effective and such Top Ten Yield Stock is trading ex-
dividend, the Share Multiplier will be adjusted so that the new Share Multiplier
shall equal the former Share Multiplier plus the product of the number of shares
of such Top Ten Yield Stock issued with respect to one such share of such Top
Ten Yield Stock and the prior multiplier.
3. If the issuer of a Top Ten Yield Stock is being liquidated or is subject
to a proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
law, such Top Ten Yield Stock will continue to be included in the Top Ten Yield
Portfolio so long as a Market Price for such Top Ten Yield Stock is available.
If a market price is no longer available for a Top Ten Yield Stock for whatever
reason, including the liquidation of the issuer of such Top Ten Yield Stock or
the subjection of the issuer of such Top Ten Yield Stock to a proceeding under
any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, then the value of
such Top Ten Yield Stock will equal zero in connection with calculating the Top
Ten Yield Portfolio Value for so long as no market price is available, and no
attempt will be made to immediately find a replacement stock or increase the
value of the Top Ten Yield Portfolio to compensate for the deletion of such Top
Ten Yield Stock. If a market price is no longer available for a Top Ten Yield
Stock as described above, the Top Ten Yield Portfolio Value will be computed
based on the remaining Top Ten Yield Stocks for which market prices are
available and no new stock will be added to the Top Ten Yield Portfolio until
the annual reconstitution of the Top Ten Yield Portfolio. As a result, there may
be periods during which the Top Ten Yield Portfolio contains fewer than ten Top
Ten Yield Stocks.
4. If the issuer of a Top Ten Yield Stock has been subject to a merger or
consolidation and is not the surviving entity or is nationalized, then a value
for such Top Ten Yield Stock will be determined at the time such issuer is
merged or consolidated or nationalized and will equal the last available market
price for such Top Ten Yield Stock and that value will be constant until the Top
Ten Yield Portfolio is reconstituted. At such time, no adjustment will be made
to the Share Multiplier of such Top Ten Yield Stock.
5. If the issuer of a Top Ten Yield Stock issues to all of its shareholders
equity securities that are publicly traded of an issuer other than the issuer of
the Top Ten Yield Stock, then such new equity securities will be added to the
Top Ten Yield Portfolio as a new Top Ten Yield Stock. The Share Multiplier for
such new Top Ten Yield Stock will equal the product of the original Share
Multiplier with respect to the Top Ten Yield Stock for which the new Top Ten
Yield Stock is being issued (the "Original Top Ten Yield Stock") and the number
of shares of the new Top Ten Yield Stock issued with respect to one share of the
Original Top Ten Yield Stock.
No adjustments of any Share Multiplier of a Top Ten Yield Stock will be
required unless such adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in the
Share Multiplier then in effect. The Share Multiplier resulting from any of the
adjustments specified above will be rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth with
five hundred-thousandths being rounded upward.
The AMEX expects that no adjustments to the Share Multiplier of any Top Ten
Yield Stock or to the Top Ten Yield Portfolio will be made other than those
specified above, however, the AMEX may at its discretion make adjustments to
maintain the value of the Index if certain events would otherwise alter the
value of the Index despite no change in the market prices of the Top Ten Yield
Stocks.
15
Historical Performance of the Index
A potential investor should review the historical performance of the Index.
The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an indication of
future performance, and no assurance can be given that the Index will increase
sufficiently to cause the beneficial owners of the Securities to receive an
amount in excess of the principal amount at the maturity of the Securities.
OTHER TERMS
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may from
time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal
amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may establish
pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Limitations Upon Liens
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
16
Merger and Consolidation
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or into
any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent of
whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
17
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to
the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
18
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Information contained herein is subject to complement or amendment. A +
+ registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the +
+ Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor +
+ may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement +
+ becomes effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or +
+ the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these +
+ securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be +
+ unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of +
+ any such State. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
P R O S P E C T U S
- -------------------
1,650,000 Units
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
S&P 500 Inflation Adjusted Market Index Target-Term Securities due September 24,
2007
"MITTS(R)"
($10 principal amount per Unit)
On September 24, 1997, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued an
aggregate principal amount $16,500,000 (1,650,000 Units) of S&P 500 Inflation
Adjusted Market Index Target-Term Securities due September 24, 2007 (the
"Securities" or "MITTS"). Each $10 principal amount of Securities will be
deemed a "Unit" for purposes of trading and transfer at the Securities
Depository described below. Units will be transferable by the Securities
Depository, as more fully described below, in denominations of whole Units.
General:
. Senior unsecured debt securities . Not redeemable prior to maturity
. No payments prior to maturity . Transferable only in whole Units
Payment at Maturity:
Adjusted Principal Amount + Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Adjusted Principal Amount will equal the principal amount of the MITTS you
hold adjusted to reflect any increase in the Consumer Price Index over the term
of the MITTS. The Supplemental Redemption Amount will be based on the percentage
increase, if any, in the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index above a benchmark
value of 1089.38 which exceeded the closing value of such Index on the date the
Securities were priced for initial sale to the public by 15%.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount will not exceed $10 per Unit regardless of
the increase in the S&P 500 Index. The Supplemental Redemption Amount may be
zero, but will not be less than zero.
Before you decide to invest in the MITTS, carefully read this Prospectus,
especially the risk factors beginning on page S-4.
------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------------
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the Securities and is
to be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the Securities.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The Securities may
be offered on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), or off such exchange in
negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to
prevailing prices at the time of sale. The distribution of the Securities will
conform to the requirements set forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of
the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
We expect that the MITTS will be maintained in book-entry form only through
the facilities of DTC.
------------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.
------------------------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is January __, 1998.
"MITTS" is a registered service mark and "Market Index Target-Term Securities"
is a service mark owned by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Required Disclosures
Standard & Poor's
Standard & Poor's ("S&P") does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the
completeness of the S&P 500 Index or any data included in the S&P 500 Index. S&P
makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the
Company, MLPF&S, the holders of the MITTS, or any other person or entity from
the use of the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein in connection with the
rights licensed under the license agreement described herein or for any other
use. S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaims all
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect
to the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, in no event shall S&P have any liability for any
special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits),
even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
"Standard & Poor's(R)"; "S&P(R)"; "S&P 500"; and "Standard & Poor's 500" are
trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., which have been licensed for use
by Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. The Company is an authorized
sublicensee.
State of North Carolina
We are required to disclose that the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of
North Carolina has not approved or disapproved the offering of the MITTS nor has
the Commissioner determined the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
3
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus
is delivered, on written or oral request of such person, a copy (without
exhibits other than exhibits specifically incorporated by reference) of any or
all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lawrence M. Egan, Jr., Corporate Secretary's
Office, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New
York 10080-6512; telephone number (212) 602-8435.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any securities other than the registered Securities to which it
relates or an offer to, or a solicitation of an offer to buy from, any person in
any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to its date.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
4
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios for earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
Nine Months
Ended
Year Ended Last Friday in December September 26, 1997
------------------------------------ ------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges...................... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
- ------------------------------
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in MITTS will involve certain risks. For example, there is the
risk that you might not earn a return on your investment, and the risk that you
will be unable to sell your MITTS prior to their maturity. You should carefully
consider the following discussion of risks before deciding whether an investment
in the MITTS is suitable for you.
The Supplemental Redemption Amount.
The Benchmark Index Value exceeded the closing value of the S&P 500 Index
(i.e., the Starting Index Value) on the date the MITTS were priced for initial
sale to the public (the "Pricing Date") by 15%. You should be aware that if the
Ending Index Value does not exceed the Starting Index Value at maturity by more
than 15%, the Supplemental Redemption Amount will be zero. This will be true
even if the value of the S&P 500 Index was higher than the Benchmark Index Value
at some time during the life of the MITTS but later falls below the Benchmark
Index Value. If the Supplemental Redemption Amount is zero, we will pay you only
the Adjusted Principal Amount of your MITTS.
You will not receive a Supplemental Redemption Amount that exceeds $10 per
Unit regardless of how much the Index increases. If the S&P 500 Index reaches a
value of two times the Benchmark Index Value, you will receive a Supplemental
Redemption Amount of $10. Since $10 is the maximum Supplemental Redemption
Amount we will pay, you will not receive any incremental benefit from increases
beyond that value. If we pay you the maximum Supplemental Redemption Amount of
$10 per unit, this will represent a maximum annualized rate of return of 7.05%
compounded semi-annually over a term of ten years. This limitation does not
apply to the Adjusted Principal Amount which is dependent on changes in the CPI.
Your yield may be lower than the yield on a standard debt security of comparable
maturity.
The amount we pay you at maturity may be less than the return you could earn
on other investments. Your yield may be less than the yield you would earn if
you bought a standard senior non-callable debt security of the Company with the
same maturity date. Your investment may not reflect the full opportunity cost to
you when you consider the effect of factors that affect the time value of money.
5
Your return will not reflect the payment of dividends.
S&P calculates the Index by reference to the prices of the common stocks
comprising the Index without taking into consideration the value of dividends
paid on those stocks. Therefore, the return you earn on the MITTS, if any, will
not be the same as the return that you would earn if you actually owned each of
the common stocks in the Index and received the dividends paid on those stocks.
Consumer Price Index.
The Adjusted Principal Amount will be affected by changes in the CPI. Such
changes may be significant. Changes in the CPI are a function of the changes in
specified consumer prices over time, which result from the interaction of many
factors over which the Company has no control.
In the past, the CPI has experienced periods of volatility and such volatility
may occur in the future. Fluctuations and trends in the CPI that have occurred
in the past are not necessarily indicative, however, of fluctuations that may
occur in the future.
In addition, the Congressionally-appointed Boskin Commission concluded in its
report released in December 1996 that the CPI overstates increases in the cost
of living and recommended significant adjustments to the calculation of the
index. Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan, also recently
testified before Congress to similar effect. Recently Congressional leaders and
the President proposed that a panel be formed to review the accuracy of the CPI
as a measure of inflation. To date, neither the BLS nor Congress has adopted or
mandated any change in the manner in which the CPI is calculated. However, there
can be no assurance that such a change will not be adopted or mandated. As a
result of any such change, the Adjusted Principal Amount payable on the MITTS,
and therefore the value of the MITTS could be significantly reduced. If the CPI
is substantially altered, a substitute index may be employed to calculate the
Adjusted Principal Amount as described under "Description of Securities--Payment
at Maturity".
Uncertain trading market.
The MITTS are traded on the NYSE under the symbol "IEM". While there have been
a number of issuances of Market Index Target-Term Securities, trading volumes
have varied historically from one transaction to another and it is therefore
impossible to predict how the MITTS will trade. You cannot assume that a trading
market will develop for the MITTS. If such a trading market does develop, there
can be no assurance that there will be liquidity in the trading market. The
development of a trading market for the MITTS will depend on the financial
performance of the Company, and other factors such as the appreciation, if any,
of the value of the Index and changes in the value or the method of calculating
the CPI.
If the trading market for the MITTS is limited, there may be a limited number
of buyers when you decide to sell your MITTS if you do not wish to hold your
investment until maturity. This may affect the price you receive.
Factors affecting trading value of the MITTS.
We believe that the market value of the MITTS will be affected by the value of
the Index and the CPI and by a number of other factors. Some of these factors
are interrelated in complex ways; as a result, the effect of any one factor may
be offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. The following paragraphs
describe the expected impact on the market value of the MITTS given a change in
a specific factor, assuming all other conditions remain constant.
6
. Index Value. We expect that the market value of the MITTS will depend
substantially on the amount by which the Index exceeds the Benchmark Index
Value. If you choose to sell your MITTS when the value of the Index exceeds
the Benchmark Index Value, you may receive substantially less than the amount
that would be payable at maturity based on that Index value because of the
expectation that the Index will continue to fluctuate until the Ending Index
Value is determined. If you choose to sell your MITTS when the value of the
Index is below the Benchmark Index Value, you may receive less than the $10
principal amount per Unit of MITTS. In general, rising U.S. dividend rates
(i.e., dividends per share) may increase the value of the Index while falling
U.S. dividend rates may decrease the value of the Index. Political, economic
and other developments that affect the stocks underlying the Index may also
affect the value of the Index and the value of the MITTS.
. Interest Rates. Because the MITTS repay, at a minimum, the principal amount
at maturity, we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will be affected by
changes in interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, we
expect that the trading value of the MITTS will decrease. If U.S. interest
rates decrease, we expect the trading value of the MITTS will increase.
Interest rates may also affect the U.S. economy and, in turn, the value of the
Index. Rising interest rates may lower the value of the Index and, thus, the
MITTS. Falling rates may increase the value of the Index and, thus, may
increase the value of the MITTS.
. CPI. The Adjusted Principal Amount of the MITTS will generally be higher in
direct proportion to the percentage increase, if any, in the CPI from when the
Initial CPI is fixed to when the Final CPI is determined. However, interim
increases in the CPI may or may not result in increases in the trading value
of the MITTS because of other economic factors. For example, an increase in
the CPI may be accompanied by higher interest rates. Such higher interest
rates could offset any positive impact of increases in the CPI on the trading
value of the MITTS.
. Volatility of the Index or of the CPI. Volatility is the term used to
describe the size and frequency of market fluctuations. If the volatility of
the Index or of the CPI increases, we expect that the trading value of the
MITTS will increase. If the volatility of the Index or of the CPI decreases,
we expect that the trading value of the MITTS will decrease.
. Time Remaining to Maturity. The MITTS may trade at a value above that which
would be expected based on the level of interest rates and the Index. This
difference will reflect a "time premium" due to expectations concerning the
value of the Index during the period prior to maturity of the MITTS. However,
as the time remaining to maturity of the MITTS decreases, we expect that this
time premium will decrease, lowering the trading value of the MITTS.
. Dividend Yields. If dividend yields on the stocks comprising the Index
increase, we expect that the value of the MITTS will decrease. Conversely, if
dividend yields on the stocks comprising the Index decrease, we expect that
the value of the MITTS will increase.
. Company Credit Ratings. Real or anticipated changes in the Company's credit
ratings may affect the market value of the MITTS.
We want you to understand that the impact of one of the factors specified
above, such as an increase in interest rates, may offset some or all of any
increase in the trading value of the MITTS attributable to another factor, such
as an increase in the Index value.
In general, assuming all relevant factors are held constant, we expect that
the effect on the trading value of the MITTS of a given change in most of the
factors listed above will be less if it occurs later in the term of the MITTS
than if it occurs earlier in the term of the MITTS except that we expect that
the effect on the trading value of the MITTS of a given increase in the value of
the Index or the CPI will be greater if it occurs later in the term of the MITTS
than if it occurs earlier in the term of the MITTS.
7
State law limits on interest paid.
New York State laws govern the Senior Indenture, as hereinafter defined. New
York has certain usury laws that limit the amount of interest that can be
charged and paid on loans, which includes debt securities like the MITTS. Under
present New York law, the maximum rate of interest is 25% per annum on a simple
interest basis. This limit may not apply to debt securities in which $2,500,000
or more has been invested.
While we believe that New York law would be given effect by a state or Federal
court sitting outside of New York, many other states also have laws that
regulate the amount of interest that may be charged to and paid by a borrower.
We will promise, for the benefit of the MITTS holders, to the extent permitted
by law, not to voluntarily claim the benefits of any laws concerning usurious
rates of interest.
Purchases and sales by Merrill Lynch.
The Company, MLPF&S and other affiliates of the Company may from time to time
buy or sell the stocks underlying the Index for their own accounts for business
reasons or in connection with hedging the Company's obligations under the MITTS.
These transactions could affect the price of such stocks and the value of the
Index.
Potential conflicts.
The Calculation Agent is a subsidiary of the Company, the issuer of the MITTS.
Under certain circumstances, MLPF&S's roles as a subsidiary of the Company and
its responsibilities as Calculation Agent for the MITTS could give rise to
conflicts of interests. You should be aware that because the Calculation Agent
is controlled by the Company, potential conflicts of interest could arise;
however, the Calculation Agent is subject to limits and has certain duties. For
example, in the case of the CPI, the Calculation Agent could only adjust a value
of the CPI to undo a change to how the CPI is calculated or select a successor
measure for inflation to maintain the intended economic benefits of the MITTS to
you if the CPI is discontinued. The Calculation Agent could not otherwise adjust
a value of the CPI or replace the CPI with another measure of inflation.
Other Considerations.
Investors should also consider the tax consequences of investing in the
Securities and should consult their tax advisors.
8
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Senior Indenture, referred to as the "Senior Indenture", which is more fully
described below. The Securities will mature on September 24, 2007.
While at maturity a beneficial owner of a Security will receive the Adjusted
Principal Amount of such Security plus the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if
any, there will be no other payment of interest, periodic or otherwise. See
"Payment at Maturity" below.
The Securities are not subject to redemption by the Company or at the option
of any beneficial owner prior to maturity. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Securities, beneficial owners of the Securities may
accelerate the maturity of the Securities, as described under "Description of
Securities--Events of Default and Acceleration" and "Other Terms--Events of
Default" in this Prospectus.
The Securities are to be issued in denominations of whole Units.
Payment at Maturity
General
At maturity, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive the
Adjusted Principal Amount thereof plus a Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any,
all as provided below. If the Ending Index Value does not exceed the Benchmark
Index Value, a beneficial owner of a Security will be entitled to receive only
the Adjusted Principal Amount thereof.
Determination of the Adjusted Principal Amount
The Adjusted Principal Amount for a Security will be determined by MLPF&S, as
calculation agent, and will equal the greater of:
(a) the principal amount of such Security ($10 for each Unit); and
(b) the principal amount of such Security X Final CPI
---------
Initial CPI
Initial CPI equals 160.3, the value of the CPI for the third calendar month
prior to the month containing the Pricing Date. Final CPI shall be determined by
the Calculation Agent and will equal the value of the CPI for the third calendar
month prior to September 24, 2007 as reported on the seventh calendar day prior
to the maturity date. CPI means the non-seasonally adjusted U.S. City Average
All Items Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, published monthly by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor (the "BLS").
If a previously reported CPI value is revised by the BLS after the Final CPI
is determined, the Calculation Agent will continue to use the previously
reported CPI value in calculating the Adjusted Principal Amount.
If the CPI is rebased to a different year, the Calculation Agent will continue
to use the CPI based on the base reference period in effect on the Pricing Date
for such purposes, as long as the CPI continues to be published.
9
Determination of the Supplemental Redemption Amount
The Supplemental Redemption Amount for a Security will be determined by the
Calculation Agent and will equal:
Principal Amount of such Security ($10 per Unit) X Ending Index Value--Benchmark Index Value
-----------------------------------------
Benchmark Index Value
provided, however, that in no event will the Supplemental Redemption Amount be
less than zero or more than $10 per Unit. As indicated in the formula above, the
Supplemental Redemption Amount for the MITTS will be calculated using the
principal amount of the MITTS, not the Adjusted Principal Amount which may be
greater if the CPI has increased over the term of the MITTS.
The Benchmark Index Value equals 1089.38. The Benchmark Index Value was
determined on the Pricing Date by multiplying the Starting Index Value by a
factor equal to 115%. The Ending Index Value will be determined by the
Calculation Agent and will equal the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing
values of the Index determined on each of the first five Calculation Days during
the Calculation Period. If there are fewer than five Calculation Days, then the
Ending Index Value will equal the average (arithmetic mean) of the closing
values of the Index on such Calculation Days, and if there is only one
Calculation Day, then the Ending Index Value will equal the closing value of the
Index on such Calculation Day. If no Calculation Days occur during the
Calculation Period because of Market Disruption Events, then the Ending Index
Value will equal the closing value of the Index determined on the last scheduled
Index Business Day in the Calculation Period, regardless of the occurrences of a
Market Disruption Event on such day. The "Calculation Period" means the period
from and including the seventh scheduled Index Business Day prior to the
maturity date to and including the second scheduled Index Business Day prior to
the maturity date. "Calculation Day" means any Index Business Day during the
Calculation Period on which a Market Disruption Event has not occurred. For
purposes of determining the Ending Index Value, an "Index Business Day" is a day
on which the NYSE and the American Stock Exchange are open for trading and the
Index or any Successor Index, as defined below, is calculated and published. All
determinations made by the Calculation Agent shall be at the sole discretion of
the Calculation Agent and, absent a determination by the Calculation Agent of a
manifest error, shall be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company
and beneficial owners of the Securities.
Hypothetical Returns
The following table provides the amount payable to beneficial owners of
Securities related to the pretax annualized rates of return given in the table
on the following page for a range of hypothetical annualized rates of change in
the CPI and percentage changes in the Index from the Starting Index Value to the
Ending Index Value.
Annualized Rate of Change in CPI
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage Change in Index
from Starting Index Value -3.00% -1.00% 0.00% 1.00% 3.00% 5.00% 7.00% 9.00%
----------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
-50.00%..................... $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 $11.05 $13.44 $16.29 $19.67 $23.67
-30.00%..................... 10.00 10.00 10.00 11.05 13.44 16.29 19.67 23.67
-10.00%..................... 10.00 10.00 10.00 11.05 13.44 16.29 19.67 23.67
0.00%...................... 10.00 10.00 10.00 11.05 13.44 16.29 19.67 23.67
10.00%...................... 10.00 10.00 10.00 11.05 13.44 16.29 19.67 23.67
30.00%...................... 11.30 11.30 11.30 12.35 14.74 17.59 20.98 24.98
50.00%...................... 13.04 13.04 13.04 14.09 16.48 19.33 22.71 26.72
70.00%...................... 14.78 14.78 14.78 15.83 18.22 21.07 24.45 28.46
90.00%...................... 16.52 16.52 16.52 17.57 19.96 22.81 26.19 30.20
110.00%..................... 18.26 18.26 18.26 19.31 21.70 24.55 27.93 31.93
10
Annualized Rate of Change in CPI
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage Change in Index
from Starting Index Value -3.00% -1.00% 0.00% 1.00% 3.00% 5.00% 7.00% 9.00%
---------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
130.00%..................... 20.00 20.00 20.00 21.05 23.44 26.29 29.67 33.67
150.00%..................... 20.00 20.00 20.00 21.05 23.44 26.29 29.67 33.67
170.00%..................... 20.00 20.00 20.00 21.05 23.44 26.29 29.67 33.67
190.00%..................... 20.00 20.00 20.00 21.05 23.44 26.29 29.67 33.67
The following table provides the pretax annualized rate of return to
beneficial owners of the Securities for a range of hypothetical annualized rates
of change in the CPI and percentage changes in the Index from the Starting Index
Value to the Ending Index Value. The far right column of the table provides the
pretax annualized rate of return of an investment in the stocks underlying the
Index (which includes an assumed aggregate dividend yield of 1.60% per annum, as
more fully described below).
Annualized Rate of Change in CPI (1)
----------------------------------------------------------
Percentage Change Pretax Annualized
in Index Rate of Return of
from Starting Stocks Underlying
Index Value -3.00% -1.00% 0.00% 1.00% 3.00% 5.00% 7.00% 9.00% the Index (2)
----------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------ -----------------
-50.00%....... 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.00% 2.98% 4.94% 6.88% 8.81% ain-5.24%
-30.00%....... 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.00% 2.98% 4.94% 6.88% 8.81% -1.95%
-10.00%....... 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.00% 2.98% 4.94% 6.88% 8.81% 0.55%
0.00%........ 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.00% 2.98% 4.94% 6.88% 8.81% 1.60%
10.00%........ 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.00% 2.98% 4.94% 6.88% 8.81% 2.56%
30.00%........ 1.23% 1.23% 1.23% 2.12% 3.92% 5.73% 7.55% 9.37% 4.25%
50.00%........ 2.67% 2.67% 2.67% 3.46% 5.06% 6.70% 8.38% 10.07% 5.71%
70.00%........ 3.95% 3.95% 3.95% 4.65% 6.09% 7.59% 9.15% 10.74% 7.00%
90.00%........ 5.08% 5.08% 5.08% 5.72% 7.03% 8.42% 9.86% 11.36% 8.15%
110.00%....... 6.11% 6.11% 6.11% 6.69% 7.90% 9.19% 10.54% 11.95% 9.20%
130.00%....... 7.05% 7.05% 7.05% 7.58% 8.70% 9.90% 11.18% 12.52% 10.15%
150.00%....... 7.05% 7.05% 7.05% 7.58% 8.70% 9.90% 11.18% 12.52% 11.02%
170.00%....... 7.05% 7.05% 7.05% 7.58% 8.70% 9.90% 11.18% 12.52% 11.84%
190.00%....... 7.05% 7.05% 7.05% 7.58% 8.70% 9.90% 11.18% 12.52% 12.60%
- ------------------------------------
(1) The annualized rates of return specified in the preceding table are
calculated on a semiannual bond equivalent basis.
(2) This rate of return assumes (a) an investment of a fixed amount in the
stocks underlying the Index with the allocation of such amount reflecting
the current relative weights of such stocks in the Index; (b) a percentage
change in the aggregate price of such stocks that equals the percentage
change in the Index from the Starting Index Value to the relevant
hypothetical Ending Index Value; (c) a constant dividend yield of 1.60% per
annum, paid quarterly from the date of initial delivery of Securities,
applied to the value of the Index at the end of each such quarter assuming
such value increases or decreases linearly from the Starting Index Value to
the applicable hypothetical Ending Index Value; (d) no transaction fees or
expenses; (e) a term for the Securities from September 24, 1997 to September
24, 2007; and (f) a final Index value equal to the Ending Index Value. The
aggregate dividend yield of the stocks underlying the Index as of September
18, 1997 was approximately 1.60%.
As you can see from the foregoing tables, if you assume a 3% per annum
change in the CPI during the term of the Securities and a 70% increase in the
Index from the Starting Index Value to the Ending Index Value, $18.22 would be
payable at the maturity of the Securities and the pretax annualized rate of
return to beneficial owners of the Securities calculated on a semi-annual bond
equivalent basis would be 6.09%. Given a fixed annual percentage change in the
CPI, any increase in the value of the Index above 230% of the Starting Index
Value (i.e., a percentage
11
increase in the Index from the Starting Index Value of 130%) will not increase
the pretax annualized rate of return on the Securities.
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only. The actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount received by investors and the total and pretax
annualized rate of return resulting therefrom will depend entirely on the actual
Ending Index Value determined by the Calculation Agent as provided herein.
Adjustments to the CPI
If at any time the method of calculating the CPI, or the value thereof, is
changed in any material respect, or if the CPI is in any other way modified so
that such CPI does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the CPI had such changes or modifications not been made,
then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall make such
adjustments for purposes of determining the Final CPI as, in the good faith
judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order to arrive at a
calculation of a value of an inflation index comparable to the CPI as if such
changes or modifications had not been made.
If the CPI is discontinued while the Securities are outstanding, the
Calculation Agent shall determine an alternative index that in the Calculation
Agent's sole discretion is comparable to the CPI (the "Successor CPI"). Upon the
Calculation Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the
Company, the Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor CPI for the CPI.
The Calculation Agent may make such adjustments to the values of the Successor
CPI in order to maintain the intended economic benefits to the Company and the
Holders of the Securities. Upon any selection by the Calculation Agent of a
Successor CPI, the Company shall cause notice thereof to be given to the Holders
of the Securities.
Adjustments to the Index; Market Disruption Events
If at any time the method of calculating the Index, or the value thereof, is
changed in any material respect, or if the Index is in any other way modified so
that such Index does not, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, fairly
represent the value of the Index had such changes or modifications not been
made, then, from and after such time, the Calculation Agent shall, at the close
of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing value with
respect to the Ending Index Value is to be calculated, make such adjustments as,
in the good faith judgment of the Calculation Agent, may be necessary in order
to arrive at a calculation of a value of a stock index comparable to the Index
as if such changes or modifications had not been made, and calculate such
closing value with reference to the Index, as adjusted. Accordingly, if the
method of calculating the Index is modified so that the value of such Index is a
fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified
(e.g., due to a split in the Index), then the Calculation Agent shall adjust
such Index in order to arrive at a value of the Index as if it had not been
modified (e.g., as if such split had not occurred).
"Market Disruption Event" means either of the following events, as determined
by the Calculation Agent:
(a) the suspension or material limitation (limitations pursuant to New York
Stock Exchange Rule 80A (or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or
promulgated by the New York Stock Exchange or any other self regulatory
organization or the Commission of similar scope as determined by the Calculation
Agent) on trading during significant market fluctuations shall be considered
"material" for purposes of this definition), in each case, for more than two
hours of trading in 100 or more of the securities included in the Index, or
(b) the suspension or material limitation, in each case, for more than two
hours of trading (whether by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding
levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in (A) futures contracts
related to the Index which are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or (B)
option contracts related to the Index which are traded on the Chicago Board
Options Exchange, Inc.
12
For the purposes of this definition, a limitation on the hours in a trading
day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption
Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of
the relevant exchange.
Discontinuance of the Index
If S&P discontinues publication of the Index and S&P or another entity
publishes a successor or substitute index that the Calculation Agent determines,
in its sole discretion, to be comparable to such Index (any such index being
referred to hereinafter as a "Successor Index"), then, upon the Calculation
Agent's notification of such determination to the Trustee and the Company, the
Calculation Agent will substitute the Successor Index as calculated by S&P or
such other entity for the Index and calculate the Ending Index Value as
described above under "Payment at Maturity". Upon any selection by the
Calculation Agent of a Successor Index, the Company shall cause notice thereof
to be given to Holders of the Securities.
If S&P discontinues publication of the Index and a Successor Index is not
selected by the Calculation Agent or is no longer published on any of the
Calculation Days, the value to be substituted for the Index for any such
Calculation Day used to calculate the Supplemental Redemption Amount at maturity
will be a value computed by the Calculation Agent for each Calculation Day in
accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the Index prior to any
such discontinuance. If a Successor Index is selected or the Calculation Agent
calculates a value as a substitute for the Index as described below, such
Successor Index or value shall be substituted for the Index for all purposes,
including for purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event exists.
If S&P discontinues publication of the Index prior to the period during which
the Supplemental Redemption Amount is to be determined and the Calculation Agent
determines that no Successor Index is available at such time, then on each
Business Day until the earlier to occur of (a) the determination of the Ending
Index Value and (b) a determination by the Calculation Agent that a Successor
Index is available, the Calculation Agent shall determine the value that would
be used in computing the Supplemental Redemption Amount as described in the
preceding paragraph as if such day were a Calculation Day. The Calculation Agent
will cause notice of each such value to be published not less often than once
each month in The Wall Street Journal (or another newspaper of general
circulation), and arrange for information with respect to such values to be made
available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements,
discontinuance of the publication of the Index may adversely affect trading in
the Securities.
Events of Default and Acceleration
In case an Event of Default with respect to any Securities shall have occurred
and be continuing, the amount payable to a beneficial owner of a Security upon
any acceleration permitted by the Securities, with respect to each $10 principal
amount thereof, will be equal to the Adjusted Principal Amount and the
Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, calculated as though the date of early
repayment were the stated maturity date of the Securities. See "Description of
Securities--Payment at Maturity" in this Prospectus. If a bankruptcy proceeding
is commenced in respect of the Company, the claim of the beneficial owner of a
Security may be limited, under Section 502(b)(2) of Title 11 of the United
States Code, to the principal amount of the Security plus an additional amount
of contingent interest calculated as though the date of the commencement of the
proceeding were the maturity date of the Securities.
In case of default in payment at the maturity date of the Securities (whether
at their stated maturity or upon acceleration), from and after the maturity date
the Securities shall bear interest, payable upon demand of the beneficial owners
thereof, at the rate of 6.58% per annum (to the extent that payment of such
interest shall be legally
13
enforceable) on the unpaid amount due and payable on such date in accordance
with the terms of the Securities to the date payment of such amount has been
made or duly provided for.
Depository
Upon issuance, all Securities will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Securities"). Each such Global
Security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"), as Depository, registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership
nominee). Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in
definitive form, no Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the
Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to
such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or
any such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is a registered owner of a Global Security,
DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or
Holder of the Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Senior Indenture. Except as provided below, the actual owner of the
Securities represented by a Global Security (the "Beneficial Owner") will not be
entitled to have the Securities represented by such Global Securities registered
in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
the Securities in definitive form, except in the event that use of the book-
entry system for the Securities is discontinued, and will not be considered the
owners or Holders thereof under the Senior Indenture, including for purposes of
receiving any reports delivered by the Company or the Trustee pursuant to the
Senior Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a
Global Security must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such Person is not a
participant of DTC (a "Participant"), on the procedures of the Participant
through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder
under the Senior Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of Holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in such a Global Security desires to give or
take any action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Senior
Indenture, DTC would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would authorize
Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of
notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, as defined below, and by Participants and Indirect
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time.
If (x) the Depository is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60
days, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to
the effect that the Global Securities shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities, the
Global Securities will be exchangeable for Securities in definitive form of like
tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount, in denominations of $10 and
integral multiples thereof. Such definitive Securities shall be registered in
such name or names as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected
that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository
from Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such
Global Securities.
The following is based on information furnished by DTC:
DTC will act as securities depository for the Securities. The Securities will
be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co.
(DTC's partnership nominee). One or more fully registered Global Security will
be issued for the Securities in the aggregate principal amount of such issue,
and will be deposited with DTC.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing
14
corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a
"clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the
Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its Participants deposit with DTC. DTC
also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities transactions,
such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic
computerized book-entry changes in Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating
the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants
of DTC ("Direct Participants") include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is
owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by The New York Stock Exchange,
Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc., and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC's system is also available to others
such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either
directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC
and its Participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Purchases of Securities under the DTC's system must be made by or through
Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Securities on the DTC's
records. The ownership interest of each Beneficial Owner is in turn to be
recorded on the records of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their
purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations
providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their
holdings, from the Direct Participants or Indirect Participants through which
such Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership
interests in the Securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books
of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will
not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in Securities,
except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Securities is
discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Securities deposited with DTC are
registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of
Securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. effect no
change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial
Owners of the Securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct
Participants to whose accounts such Securities are credited, which may or may
not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for
keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants,
by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and
Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements
among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to the
Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to the
Company as soon as possible after the applicable record date. The Omnibus Proxy
assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to
whose accounts the Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a
listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Principal, premium, if any, and/or interest, if any, payments on the
Securities will be made in immediately available funds to DTC. DTC's practice is
to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the applicable payment date in
accordance with their respective holdings shown on the Depository's records
unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such date.
Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for
the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name", and
will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, the Trustee or
the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time. Payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or
interest, if any, to DTC is the responsibility of the Company or the Trustee,
disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants shall be the responsibility
of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners shall be the
responsibility of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with
respect to the Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Company
or the Trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor
securities depository is not obtained, Security certificates are required to be
printed and delivered.
15
The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry
transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event,
Security certificates will be printed and delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's system has been
obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable, but the Company
takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
All payments of Adjusted Principal Amount and the Supplemental Redemption
Amount, if any, will be made by the Company in immediately available funds so
long as the Securities are maintained in book-entry form.
THE INDEX
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the Index, including,
without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its
components, is derived from publicly available information prepared by S&P.
General
The Index is published by S&P and is intended to provide an indication of the
pattern of common stock price movement. The calculation of the value of the
Index (discussed below in further detail) is based on the relative value of the
aggregate Market Value (as defined below) of the common stocks of 500 companies
as of a particular time as compared to the aggregate average Market Value of the
common stocks of 500 similar companies during the base period of the years 1941
through 1943. As of August 31, 1997, the 500 companies included in the Index
represented approximately 79% of the aggregate Market Value of common stocks
traded on the NYSE; however, these 500 companies are not the 500 largest
companies listed on the NYSE and not all of these 500 companies are listed on
such exchange. As of August 31, 1997, the aggregate market value of the 500
companies included in the Index represented approximately 71% of the aggregate
market value of United States domestic, public companies. S&P chooses companies
for inclusion in the Index with the aim of achieving a distribution by broad
industry groupings that approximates the distribution of these groupings in the
common stock population of the NYSE, which S&P uses as an assumed model for the
composition of the total market. Relevant criteria employed by S&P include the
viability of the particular company, the extent to which that company represents
the industry group to which it is assigned, the extent to which the market price
of that Company's common stock is generally responsive to changes in the affairs
of the respective industry and the Market Value and trading activity of the
common stock of that company. As of August 31, 1997, the 500 companies included
in the Index were divided into 103 individual groups. These individual groups
comprised the following four main groups of companies (with the number of
companies currently included in each group indicated in parentheses):
Industrials (383), Utilities (37), Transportation (11) and Financial (69). S&P
may from time to time, in its sole discretion, add companies to, or delete
companies from, the Index to achieve the objectives stated above.
Computation of the Index
S&P currently computes the Index as of a particular time as follows:
(1) the product of the market price per share and the number of then
outstanding shares of each component stock is determined as of such time (such
product referred to as the "Market Value" of such stock);
(2) the Market Value of all component stocks as of such time (as determined
under clause (1) above) are aggregated;
16
(3) the mean average of the Market Values as of each week in the base period
of the years 1941 through 1943 of the common stock of each company in a group of
500 substantially similar companies is determined;
(4) the mean average Market Values of all such common stocks over such base
period (as determined under clause (3) above) are aggregated (such aggregate
amount being referred to as the "Base Value");
(5) the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks as of such time (as
determined under clause (2) above) is divided by the Base Value; and
(6) the resulting quotient (expressed in decimals) is multiplied by ten.
While S&P currently employs the above methodology to calculate the Index, no
assurance can be given that S&P will not modify or change such methodology in a
manner that may affect the Supplemental Redemption Amount, if any, payable to
beneficial owners of Securities upon maturity or otherwise.
S&P adjusts the foregoing formula to negate the effect of changes in the
Market Value of a component stock that are determined by S&P to be arbitrary or
not due to true market fluctuations. Such changes may result from such causes as
the issuance of stock dividends, the granting to shareholders of rights to
purchase additional shares of such stock, the purchase thereof by employees
pursuant to employee benefit plans, certain consolidations and acquisitions, the
granting to shareholders of rights to purchase other securities of the company,
the substitution by S&P of particular component stocks in the Index, and other
reasons. In all such cases, S&P first recalculates the aggregate Market Value of
all component stocks (after taking account of the new market price per share of
the particular component stock or the new number of outstanding shares thereof
or both, as the case may be) and then determines the New Base Value in
accordance with the following formula:
Old Base Value X New Market Value = New Base Value
----------------
Old Market Value
The result is that the Base Value is adjusted in proportion to any change in
the aggregate Market Value of all component stocks resulting from the causes
referred to above to the extent necessary to negate the effects of such causes
upon the Index.
License Agreement
S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. have entered into a non-exclusive
license agreement providing for the license to Merrill Lynch Capital Services,
Inc., in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by
S&P in connection with certain securities, including the Securities, and the
Company is an authorized sublicensee thereof.
The license agreement between S&P and Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc.
provides that the following language must be stated in this Prospectus:
"The Securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P
makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Holders of the
Securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing
in securities generally or in the Securities particularly or the ability of
the Index to track general stock market performance. S&P's only relationship
to Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc. and the Company (other than
transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business) is the licensing
of certain servicemarks and trade names of S&P and of the Index which is
determined, composed and calculated by S&P without regard to the Company or
the Securities. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the
Holders of the Securities into consideration in determining, composing or
calculating the Index. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in
the
17
determination of the timing of the sale of the Securities, prices at which the
Securities are to initially be sold, or quantities of the Securities to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the
Securities are to be converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability
in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
Securities."
CPI
General
The CPI is a measure of the average change in consumer prices over time for a
fixed market basket of goods and services, including food, clothing, shelter,
fuels, transportation, charges for doctors and dentists services, and drugs. In
calculating the index, price changes for the various items are averaged together
with weights that represent their importance in the spending of urban households
in the United States. The contents of the market basket of goods and services
and the weights assigned to the various items are updated periodically by the
BLS to take into account changes in consumer expenditure patterns.
All disclosure contained in this Prospectus regarding the CPI, including,
without limitation, its composition, method of calculation and changes in its
components, is derived from publicly available information prepared by the
United States Government. Neither the Company nor the underwriter takes any
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information.
The CPI is expressed in relative terms in relation to a time base reference
period for which the level is set at 100. For example, if the CPI for the 1982-
1984 reference period is 100, an increase of 16.5 percent from that period would
result in a CPI value equal to 116.5. The CPI for a particular month is released
and published during the following month. From time to time, the CPI is rebased
to a more recent base reference period. The base reference period for these
Notes is the 1982-1984 average which is equal to 100.
OTHER TERMS
General
The Securities were issued as a series of Senior Debt Securities under the
Indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of April 1, 1983, as amended and
restated, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Senior Indenture is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statements relating to the Securities. The following
summaries of certain provisions of the Senior Indenture do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Senior Indenture, including the definition therein of
certain terms.
The Senior Indenture provides that series of Senior Debt Securities may
from time to time be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount, in one or more series and upon such terms as the Company may
establish pursuant to the provisions thereof.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Senior Indenture and the Securities
are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York.
The Senior Indenture provides that the Company may issue Senior Debt
Securities with terms different from those of Senior Debt Securities previously
issued, and "reopen" a previously issued series of Senior Debt Securities and
issue additional Senior Debt Securities of such series.
18
The Senior Debt Securities are unsecured and rank pari passu with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. However, since the
Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence the right of
creditors of the Company (including the Holders of Senior Debt Securities), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
Limitations Upon Liens
The Company may not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume,
incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money secured by a
pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens specifically
permitted by the Senior Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of the incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities will be secured equally and ratably with such secured
indebtedness.
Limitation on Disposition of Voting Stock of, and Merger and Sale of Assets by,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the Senior
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i) merge or consolidate, unless
the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary or (ii) convey or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, except to one or more
Controlled Subsidiaries.
Merger and Consolidation
The Indenture provides that the Company may consolidate or merge with or
into any other corporation, and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to any corporation, provided that (i) the
corporation (if other than the Company) formed by or resulting from any such
consolidation or merger or which shall have received such assets shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America or a state thereof and shall assume payment of the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Debt Securities and the performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Senior Indenture to
be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the Company or such successor
corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately thereafter be in default
under the Senior Indenture.
Modification and Waiver
Modification and amendment of the Indenture may be effected by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of 66 2/3% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of each series issued pursuant to such
indenture and affected thereby, provided that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior Debt Security
affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt
Security or any premium payable on the redemption thereof, or change the
Redemption Price; (b) reduce the principal amount of, or the interest or
Additional Amounts payable on, any Senior Debt Security or reduce the amount of
principal which could be declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity;
(c) change place or currency of any payment of principal or any premium,
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security; (d) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any Senior Debt Security; (e) reduce the percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series, the consent
19
of whose Holders is required to modify or amend the Indenture; or (f) modify the
foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage of Outstanding Senior Debt
Securities necessary to waive any past default to less than a majority. No
modification or amendment of the Subordinated Indenture or any Subsequent
Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities may adversely affect the rights of
any holder of Senior Indebtedness without the consent of such Holder. Except
with respect to certain fundamental provisions, the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of any series
may, with respect to such series, waive past defaults under the Indenture and
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions thereof.
Events of Default
Under the Senior Indenture, the following will be Events of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series: (a) default in the payment of
any interest or Additional Amounts payable on any Senior Debt Security of that
series when due, continued for 30 days; (b) default in the payment of any
principal or premium, if any, on any Senior Debt Security of that series when
due; (c) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when due, in
respect of any Senior Debt Security of that series; (d) default in the
performance of any other covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for
the benefit of such series or in the Senior Debt Securities of such series,
continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Senior Indenture;
(e) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and (f) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that
series. The Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series may declare the principal
amount (or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Senior Debt
Securities of that series) of all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that
series and the interest due thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect
thereof, if any to be due and payable immediately if an Event of Default with
respect to Senior Debt Securities of such series shall occur and be continuing
at the time of such declaration. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration has been made with respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series
but before a judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by
the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Senior Debt Securities of that series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration and its consequences, if all payments due (other than those due as
a result of acceleration) have been made and all Events of Default have been
remedied or waived. Any Event of Default with respect to Senior Debt Securities
of any series may be waived by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
all Outstanding Senior Debt Securities of that series, except in a case of
failure to pay principal or premium, if any, or interest or Additional Amounts
payable on any Senior Debt Security of that series for which payment had not
been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Senior
Debt Security of such series affected.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to Senior Debt Securities of such
series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
law or the Senior Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under the Senior Indenture at the direction of such Holders, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive from such Holders reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
complying with any such direction.
The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under the Senior
Indenture.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Solely for purposes of applying the final Treasury Department Regulations
(the "Final Regulations") concerning the United States Federal income tax
treatment of contingent payment debt instruments to the Securities, the Company
has determined that the projected payment schedule for the Securities will
consist of payment on the maturity date of a projected amount equal to $19.0973
per Unit. This represents an estimated yield on the Securities equal to 6.58%
per annum (compounded semiannually).
20
The projected payment schedule (including both the projected Redemption
Amount and the estimated yield on the Securities) has been determined solely for
United States Federal income tax purposes (i.e., for purposes of applying the
Final Regulations to the Securities), and is neither a prediction nor a
guarantee of what either the actual Adjusted Principal Amount or the actual
Supplemental Redemption Amount will be, or that either the actual Adjusted
Principal Amount will exceed $10 or that the actual Supplemental Redemption
Amount will even exceed zero.
The following table sets forth the amount of interest that will be deemed
to have accrued with respect to each Unit of the Securities during each accrual
period over a term of ten years for the Securities based upon a projected
payment schedule for the Securities (including both the projected Supplemental
Redemption Amount and the estimated yield equal to 6.58% per annum (compounded
semiannually)) as determined by the Company for purposes of application of the
Final Regulations to the Securities:
Total Interest
Deemed
Interest Deemed to to Have Accrued on
Accrue During Securities as of End
Accrual Period Accrual of Accrual Period
- -------------- Period (per Unit) (per Unit)
------------------- ---------------------
September 24, 1997 through March 23, 1998.......................... $ 0.3244 $ 0.3244
March 24, 1998 through September 23, 1998.......................... $ 0.3415 $ 0.6659
September 24, 1998 through March 23, 1999.......................... $ 0.3490 $ 1.0149
March 24, 1999 through September 23, 1999.......................... $ 0.3624 $ 1.3773
September 24, 1999 through March 23, 2000.......................... $ 0.3743 $ 1.7516
March 24, 2000 through September 23, 2000.......................... $ 0.3867 $ 2.1383
September 24, 2000 through March 23, 2001.......................... $ 0.3993 $ 2.5376
March 24, 2001 through September 23, 2001.......................... $ 0.4125 $ 2.9501
September 24, 2001 through March 23, 2002.......................... $ 0.4261 $ 3.3762
March 24, 2002 through September 23, 2002.......................... $ 0.4401 $ 3.8163
September 24, 2002 through March 23, 2003.......................... $ 0.4545 $ 4.2708
March 24, 2003 through September 23, 2003.......................... $ 0.4695 $ 4.7403
September 24, 2003 through March 23, 2004.......................... $ 0.4850 $ 5.2253
March 24, 2004 through September 23, 2004.......................... $ 0.5009 $ 5.7262
September 24, 2004 through March 23, 2005.......................... $ 0.5174 $ 6.2436
March 24, 2005 through September 23, 2005.......................... $ 0.5344 $ 6.7780
September 24, 2005 through March 23, 2006.......................... $ 0.5520 $ 7.3300
March 24, 2006 through September 23, 2006.......................... $ 0.5701 $ 7.9001
September 24, 2006 through March 23, 2007.......................... $ 0.5890 $ 8.4891
March 24, 2007 through September 24, 2007.......................... $ 0.6082 $ 9.0973
Projected Redemption Amount = $19.0973 per Unit.
All prospective investors in the Securities should consult their own tax
advisors concerning the application of the Final Regulations to their investment
in the Securities. Investors in the Securities may also obtain the projected
payment schedule, as determined by the Company for purposes of the application
of the Final Regulations to the Securities, by submitting a written request for
such information to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., Attn: Darryl W. Colletti,
Corporate Secretary's Office, 100 Church Street, 12th Floor, New York, New York
10080-6512.
21
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as st forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Act for any such
report on unaudited interim financial information because any such report is not
a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or certified by an
accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
22
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEMENT OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
6% STRYPES(SM) DUE JUNE 1, 1999
PAYABLE WITH SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(OR CASH WITH AN EQUAL VALUE)
____________________
On May 29, 1996, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued 9,775,000 of
its Structured Yield Product Exchangeable for Stock(SM), 6% STRYPES(SM) Due June
1, 1999 (each, a "STRYPES"). The issue price of each STRYPES was $22.875, which
amount was equal to the last sale price of the Class A Common Stock, par value
$1.00 per share (the "Cox Common Stock"), of Cox Communications, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Cox"), on May 22, 1996, as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange (the "Initial Price"). The STRYPES will mature on June 1, 1999 (the
"Maturity Date"). Interest on the STRYPES, at the rate of 6% of the issue price
per annum, is payable in cash quarterly in arrears on March 1, June 1, September
1 and December 1, beginning September 1, 1996. The STRYPES are unsecured
obligations of the Company ranking pari passu with all of its other unsecured
and unsubordinated indebtedness. See "Description of the STRYPES-Ranking." On
the Maturity Date, unless previously redeemed, the Company will pay and
discharge each STRYPES by delivering to the holder thereof a number of shares of
Cox Common Stock (subject to the Company's right to deliver, with respect to
all, but not less than all, shares of Cox Common Stock deliverable on the
Maturity Date, cash with an equal value) determined in accordance with the
following formula (the "Payment Rate Formula"), subject to certain adjustments:
(a) if the Maturity Price is greater than or equal to $27.91 per share of Cox
Common Stock (the "Threshold Appreciation Price"), .8196 shares of Cox Common
Stock per STRYPES, (b) if the Maturity Price is less than the Threshold
Appreciation Price but is greater than the Initial Price, a fractional share of
Cox Common Stock per STRYPES so that the value thereof (determined based on the
Maturity Price) equals the Initial Price and (c) if the Maturity Price is less
than or equal to the Initial Price, one share of Cox Common Stock per STRYPES.
The "Maturity Price" means the average Closing Price (as defined herein) per
share of Cox Common Stock on the 20 Trading Days (as defined herein) immediately
prior to the second Trading Day preceding the Maturity Date. ACCORDINGLY, THERE
CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE AMOUNT RECEIVABLE BY HOLDERS OF THE STRYPES ON THE
MATURITY DATE WILL BE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN THE ISSUE PRICE OF THE STRYPES.
IF THE MATURITY PRICE OF THE COX COMMON STOCK IS LESS THAN THE INITIAL PRICE,
SUCH AMOUNT RECEIVABLE ON THE MATURITY DATE WILL BE LESS THAN THE ISSUE PRICE
PAID FOR THE STRYPES, IN WHICH CASE AN INVESTMENT IN THE STRYPES WILL RESULT IN
A LOSS. See "Description of the STRYPES."
From and after a tax event date (as defined herein), the STRYPES will be
redeemed at the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, at the Tax
Event Redemption Price (as defined herein). See "Description of the STRYPES--
Special Redemption Upon Tax Event." The STRYPES are not subject to any sinking
fund.
Cox is not affiliated with the Company and has no obligation with respect to
the STRYPES.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 3 FOR CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN
INVESTMENT IN THE STRYPES.
The STRYPES have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under
the symbol "CML."
____________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
____________________
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the STRYPES and is to be
used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("MLPF&S"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with offers
and sales related to market-making transactions in the STRYPES. MLPF&S may act
as principal or agent in such transactions. The STRYPES may be offered on the
NYSE or off such exchange in negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Sales will
be made at prices related to prevailing prices at the time of sale. The
distribution of the STRYPES will conform to the requirements set forth in the
applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
___________________________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
____________________________
The date of this Prospectus is January __, 1998
(SM) Service Mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
The Commissioner of Insurance of The State of North Carolina has not approved
or disapproved the offering of the STRYPES made hereby, nor has the Commissioner
passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), covering the STRYPES. This Prospectus does not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the
exhibits thereto, to which reference is hereby made.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1996,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June 27,
1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 13,
1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997, May
2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF
ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS
FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN
ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS
OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
RISK FACTORS
COMPARISON TO OTHER DEBT SECURITIES; RELATIONSHIP TO COX COMMON STOCK
The terms of the STRYPES differ from those of ordinary debt securities in
that the value of the Cox Common Stock (or, pursuant to the option of the
Company, the amount of cash) that a holder of a STRYPES will receive on the
Maturity Date is not fixed, but is based on the Maturity Price of the Cox Common
Stock (see "Description of the STRYPES"). THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT SUCH
AMOUNT RECEIVABLE BY THE HOLDER ON THE MATURITY DATE WILL BE EQUAL TO OR GREATER
THAN THE ISSUE PRICE OF THE STRYPES. IF THE MATURITY PRICE OF THE COX COMMON
STOCK IS LESS THAN THE INITIAL PRICE, SUCH AMOUNT RECEIVABLE ON THE MATURITY
DATE WILL BE LESS THAN THE ISSUE PRICE PAID FOR THE STRYPES, IN WHICH CASE AN
INVESTMENT IN STRYPES WILL RESULT IN A LOSS. ACCORDINGLY, A HOLDER OF STRYPES
ASSUMES THE RISK THAT THE MARKET VALUE OF THE COX COMMON STOCK MAY DECLINE, AND
THAT SUCH DECLINE COULD BE SUBSTANTIAL.
LIMITATION ON OPPORTUNITY FOR EQUITY APPRECIATION
The opportunity for equity appreciation afforded by an investment in the
STRYPES is less than the opportunity for equity appreciation afforded by a
direct investment in the Cox Common Stock because the amount receivable by a
holder of a STRYPES on the Maturity Date will only exceed the issue price of
such STRYPES if the Maturity Price of the Cox Common Stock exceeds the Threshold
Appreciation Price (which represents an appreciation of 22% over the Initial
Price). Moreover, holders of the STRYPES will only be entitled to receive on the
Maturity Date 81.96% (the percentage equal to the Initial Price divided by the
Threshold Appreciation Price) of any appreciation of the value of Cox Common
Stock in excess of the Threshold Appreciation Price. See "Description of the
STRYPES." Because the price of the Cox Common Stock is subject to market
fluctuations, the value of the Cox Common Stock (or, pursuant to the option of
the Company, the amount of cash) received by a holder of a STRYPES on the
Maturity Date, determined as described herein, may be more or less than the
issue price of the STRYPES.
FACTORS AFFECTING TRADING PRICES
The trading prices of the STRYPES in the secondary market will be directly
affected by the trading prices of the Cox Common Stock in the secondary market.
It is impossible to predict whether the price of Cox Common Stock will rise or
fall. Trading prices of Cox Common Stock will be influenced by Cox's operating
results and prospects, by complex and interrelated political, economic,
financial and other factors and market conditions that can affect the capital
markets generally, the market segment of which Cox is a part, the NYSE (on which
the Cox Common Stock is traded), including the level of, and fluctuations in,
the trading prices of stocks generally and sales of substantial amounts of Cox
Common Stock in the market subsequent to the offering of the STRYPES or the
perception that such sales could occur, and by other events that are difficult
to predict and beyond the Company's control.
3
IMPACT OF STRYPES ON THE MARKET FOR COX COMMON STOCK
It is not possible to predict accurately how or whether the STRYPES will
trade in the secondary market or whether such market will be liquid. Any market
that develops for the STRYPES is likely to influence and be influenced by the
market for Cox Common Stock. For example, the price of Cox Common Stock could be
depressed by investors' anticipation of the potential distribution into the
market of substantial amounts of Cox Common Stock on the Maturity Date or upon
redemption of the STRYPES, by possible sales of Cox Common Stock by investors
who view the STRYPES as a more attractive means of equity participation in Cox
and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity that may develop involving the
STRYPES and the Cox Common Stock. In addition, Cox Enterprises, Inc. ("CEI") is
not precluded from selling shares of Cox Common Stock, either pursuant to Rule
144 or by causing Cox to register such shares. Any such sales could have an
adverse effect on the market price of Cox Common Stock and/or the STRYPES and
could affect the Payment Rate Formula.
POSSIBLE ILLIQUIDITY OF THE SECONDARY MARKET
It is not possible to predict how the STRYPES will trade in the secondary
market or whether such market will be liquid or illiquid. The STRYPES are novel
securities and there is currently no secondary market for the STRYPES. The
STRYPES have been listed on the NYSE. However, there can be no assurance that an
active trading market for the STRYPES will develop, that such listing will
provide the holders of the STRYPES with liquidity of investment, or that the
STRYPES will not later be delisted or that trading of the STRYPES on the NYSE
will not be suspended. In the event of a delisting or suspension of trading on
the NYSE, the Company will apply for listing of the STRYPES on another national
securities exchange or for quotation on another trading market. If the STRYPES
are not listed or traded on any securities exchange or trading market, or if
trading of the STRYPES is suspended, pricing information for the STRYPES may be
more difficult to obtain and the liquidity of the STRYPES may be adversely
affected.
NO STOCKHOLDER'S RIGHTS
Holders of the STRYPES will not be entitled to any rights with respect to the
Cox Common Stock (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to
receive any dividends or other distributions in respect thereof) unless and
until such time, if any, as the Company shall have delivered shares of Cox
Common Stock for STRYPES on the Maturity Date or upon redemption, and unless the
applicable record date, if any, for the exercise of such rights occurs after
such date. For example, in the event that an amendment is proposed to the
Certificate of Incorporation of Cox and the record date for determining the
stockholders of record entitled to vote on such amendment occurs prior to such
delivery, holders of the STRYPES will not be entitled to vote on such amendment.
NO AFFILIATION BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND COX
The Company has no affiliation with Cox, and Cox has no obligations with
respect to the STRYPES or amounts to be paid to holders thereof, including any
obligation to take the needs of the Company or of holders of the STRYPES into
consideration for any reason. Cox will not receive any of the proceeds of the
offering of the STRYPES made hereby and is not responsible for, and has not
participated in, the determination or calculation of the amount receivable by
holders of the STRYPES on the Maturity Date or upon redemption. Cox is not
involved with the administration or trading of the STRYPES and has no
obligations with respect to the amount receivable by holders of the STRYPES on
the Maturity Date or upon redemption.
DILUTION OF COX COMMON STOCK
The number of shares of Cox Common Stock (or the amount of cash) that holders
of the STRYPES are entitled to receive on the Maturity Date or upon redemption
is subject to adjustment for certain events arising from, among others, a merger
or consolidation in which Cox is not the surviving or resulting corporation, or
a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of Cox and the
liquidation, dissolution, winding up or bankruptcy of Cox as
4
well as stock splits and combinations, stock dividends and certain other actions
of Cox that modify its capital structure. See "Description of the STRYPES--
Dilution Adjustments" and "--Special Redemption Upon Tax Event." Such number of
shares of Cox Common Stock (or cash amount) to be received by such holders on
the Maturity Date or upon redemption will not be adjusted for other events, such
as offerings of Cox Common Stock for cash or in connection with acquisitions.
Cox is not restricted from issuing additional shares of Cox Common Stock during
the term of the STRYPES and has no obligation to consider the interests of the
holders of the STRYPES for any reason. Additional issuances may materially and
adversely affect the price of the Cox Common Stock and, because of the
relationship of the number of shares (or cash amount) to be received on the
Maturity Date or upon redemption to the price of the Cox Common Stock, such
other events may adversely affect the trading price of the STRYPES.
TAX MATTERS
Because of an absence of authority as to the proper characterization of the
STRYPES, their ultimate tax treatment is uncertain. Accordingly, no assurances
can be given that any particular characterization and treatment of the STRYPES
will be accepted by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or upheld by a court.
However, it is the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Company, that the
characterization and tax treatment of the STRYPES described herein, while not
the only reasonable characterization and tax treatment, is based on reasonable
interpretations of law currently in effect and, even if successfully challenged
by the IRS, will not result in the imposition of penalties. The Indenture (as
defined below) will require that any holder subject to U.S. Federal income tax
include currently in income, for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, payments
denominated as interest that are made with respect to a STRYPES in accordance
with such holder's regular method of tax accounting. The Indenture also requires
the Company and holders to treat each STRYPES for tax purposes as a unit (a
"Unit") consisting of (i) a debt instrument (the "Debt Instrument") with a fixed
principal amount unconditionally payable on the Maturity Date equal to the issue
price of the STRYPES and bearing interest at the stated interest rate on the
STRYPES and (ii) a forward purchase contract (the "Forward Contract") pursuant
to which the holder agrees to use the principal payment due on the Debt
Instrument to purchase on the Maturity Date or upon redemption the Cox Common
Stock which the Company is obligated under the STRYPES to deliver at that time
(subject to the Company's right to deliver cash in lieu of the Cox Common
Stock). The Indenture also requires that upon the acquisition of a STRYPES and
upon a holder's sale or other disposition of a STRYPES prior to the Maturity
Date, the amount paid or realized by the holder be allocated by the holder
between the Debt Instrument and the Forward Contract based upon their relative
fair market values (as determined on the date of acquisition or disposition).
For these purposes, with respect to acquisitions of STRYPES in connection with
the original issuance thereof, the Company and each holder agrees, pursuant to
the terms of the Indenture, to allocate $22.555 of the entire initial purchase
price of a STRYPES (i.e., the issue price of a STRYPES) to the Debt Instrument
and to allocate the remaining $.32 of the entire initial purchase price of a
STRYPES to the Forward Contract. As a result of this allocation, the Debt
Instrument will be treated as having been issued with original issue discount
for United States Federal income tax purposes. As previously mentioned, the
appropriate character and timing of income, gain or loss to be recognized on a
STRYPES is uncertain and investors should consult their own tax advisers
concerning the application of the United States Federal income tax laws to their
particular situations as well as any consequences of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the STRYPES arising under the laws of any other taxing
jurisdiction.
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
Since the Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence
the right of creditors of the Company (including the holders of the STRYPES), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
5
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges...... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Cox Communications, Inc. is the fifth largest operator of cable television
systems in the United States and is a fully integrated, diversified media and
broadband communications company with operations and investments in three
related areas: (i) U.S. broadband networks; (ii) United Kingdom broadband
networks; and (iii) cable television programming.
Cox is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act.
Accordingly, Cox files reports, proxy and information statements and other
information with the Commission. Copies of such material can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at the
addresses specified under
6
"Available Information." Reports, proxy and information statements and other
information concerning Cox may also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE.
THE COMPANY IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH COX, AND COX HAS NO OBLIGATIONS WITH
RESPECT TO THE STRYPES. THIS PROSPECTUS RELATES ONLY TO THE STRYPES OFFERED
HEREBY AND DO NOT RELATE TO THE COX COMMON STOCK. COX HAS FILED A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 WITH THE COMMISSION COVERING THE SHARES OF COX COMMON
STOCK THAT MAY BE RECEIVED BY A HOLDER OF STRYPES ON THE MATURITY DATE OR UPON
REDEMPTION. THE PROSPECTUS OF COX (THE "COX PROSPECTUS") CONSTITUTING A PART OF
SUCH REGISTRATION STATEMENT INCLUDES INFORMATION RELATING TO COX AND THE COX
COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING CERTAIN FACTORS RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN COX COMMON
STOCK. THE COX PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A PART OF THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR IS
IT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN OR THEREIN.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STRYPES
The STRYPES are a series of Senior Debt Securities issued under an indenture
dated as of April 1, 1983 and restated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and
supplemented as of July 1, 1995 (the indenture dated as of April 1, 1983 and
restated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and supplemented from time to time, the
"Indenture") between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). The following summary of certain provisions of the
Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Indenture, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. All capitalized terms
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Indenture.
Whenever defined terms of the Indenture are referred to herein, such defined
terms are incorporated by reference herein.
GENERAL
Each STRYPES, which was issued at a price of $22.875, bears interest at the
rate of 6% of the issue price per annum (or $1.37 per annum) from May 29, 1996,
or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or
provided for, until the Maturity Date or such earlier date on which such STRYPES
is redeemed or the issue price of such STRYPES is repaid pursuant to the terms
thereof. Interest on the STRYPES will be payable in cash quarterly in arrears on
March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1, beginning September 1, 1996, and on
the Maturity Date (each, an "Interest Payment Date"), to the persons in whose
names the STRYPES are registered at the close of business on the last day
(whether or not a Business Day) of the calendar month immediately preceding such
Interest Payment Date. Interest on the STRYPES will be computed on the basis of
a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If an Interest Payment Date falls on a
day that is not a Business Day, the interest payment to be made on such Interest
Payment Date will be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same
force and effect as if made on such Interest Payment Date, and no additional
interest will accrue as a result of such delayed payment.
The STRYPES will mature on June 1, 1999. On the Maturity Date, unless
previously redeemed, the Company will pay and discharge each STRYPES by
delivering to the holder thereof a number of shares (such number of shares being
hereinafter referred to as the "Payment Rate") of Cox Common Stock (subject to
the Company's right to deliver, with respect to all, but not less than all,
shares of Cox Common Stock deliverable on the Maturity Date, cash with an equal
value) determined in accordance with the following "Payment Rate Formula,"
subject to adjustment as a result of certain dilution events: (a) if the
Maturity Price (as defined below) per share of Cox Common Stock is greater than
or equal to the Threshold Appreciation Price, .8196 shares of Cox Common Stock
per STRYPES, (b) if the Maturity Price is less than the Threshold Appreciation
Price but is greater than the Initial Price, a fractional share of Cox Common
Stock per STRYPES so that the value thereof (determined based on the
7
Maturity Price) is equal to the Initial Price and (c) if the Maturity Price is
less than or equal to the Initial Price, one share of Cox Common Stock per
STRYPES. ACCORDINGLY, THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE AMOUNT RECEIVABLE BY
HOLDERS OF THE STRYPES ON THE MATURITY DATE WILL BE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN THE
ISSUE PRICE OF THE STRYPES. IF THE MATURITY PRICE OF THE COX COMMON STOCK IS
LESS THAN THE INITIAL PRICE, SUCH AMOUNT RECEIVABLE ON THE MATURITY DATE WILL BE
LESS THAN THE ISSUE PRICE PAID FOR THE STRYPES, IN WHICH CASE AN INVESTMENT IN
STRYPES WILL RESULT IN A LOSS. The numbers of shares of Cox Common Stock per
STRYPES specified in clauses (a) and (c) of the Payment Rate Formula are
hereinafter referred to as the "Share Components."
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may, in lieu of delivering shares
of Cox Common Stock, deliver cash in an amount equal to the value of such number
of shares of Cox Common Stock at the Maturity Price, subject to the Company's
agreement contained in the STRYPES Agreement to deliver on the Maturity Date the
form of consideration that the ML&Co. Subsidiary (as defined below) receives
from CEI. Such right, if exercised by the Company, must be exercised with
respect to all shares of Cox Common Stock otherwise deliverable on the Maturity
Date in payment of all outstanding STRYPES. On or prior to the sixth Business
Day prior to the Maturity Date, the Company will notify The Depository Trust
Company and the Trustee and publish a notice in The Wall Street Journal or
another daily newspaper of national circulation stating whether the STRYPES will
be paid and discharged with shares of Cox Common Stock or cash. At the time such
notice is published, the Maturity Price will not have been determined. If the
Company elects to deliver shares of Cox Common Stock, holders of the STRYPES
will be responsible for the payment of any and all brokerage costs upon the
subsequent sale of such stock.
The "Maturity Price" is defined as the sum of (A) the average Closing Price
per share of Cox Common Stock on the 20 Trading Days immediately prior to, but
not including, the second Trading Day preceding the Maturity Date and (B) the
fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose
determination shall be conclusive, and described in a resolution adopted with
respect thereto) as of the third Trading Day preceding the Maturity Date of the
Distributed Assets (as defined below) applicable to one share of Cox Common
Stock. The "Closing Price" of any security on any date of determination means
the closing sale price (or, if no closing price is reported, the last reported
sale price) of such security on the NYSE on such date or, if such security is
not listed for trading on the NYSE on any such date, as reported in the
composite transactions for the principal United States securities exchange on
which such security is so listed, or if such security is not so listed on a
United States national or regional securities exchange, as reported by the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System, or,
if such security is not so reported, the last quoted bid price for such security
in the over-the-counter market as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or
similar organization, or, if such bid price is not available, the market value
of such security on such date as determined by a nationally recognized
independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by the Company. In
the event that the Payment Rate Formula is adjusted as described under "--
Dilution Adjustments" below, each of the Closing Prices used in determining the
Maturity Price will be similarly adjusted to derive, for purposes of determining
which of clauses (a), (b) or (c) of the Payment Rate Formula will apply on the
Maturity Date, a Maturity Price stated on a basis comparable to the Initial
Price and the Threshold Appreciation Price. A "Trading Day" is defined as a day
on which the security the Closing Price of which is being determined (A) is not
suspended from trading on any national or regional securities exchange or
association or over-the-counter market at the close of business and (B) has
traded at least once on the national or regional securities exchange or
association or over-the-counter market that is the primary market for the
trading of such security.
For illustrative purposes only, the following table shows the number of shares
of Cox Common Stock or the amount of cash that a holder of STRYPES would receive
for each STRYPES at various Maturity Prices. The table assumes that there will
be no dilution adjustments to the Payment Rate Formula as described below. There
can be no assurance that the Maturity Price will be within the range set forth
below. Given the Initial Price of $22.875 and the Threshold Appreciation Price
of $27.91, a STRYPES holder would receive on the Maturity Date the following
number of shares of Cox Common Stock or amount of cash (if the Company elects to
pay and discharge the STRYPES with cash) per STRYPES:
8
Maturity Price Number of
of Cox Shares of Cox
Common Stock Common Stock Amount of Cash
-------------- ------------- --------------
$20.000 1.0000 $20.000
22.875 1.0000 22.875
25.000 0.9150 22.875
27.910 0.8196 22.875
30.000 0.8196 24.588
DILUTION ADJUSTMENTS
The Payment Rate Formula is subject to adjustment if Cox shall: (i) pay a
stock dividend or make a distribution with respect to Cox Common Stock in shares
of such stock; (ii) subdivide or split the outstanding shares of Cox Common
Stock into a greater number of shares; (iii) combine the outstanding shares of
Cox Common Stock into a smaller number of shares; (iv) issue by reclassification
of shares of Cox Common Stock any shares of common stock of Cox; (v) issue
rights or warrants to all holders of Cox Common Stock entitling them to
subscribe for or purchase shares of Cox Common Stock at a price per share less
than the then current market price of the Cox Common Stock (other than rights to
purchase Cox Common Stock pursuant to a plan for the reinvestment of dividends
or interest); or (vi) pay a dividend or make a distribution to all holders of
Cox Common Stock of evidences of its indebtedness or other assets (excluding any
stock dividends or distributions referred to in clause (i) above or any cash
dividends other than any Extraordinary Cash Dividend (as defined below)) or
issue to all holders of Cox Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or
purchase any of its securities (other than those referred to in clause (v)
above) (any of the foregoing are referred to as the "Distributed Assets"). The
effect of the foregoing is that there will not be any adjustments to the Payment
Rate Formula for the issuance by Cox of options, warrants, stock purchase rights
or securities in connection with Cox's employee benefit plans.
In the case of the events referred to in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
above, the Payment Rate Formula shall be adjusted so that each holder of any
STRYPES shall thereafter be entitled to receive, upon payment and discharge or
redemption of such STRYPES, the number of shares of Cox Common Stock which such
holder would have owned or been entitled to receive immediately following any
such event had such STRYPES been paid and discharged or redeemed immediately
prior to such event or any record date with respect thereto.
In the case of the event referred to in clause (v) above, the Payment Rate
Formula shall be adjusted by multiplying each of the Share Components in the
Payment Rate Formula in effect immediately prior to the date of issuance of the
rights or warrants referred to in clause (v) above by a fraction, the numerator
of which shall be the number of shares of Cox Common Stock outstanding on the
date of issuance of such rights or warrants, immediately prior to such issuance,
plus the number of additional shares of Cox Common Stock offered for
subscription or purchase pursuant to such rights or warrants, and the
denominator of which shall be the number of shares of Cox Common Stock
outstanding on the date of issuance of such rights or warrants, immediately
prior to such issuance, plus the number of additional shares of Cox Common Stock
which the aggregate offering price of the total number of shares of Cox Common
Stock so offered for subscription or purchase pursuant to such rights or
warrants would purchase at the current market price (determined as the average
Closing Price per share of Cox Common Stock on the 20 Trading Days immediately
prior to the date such rights or warrants are issued, subject to certain
adjustments), which shall be determined by multiplying such total number of
shares by the exercise price of such rights or warrants and dividing the product
so obtained by such current market price. To the extent that shares of Cox
Common Stock are not delivered after the expiration of such rights or warrants,
or if such rights or warrants are not issued, the Payment Rate Formula shall be
readjusted to the Payment Rate Formula which would then be in effect had such
adjustments for the issuance of such rights or warrants been made upon the basis
of delivery of only the number of shares of Cox Common Stock actually delivered.
9
In the case of the event referred to in clause (vi) above, the Payment Rate
Formula shall be adjusted by multiplying each of the Share Components in the
Payment Rate Formula in effect on the record date by a fraction, the numerator
of which shall be the market price per share of the Cox Common Stock on the
record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive the
dividend or distribution referred to in clause (vi) above (such market price
being determined as the average Closing Price per share of Cox Common Stock on
the 20 Trading Days immediately prior to such record date, subject to certain
adjustments), and the denominator of which shall be such market price per share
of Cox Common Stock less the fair market value (as determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be conclusive, and described
in a resolution adopted with respect thereto) as of such record date of the
portion of the Distributed Assets so distributed applicable to one share of Cox
Common Stock; provided, however, that in the event that the then fair market
value (as so determined) of the portion of the Distributed Assets so distributed
applicable to one share of Cox Common Stock is equal to or greater than the
market price per share of Cox Common Stock as of such record date, in lieu of
the foregoing adjustment, the Company shall reserve such Distributed Assets (or,
in the case of Distributed Assets of a kind described in (z) below, an amount in
cash equal to the fair market value thereof, determined in the manner and as of
the date described in clause (z) below) for delivery to the holders of the
STRYPES on the Maturity Date and, on the Maturity Date, shall deliver to each
such holder, in addition to the shares of Cox Common Stock (or cash in lieu
thereof) to which such holder is otherwise entitled, (x) in respect of that
portion, if any, of the Distributed Assets consisting of cash, the amount of
such Distributed Assets consisting of cash which such holder would have received
had each STRYPES held by such holder been paid and discharged immediately prior
to the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive
such dividend or distribution or such rights or warrants, without interest, plus
(y) in respect of that portion, if any, of the Distributed Assets consisting of
securities for which there is an actual or when issued trading market
("marketable securities"), the amount of such Distributed Assets consisting of
marketable securities which such holder would have received had each STRYPES
held by such holder been paid and discharged immediately prior to the record
date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or
distribution or such rights or warrants, plus (z) in respect of that portion, if
any, of the Distributed Assets which are of a kind other than that described in
clause (x) or (y) above, an amount in cash equal to the fair market value (as
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination shall
be conclusive, and described in a resolution adopted with respect thereto), as
of the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
dividend or distribution or such rights or warrants, of the Distributed Assets
consisting of other assets which such holder would have received had each
STRYPES held by such holder been paid and discharged immediately prior to such
record date, without interest thereon.
An "Extraordinary Cash Dividend" means, with respect to any consecutive 12-
month period, all cash dividends on the Cox Common Stock during such period to
the extent such dividends exceed on a per share basis 10% of the average Closing
Price of the Cox Common Stock over such period (less any such dividends for
which a prior adjustment to the Payment Rate Formula was previously made). All
adjustments to the Payment Rate Formula will be calculated to the nearest
1/10,000th of a share of Cox Common Stock (or if there is not a nearest
1/10,000th of a share to the next lower 1/10,000th of a share). No adjustment in
the Payment Rate Formula shall be required unless such adjustment would require
an increase or decrease of at least one percent therein; provided, however, that
any adjustments which by reason of the foregoing are not required to be made
shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment. If
an adjustment is made to the Payment Rate Formula as described above, an
adjustment will also be made to the Maturity Price solely to determine which of
clauses (a), (b) or (c) of the Payment Rate Formula will apply on the Maturity
Date. The required adjustment to the Maturity Price will be made by multiplying
each of the Closing Prices used in determining the Maturity Price by a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be the Share Component in clause (c) of the Payment
Rate Formula immediately after such adjustment described above, and the
denominator of which shall be the Share Component in clause (c) of the Payment
Rate Formula immediately before such adjustment described above. Each such
adjustment to the Payment Rate Formula shall be made successively.
In the event of (A) any consolidation or merger of Cox, or any surviving
entity or subsequent surviving entity of Cox (a "Cox Successor"), with or into
another entity (other than a merger or consolidation in which Cox is the
10
continuing corporation and in which the Cox Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to the merger or consolidation is not exchanged for cash, securities or
other property of Cox or another corporation), (B) any sale, transfer, lease or
conveyance to another corporation of the property of Cox or any Cox Successor as
an entirety or substantially as an entirety, (C) any statutory exchange of
securities of Cox or any Cox Successor with another corporation (other than in
connection with a merger or acquisition) or (D) any liquidation, dissolution,
winding up or bankruptcy of Cox or any Cox Successor (any such event described
in clause (A), (B), (C) or (D), a "Reorganization Event"), the Payment Rate
Formula used to determine the amount payable on the Maturity Date for each
STRYPES will be adjusted to provide that each holder of STRYPES will receive on
the Maturity Date for each STRYPES cash in an amount equal to (a) if the
Transaction Value (as defined below) is greater than or equal to the Threshold
Appreciation Price, .8196 multiplied by the Transaction Value, (b) if the
Transaction Value is less than the Threshold Appreciation Price but greater than
the Initial Price, the Initial Price and (c) if the Transaction Value is less
than or equal to the Initial Price, the Transaction Value. "Transaction Value"
means (i) for any cash received in any such Reorganization Event, the amount of
cash received per share of Cox Common Stock, (ii) for any property other than
cash or securities received in any such Reorganization Event, an amount equal to
the market value on the Maturity Date of such property received per share of Cox
Common Stock as determined by a nationally recognized independent investment
banking firm retained for this purpose by the Company and (iii) for any
securities received in any such Reorganization Event, an amount equal to the
average Closing Price per unit of such securities on the 20 Trading Days
immediately prior to the second Trading Day preceding the Maturity Date
multiplied by the number of such securities received for each share of Cox
Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that property or
securities, or a combination of cash, on the one hand, and property or
securities, on the other, are received in such Reorganization Event, the Company
may, in lieu of delivering cash as described above, deliver the amount of cash,
securities and other property received per share of Cox Common Stock in such
Reorganization Event determined in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii)
above, as applicable. If the Company elects to deliver securities or other
property, holders of the STRYPES will be responsible for the payment of any and
all brokerage and other transaction costs upon any subsequent sale of such
securities or other property. The kind and amount of securities with which the
STRYPES shall be paid and discharged after consummation of such transaction
shall be subject to adjustment as described above following the date of
consummation of such transaction.
No adjustments will be made for certain other events, such as offerings of Cox
Common Stock by Cox for cash or in connection with acquisitions. Likewise, no
adjustments will be made for any sales of Cox Common Stock by CEI.
The Company is required, within ten Business Days following the occurrence of
an event that requires an adjustment to the Payment Rate Formula (or if the
Company is not aware of such occurrence, as soon as practicable after becoming
so aware), to provide written notice to the Trustee and to the holders of the
STRYPES of the occurrence of such event and a statement in reasonable detail
setting forth the adjusted Payment Rate Formula and the method by which the
adjustment to the Payment Rate Formula was determined, provided that, in respect
of any adjustment to the Maturity Price, such notice will only disclose the
factor by which each of the Closing Prices used in determining the Maturity
Price is to be multiplied in order to determine the Payment Rate on the Maturity
Date. Until the Maturity Date, the Payment Rate itself cannot be determined.
FRACTIONAL SHARES
No fractional shares of Cox Common Stock will be delivered if the Company pays
and discharges the STRYPES by delivering shares of Cox Common Stock. In lieu of
any fractional share otherwise deliverable in respect of all STRYPES of any
holder on the Maturity Date, such holder shall be entitled to receive an amount
in cash equal to the value of such fractional share at the Maturity Price.
SPECIAL REDEMPTION UPON TAX EVENT
The STRYPES will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole but not
in part, at any time from and after the date (the "Tax Event Date") on which a
Tax Event (as defined below) shall occur at a price per
11
STRYPES (the "Tax Event Redemption Price") equal to (a) an amount of cash equal
to the sum of (i) all accrued and unpaid interest on such STRYPES to the date
fixed for redemption (the "Redemption Date"), (ii) the sum of all interest
payments on such STRYPES due after the Redemption Date and on or prior to the
Maturity Date and (iii) $1.37 (equal to the interest payable on such STRYPES for
one year), plus (b) a number of shares of Cox Common Stock determined in
accordance with the Payment Rate Formula, with the Redemption Date being deemed
to be the Maturity Date for purposes of calculating the Maturity Price.
A "Tax Event" means that CEI shall have delivered to the Company an opinion
(the "Tax Event Opinion") from independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment or proposed
amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) or proposed
change in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any
taxing authority thereof or therein or (b) any amendment to, or change in, an
interpretation or application of such laws or regulations by any legislative
body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, enacted, promulgated,
introduced, issued or announced or which interpretation is issued or announced
or which action is taken, on or after the date of this Prospectus Supplement,
there is more than an insubstantial risk that a corporation that sells or
otherwise disposes of stock in another corporation on a date that is after the
date of this Prospectus Supplement and that is on or prior to the Maturity Date
would not be permitted to specifically identify the stock sold or disposed of
for purposes of determining the amount of such corporation's gain or loss on the
stock sold or disposed of for United States Federal income tax purposes.
On March 19, 1996, the U.S. Treasury Department proposed a series of tax law
changes as part of President Clinton's 1997 Budget proposal. These proposed tax
law changes would, among other things, require taxpayers (including
corporations) that sell or otherwise dispose of securities (which term includes
stock in a corporation) that are substantially identical to securities which
they continue to hold to determine their tax basis in such substantially
identical securities using the average basis of all of their holdings in the
securities, and would prevent such taxpayers from specifically identifying the
securities sold or disposed of for purposes of determining the amount of their
gain or loss on the securities sold or disposed of for United States Federal
income tax purposes. As originally proposed, this "average cost basis" rule
would apply to determinations (i.e., tax basis determinations made at the time
of sale or disposition) made more than 30 days after the date on the which the
proposal is enacted. Thus, if this "average cost basis" rule is ultimately
adopted in its current form on a date that is 31 or more days prior to the
Maturity Date, such enactment could result in a Tax Event. Furthermore, if there
are future legislative developments such that as a result thereof there is more
than an insubstantial risk that this "average cost basis" rule or a provision
with similar effect will be adopted and effective for determinations made on or
prior to the Maturity Date, such legislative developments could result in a Tax
Event. The Company cannot predict whether or not these proposed tax law changes
will ultimately become law. Moreover, the Company cannot predict whether or not
any other future change or proposed change in the tax law will occur which could
give rise to a Tax Event, nor can it predict whether CEI will elect to cause a
Tax Event by delivering the Tax Event Opinion to the Company in the event that a
change or proposed change in the tax law occurs which could give rise to a Tax
Event.
The Company will provide notice of any call for redemption of STRYPES to
holders of record of the STRYPES not less than 10 nor more than 30 calendar days
prior to the related Redemption Date. Such notice will state the following and
may contain such other information as the Company deems advisable: (a) the
Redemption Date; (b) the place or places where certificates for the STRYPES are
to be surrendered for redemption and (c) that interest will cease to accrue on
the STRYPES on the Redemption Date (except as otherwise provided in the
Indenture). Any such notice will be provided by mail, sent to each holder of
record of STRYPES at such holder's address as it appears on the security
register for the STRYPES, first class postage prepaid; provided, however, that
failure to give such notice or any defect therein shall not affect the validity
of the proceeding for redemption of any STRYPES except as to the holder to whom
the Company has failed to give said notice or whose notice was defective. At or
prior to the mailing of such notice of redemption, the Company will publish a
public announcement of redemption in The Wall Street Journal or another daily
newspaper of national circulation.
12
The Company will not be required to deliver any fractional share of Cox Common
Stock on the Redemption Date and, in lieu thereof, will pay an amount in cash
equal to the value of such fractional share of Cox Common Stock based on the
average Closing Price per share of Cox Common Stock on the 20 Trading Days
immediately prior to, but not including, the second Trading Day preceding the
Redemption Date.
On and after the Redemption Date, all rights of a holder of STRYPES will
terminate except the right to receive for each STRYPES so redeemed the Tax Event
Redemption Price (unless there is a default on the payment of such Tax Event
Redemption Price).
NO SINKING FUND
The STRYPES do not contain sinking fund or other mandatory redemption
provisions. The STRYPES are not subject to payment prior to the Maturity Date at
the option of the holder.
RANKING
The STRYPES will be unsecured obligations and will rank pari passu with all
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.
There are no contractual restrictions on the ability of the Company or its
subsidiaries to incur additional secured or unsecured debt. However, borrowings
by certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, are restricted by net capital
requirements under the Exchange Act and under rules of certain exchanges and
other regulatory bodies.
SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
Upon issuance, each series of STRYPES will be represented by one or more fully
registered global securities (the "Global Notes"). Each such Global Note will be
deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, as Securities
Depository (the "Securities Depository"), and registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in
whole or in part for STRYPES in definitive form under the limited circumstances
described below, no Global Note may be transferred except as a whole by the
Securities Depository to a nominee of such Securities Depository or by a nominee
of such Securities Depository to such Securities Depository or another nominee
of such Securities Depository or by such Securities Depository or any such
nominee to a successor of such Securities Depository or a nominee of such
successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The Securities
Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the Banking Law of
the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing
corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a
"clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the
Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold securities of its
participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions among its Participants in such securities through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the Participants, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The
Securities Depository's Participants include securities brokers and dealers
(including MLPF&S), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain
other organizations.
The Securities Depository is owned by a number of Participants and by the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the Securities Depository's
book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with
a Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
13
Purchases of STRYPES must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each STRYPES ("Beneficial Owner") is in
turn to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmations from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmation providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interest in such Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of
such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Notes.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner
of a Global Note, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the case may be,
will be considered the sole owner or holder of the STRYPES represented by such
Global Note for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as provided below,
Beneficial Owners in a Global Note will not be entitled to have the STRYPES
represented by such Global Notes registered in their names, will not receive or
be entitled to receive physical delivery of the STRYPES in definitive form and
will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the Indenture.
Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a Global Note must rely
on the procedures of the Securities Depository and, if such Person is not a
Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such Person owns
its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the Indenture. The
Company understands that under existing industry practices, in the event that
the Company requests any action of holders or that an owner of a beneficial
interest in such a Global Note desires to give or take any action which a holder
is entitled to give or take under the Indenture, the Securities Depository would
authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or
take such action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning
through such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act
upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by the Securities Depository to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of any amount with respect to STRYPES registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or its nominee will be made to the Securities Depository
or its nominee, as the case may be, as the holder of the Global Notes
representing such STRYPES. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent
of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability
for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the
Securities Depository, upon receipt of any payment in respect of a Global Note,
will credit the accounts of the Participants with payment in amounts
proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interest in such Global
Note as shown on the records of the Securities Depository. The Company also
expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with
securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
"street name," and will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If, with respect to a series of STRYPES, (x) the Securities Depository is at
any time unwilling or unable to continue as Securities Depository and a
successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60 days, (y) the
Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to the effect that
the Global Notes shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing with respect to any STRYPES of that series, the Company will
issue STRYPES in definitive form in exchange for all of the Global Notes
representing the STRYPES of that series. Such definitive STRYPES shall be
registered in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall instruct the
Trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions
received
14
by the Securities Depository from Participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Notes.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Company may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, and
the Company may sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to
any corporation, provided that (i) the corporation (if other than the Company)
formed by or resulting from any such consolidation or merger or which shall have
received such assets shall be a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the United States of America or a state thereof and shall assume the due
and punctual delivery or payment of the Underlying Securities (or cash with an
equal value) in respect of, any interest and Additional Amounts on, and any
other amounts payable with respect to, the STRYPES of each series and the due
and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions
of the Indenture to be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the
Company or such successor corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately
thereafter be in default under the Indenture.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Indenture provides that the Company may not, and may not permit any
Subsidiary (defined in the Indenture as any corporation of which at the time of
determination the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries owns or controls
directly or indirectly 50% of the shares of Voting Stock of such corporation)
to, create, assume, incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money
secured by a pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens
specifically permitted by the Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
STRYPES will be secured equally and ratably with such secured indebtedness.
LIMITATIONS ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Indenture provides that the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i)
merge or consolidate, unless the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary,
or (ii) convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety, except to one or more Controlled Subsidiaries.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Each of the following will constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture
with respect to each series of STRYPES: (a) failure to pay and discharge the
STRYPES of that series with the Underlying Securities or, if the Company so
elects, to pay an equivalent amount in cash in lieu thereof when due; (b)
failure to pay the Redemption Price or any redemption premium with respect to
any STRYPES of that series when due; (c) failure to deposit any sinking fund
payment, when and as due by the terms of any STRYPES of that series; (d) failure
to pay any interest on or any Additional Amounts in respect of any STRYPES of
that series when due, continued for 30 days; (e) failure to perform any other
covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for the benefit of that
series or in the STRYPES of that series, continued for 60 days after written
notice has been given to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company and the
Trustee by the holders of at least 10% of the aggregate issue price of the
Outstanding STRYPES of that series, as provided in the Indenture; (f) certain
events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company; and (g) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to STRYPES of that series.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause (f)
of the immediately preceding paragraph) with respect to the STRYPES of any
series shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee or the
15
holders of at least 25% of the aggregate issue price of the Outstanding STRYPES
of that series by notice as provided in the Indenture may declare an amount
equal to the aggregate issue price of all the STRYPES of that series and the
interest accrued thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, if
any, to be immediately due and payable in cash. If an Event of Default described
in said clause (f) shall occur, an amount equal to the aggregate issue price of
all the STRYPES of that series and the interest accrued thereon and Additional
Amounts payable in respect thereof, if any, will become immediately due and
payable in cash without any declaration or other action on the part of the
Trustee or any holder. After such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree
based on acceleration, the holders of a majority of the aggregate issue price of
the Outstanding STRYPES of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul such acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment
of the amount equal to the aggregate issue price of all the STRYPES of that
series due by reason of such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided
in the Indenture. See "Modification and Waiver" below.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee
will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of STRYPES of any
series, unless such holders of that series shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee, the holders
of a majority of the aggregate issue price of the STRYPES of any series will
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Trustee with respect to the STRYPES of that series.
The Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement by
certain of its officers as to whether or not the Company, to their knowledge, is
in default in the fulfillment of any of its obligations under the Indenture and,
if so, specifying all such known defaults.
The STRYPES and other series of Senior Debt Securities issued under the
Indenture will not have the benefit of any cross-default provisions with other
indebtedness of the Company.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Modifications of and amendments to the Indenture affecting a series of STRYPES
may be made by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of
66/2//3% of the aggregate issue price of the Outstanding STRYPES of such series;
provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the
consent of the holder of each Outstanding STRYPES of such series affected
thereby, (a) change the Maturity Date or the Stated Maturity of any installment
of interest or Additional Amounts on any STRYPES or any premium payable on the
redemption thereof, or change the Redemption Price, (b) reduce the amount of
Underlying Securities payable with respect to any STRYPES (or reduce the amount
of cash payable in lieu thereof), (c) reduce the amount of interest or
Additional Amounts payable on any STRYPES or reduce the amount of cash payable
with respect to any STRYPES upon acceleration of the maturity thereof, (d)
change the place or currency of payment of interest or Additional Amounts on, or
any amount of cash payable with respect to, any STRYPES, (e) impair the right to
institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any
STRYPES, including the payment of Underlying Securities with respect to any
STRYPES, (f) reduce the percentage of the aggregate issue price of Outstanding
STRYPES of such series, the consent of whose holders is required to modify or
amend the Indenture, (g) reduce the percentage of the aggregate issue price of
Outstanding STRYPES of such series necessary for waiver of compliance with
certain provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults or (h)
modify such provisions with respect to modification and waiver. Except as
provided in the Indenture, no modification of or amendment to the Indenture may
adversely affect the rights of a holder of any other Senior Debt Security
without the consent of such holder.
The holders of a majority of the aggregate issue price of each series of
STRYPES may waive compliance by the Company with certain restrictive provisions
of the Indenture. The holders of a majority of the aggregate issue
16
price of each series of STRYPES may waive any past default under the Indenture,
except a default in the payment of the Underlying Securities with respect to any
STRYPES of that series, or of cash payable in lieu thereof, or in the payment of
any premium, interest or Additional Amounts on any STRYPES of that series for
which payment had not been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant and
provision of the Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the
consent of the holder of each Outstanding STRYPES of such series affected.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture and the STRYPES will be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New York.
LISTING
The STRYPES have been listed on the NYSE under the symbol CML.
CERTAIN ARRANGEMENTS WITH CEI
Pursuant to an agreement (the "STRYPES Agreement"), CEI is obligated to
deliver to Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company (the "ML&Co. Subsidiary"), immediately prior to the Maturity Date a
number of shares of Cox Common Stock equal to the number required by the Company
to pay and discharge all of the STRYPES. In lieu of delivering shares of Cox
Common Stock immediately prior to the Maturity Date, CEI has the right to
satisfy its obligation under the STRYPES Agreement by delivering at such time
cash in an amount equal to the value of such number of shares of Cox Common
Stock at the Maturity Price. Such right, if exercised by CEI, must be exercised
with respect to all shares of Cox Common Stock then deliverable pursuant to the
STRYPES Agreement. Under the STRYPES Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay
and discharge the STRYPES by delivering to the holders thereof on the Maturity
Date the form of consideration that the ML&Co. Subsidiary receives from CEI. CEI
also has the option, exercisable on or after a Tax Event Date, to satisfy and
discharge its obligations under the STRYPES Agreement by delivering to the
ML&Co. Subsidiary, on a date fixed by CEI for early settlement, cash and shares
of Cox Common Stock in an amount and number, respectively, equal to the amount
and number required by the Company to redeem all of the STRYPES. Under the
STRYPES Agreement, the Company has agreed to redeem all of the STRYPES in the
event that CEI exercises such option. The consideration paid by the ML&Co.
Subsidiary under the STRYPES Agreement is $188,572,500 in the aggregate, and was
paid to CEI on May 29, 1996. No other consideration is payable by the ML&Co.
Subsidiary to CEI in connection with its acquisition of the Cox Common Stock or
the performance of the STRYPES Agreement by CEI. The Company has agreed with CEI
that, without the prior consent of CEI, it will not amend the Indenture to
increase the consideration that CEI is obligated to deliver pursuant to the
STRYPES Agreement.
Until such time, if any, as CEI shall have delivered shares of Cox Common
Stock to the ML&Co. Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of the STRYPES Agreement,
CEI will retain all ownership rights with respect to the Cox Common Stock held
by it (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any
dividends or other distributions in respect thereof).
CEI has no obligations with respect to the STRYPES or amounts to be paid to
holders thereof, including any obligation to take the needs of the Company or
holders of the STRYPES into consideration in determining whether to deliver
shares of Cox Common Stock or cash or for any other reason. The STRYPES
Agreement between the ML&Co. Subsidiary and CEI is a commercial transaction and
does not create any rights in, or for the benefit of, any third party, including
any holder of STRYPES.
In the event CEI does not perform under the STRYPES Agreement, the Company
will be required to otherwise acquire shares of Cox Common Stock for delivery to
holders of the STRYPES on the Maturity Date or upon redemption, unless, in the
case of shares deliverable on the Maturity Date, it elects to exercise its
option to deliver cash with an equal value.
17
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as
stated in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are
not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial
information because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the
registration statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning
of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
18
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEMENT OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
7 1/4% STRYPES (SM) DUE JUNE 15, 1999
PAYABLE WITH SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF SUNAMERICA INC.
(OR IN CASH)
____________________
On June 6, 1996, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued 3,000,000
of its Structured Yield Product Exchangeable for Stock (SM), 7 1/4% STRYPES (SM)
Due June 15, 1999 (each, a "STRYPES"). The issue price of each STRYPES was
$56.375, which amount was equal to the last sale price of the common stock, par
value $1.00 per share (the "SunAmerica Common Stock"), of SunAmerica Inc., a
Maryland corporation ("SunAmerica"), on June 6, 1996, as reported on the New
York Stock Exchange (the "Initial Price"). The STRYPES will mature on June 15,
1999 (the "Maturity Date"). Interest on the STRYPES, at the rate of 7 1/4% of
the issue price per annum, is payable in cash quarterly in arrears on March 15,
June 15, September 15 and December 15, beginning September 15, 1996. The STRYPES
are not subject to redemption or any sinking fund prior to maturity. The STRYPES
are unsecured obligations of the Company ranking pari passu with all of its
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. See "Description of the
STRYPES-Ranking." On the Maturity Date, unless redeemed on or prior to such
date, the Company will pay and discharge each STRYPES by delivering to the
holder thereof one share of SunAmerica Common Stock, subject to adjustment in
certain events (subject to the Company's right to deliver, with respect to all,
but not less than all, of the STRYPES then outstanding, cash in an amount equal
to the Current Market Price (as defined herein), determined as of the second
Trading Day (as defined herein) prior to the applicable Notice Date (as defined
herein), of SunAmerica Common Stock which otherwise would have been delivered).
BECAUSE THE PRICE OF THE SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK IS SUBJECT TO MARKET
FLUCTUATIONS, THE VALUE OF THE SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK (OR, AT THE OPTION OF THE
COMPANY, THE AMOUNT OF CASH) RECEIVED BY A HOLDER OF STRYPES AT MATURITY MAY BE
LESS THAN THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE STRYPES UPON ISSUANCE, IN WHICH CASE AN
INVESTMENT IN THE STRYPES WILL RESULT IN LOSS.
At any time or from time to time on or prior to the Maturity Date, the
Company may, at its option, redeem the outstanding STRYPES, in whole or in part,
at a redemption price per STRYPES initially equal to $86.568, declining by
$.00966 on each day following the Issue Date to $76.686 on April 15, 1999, and
equal to $76.106 thereafter, payable in either (i) shares of SunAmerica Common
Stock having an aggregate Current Market Price, determined as of the second
Trading Day prior to the applicable Notice Date, equal to the applicable
redemption price or (ii) at the Company's option (which may be exercised with
respect to all, but not less than all, of the STRYPES to be redeemed on any
redemption date) cash, plus in either case an amount in cash equal to accrued
and unpaid interest on the STRYPES to but excluding the redemption date. The
STRYPES are not subject to any sinking fund.
The opportunity for capital appreciation afforded by an investment in the
STRYPES is limited because the Company may, at its option, redeem the STRYPES at
any time on or prior to the Maturity Date at the redemption prices described
above. Although not obligated to do so, the Company may be expected to redeem
the STRYPES on or prior to the Maturity Date if the market price of the
SunAmerica Common Stock exceeds the applicable redemption price, in which event
holders of STRYPES will receive less than one share of SunAmerica Common Stock
for each STRYPES (or, at the option of the Company, cash in an amount equal to
the Current Market Price of less than one share of such SunAmerica Common
Stock).
The Notice Date applicable to the Maturity Date or a redemption date will be
at least 30 days and could be up to 60 days prior to such Maturity Date or
redemption date, as the case may be. If, as described above, the Company (i)
elects to pay the STRYPES in cash at maturity or (ii) elects to redeem the
STRYPES, in whole or in part, and to pay the redemption price by delivering
shares of SunAmerica Common Stock, the amount of cash payable on the Maturity
Date or the number of shares to be delivered on the redemption date, as the case
may be, will be determined on the basis of the Current Market Price as of the
second Trading Day prior to the applicable Notice Date. The price of the
SunAmerica Common Stock is subject to market fluctuations and, as a result, (a)
the amount of cash delivered on the Maturity Date in respect of each STRYPES may
be more or less than the market value on the Maturity Date of the SunAmerica
Common Stock which a holder would otherwise have been entitled to receive and
(b) the market value on a redemption date of shares of SunAmerica Common Stock
delivered in respect of each STRYPES may be more or less than the applicable
redemption price.
SunAmerica Inc. is not affiliated with the Company and has no obligation with
respect to the STRYPES.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 3 FOR CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN
INVESTMENT IN THE STRYPES.
The STRYPES have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under
the symbol "SAI."
____________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
____________________
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the STRYPES and is to be
used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
("MLPF&S"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection with offers
and sales related to market-making transactions in the STRYPES. MLPF&S may act
as principal or agent in such transactions. The STRYPES may be offered on the
NYSE or off such exchange in negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Sales will
be made at prices related to prevailing prices at the time of sale. The
distribution of the STRYPES will conform to the requirements set forth in the
applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
____________________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
____________________
The date of this Prospectus is January __, 1998
(SM)Service Mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
The Commissioner of Insurance of The State of North Carolina has not approved
or disapproved the offering of the STRYPES made hereby, nor has the Commissioner
passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), covering the STRYPES. This Prospectus does not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the
exhibits thereto, to which reference is hereby made.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June
27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January
13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997,
May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF
ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS
FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, ANY
2
SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER
TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME
DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT
TO ITS DATE.
RISK FACTORS
RISK OF FLUCTUATIONS IN PRICE OF SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK; CALCULATION OF CURRENT
MARKET PRICE
Because the price of the SunAmerica Common Stock is subject to market
fluctuations, the value of the SunAmerica Common Stock (or, pursuant to the
option of the Company exercisable at maturity, the amount of cash) received by a
holder of STRYPES upon maturity may be less than the amount paid for the STRYPES
upon issuance, in which case an investment in the STRYPES will result in a loss.
ACCORDINGLY, A HOLDER OF STRYPES ASSUMES THE RISK THAT THE MARKET VALUE OF THE
SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK MAY DECLINE, AND THAT SUCH DECLINE COULD BE SUBSTANTIAL.
THE SUNAMERICA PROSPECTUS COVERS THE SHARES OF SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK WHICH MAY
BE RECEIVED BY A HOLDER OF THE STRYPES ON THE MATURITY DATE OR UPON REDEMPTION.
The Notice Date applicable to the Maturity Date or a redemption date will be
at least 30 days and could be up to 60 days prior to such Maturity Date or
redemption date, as the case may be. If the Company (i) elects to pay the
STRYPES in cash at maturity or (ii) elects to redeem the STRYPES, in whole or in
part, and to pay the redemption price by delivering shares of SunAmerica Common
Stock, the amount of cash payable on the Maturity Date or the number of shares
to be delivered on the redemption date, as the case may be, will be determined
on the basis of the Current Market Price as of the second Trading Day prior to
the applicable Notice Date. The price of the SunAmerica Common Stock is subject
to market fluctuations and, as a result, (a) the amount of cash delivered on the
Maturity Date in respect of each STRYPES may be more or less than the market
value on the Maturity Date of the SunAmerica Common Stock which a holder would
otherwise have been entitled to receive and (b) the market value on a redemption
date of shares of SunAmerica Common Stock delivered in respect of each STRYPES
may be more or less than the applicable redemption price.
As described under "Description of the STRYPES--Certain Definitions," the
Current Market Price used to determine the amount of cash which may, at the
option of the Company, be paid at maturity or the number of shares of SunAmerica
Common Stock which may, at the option of the Company, be delivered upon any
redemption of the STRYPES will generally be equal to the average of the daily
Closing Prices (as defined) of the SunAmerica Common Stock for the five
consecutive Trading Days ending on and including the date of determination.
However, if the Closing Price on the Trading Day next following such five-day
period (the "Next-Day Closing Price") is less than 95% of such five-day average
Closing Price, then the Current Market Price on such date of determination will
be the Next-Day Closing Price. Because the price of the SunAmerica Common Stock
is subject to market fluctuations, it is possible that the Next-Day Closing
Price could be significantly less than such five-day average.
LIMITATION ON OPPORTUNITY FOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION
The opportunity for capital appreciation afforded by an investment in the
STRYPES is less than the opportunity for capital appreciation afforded by a
direct investment in the SunAmerica Common Stock. The opportunity for capital
appreciation afforded by an investment in the STRYPES is limited because the
Company may, at its option, redeem the STRYPES at any time on or prior to the
Maturity Date at the redemption prices described herein. Although not obligated
to do so, the Company may be expected to redeem the STRYPES on or prior to the
Maturity Date if the market price of the SunAmerica Common Stock exceeds the
applicable redemption price, in which event holders of STRYPES will receive less
than one share of SunAmerica Common Stock for each STRYPES (or, at the option of
the Company, cash in an amount equal to the Current Market Price of less than
one share of such SunAmerica Common Stock). See "Description of the STRYPES--
Optional Redemption." If the Company elects to redeem the STRYPES, in whole or
in part, the capital appreciation, exclusive of accrued interest, realized on an
investment in the STRYPES will, for any owner of STRYPES called for redemption,
be limited to the excess,
3
if any, of (i) the value of the SunAmerica Common Stock or the amount of cash,
as the case may be, received in payment of such redemption price (such
redemption price being initially $86.568 and declining thereafter to $76.106),
over (ii) the price paid by such owner for such STRYPES (the initial price being
the price to public for each STRYPES shown on the cover page of this Prospectus
and the price thereafter being subject to market fluctuations).
FACTORS AFFECTING TRADING PRICES
The trading prices of the STRYPES in the secondary market will be directly
affected by the trading prices of the SunAmerica Common Stock in the secondary
market. It is impossible to predict whether the price of SunAmerica Common Stock
will rise or fall. Trading prices of SunAmerica Common Stock will be influenced
by SunAmerica's operating results and prospects, by complex and interrelated
political, economic, financial and other factors and market conditions that can
affect the capital markets generally, the market segment of which SunAmerica is
a part, the NYSE (on which the SunAmerica Common Stock is traded), including the
level of, and fluctuations in, the trading prices of stocks generally and sales
of substantial amounts of SunAmerica Common Stock in the market subsequent to
the offering of the STRYPES or the perception that such sales could occur, and
by other events that are difficult to predict and beyond the Company's control.
IMPACT OF STRYPES ON THE MARKET FOR SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK
It is not possible to predict accurately how the STRYPES will trade in the
secondary market or whether such market will be liquid. Any market that develops
for the STRYPES is likely to influence and be influenced by the market for
SunAmerica Common Stock. For example, the price of SunAmerica Common Stock could
be depressed by investors' anticipation of the potential distribution into the
market of substantial additional amounts of SunAmerica Common Stock on the
Maturity Date or upon redemption of the STRYPES, by possible sales of SunAmerica
Common Stock by investors who view the STRYPES as a more attractive means of
equity participation in SunAmerica and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity
that may develop involving the STRYPES and the SunAmerica Common Stock. In
addition Mr. Eli Broad (the "Selling Stockholder"is not precluded from selling
SunAmerica Common Stock. Any such sales could have an adverse effect on the
market price of SunAmerica Common Stock and/or the STRYPES.
POSSIBLE ILLIQUIDITY OF THE SECONDARY MARKET
It is not possible to predict how the STRYPES will trade in the secondary
market or whether such market will be liquid or illiquid. The STRYPES are novel
securities and there is currently no secondary market for the STRYPES. The
STRYPES have been listed on the NYSE under the symbol "SAI". However there can
be no assurance that an active trading market for the STRYPES will develop, that
such listing will provide the holders of the STRYPES with liquidity of
investment, or that the STRYPES will not later be delisted or that trading of
the STRYPES on the NYSE will not be suspended. In the event of a delisting or
suspension of trading on the NYSE, the Company will apply for listing of the
STRYPES on another national securities exchange or for quotation on another
trading market. If the STRYPES are not listed or traded on any securities
exchange or trading market, or if trading of the STRYPES is suspended, pricing
information for the STRYPES may be more difficult to obtain and the liquidity of
the STRYPES may be adversely affected.
NO STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS
Holders of the STRYPES will not be entitled to any rights with respect to the
SunAmerica Common Stock (including without limitation voting rights and rights
to receive any dividends or other distributions in respect thereof) unless and
until such time, if any, as the Company shall have delivered shares of
SunAmerica Common Stock for STRYPES on the Maturity Date or upon redemption and
unless the applicable record date, if any, for the exercise of such rights
occurs after such date. For example, in the event that an amendment is proposed
to the certificate of incorporation of SunAmerica and the record date for
determining the stockholders of record entitled
4
to vote on such amendment occurs prior to such delivery, holders of the STRYPES
will not be entitled to vote on such amendment.
NO AFFILIATION BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE SELLING STOCKHOLDER
The Company has no affiliation with the Selling Stockholder, and the Selling
Stockholder has no obligation with respect to the STRYPES or amounts to be paid
to the holders thereof, including any obligation to take the needs of the
Company or of the holders of STRYPES into consideration in determining whether
or when to cause redemption of the STRYPES or whether to deliver shares or cash
at maturity or upon redemption, or for any other reason.
NO AFFILIATION BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND SUNAMERICA
The Company has no affiliation with SunAmerica, and SunAmerica has no
obligations with respect to the STRYPES or amounts to be paid to holders
thereof, including any obligation to take the needs of the Company or of holders
of the STRYPES into consideration for any reason. SunAmerica will not receive
any of the proceeds of the offering of the STRYPES made hereby and is not
responsible for, and has not participated in, the determination or calculation
of the amount receivable by holders of the STRYPES on the Maturity Date or upon
redemption. SunAmerica is not involved with the administration or trading of the
STRYPES and has no obligations with respect to the amount receivable by holders
of the STRYPES on the Maturity Date or upon redemption.
DILUTION OF SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK
The number of shares of SunAmerica Common Stock (or, pursuant to the option
of the Company, the amount of cash) that holders of the STRYPES are entitled to
receive on the Maturity Date or upon redemption is subject to adjustment for
certain events arising from, among other things, a merger or consolidation in
which SunAmerica is not the surviving or resulting corporation, or a sale or
transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of SunAmerica on the
liquidation, dissolution, winding up or bankruptcy of SunAmerica, as well as
stock splits and combinations, stock dividends and certain other actions of
SunAmerica that modify its capital structure. See "Description of the STRYPES--
Dilution Adjustments." Such number of shares of SunAmerica Common Stock (or,
pursuant to the option of the Company, the amount of cash) to be received by
such holders on the Maturity Date or upon redemption will not be adjusted for
other events, such as offerings of SunAmerica Common Stock for cash or in
connection with acquisitions. SunAmerica is not restricted from issuing
additional shares of SunAmerica Common Stock during the term of the STRYPES and
has no obligation to consider the interests of the holders of the STRYPES for
any reason. Additional issuances may materially and adversely affect the market
price of the SunAmerica Common Stock and of the STRYPES.
TAX MATTERS
Because of an absence of authority as to the proper characterization of the
STRYPES, their ultimate tax treatment is uncertain. Accordingly, no assurances
can be given that any particular characterization and treatment of the STRYPES
will be accepted by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or upheld by a court.
However, it is the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Company, that the
characterization and tax treatment of the STRYPES described herein, while not
the only reasonable characterization and tax treatment, is based on reasonable
interpretations of law currently in effect and, even if successfully challenged
by the IRS, will not result in the imposition of penalties. The Indenture (as
defined below) will require that any holder subject to United States Federal
income tax include currently in income, for United States Federal income tax
purposes, payments denominated as interest that are made with respect to a
STRYPES in accordance with such holder's regular method of tax accounting. The
Indenture also requires the Company and holders to treat each STRYPES for tax
purposes as a unit (a "Unit") consisting of (i) a debt instrument (the "Debt
Instrument") with a fixed principal amount unconditionally payable on the
Maturity Date equal to the Issue Price of the STRYPES and bearing interest at
the
5
stated interest rate on the STRYPES and (ii) a forward purchase contract (the
"Forward Contract") pursuant to which the holder agrees to use the principal
payment due on the Debt Instrument (or, in the event of redemption on or prior
to the Maturity Date, the redemption price) to purchase on the Maturity Date or
upon redemption on or prior to the Maturity Date the SunAmerica Common Stock
which the Company is obligated under the STRYPES to deliver at that time
(subject to the Company's right to deliver cash in lieu of the SunAmerica Common
Stock). The Indenture also requires that upon the acquisition of a STRYPES and
upon a holder's sale or other disposition of a STRYPES prior to the Maturity
Date or redemption of the STRYPES, the amount paid or realized by the holder be
allocated by the holder between the Debt Instrument and the Forward Contract
based upon their relative fair market values (as determined on the date of
acquisition or disposition). For these purposes, with respect to acquisitions of
STRYPES in connection with the original issuance thereof, the Company and each
holder agrees, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, to assign $57.277 (i.e.,
101.6%) of the initial purchase price of a STRYPES (i.e., the Issue Price of a
STRYPES) to the Debt Instrument component and to assign $.902 (i.e., 1.6%) of
the initial purchase price of a STRYPES to the Forward Contract component. As
previously mentioned, the appropriate character and timing of income, gain or
loss to be recognized on a STRYPES is uncertain and investors should consult
their own tax advisers concerning the application of the United States Federal
income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any consequences of
the purchase, ownership and disposition of the STRYPES arising under the laws of
any other taxing jurisdiction.
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
Since the Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence
the right of creditors of the Company (including the holders of the STRYPES), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act,
and under the rules of certain securities exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries
and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and related services
on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the largest
securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities, options
contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading dealer in
options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading investment banking
firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and an
underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
6
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges.......... 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries, and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
SUNAMERICA INC.
SunAmerica Inc. is a diversified financial services company specializing in
retirement savings products and services.
SunAmerica is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act.
Accordingly, SunAmerica files reports, proxy and information statements and
other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"). Copies of such material can be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at the addresses
specified under "Available Information." Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning SunAmerica may also be inspected at
the offices of the NYSE.
THE COMPANY IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH SUNAMERICA, AND SUNAMERICA HAS NO
OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE STRYPES. THIS PROSPECTUS RELATES ONLY TO THE
STRYPES OFFERED HEREBY AND DOES NOT RELATE TO THE SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK.
SUNAMERICA HAS FILED A REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 WITH THE COMMISSION
COVERING THE SHARES OF SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK THAT MAY BE RECEIVED BY A HOLDER
OF STRYPES ON THE MATURITY DATE OR UPON REDEMPTION. THE PROSPECTUS OF SUNAMERICA
(THE "SUNAMERICA PROSPECTUS") CONSTITUTING A PART OF SUCH REGISTRATION STATEMENT
INCLUDES INFORMATION RELATING TO SUNAMERICA AND THE SUNAMERICA COMMON STOCK.
THE SUNAMERICA PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A PART OF THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR IS
IT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN OR THEREIN.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STRYPES
The STRYPES are a series of Senior Debt Securities issued under an indenture
dated as of April 1, 1983 and restated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and
supplemented as of July 1, 1995 (the indenture dated as of April 1, 1983 and
restated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and supplemented from time to time, the
"Indenture") between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). The following summary of certain provisions of the
Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Indenture, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. All capitalized terms
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Indenture.
Whenever defined terms of the Indenture
7
are referred to herein, such defined terms are incorporated by reference herein.
GENERAL
Each STRYPES, which was issued at the Issue Price of $56.375, bears interest
at the rate of 7/1//4% of the Issue Price per annum (or $4.0872 per annum) from
June 12, 1996, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest
has been paid or provided for, until the Maturity Date or such earlier date on
which such STRYPES is redeemed or the Issue Price of such STRYPES is repaid
pursuant to the terms thereof. Interest on the STRYPES will be payable in cash
quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15,
beginning September 15, 1996, and on the Maturity Date (each, an "Interest
Payment Date"), to the persons in whose names the STRYPES are registered at the
close of business on the last day (whether or not a Business Day) of the
calendar month immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date. Interest on the
STRYPES will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
If an Interest Payment Date, Maturity Date or redemption date falls on a day
that is not a Business Day, the payments to be made (including any shares of
SunAmerica Common Stock to be delivered) on such date will be made on the next
succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on such
Interest Payment Date, Maturity Date or redemption date, and no additional
interest will accrue as a result of such delayed payment.
PAYMENTS AT MATURITY
The STRYPES will mature on June 15, 1999. On the Maturity Date, unless
redeemed on or prior to such date, the Company will pay and discharge each
STRYPES by delivering to the holder thereof a number of shares of SunAmerica
Common Stock equal to the Common Equivalent Rate (as described below) in effect
on the Maturity Date (subject to the Company's right to deliver, with respect to
all, but not less than all, of the STRYPES then outstanding, cash in an amount
equal to the Current Market Price, determined as of the second Trading Day prior
to the applicable Notice Date, of the SunAmerica Common Stock which otherwise
would have been delivered). The Common Equivalent Rate will initially be one
share of Common Stock per STRYPES. The Common Equivalent Rate is subject to
adjustment as described below under "--Dilution Adjustments." Because the price
of the SunAmerica Common Stock is subject to market fluctuations, the value of
the SunAmerica Common Stock (or, at the option of the Company, the amount of
cash) received by a holder of STRYPES on the Maturity Date may be less than the
amount paid for the STRYPES upon issuance, in which case an investment in the
STRYPES will result in a loss. In addition, because of such market fluctuations
and because the Current Market Price of the SunAmerica Common Stock will be
determined as of the second Trading Date prior to the applicable Notice Date
(which will be at least 30 and could be up to 60 days prior to the Maturity
Date), it is likely that, if the Company elects to pay the STRYPES in cash on
the Maturity Date, the amount of cash payable per STRYPES will differ from the
market value on the Maturity Date of the shares of SunAmerica Common Stock which
a holder would otherwise have received. See "Risk Factors--Risk of Fluctuations
in Price of SunAmerica Common Stock; Calculation of Current Market Price."
In the Indenture, the Company will agree to deliver on the Maturity Date the
form of consideration that the ML&Co. Subsidiary receives from the Selling
Stockholder. The Company will be required to mail a notice, at least 30 but not
more than 60 days prior to the Maturity Date, to each holder of STRYPES at its
registered address, which notice shall state whether the STRYPES will be paid
and discharged with shares of SunAmerica Common Stock or in cash and, if payable
in cash, specifying the amount of cash payable for each STRYPES and the Current
Market Price used to calculate such amount. If the Company elects to deliver
shares of SunAmerica Common Stock, holders of the STRYPES will be responsible
for the payment of any and all brokerage costs upon the subsequent sale of such
stock.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
8
At any time or from time to time on or prior to the Maturity Date, the
Company may, at its option, redeem the outstanding STRYPES, in whole or in part,
at a redemption price per STRYPES initially equal to $86.568, declining by
$.00966 on each day following the Issue Date (computed on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30-day months) to $76.686 on April 15, 1999, and equal to $76.106
thereafter, payable in either (i) a number of shares of SunAmerica Common Stock
equal to the redemption price on the applicable redemption date divided by the
Current Market Price of the SunAmerica Common Stock determined as of the second
Trading Day preceding the applicable Notice Date or (ii) at the Company's option
(which may be exercised with respect to all, but not less than all, of the
STRYPES to be redeemed on any redemption date) cash, plus in either case an
amount in cash equal to accrued and unpaid interest on the STRYPES to but
excluding the redemption date; provided that installments of interest which are
due and payable on or prior to the redemption date shall be payable to the
holders of STRYPES registered as such at the close of business on the relevant
record dates. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on
the STRYPES called for redemption, unless the Company defaults in the payment of
the redemption price therefor. If the Company elects to deliver shares of
SunAmerica Common Stock, holders of the STRYPES will be responsible for the
payment of any and all brokerage costs upon the subsequent sale of such stock.
Notice of redemption shall be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of STRYPES to be redeemed at its
registered address. Such notice shall specify whether the Company will pay the
redemption price by delivery of SunAmerica Common Stock or in cash and, if
payable in SunAmerica Common Stock, will also specify the number of shares of
SunAmerica Common Stock to be delivered for each STRYPES and the Current Market
Price used to calculate such number of shares. If only a portion of the STRYPES
held by any registered holder are to be redeemed, the notice of redemption shall
specify the number of STRYPES to be redeemed from such holder and, upon
redemption, a new STRYPES certificate evidencing the unredeemed STRYPES will be
issued in the name of the holder upon surrender for cancellation of the original
certificate.
In the event that less than all of the STRYPES are to be redeemed at any
time, selection of STRYPES for redemption will be made by the Trustee by such
method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate (subject to compliance
with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the
STRYPES may be listed); provided, however, that the STRYPES shall not be
redeemed except in units of one or more whole STRYPES.
The opportunity for capital appreciation afforded by an investment in the
STRYPES is limited because the Company may, at its option, redeem the STRYPES at
any time on or prior to the Maturity Date at the redemption prices described
above. Although not obligated to do so, the Company may be expected to redeem
the STRYPES on or prior to the Maturity Date if the market price of the
SunAmerica Common Stock exceeds the applicable redemption price, in which event
holders of STRYPES will receive less than one share of SunAmerica Common Stock
for each STRYPES (or, at the option of the Company, cash in an amount equal to
the Current Market Price of less than one share of such SunAmerica Common
Stock). See "Risk Factors--Limitation on Opportunity for Capital Appreciation."
If the Company exercises its option to redeem the STRYPES, in whole or in
part, the Notice Date for such redemption will be at least 30 days and could be
up to 60 days prior to the redemption date. If, as described above, the Company
elects to pay the redemption price by delivering shares of SunAmerica Common
Stock, the number of shares to be so delivered will be determined on the basis
of the Current Market Price as of the second Trading Date prior to the Notice
Date. The price of the SunAmerica Common Stock is subject to market fluctuations
and, as a result, the market value on such redemption date of the shares of
SunAmerica Common Stock delivered in respect of each STRYPES may be more or less
than the applicable redemption price. See "Risk Factors--Risk of Fluctuations in
Price of SunAmerica Common Stock; Calculation of Current Market Price."
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
The "Closing Price" of any security on any day shall mean the closing sales
price regular way on such day or, in case no such sale takes place on such day,
the average of the reported closing bid and asked prices regular way
9
on such day, in each case on the NYSE, or, if such security is not listed or
admitted to trading on the NYSE, on the principal national securities exchange
on which such security is listed or admitted to trading, or, if not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices of such security on the over-the-counter market on
the day in question as reported by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated,
or a similarly generally accepted reporting service, or if not so available in
such manner, as furnished by any NYSE member firm selected from time to time by
the Board of Directors of the Company for that purpose.
The "Current Market Price" per share of the SunAmerica Common Stock on any
date of determination means the average of the daily Closing Prices for the five
consecutive Trading Days ending on and including such date of determination
(appropriately adjusted to take into account the occurrence during such five-day
period of any event that results in an adjustment of the Common Equivalent
Rate); provided, however, that if the Closing Price of the SunAmerica Common
Stock on the Trading Day next following such five-day period (the "Next-Day
Closing Price") is less than 95% of such five-day average, then the Current
Market Price per share of SunAmerica Common Stock on such date of determination
will be the Next-Day Closing Price; and provided, further, that, for the
purposes of calculating the Current Market Price in connection with the Maturity
Date or any redemption of STRYPES or any determination of an amount in cash
payable in lieu of a fractional share of SunAmerica Common Stock, if any
adjustment of the Common Equivalent Rate becomes effective as of any date during
the period beginning on the first day of such five-day period and ending on the
Maturity Date or the relevant redemption date, as the case may be, then the
Current Market Price as determined pursuant to the foregoing will be
appropriately adjusted to reflect such adjustment. Because the price of
SunAmerica Common Stock is subject to market fluctuations, it is possible that
the Next-Day Closing Price could be significantly less than such five-day
average. See "Risk Factors--Risk of Fluctuations in Price of SunAmerica Common
Stock; Calculation of Current Market Price."
A "Notice Date" with respect to any notice given by the Company in connection
with the Maturity Date or any redemption of STRYPES means the commencement of
the mailing of such notice to the holders of STRYPES in accordance with "--
Payments at Maturity" or "--Optional Redemption," as the case may be, above.
A "Trading Day" is defined as a day on which the security, the Closing Price
of which is being determined, (A) is not suspended from trading on any national
or regional securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market at the
close of business and (B) has traded at least once on the national or regional
securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market that is the
primary market for the trading of such security; provided that, if the Closing
Price of such security is to be determined by a NYSE member firm, then the term
Trading Day shall mean, for purposes of determining such Closing Price, a day on
which the NYSE is open for trading.
DILUTION ADJUSTMENTS
The Common Equivalent Rate will initially be one share of SunAmerica Common
Stock for each STRYPES. The Common Equivalent Rate is subject to adjustment if
SunAmerica shall: (i) pay a dividend or make a distribution with respect to
SunAmerica Common Stock in shares of SunAmerica Common Stock; (ii) subdivide or
split the outstanding shares of SunAmerica Common Stock into a greater number of
shares; (iii) combine the outstanding shares of SunAmerica Common Stock into a
smaller number of shares; (iv) issue by reclassification of shares of SunAmerica
Common Stock any shares of common stock of SunAmerica; (v) issue certain rights
or warrants to all holders of SunAmerica Common Stock; or (vi) pay a dividend or
make a distribution to all holders of SunAmerica Common Stock of evidences of
its indebtedness or other assets (including shares of capital stock of
SunAmerica but excluding any cash dividends and any stock dividends or
distributions referred to in clause (i) above).
All adjustments to the Common Equivalent Rate will be calculated to the
nearest 1/100th of a share of SunAmerica Common Stock (or if there is not a
nearest 1/100th of a share to the next lower 1/100th of a share). No adjustment
in the Common Equivalent Rate shall be required unless such adjustment would
require an increase or decrease of at least one percent therein; provided,
however, that any adjustments which by reason of the foregoing are not required
to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent
adjustment. Each such adjustment to the Common Equivalent Rate shall be made
successively.
10
In the event of (A) any consolidation or merger of SunAmerica, or any
surviving entity or subsequent surviving entity of SunAmerica (a "SunAmerica
Successor"), with or into another entity (other than a merger or consolidation
in which SunAmerica is the continuing corporation and in which the SunAmerica
Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the merger or consolidation is not
exchanged for cash, securities or other property of SunAmerica or another
corporation), (B) any sale, transfer, lease or conveyance to another corporation
of the property of SunAmerica or any SunAmerica Successor as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety, (C) any statutory exchange of securities of
SunAmerica or any SunAmerica Successor with another corporation (other than in
connection with a merger or acquisition) or (D) any liquidation, dissolution,
winding up or bankruptcy of SunAmerica or any SunAmerica Successor (any such
event described in clause (A), (B), (C) or (D), a "Reorganization Event"), the
Common Equivalent Rate will be adjusted to provide that each holder of STRYPES
will receive on the Maturity Date or any redemption date for each STRYPES cash
in an amount equal to the Transaction Value. "Transaction Value" means (i) for
any cash received in any such Reorganization Event, the amount of cash received
per share of SunAmerica Common Stock, (ii) for any property other than cash or
securities received in any such Reorganization Event, an amount equal to the
market value on the Maturity Date or any redemption date of such property
received per share of SunAmerica Common Stock as determined by a nationally
recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by the
Company and (iii) for any securities received in any such Reorganization Event,
an amount equal to the average Closing Price per unit of such securities on the
five Trading Days immediately prior to the second Trading Day preceding the
Maturity Date or any redemption date multiplied by the number of such securities
received for each share of SunAmerica Common Stock. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in the event that property or securities, or a combination of cash,
on the one hand, and property or securities, on the other, are received in such
Reorganization Event, the Company may, at its option, in lieu of delivering cash
as described above, deliver the amount of cash, securities and other property
received per share of SunAmerica Common Stock in such Reorganization Event
determined in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, as applicable. If
the Company elects to deliver securities or other property, holders of the
STRYPES will be responsible for the payment of any and all brokerage and other
transaction costs upon any subsequent sale of such securities or other property.
The kind and amount of securities with which the STRYPES shall be paid and
discharged after consummation of such transaction shall be subject to adjustment
as described above following the date of consummation of such transaction.
No adjustments will be made for certain other events, such as offerings of
SunAmerica Common Stock by SunAmerica for cash or in connection with
acquisitions. Likewise, no adjustments will be made for any sales of SunAmerica
Common Stock by the Selling Stockholder.
The Company is required, within ten Business Days following the occurrence of
an event that requires an adjustment to the Common Equivalent Rate (or if the
Company is not aware of such occurrence, as soon as practicable after becoming
so aware), to provide written notice to the Trustee and to the holders of the
STRYPES of the occurrence of such event and a statement in reasonable detail
setting forth the adjusted Common Equivalent Rate and the method by which the
adjustment to the Common Equivalent Rate was determined.
CERTAIN PROCEDURES IN CONNECTION WITH MATURITY AND REDEMPTION
Each holder of STRYPES on the Maturity Date, and each holder of STRYPES
called for redemption on any redemption date, must surrender the certificates
evidencing such STRYPES at the office or agency of the Company maintained for
such purpose in order to receive the consideration payable on such date. If, on
the Maturity Date or any redemption date, the Company shall have deposited with
the Trustee or other agent under the Indenture the consideration payable on such
date in respect of all of the STRYPES then outstanding (in the case of the
Maturity Date) or the STRYPES called for redemption (in the case of any
redemption date), then, on the Maturity Date or redemption date, as the case may
be, all of the outstanding STRYPES or the STRYPES called for redemption, as the
case may be, shall cease to bear interest and all rights of the holders thereof
shall terminate (except for the right to receive the consideration payable in
respect of such STRYPES on such date), notwithstanding that the certificates
evidencing any of the STRYPES which are payable or subject to redemption on such
date shall not have been surrendered to the Company.
11
FRACTIONAL SHARES
No fractional shares of SunAmerica Common Stock will be delivered if the
Company pays and discharges the STRYPES by delivering shares of SunAmerica
Common Stock on the Maturity Date or any redemption date. In lieu of any
fractional share otherwise deliverable in respect of all STRYPES of any holder
on the Maturity Date or any redemption date, such holder shall be entitled to
receive an amount in cash equal to the value of such fractional share at the
Current Market Price of the SunAmerica Common Stock determined as of the second
Trading Day immediately preceding the relevant Notice Date.
NO SINKING FUND
The STRYPES do not contain sinking fund or other mandatory redemption
provisions. The STRYPES are not subject to payment prior to the Maturity Date at
the option of the holder.
RANKING
The STRYPES will be unsecured obligations and will rank pari passu with all
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.
There are no contractual restrictions on the ability of the Company or its
subsidiaries to incur additional secured or unsecured debt. However, borrowings
by certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, are restricted by net capital
requirements under the Exchange Act and under rules of certain exchanges and
other regulatory bodies.
SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
Upon issuance, each series of STRYPES will be represented by one or more
fully registered global securities (the "Global Notes"). Each such Global Note
will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, as
Securities Depository (the "Securities Depository"), and registered in the name
of the Securities Depository or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is
exchanged in whole or in part for STRYPES in definitive form under the limited
circumstances described below, no Global Note may be transferred except as a
whole by the Securities Depository to a nominee of such Securities Depository or
by a nominee of such Securities Depository to such Securities Depository or
another nominee of such Securities Depository or by such Securities Depository
or any such nominee to a successor of such Securities Depository or a nominee of
such successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The Securities
Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the Banking Law of
the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing
corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a
"clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the
Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold securities of its
participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions among its Participants in such securities through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the Participants, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The
Securities Depository's Participants include securities brokers and dealers
(including MLPF&S), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain
other organizations.
The Securities Depository is owned by a number of Participants and by the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the Securities Depository's
book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with
a Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
12
Purchases of STRYPES must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each STRYPES ("Beneficial Owner") is in
turn to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmations from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmation providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interest in such Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of
such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Notes.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner
of a Global Note, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the case may be,
will be considered the sole owner or holder of the STRYPES represented by such
Global Note for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as provided below,
Beneficial Owners in a Global Note will not be entitled to have the STRYPES
represented by such Global Notes registered in their names, will not receive or
be entitled to receive physical delivery of the STRYPES in definitive form and
will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the Indenture.
Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a Global Note must rely
on the procedures of the Securities Depository and, if such Person is not a
Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which such Person owns
its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the Indenture. The
Company understands that under existing industry practices, in the event that
the Company requests any action of holders or that an owner of a beneficial
interest in such a Global Note desires to give or take any action which a holder
is entitled to give or take under the Indenture, the Securities Depository would
authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or
take such action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning
through such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act
upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by the Securities Depository to Participants, by Participants to
Indirect Participants, and by Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payment of any amount with respect to STRYPES registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or its nominee will be made to the Securities Depository
or its nominee, as the case may be, as the holder of the Global Notes
representing such STRYPES. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent
of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability
for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the
Securities Depository, upon receipt of any payment in respect of a Global Note,
will credit the accounts of the Participants with payment in amounts
proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interest in such Global
Note as shown on the records of the Securities Depository. The Company also
expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with
securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
"street name," and will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If, with respect to a series of STRYPES, (x) the Securities Depository is at
any time unwilling or unable to continue as Securities Depository and a
successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60 days, (y) the
Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to the effect that
the Global Notes shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing with respect to any STRYPES of that series, the Company will
issue STRYPES in definitive form in exchange for all of the Global Notes
representing the STRYPES of that series. Such definitive STRYPES shall be
registered in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall instruct the
Trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions
received by the Securities Depository from Participants with respect to
ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Notes.
13
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Company may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, and
the Company may sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to
any corporation, provided that (i) the corporation (if other than the Company)
formed by or resulting from any such consolidation or merger or which shall have
received such assets shall be a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the United States of America or a state thereof and shall assume the due
and punctual delivery or payment of the Underlying Securities (or cash with an
equal value) in respect of, any interest and Additional Amounts on, and any
other amounts payable with respect to, the STRYPES of each series and the due
and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions
of the Indenture to be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii) the
Company or such successor corporation, as the case may be, shall not immediately
thereafter be in default under the Indenture.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Indenture provides that the Company may not, and may not permit any
Subsidiary (defined in the Indenture as any corporation of which at the time of
determination the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries owns or controls
directly or indirectly 50% of the shares of Voting Stock of such corporation)
to, create, assume, incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money
secured by a pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens
specifically permitted by the Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
STRYPES will be secured equally and ratably with such secured indebtedness.
LIMITATIONS ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Indenture provides that the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i)
merge or consolidate, unless the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary,
or (ii) convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety, except to one or more Controlled Subsidiaries.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Each of the following will constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture
with respect to each series of STRYPES: (a) failure to pay and discharge the
STRYPES of that series with the Underlying Securities or, if the Company so
elects, to pay an equivalent amount in cash in lieu thereof when due; (b)
failure to pay the Redemption Price or any redemption premium with respect to
any STRYPES of that series when due; (c) failure to deposit any sinking fund
payment, when and as due by the terms of any STRYPES of that series; (d) failure
to pay any interest on or any Additional Amounts in respect of any STRYPES of
that series when due, continued for 30 days; (e) failure to perform any other
covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for the benefit of that
series or in the STRYPES of that series, continued for 60 days after written
notice has been given to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company and the
Trustee by the holders of at least 10% of the aggregate issue price of the
Outstanding STRYPES of that series, as provided in the Indenture; (f) certain
events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company; and (g) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to STRYPES of that series.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause
(f) of the immediately preceding paragraph) with respect to the STRYPES of any
series shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at
least 25% of the aggregate issue price of the Outstanding STRYPES of that series
by notice as provided in the Indenture may declare an amount equal to the
aggregate issue price of all the STRYPES of that series and the interest accrued
thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, if any, to be
immediately due and payable in
14
cash. If an Event of Default described in said clause (f) shall occur, an amount
equal to the aggregate issue price of all the STRYPES of that series and the
interest accrued thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, if
any, will become immediately due and payable in cash without any declaration or
other action on the part of the Trustee or any holder. After such acceleration,
but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the holders of a majority
of the aggregate issue price of the Outstanding STRYPES of that series may,
under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Events
of Default, other than the non-payment of the amount equal to the aggregate
issue price of all the STRYPES of that series due by reason of such
acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture. See
"Modification and Waiver" below.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee
will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of STRYPES of any
series, unless such holders of that series shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee, the holders
of a majority of the aggregate issue price of the STRYPES of any series will
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Trustee with respect to the STRYPES of that series.
The Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement
by certain of its officers as to whether or not the Company, to their knowledge,
is in default in the fulfillment of any of its obligations under the Indenture
and, if so, specifying all such known defaults.
The STRYPES and other series of Senior Debt Securities issued under the
Indenture will not have the benefit of any cross-default provisions with other
indebtedness of the Company.
Modification and Waiver
Modifications of and amendments to the Indenture affecting a series of
STRYPES may be made by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
holders of 66/2//3% of the aggregate issue price of the Outstanding STRYPES of
such series; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may,
without the consent of the holder of each Outstanding STRYPES of such series
affected thereby, (a) change the Maturity Date or the Stated Maturity of any
installment of interest or Additional Amounts on any STRYPES or any premium
payable on the redemption thereof, or change the Redemption Price, (b) reduce
the amount of Underlying Securities payable with respect to any STRYPES (or
reduce the amount of cash payable in lieu thereof), (c) reduce the amount of
interest or Additional Amounts payable on any STRYPES or reduce the amount of
cash payable with respect to any STRYPES upon acceleration of the maturity
thereof, (d) change the place or currency of payment of interest or Additional
Amounts on, or any amount of cash payable with respect to any STRYPES, (e)
impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to any STRYPES, including the payment of Underlying Securities with
respect to any STRYPES, (f) reduce the percentage of the aggregate issue price
of Outstanding STRYPES of such series, the consent of whose holders is required
to modify or amend the Indenture, (g) reduce the percentage of the aggregate
issue price of Outstanding STRYPES of such series necessary for waiver of
compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain
defaults or (h) modify such provisions with respect to modification and waiver.
Except as provided in the Indenture, no modification of or amendment to the
Indenture may adversely affect the rights of a holder of any other Senior Debt
Security without the consent of such holder.
The holders of a majority of the aggregate issue price of each series of
STRYPES may waive compliance by the Company with certain restrictive provisions
of the Indenture. The holders of a majority of the aggregate issue price of
each series of STRYPES may waive any past default under the Indenture, except a
default in the payment of the Underlying Securities with respect to any STRYPES
of that series, or of cash payable in lieu thereof, or in the payment of any
premium, interest or Additional Amounts on any STRYPES of that series for which
payment
15
had not been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant and provision of the
Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder
of each Outstanding STRYPES of such series affected.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture and the STRYPES are governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New York.
LISTING
The STRYPES have been listed on the NYSE under this symbol "SAI."
CERTAIN ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE SELLING STOCKHOLDER
Pursuant to an agreement (the "Stock Agreement"), the Selling Stockholder is
obligated to deliver to Merrill Lynch Capital Services, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company (the "ML&Co. Subsidiary), on June 14, 1999, a
specified number of shares of SunAmerica Class B Stock (subject to the Selling
Stockholder's right to deliver cash in an amount equal to the Current Market
Price, determined as of the second Trading Day prior to the applicable Notice
Date, of the SunAmerica Common Stock underlying the SunAmerica Class B Stock
that otherwise would have been delivered). At any time and from time to time
through June 15, 1999, the Selling Stockholder may, at his option, redeem his
obligations under the Stock Agreement in whole or in part, at declining
redemption prices, payable in either (i) shares of SunAmerica Class B Stock
representing SunAmerica Common Stock having an aggregate Current Market Price,
determined as of the second Trading Day prior to the date of the applicable
notice of redemption, equal to the applicable redemption price or (ii) at the
Selling Stockholder's option (which may be exercised with respect to all, but
not less than all, of the obligations to be redeemed), cash, plus in either case
an amount in cash equal to accrued and unpaid interest on the Stock Agreement to
but excluding the redemption date. The consideration paid by the ML&Co.
Subsidiary to the Selling Stockholder under the Stock Agreement is approximately
$131 million, and was paid on June 12, 1996. In the Indenture, the Company has
agreed to pay and discharge the STRYPES by delivering to the holders thereof on
the Maturity Date or any redemption date the form of consideration that the
ML&Co. Subsidiary receives from the Selling Stockholder and to redeem the
STRYPES if and when the Selling Stockholder redeems his obligations under the
Stock Agreement.
Shares of SunAmerica Class B Stock delivered by the Selling Stockholder will
convert automatically into shares of SunAmerica Common Stock upon transfer to
the ML&Co. Subsidiary. The Selling Stockholder has the right at any time to
modify the Stock Agreement so that he may deliver shares of SunAmerica Common
Stock (or cash) instead of shares of SunAmerica Class B Stock (or cash). Until
such time, if any, as the Selling Stockholder shall have delivered shares to the
ML&Co. Subsidiary at maturity or upon redemption pursuant to the terms of the
Stock Agreement, the Selling Stockholder will retain all ownership rights with
respect to the shares held by him (including, without limitation, voting rights
and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions in respect thereof).
The Selling Stockholder has no obligations with respect to the STRYPES or
amounts to be paid to holders thereof including any obligation to take the needs
of the Company or holders of the STRYPES into consideration in determining
whether or when to cause the redemption of the STRYPES or whether to deliver
shares or cash at maturity or upon redemption, or for any other reason. The
Stock Agreement is a commercial transaction among the parties thereto and does
not create any rights in or for the benefit of, any third party, including any
holder of STRYPES.
In the event the Selling Stockholder does not perform under the Stock
Agreement, the Company will be required to otherwise acquire shares of
SunAmerica Common Stock for delivery to holders of the STRYPES on the Maturity
Date or upon redemption, unless it elects to exercise its option to deliver cash
with an equal value.
16
Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company,
entered into a secured loan agreement with the Selling Stockholder pursuant to
which the Selling Stockholder borrowed approximately $33 million for a term of
three years.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as stated
in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated
by reference herein they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on
such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their
reports on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are not subject to the
liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial information
because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration
statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections
7 and 11 of the Act.
17
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLEMENT OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 12, 1998
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
6 1/4% STRYPES(SM) DUE JULY 1, 2001
PAYABLE WITH SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF IMC GLOBAL INC.
(OR CASH WITH AN EQUAL VALUE)
____________________
On July 9, 1996, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company") issued 6,510,286
of its Structured Yield Product Exchangeable for Stock(SM), 6 1/4% STRYPES(SM)
Due July 1, 2001 (each, a "STRYPES"). The issue price of each STRYPES was
$38.25, which amount was equal to the last sale price of the common stock, par
value $1.00 per share (the "IMC Common Stock"), of IMC Global Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("IMC"), on July 2, 1996, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange
(the "Initial Price"). The STRYPES will mature on July 1, 2001 (the "Maturity
Date"). Interest on the STRYPES, at the rate of 6 1/4% of the issue price per
annum, is payable in cash quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and
October 1, beginning October 1, 1996. The STRYPES are not subject to redemption
or any sinking fund prior to maturity. The STRYPES are unsecured obligations of
the Company ranking pari passu with all of its other unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness. See "Description of the STRYPES-Ranking." On the
Maturity Date, the Company will pay and discharge each STRYPES by delivering to
the holder thereof a percentage of each type of Reference Property (subject to
the Company's right to deliver, with respect to all, but not less than all,
Reference Property deliverable on the Maturity Date, cash with an equal value)
determined in accordance with the following formula: (a) if the Reference
Property Value (as defined herein) is greater than or equal to $46.28 (the
"Threshold Appreciation Price"), 82.65% of each type of Reference Property, (b)
if the Reference Property Value is less than the Threshold Appreciation Price
but is greater than the Initial Price, a percentage of each type of Reference
Property, allocated as proportionately as practicable, so that the aggregate
value thereof is equal to the Initial Price and (c) if the Reference Property
Value is less than or equal to the Initial Price, 100% of each type of Reference
Property. The term "Reference Property" shall mean initially one share of IMC
Common Stock and shall be subject to adjustment from time to time prior to the
Maturity Date to reflect the addition or substitution of any cash, securities
and/or other property resulting from the application of the adjustment
provisions described herein. AS DESCRIBED HEREIN, THE REFERENCE PROPERTY VALUE
WILL REPRESENT A DETERMINATION OF THE VALUE OF THE REFERENCE PROPERTY
IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE MATURITY DATE. ACCORDINGLY, THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE
THAT THE AMOUNT RECEIVABLE BY HOLDERS OF THE STRYPES ON THE MATURITY DATE WILL
BE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN THE ISSUE PRICE OF THE STRYPES. IF THE REFERENCE
PROPERTY VALUE IS LESS THAN THE INITIAL PRICE, SUCH AMOUNT RECEIVABLE ON THE
MATURITY DATE WILL BE LESS THAN THE ISSUE PRICE PAID FOR THE STRYPES, IN WHICH
CASE AN INVESTMENT IN THE STRYPES WILL RESULT IN A LOSS. See "Description of the
STRYPES."
IMC is not affiliated with the Company and has no obligation with respect
to the STRYPES.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 3 FOR CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO AN
INVESTMENT IN THE STRYPES.
The STRYPES have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under
the symbol "IGL."
____________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
____________________
This Prospectus has been prepared in connection with the STRYPES and is to
be used by Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, in connection
with offers and sales related to market-making transactions in the STRYPES.
MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in such transactions. The STRYPES may be
offered on the NYSE or off such exchange in negotiated transactions, or
otherwise. Sales will be made at prices related to prevailing prices at the time
of sale. The distribution of the STRYPES will conform to the requirements set
forth in the applicable sections of Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
___________________________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
____________________________
The date of this Prospectus is January __, 1998
(SM)Service Mark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
The Commissioner of Insurance of The State of North Carolina has not
approved or disapproved the offering of the STRYPES made hereby, nor has the
Commissioner passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and Northeast Regional Office, Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The Commission maintains a Web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission.
The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), covering the STRYPES. This Prospectus
does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and
the exhibits thereto, to which reference is hereby made.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27,
1996, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 28, 1997, June
27, 1997 and September 26, 1997, and Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January
13, 1997, January 27, 1997, February 25, 1997, March 14, 1997, April 15, 1997,
May 2, 1997, May 30, 1997, June 3, 1997, July 16, 1997, July 30, 1997, August 1,
1997, September 24, 1997, September 29, 1997, October 15, 1997, October 29,
1997, November 20, 1997, November 26, 1997, December 2, 1997, December 16, 1997
and December 23, 1997 filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, are
hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the maturity of the Securities, or subsequent to the date of the initial
Registration Statement and prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS
PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, ON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY
(WITHOUT EXHIBITS OTHER THAN EXHIBITS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) OF
ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS. REQUESTS
FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LAWRENCE M. EGAN, JR., CORPORATE
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC., 100 CHURCH STREET, 12TH FLOOR,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10080-6512; TELEPHONE NUMBER (212) 602-8435.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN
2
THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY
SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER
TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY FROM, ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AT ANY TIME
DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT
TO ITS DATE.
RISK FACTORS
COMPARISON TO OTHER DEBT SECURITIES; RELATIONSHIP TO IMC COMMON STOCK
The terms of the STRYPES differ from those of ordinary debt securities in
that the value of the Reference Property (or, pursuant to the option of the
Company, the amount of cash) that a holder of a STRYPES will receive on the
Maturity Date is not fixed, but is based on the Reference Property Value (see
"Description of the STRYPES"). THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT SUCH AMOUNT
RECEIVABLE BY THE HOLDER ON THE MATURITY DATE WILL BE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN
THE ISSUE PRICE OF THE STRYPES. IF THE REFERENCE PROPERTY VALUE IS LESS THAN THE
INITIAL PRICE, SUCH AMOUNT RECEIVABLE ON THE MATURITY DATE WILL BE LESS THAN THE
ISSUE PRICE PAID FOR THE STRYPES, IN WHICH CASE AN INVESTMENT IN STRYPES WILL
RESULT IN A LOSS. ACCORDINGLY, A HOLDER OF STRYPES ASSUMES THE RISK THAT THE
MARKET VALUE OF THE REFERENCE PROPERTY MAY DECLINE, AND THAT SUCH DECLINE COULD
BE SUBSTANTIAL. THE IMC PROSPECTUS COVERS THE SHARES OF IMC COMMON STOCK
(INCLUDING THE PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH) WHICH MAY
BE RECEIVED BY A HOLDER OF THE STRYPES ON THE MATURITY DATE.
LIMITATION ON OPPORTUNITY FOR EQUITY APPRECIATION
The opportunity for equity appreciation afforded by an investment in the
STRYPES is less than the opportunity for equity appreciation afforded by a
direct investment in the IMC Common Stock because the amount receivable by a
holder of a STRYPES on the Maturity Date will only exceed the issue price of
such STRYPES if the Reference Property Value exceeds the Threshold Appreciation
Price (which represents an appreciation of 21% over the Initial Price).
Moreover, holders of the STRYPES will only be entitled to receive on the
Maturity Date 82.65% (the percentage equal to the Initial Price divided by the
Threshold Appreciation Price) of any appreciation of the value of the Reference
Property in excess of the Threshold Appreciation Price. See "Description of the
STRYPES." Because the price of the Reference Property is subject to market
fluctuations, the value of the Reference Property (or, pursuant to the option of
the Company, the amount of cash) received by a holder of a STRYPES on the
Maturity Date, determined as described herein, may be more or less than the
issue price of the STRYPES.
FACTORS AFFECTING TRADING PRICES
The trading prices of the STRYPES in the secondary market will be directly
affected by the trading prices of the IMC Common Stock in the secondary market.
It is impossible to predict whether the price of IMC Common Stock will rise or
fall. Trading prices of IMC Common Stock will be influenced by IMC's operating
results and prospects, by complex and interrelated political, economic,
financial and other factors and market conditions that can affect the capital
markets generally, the market segment of which IMC is a part, the NYSE (on which
the IMC Common Stock is traded), including the level of, and fluctuations in,
the trading prices of stocks generally and sales of substantial amounts of IMC
Common Stock in the market subsequent to the offering of the STRYPES or the
perception that such sales could occur, and by other events that are difficult
to predict and are beyond the Company's control.
IMPACT OF STRYPES ON THE MARKET FOR IMC COMMON STOCK
It is not possible to predict accurately how the STRYPES will trade in the
secondary market or whether such
3
market will be liquid. Any market that develops for the STRYPES is likely to
influence and be influenced by the market for IMC Common Stock. For example, the
price of IMC Common Stock could become more volatile and could be depressed by
investors' anticipation of the potential distribution into the market of
substantial amounts of IMC Common Stock on the Maturity Date, by possible sales
of IMC Common Stock by investors who view the STRYPES as a more attractive means
of equity participation in IMC, and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity
that may develop involving the STRYPES and the IMC Common Stock.
POSSIBLE ILLIQUIDITY OF THE SECONDARY MARKET
It is not possible to predict how the STRYPES will trade in the secondary
market or whether such market will be liquid or illiquid. The STRYPES are novel
securities and there is currently no secondary market for the STRYPES. The
STRYPES have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice
of issuance. However there can be no assurance that an active trading market for
the STRYPES will develop, that such listing will provide the holders of the
STRYPES with liquidity of investment, or that the STRYPES will not later be
delisted or that trading of the STRYPES on the NYSE will not be suspended. In
the event of a delisting or suspension of trading on the NYSE, the Company will
apply for listing of the STRYPES on another national securities exchange or for
quotation on another trading market. If the STRYPES are not listed or traded on
any securities exchange or trading market, or if trading of the STRYPES is
suspended, pricing information for the STRYPES may be more difficult to obtain
and the liquidity of the STRYPES may be adversely affected.
NO STOCKHOLDER'S RIGHTS
Holders of the STRYPES will not be entitled to any rights with respect to
the Reference Property (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights
to receive any dividends, interest or other distributions in respect thereof)
unless and until such time, if any, as the Company shall have delivered the
Reference Property for STRYPES on the Maturity Date, and unless the applicable
record date, if any, for the exercise of such rights occurs after such delivery.
For example, in the event that an amendment is proposed to the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of IMC and the record date for determining the
stockholders of record entitled to vote on such amendment occurs prior to such
delivery, holders of the STRYPES will not be entitled to vote on such amendment.
NO AFFILIATION BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND IMC
The Company has no affiliation with IMC, and IMC has no obligations with
respect to the STRYPES or amounts to be paid to holders thereof, including any
obligation to take the needs of the Company or of holders of the STRYPES into
consideration for any reason. IMC will not receive any of the proceeds of the
offering of the STRYPES made hereby and is not responsible for, and has not
participated in, the determination of the timing of, prices for or quantities of
the STRYPES to be issued, or the determination or calculation of the amount
receivable by holders of the STRYPES on the Maturity Date. IMC is not involved
with the administration or trading of the STRYPES and has no obligations with
respect to the amount receivable by holders of the STRYPES on the Maturity Date.
DILUTION OF IMC COMMON STOCK
The Reference Property (or, pursuant to the option of the Company, the
amount of cash) that holders of the STRYPES are entitled to receive on the
Maturity Date is subject to adjustment for certain events arising from, among
others, a merger or consolidation in which IMC is not the surviving or resulting
corporation and the liquidation, dissolution, winding up or bankruptcy of IMC,
as well as stock splits and combinations, stock dividends and certain other
actions of IMC that modify its capital structure. See "Description of the
STRYPES--Reference Property Adjustments." Such Reference Property (or cash
amount) to be received by such holders on the Maturity Date will not be adjusted
for other events, such as offerings of IMC Common Stock for cash or in
connection with acquisitions. IMC is not restricted from issuing additional
shares of IMC Common Stock during the term of the STRYPES and has no obligation
to consider the interests of the holders of the STRYPES for any reason.
Additional
4
issuances may materially and adversely affect the price of the IMC Common Stock
and, because of the relationship of the percentage of the Reference Property (or
cash amount) to be received on the Maturity Date to the price of the IMC Common
Stock, such other events may adversely affect the trading price of the STRYPES.
TAX MATTERS
Because of an absence of authority as to the proper characterization of the
STRYPES, their ultimate tax treatment is uncertain. Accordingly, no assurances
can be given that any particular characterization and treatment of the STRYPES
will be accepted by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or upheld by a court.
However, it is the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Company, that the
characterization and tax treatment of the STRYPES described herein, while not
the only reasonable characterization and tax treatment, is based on reasonable
interpretations of law currently in effect and, even if successfully challenged
by the IRS, will not result in the imposition of penalties. The Indenture (as
defined below) will require that any holder subject to U.S. Federal income tax
include currently in income, for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, payments
denominated as interest that are made with respect to a STRYPES in accordance
with such holder's regular method of tax accounting. The Indenture also requires
the Company and holders to treat each STRYPES for tax purposes as a unit (a
"Unit") consisting of (i) a debt instrument (the "Debt Instrument") with a fixed
principal amount unconditionally payable on the Maturity Date equal to the issue
price of the STRYPES and bearing interest at the stated interest rate on the
STRYPES and (ii) a forward purchase contract (the "Forward Contract") pursuant
to which the holder agrees to use the principal payment due on the Debt
Instrument to purchase on the Maturity Date the Reference Property which the
Company is obligated under the STRYPES to deliver at that time (subject to the
Company's right to deliver cash in lieu of the Reference Property). The
Indenture also requires that upon the acquisition of a STRYPES and upon a
holder's sale or other disposition of a STRYPES prior to the Maturity Date, the
amount paid or realized by the holder be allocated by the holder between the
Debt Instrument and the Forward Contract based upon their relative fair market
values (as determined on the date of acquisition or disposition). For these
purposes, with respect to acquisitions of STRYPES in connection with the
original issuance thereof, the Company and each holder agrees, pursuant to the
terms of the Indenture, to allocate $37.045 of the entire initial purchase price
of a STRYPES (i.e., the issue price of a STRYPES) to the Debt Instrument and to
allocate the remaining $1.205 of the entire initial purchase price of a STRYPES
to the Forward Contract. As a result of this allocation, the Debt Instrument
will be treated as having been issued with original issue discount for United
States Federal income tax purposes. As previously mentioned, the appropriate
character and timing of income, gain or loss to be recognized on a STRYPES is
uncertain and investors should consult their own tax advisers concerning the
application of the United States Federal income tax laws to their particular
situations as well as any consequences of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the STRYPES arising under the laws of any other taxing
jurisdiction.
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
Since the Company is a holding company, the right of the Company, and hence
the right of creditors of the Company (including the holders of the STRYPES), to
participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary upon its
liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is necessarily subject to the prior
claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the
Company itself as a creditor of the subsidiary may be recognized. In addition,
dividends, loans and advances from certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, to
the Company are restricted by net capital requirements under the Exchange Act
and under rules of certain exchanges and other regulatory bodies.
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. is a holding company that, through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, insurance, and
related services on a global basis. Its principal subsidiary, MLPF&S, one of the
largest securities firms in the world, is a leading broker in securities,
options contracts, and commodity and financial futures contracts; a leading
dealer in options and in corporate and municipal securities; a leading
investment
5
banking firm that provides advice to, and raises capital for, its clients; and
an underwriter of selected insurance products. Other subsidiaries provide
financial services on a global basis similar to those of MLPF&S and are engaged
in such other activities as international banking, lending, and providing other
investment and financing services. Merrill Lynch International Incorporated,
through subsidiaries and affiliates, provides investment, financing, and related
services outside the United States and Canada. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
LP and Fund Asset Management, LP together constitute one of the largest mutual
fund managers in the world and provide investment advisory services. Merrill
Lynch Government Securities Inc. is a primary dealer in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Merrill Lynch Capital
Services, Inc., Merrill Lynch Derivative Products AG, and Merrill Lynch
International are the Company's primary derivative product dealers and enter
into interest rate and currency swaps and other derivative transactions as
intermediaries and as principals. The Company's insurance underwriting
operations consist of the underwriting of life insurance and annuity products.
Banking, trust, and mortgage lending operations conducted through subsidiaries
of the Company include issuing certificates of deposit, offering money market
deposit accounts, making secured loans, and providing currency exchange
facilities and other related services.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at World Financial
Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281; its telephone
number is (212) 449-1000.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the historical ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED LAST FRIDAY IN DECEMBER NINE MONTHS ENDED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 SEPTEMBER 26, 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------------
Ratio of earnings
to fixed charges.............. 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consists of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consists of interest costs, amortization of
debt expense, preferred stock dividend requirements of majority-owned
subsidiaries and that portion of rentals estimated to be representative of the
interest factor.
IMC GLOBAL INC.
IMC is one of the world's leading producers of crop nutrients for the
international agricultural community and is one of the largest distributors in
the United States of crop nutrients and related products through its retail and
wholesale distribution networks. IMC mines, processes and distributes potash in
the United States and Canada, and is a joint venture partner in IMC-Agrico
Company, a leading producer, marketer and distributor of phosphate crop
nutrients and a leading producer and marketer of animal feed ingredients. IMC's
retail distribution network, which extends principally to corn and soybean
farmers in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States, is one of the largest
distributors of crop nutrients and related products in the United States. IMC
also manufactures nitrogen-based and other high-value crop nutrients which are
marketed on a wholesale basis principally in the Midwestern and Southeastern
United States. In addition, IMC sells specialty lawn and garden, turf, and
nursery products on a national basis and ice-melter products in the Midwest and
Eastern snow-belt states.
IMC is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act.
Accordingly, IMC files reports, proxy and information statements and other
information with the Commission. Copies of such material can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at the
addresses specified under "Available Information." Reports, proxy and
information statements and other information concerning IMC may
6
also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE.
THE COMPANY IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH IMC, AND IMC HAS NO OBLIGATIONS WITH
RESPECT TO THE STRYPES. THIS PROSPECTUS RELATES ONLY TO THE STRYPES OFFERED
HEREBY AND DOES NOT RELATE TO IMC OR THE IMC COMMON STOCK. IMC HAS FILED A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 WITH THE COMMISSION COVERING THE SHARES OF
IMC COMMON STOCK THAT MAY BE RECEIVED BY A HOLDER OF STRYPES ON THE MATURITY
DATE. THE PROSPECTUS OF IMC (THE "IMC PROSPECTUS") CONSTITUTING A PART OF SUCH
REGISTRATION STATEMENT INCLUDES INFORMATION RELATING TO IMC AND THE IMC COMMON
STOCK, INCLUDING CERTAIN RISK FACTORS RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN IMC COMMON
STOCK. THE IMC PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A PART OF THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR IS
IT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STRYPES
The STRYPES are a series of Senior Debt Securities issued under an
indenture dated as of April 1, 1983 and restated as of April 1, 1987, as amended
and supplemented as of July 1, 1995 (the indenture dated as of April 1, 1983 and
restated as of April 1, 1987, as amended and supplemented from time to time, the
"Indenture") between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as
Chemical Bank (successor by merger to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Trustee"). The following summary of certain provisions of the
Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Indenture, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. All capitalized terms
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Indenture.
Whenever defined terms of the Indenture are referred to herein, such defined
terms are incorporated by reference herein.
GENERAL
Each STRYPES, was issued at a price of $38.25, bears interest at the rate
of 6/1//4% of the issue price per annum (or $2.3908 per annum) from July 9,
1996, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been
paid or provided for, until the Maturity Date or such earlier date on which such
STRYPES is repaid pursuant to the terms thereof. Interest on the STRYPES is
payable in cash quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October
1, beginning October 1, 1996, and on the Maturity Date (each, an "Interest
Payment Date"), to the persons in whose names the STRYPES are registered at the
close of business on the fifteenth calendar day (whether or not a Business Day)
immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date. Interest on the STRYPES will
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If an
Interest Payment Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the interest
payment to be made on such Interest Payment Date will be made on the next
succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on such
Interest Payment Date, and no additional interest will accrue as a result of
such delayed payment.
The STRYPES will mature on July 1, 2001. On the Maturity Date, the Company
will pay and discharge each STRYPES by delivering to the holder thereof a
percentage of each type of Reference Property (subject to the Company's right to
deliver, with respect to all, but not less than all, Reference Property
deliverable on the Maturity Date, cash with an equal value) determined in
accordance with the following formula: (a) if the Reference Property Value (as
defined below) is greater than or equal to the Threshold Appreciation Price,
82.65% of each type of Reference Property, (b) if the Reference Property Value
is less than the Threshold Appreciation Price but is greater than the Initial
Price, a percentage of each type of Reference Property, allocated as
proportionately as practicable, so that the aggregate value thereof is equal to
the Initial Price and (c) if the Reference Property Value is less than or equal
to the Initial Price, 100% of each type of Reference Property. ACCORDINGLY,
THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE AMOUNT RECEIVABLE BY HOLDERS OF THE STRYPES
ON THE MATURITY DATE WILL BE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN THE ISSUE PRICE OF THE
STRYPES. IF THE REFERENCE PROPERTY VALUE IS LESS THAN THE INITIAL PRICE, SUCH
AMOUNT RECEIVABLE ON THE MATURITY DATE WILL BE LESS THAN THE ISSUE PRICE PAID
FOR THE STRYPES, IN WHICH CASE AN
7
INVESTMENT IN STRYPES WILL RESULT IN A LOSS.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may, in lieu of delivering the
applicable percentage of each type of Reference Property, deliver cash in an
amount equal to the sum of (a) for any portion of the Reference Property
consisting of cash that is otherwise deliverable on the Maturity Date, the
amount of such cash, without interest thereon, (b) for any portion of the
Reference Property consisting of property other than cash or Reference
Securities that is otherwise deliverable on the Maturity Date, the fair market
value (as determined by a nationally recognized independent investment banking
firm retained for this purpose by the Company) as of the third Trading Day
preceding the Maturity Date of such property, and (c) for any portion of the
Reference Property consisting of a Reference Security (as defined below) that is
otherwise deliverable on the Maturity Date (except as described under "Reference
Property Adjustments" below), an amount equal to the average Closing Price (as
defined below) per unit of such Reference Security on the 20 Trading Days
immediately prior to, but not including, the second Trading Day preceding the
Maturity Date multiplied by the number of units of such Reference Security
constituting part of the Reference Property, subject to the Company's agreement
contained in the Purchase Agreement to deliver on the Maturity Date the form of
consideration that the ML&Co. Subsidiary (as defined below) receives from GVI.
Such right, if exercised by the Company, must be exercised with respect to all
Reference Property otherwise deliverable on the Maturity Date in payment of all
outstanding STRYPES. On or prior to the sixth Business Day prior to the Maturity
Date, the Company will notify The Depository Trust Company and the Trustee and
publish a notice in The Wall Street Journal or another daily newspaper of
national circulation stating whether the STRYPES will be paid and discharged by
delivery of the applicable percentage of each type of Reference Property or
cash. At the time such notice is published, the Reference Property Value will
not have been determined. If the Company elects to deliver Reference Property,
holders of the STRYPES will be responsible for the payment of any and all
brokerage costs upon the subsequent sale thereof.
The term "Reference Property" initially means one share of IMC Common Stock
and shall be subject to adjustment from time to time prior to the Maturity Date
to reflect the addition or substitution of any cash, securities and/or other
property resulting from the application of the adjustment provisions described
herein. See "--Reference Property Adjustments" below. The term "Reference
Security" means, at any time, any security (as defined in Section 2(1) of the
Securities Act) then constituting part of the Reference Property. The term
"Reference Property Value" means, subject to the adjustment provisions described
below, the sum of (a) for any portion of the Reference Property consisting of
cash, the amount of such cash, (b) for any portion of the Reference Property
consisting of property other than cash or Reference Securities, the fair market
value (as determined by a nationally recognized independent investment banking
firm retained for this purpose by the Company) as of the third Trading Day
preceding the Maturity Date of such property, and (c) for any portion of the
Reference Property consisting of a Reference Security, an amount equal to the
average Closing Price per unit of such Reference Security on the 20 Trading Days
immediately prior to, but not including, the second Trading Day preceding the
Maturity Date multiplied by the number of units of such Reference Security
constituting part of the Reference Property. The "Closing Price" of any
Reference Security on any date of determination means the closing sale price
(or, if no closing price is reported, the last reported sale price) of such
Reference Security on the NYSE on such date or, if such Reference Security is
not listed for trading on the NYSE on any such date, as reported in the
composite transactions for the principal United States securities exchange on
which such Reference Security is so listed, or if such Reference Security is not
so listed on a United States national or regional securities exchange, as
reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated
Quotation System, or, if such Reference Security is not so reported, the last
quoted bid price for such Reference Security in the over-the-counter market as
reported by the National Quotation Bureau or similar organization, or, if such
bid price is not available, the market value of such Reference Security on such
date as determined by a nationally recognized independent investment banking
firm retained for this purpose by the Company. A "Trading Day" is defined as a
day on which the Reference Security the Closing Price of which is being
determined (A) is not suspended from trading on any national or regional
securities exchange or association or over-the-counter market at the close of
business and (B) has traded at least once on the national or regional securities
exchange or association or over-the-counter market that is the primary market
for the trading of such Reference Security.
8
For illustrative purposes only, the following table shows the number of
shares of IMC Common Stock or the amount of cash that a holder of STRYPES would
receive for each STRYPES at various Reference Property Values. The table assumes
that there will be no Reference Property adjustments as described below and,
accordingly, that on the Maturity Date the Reference Property will consist of
one share of IMC Common Stock. There can be no assurance that the Reference
Property Value will be within the range set forth below. Given the Initial Price
of $38.25 and the Threshold Appreciation Price of $46.28, a STRYPES holder would
receive on the Maturity Date the following number of shares of IMC Common Stock
or amount of cash (if the Company elects to pay and discharge the STRYPES with
cash) per STRYPES:
Reference Number of Shares
Property of IMC Common Amount
Value Stock of Cash
--------- ---------------- -------
$35.00 1.0000 $35.00
38.25 1.0000 38.25
42.00 0.9107 38.25
46.28 0.8265 38.25
50.00 0.8265 41.33
REFERENCE PROPERTY ADJUSTMENTS
The Reference Property is subject to adjustment if an issuer of a Reference
Security shall: (i) subdivide or split the outstanding units of such Reference
Security into a greater number of units; (ii) combine the outstanding units of
such Reference Security into a smaller number of units; (iii) issue by
reclassification of units of such Reference Security any units of another
security of such issuer; (iv) issue rights or warrants to all holders of such
Reference Security entitling them, for a period expiring prior to the fifteenth
calendar day following the Maturity Date, to subscribe for or purchase any of
its securities or other property (other than rights to purchase units of such
Reference Security pursuant to a plan for the reinvestment of dividends or
interest); or (v) pay a dividend or make a distribution to all holders of such
Reference Security of cash, securities or other property (excluding any cash
dividend on any Reference Security consisting of capital stock that does not
constitute an Extraordinary Cash Dividend (as defined below), excluding any
payment of interest on any Reference Security consisting of an evidence of
indebtedness and excluding any dividend or distribution referred to in clause
(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above) or issue to all holders of such Reference
Security rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any of its securities
or other property (other than those referred to in clause (iv) above) (any of
the foregoing cash, securities or other property or rights or warrants are
referred to as the "Distributed Assets").
In the case of the events referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above,
the Reference Property shall be adjusted to include the number of units of such
Reference Security and/or other security of such issuer which a holder of units
of such Reference Security would have owned or been entitled to receive
immediately following any such event had such holder held, immediately prior to
such event, the number of units of such Reference Security constituting part of
the Reference Property immediately prior to such event. Each such adjustment
shall become effective immediately after the effective date for such
subdivision, split, combination or reclassification, as the case may be. Each
such adjustment shall be made successively.
In the case of the event referred to in clause (iv) above, the Reference
Property shall be adjusted to include an amount in cash equal to the fair market
value (determined as described below), as of the fifth Business Day (except as
provided below) following the date on which such rights or warrants are received
by securityholders entitled thereto (the "Receipt Date"), of each such right or
warrant multiplied by the product of (A) the number of such rights or warrants
issued for each unit of such Reference Security and (B) the number of units of
such Reference Security constituting part of the Reference Property on the date
of issuance of such rights or warrants, immediately prior to such issuance,
without interest thereon. For purposes of the foregoing, the fair market value
of each such right or warrant shall be the quotient of (x) the highest net bid,
as of approximately 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on
9
the fifth Business Day following the Receipt Date for settlement three Business
Days later, by a recognized securities dealer in The City of New York selected
by or on behalf of the Company (from three (or such fewer number of dealers as
may be providing such bids) such recognized dealers selected by or on behalf of
the Company), for the purchase by such quoting dealer of the number of rights or
warrants (the "Aggregate Number") that a holder of such Reference Security would
receive if such holder held, as of the record date for determination of
stockholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants, a number of units of
such Reference Security equal to the product of (1) the aggregate number of
Outstanding STRYPES as of such record date and (2) the number of units of such
Reference Security constituting part of the Reference Property, divided by (y)
the Aggregate Number. Each such adjustment shall become effective on the fifth
Business Day following the Receipt Date of such rights or warrants. If for any
reason the Company is unable to obtain the required bid on the fifth Business
Day following the Receipt Date, it shall attempt to obtain such bid at
successive intervals of three months thereafter and on the third Trading Day
prior to the Maturity Date until it is able to obtain the required bid. From the
date of issuance of such rights or warrants until the required bid is obtained,
the Reference Property shall include the number of such rights or warrants
issued for each unit of such Reference Security multiplied by the number of
units of such Reference Security constituting part of the Reference Property on
the date of issuance of such rights or warrants, immediately prior to such
issuance, and such rights or warrants constituting part of the Reference
Property shall be deemed for all purposes hereof to have a fair market value of
zero.
In the case of the event referred to in clause (v) above, the Reference
Property shall be adjusted to include, from and after such dividend,
distribution or issuance, (x) in respect of that portion, if any, of the
Distributed Assets consisting of cash, the amount of such Distributed Assets
consisting of cash received for each unit of such Reference Security multiplied
by the number of units of such Reference Security constituting part of the
Reference Property on the date of such dividend, distribution or issuance,
immediately prior to such dividend, distribution or issuance, without interest
thereon, plus (y) in respect of that portion, if any, of the Distributed Assets
which are other than cash, the number or amount of each type of Distributed
Assets other than cash received with respect to each unit of such Reference
Security multiplied by the number of units of such Reference Security
constituting part of the Reference Property on the date of such dividend,
distribution or issuance, immediately prior to such dividend, distribution or
issuance.
An "Extraordinary Cash Dividend" means, with respect to any consecutive 12-
month period, the amount, if any, by which the aggregate amount of all cash
dividends on any Reference Security consisting of capital stock occurring in
such 12-month period (or, if such Reference Security was not outstanding at the
commencement of such 12-month period, occurring in such shorter period during
which such Reference Security was outstanding) exceeds on a per share basis 12%
of the average of the Closing Prices per share of such Reference Security over
such 12-month period (or such shorter period during which such Reference
Security was outstanding); provided that, for purposes of the foregoing
definition, the amount of cash dividends paid on a per share basis will be
appropriately adjusted to reflect the occurrence during such period of any stock
dividend or distribution of shares of capital stock of the issuer of such
Reference Security or any subdivision, split, combination or reclassification of
shares of such Reference Security.
In the event of (A) any consolidation or merger of an issuer of a Reference
Security with or into another entity (other than a merger or consolidation in
which such issuer is the continuing corporation and in which the Reference
Security outstanding immediately prior to the merger or consolidation is not
exchanged for cash, securities or other property of such issuer or another
entity), (B) any statutory exchange of securities of an issuer of a Reference
Security with another entity (other than in connection with a merger or
acquisition) or (C) any liquidation, dissolution, winding up or bankruptcy of an
issuer of a Reference Security (excluding any distribution in such event
referred to in clause (v) above) (any such event described in clause (A), (B) or
(C), a "Reorganization Event"), the Reference Property shall be adjusted to
include, from and after the effective date for such Reorganization Event, in
lieu of the number of units of such Reference Security constituting part of the
Reference Property immediately prior to the effective date for such
Reorganization Event, the amount or number of any cash, securities and/or other
property owned or received in such Reorganization Event with respect to each
unit of such Reference Security multiplied by the number of units of such
Reference Security constituting part of the Reference Property immediately prior
to the effective date for such Reorganization Event.
10
No adjustments will be made for certain other events, such as offerings of
IMC Common Stock by IMC for cash or in connection with acquisitions. Likewise,
no adjustments will be made for any sales of IMC Common Stock by GVI.
The Company is required, within ten Business Days following the occurrence
of an event that requires an adjustment to the Reference Property (or if the
Company is not aware of such occurrence, as soon as practicable after becoming
so aware), to provide written notice to the Trustee and to the holders of the
STRYPES of the occurrence of such event and a statement in reasonable detail
setting forth the amount or number of each type of Reference Security and other
property then constituting part of the Reference Property.
FRACTIONAL INTERESTS
No fractional units of any Reference Security will be delivered if the
Company pays and discharges the STRYPES by delivering Reference Property. In
lieu of any fractional unit otherwise deliverable in respect of all STRYPES of
any holder on the Maturity Date, such holder shall be entitled to receive an
amount in cash equal to the value of such fractional unit based on the average
Closing Price per unit of such Reference Security on the 20 Trading Days
immediately prior to, but not including, the second Trading Day preceding the
Maturity Date.
To the extent practicable, the Company will deliver fractional interests of
any Reference Property other than cash or a Reference Security if the Company
pays and discharges the STRYPES by delivering Reference Property. If such
delivery is not practicable, in lieu of delivering any such fractional interest
otherwise deliverable in respect of all STRYPES of any holder on the Maturity
Date, such holder shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash equal to the
value of such fractional interest based on the fair market value (as determined
by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this
purpose by the Company) as of the third Trading Day preceding the Maturity Date
of such Reference Property other than cash or a Reference Security.
REDEMPTION, SINKING FUND AND PAYMENT PRIOR TO MATURITY
The STRYPES are not subject to redemption by the Company prior to the
Maturity Date and do not contain sinking fund or other mandatory redemption
provisions. The STRYPES are not subject to payment prior to the Maturity Date at
the option of the holder.
RANKING
The STRYPES are unsecured obligations and will rank pari passu with all
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.
There are no contractual restrictions on the ability of the Company or its
subsidiaries to incur additional secured or unsecured debt. However, borrowings
by certain subsidiaries, including MLPF&S, are restricted by net capital
requirements under the Exchange Act and under rules of certain exchanges and
other regulatory bodies.
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement described under "Certain Arrangements
with GVI," GVI is obligated to deliver to the ML&Co. Subsidiary (as defined
below) immediately prior to the Maturity Date the Reference Property required by
the Company to pay and discharge all of the STRYPES (including any STRYPES
issued pursuant to the over-allotment option granted by the Company to MLPF&S).
In lieu of delivering the Reference Property immediately prior to the Maturity
Date, GVI has the right to satisfy its obligation under the Purchase Agreement
by delivering at such time cash in an amount equal to the value of such
Reference Property immediately prior to the Maturity Date. Such right, if
exercised by GVI, must be exercised with respect to all of the Reference
Property deliverable pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
11
SECURITIES DEPOSITORY
Upon issuance, all STRYPES were represented by one or more fully registered
global securities (the "Global Notes"). Each such Global Note was deposited
with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, as Securities Depository
(the "Securities Depository"), and registered in the name of the Securities
Depository or a nominee thereof. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in
part for STRYPES in definitive form under the limited circumstances described
below, no Global Note may be transferred except as a whole by the Securities
Depository to a nominee of such Securities Depository or by a nominee of such
Securities Depository to such Securities Depository or another nominee of such
Securities Depository or by such Securities Depository or any such nominee to a
successor of such Securities Depository or a nominee of such successor.
The Securities Depository has advised the Company as follows: The
Securities Depository is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the
Banking Law of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a
"clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial
Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
17A of the Exchange Act. The Securities Depository was created to hold
securities of its participants ("Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. The Securities Depository's Participants include securities
brokers and dealers (including MLPF&S), banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations, and certain other organizations.
The Securities Depository is owned by a number of Participants and by the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the Securities
Depository's book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks,
brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect
Participants").
Purchases of STRYPES must be made by or through Participants, which will
receive a credit on the records of the Securities Depository. The ownership
interest of each actual purchaser of each STRYPES ("Beneficial Owner") is in
turn to be recorded on the Participants' or Indirect Participants' records.
Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmations from the Securities
Depository of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmation providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Participant or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Ownership of
beneficial interest in such Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of
such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Securities Depository (with respect to interests of Participants) and on the
records of Participants (with respect to interests of persons held through
Participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Global Notes.
So long as the Securities Depository, or its nominee, is the registered
owner of a Global Note, the Securities Depository or its nominee, as the case
may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the STRYPES represented
by such Global Note for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as provided
below, Beneficial Owners in a Global Note will not be entitled to have the
STRYPES represented by such Global Notes registered in their names, will not
receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the STRYPES in definitive
form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the
Indenture. Accordingly, each Person owning a beneficial interest in a Global
Note must rely on the procedures of the Securities Depository and, if such
Person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through which
such Person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the
Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry practices, in
the event that the Company requests any action of holders or that an owner of a
beneficial interest in such a Global Note desires to give or take any action
which a holder is entitled to give or take under the Indenture, the Securities
Depository would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interests to give or take such action, and such Participants would
12
authorize Beneficial Owners owning through such Participants to give or take
such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by the Securities Depository to
Participants, by Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Participants and
Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements
among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time.
Payment of any amount with respect to STRYPES registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or its nominee will be made to the Securities Depository
or its nominee, as the case may be, as the holder of the Global Notes
representing such STRYPES. None of the Company, the Trustee or any other agent
of the Company or agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability
for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests or for supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests. The Company expects that the
Securities Depository, upon receipt of any payment in respect of a Global Note,
will credit the accounts of the Participants with payment in amounts
proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interest in such Global
Note as shown on the records of the Securities Depository. The Company also
expects that payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with
securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
"street name," and will be the responsibility of such Participants.
If, with respect to a series of STRYPES, (x) the Securities Depository is
at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Securities Depository and a
successor depository is not appointed by the Company within 60 days, (y) the
Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to the effect that
the Global Notes shall be exchangeable or (z) an Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing with respect to any STRYPES of that series, the Company will
issue STRYPES in definitive form in exchange for all of the Global Notes
representing the STRYPES of that series. Such definitive STRYPES shall be
registered in such name or names as the Securities Depository shall instruct the
Trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions
received by the Securities Depository from Participants with respect to
ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Notes.
MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION
The Company may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation,
and the Company may sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets
to any corporation, provided that (i) the corporation (if other than the
Company) formed by or resulting from any such consolidation or merger or which
shall have received such assets shall be a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof and shall
assume the due and punctual delivery or payment of the Underlying Securities (or
cash with an equal value) in respect of, any interest and Additional Amounts on,
and any other amounts payable with respect to, the STRYPES of each series and
the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and
conditions of the Indenture to be performed or observed by the Company, and (ii)
the Company or such successor corporation, as the case may be, shall not
immediately thereafter be in default under the Indenture.
LIMITATIONS UPON LIENS
The Indenture provides that the Company may not, and may not permit any
Subsidiary (defined in the Indenture as any corporation of which at the time of
determination the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries owns or controls
directly or indirectly 50% of the shares of Voting Stock of such corporation)
to, create, assume, incur or permit to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money
secured by a pledge, lien or other encumbrance (except for certain liens
specifically permitted by the Indenture) on the Voting Stock owned directly or
indirectly by the Company of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary which, at
the time of incurrence of such secured indebtedness, has a net worth of less
than $3,000,000) without making effective provision whereby the Outstanding
STRYPES will be secured equally and ratably with such secured indebtedness.
13
LIMITATIONS ON DISPOSITION OF VOTING STOCK OF, AND MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS BY,
MLPF&S
The Indenture provides that the Company may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any Voting Stock of MLPF&S or permit MLPF&S to issue, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its Voting Stock, unless, after giving effect to any
such transaction, MLPF&S remains a Controlled Subsidiary (defined in the
Indenture to mean a corporation more than 80% of the outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of which are owned directly or indirectly by the Company). In
addition, the Indenture provides that the Company may not permit MLPF&S to (i)
merge or consolidate, unless the surviving company is a Controlled Subsidiary,
or (ii) convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety, except to one or more Controlled Subsidiaries.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Each of the following will constitute an Event of Default under the
Indenture with respect to each series of STRYPES: (a) failure to pay and
discharge the STRYPES of that series with the Underlying Securities or, if the
Company so elects, to pay an equivalent amount in cash in lieu thereof when due;
(b) failure to pay the Redemption Price or any redemption premium with respect
to any STRYPES of that series when due; (c) failure to deposit any sinking fund
payment, when and as due by the terms of any STRYPES of that series; (d) failure
to pay any interest on or any Additional Amounts in respect of any STRYPES of
that series when due, continued for 30 days; (e) failure to perform any other
covenant of the Company contained in the Indenture for the benefit of that
series or in the STRYPES of that series, continued for 60 days after written
notice has been given to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company and the
Trustee by the holders of at least 10% of the aggregate issue price of the
Outstanding STRYPES of that series, as provided in the Indenture; (f) certain
events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company; and (g) any
other Event of Default provided with respect to STRYPES of that series.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause
(f) of the immediately preceding paragraph) with respect to the STRYPES of any
series shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at
least 25% of the aggregate issue price of the Outstanding STRYPES of that series
by notice as provided in the Indenture may declare an amount equal to the
aggregate issue price of all the STRYPES of that series and the interest accrued
thereon and Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, if any, to be
immediately due and payable in cash. If an Event of Default described in said
clause (f) shall occur, an amount equal to the aggregate issue price of all the
STRYPES of that series and the interest accrued thereon and Additional Amounts
payable in respect thereof, if any, will become immediately due and payable in
cash without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any
holder. After such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on
acceleration, the holders of a majority of the aggregate issue price of the
Outstanding STRYPES of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and
annul such acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of
the amount equal to the aggregate issue price of all the STRYPES of that series
due by reason of such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the
Indenture. See "Modification and Waiver" below.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee
will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of STRYPES of any
series, unless such holders of that series shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee, the holders
of a majority of the aggregate issue price of the STRYPES of any series will
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Trustee with respect to the STRYPES of that series.
The Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement
by certain of its officers as to whether or not the Company, to their knowledge,
is in default in the fulfillment of any of its obligations under the Indenture
and, if so, specifying all such known defaults.
14
The STRYPES and other series of Senior Debt Securities issued under the
Indenture will not have the benefit of any cross-default provisions with other
indebtedness of the Company.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, modifications of and
amendments to the Indenture affecting a series of STRYPES may be made by the
Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of 66(SM) % of the
aggregate issue price of the Outstanding STRYPES of such series; provided,
however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the
holder of each Outstanding STRYPES of such series affected thereby, (a) change
the Maturity Date or the Stated Maturity of any installment of interest or
Additional Amounts on any STRYPES or any premium payable on the redemption
thereof, or change the Redemption Price, (b) reduce the amount of Underlying
Securities payable with respect to any STRYPES (or reduce the amount of cash
payable in lieu thereof), (c) reduce the amount of interest or Additional
Amounts payable on any STRYPES or reduce the amount of cash payable with respect
to any STRYPES upon acceleration of the maturity thereof, (d) change the place
or currency of payment of interest or Additional Amounts on, or any amount of
cash payable with respect to, any STRYPES, (e) impair the right to institute
suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any STRYPES,
including the payment of Underlying Securities with respect to any STRYPES, (f)
reduce the percentage of the aggregate issue price of Outstanding STRYPES of
such series, the consent of whose holders is required to modify or amend the
Indenture, (g) reduce the percentage of the aggregate issue price of Outstanding
STRYPES of such series necessary for waiver of compliance with certain
provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults or (h) modify such
provisions with respect to modification and waiver. Except as provided in the
Indenture, no modification of or amendment to the Indenture may adversely affect
the rights of a holder of any other Senior Debt Security without the consent of
such holder.
The holders of a majority of the aggregate issue price of each series of
STRYPES may waive compliance by the Company with certain restrictive provisions
of the Indenture. The holders of a majority of the aggregate issue price of each
series of STRYPES may waive any past default under the Indenture, except a
default in the payment of the Underlying Securities with respect to any STRYPES
of that series, or of cash payable in lieu thereof, or in the payment of any
premium, interest or Additional Amounts on any STRYPES of that series for which
payment had not been subsequently made or in respect of a covenant and provision
of the Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
holder of each Outstanding STRYPES of such series affected.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indenture and the STRYPES will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
LISTING
The STRYPES have listed on the NYSE under the symbol "IGL."
CERTAIN ARRANGEMENTS WITH GVI
Pursuant to an agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") among the Company,
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company
(the "ML&Co. Subsidiary"), and GVI, GVI is obligated to deliver to the ML&Co.
Subsidiary immediately prior to the Maturity Date the Reference Property
required by the Company to pay and discharge all of the STRYPES. In lieu of
delivering the Reference Property immediately prior to the Maturity Date, GVI
has the right to satisfy its obligation under the Purchase Agreement by
delivering at such time cash in an amount equal to the value of such Reference
Property immediately prior to the Maturity Date. Such right, if exercised by
GVI, must be exercised with respect to all of the Reference Property deliverable
pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Under the Purchase Agreement, the Company
has agreed to pay and discharge the STRYPES by delivering to the holders thereof
on the Maturity Date the form of consideration that the ML&Co. Subsidiary
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receives from GVI. The consideration to be paid by the ML&Co. Subsidiary under
the Purchase Agreement is $153,382,017 in the aggregate, which was paid to GVI
on July 9, 1996. No other consideration is payable by the ML&Co. Subsidiary to
GVI in connection with its acquisition of the Reference Property pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement or the performance of the Purchase Agreement by GVI. The
Company has agreed with GVI that, without the prior consent of GVI, it will not
amend the Indenture in any respect that would adversely affect any obligation of
GVI under the Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, increasing the
consideration that GVI is obligated to deliver pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement.
Until such time, if any, as GVI shall have delivered the Reference Property
to the ML&Co. Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, GVI
will retain all ownership rights with respect to the Reference Property held by
it (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any
dividends, interest or other distributions in respect thereof).
GVI has no obligations with respect to the STRYPES or amounts to be paid to
holders thereof, including any obligation to take the needs of the Company or of
holders of the STRYPES into consideration in determining whether to deliver the
Reference Property or cash or for any other reason. The Purchase Agreement among
the Company, the ML&Co. Subsidiary and GVI is a commercial transaction and does
not create any rights in, or for the benefit of, any holder of STRYPES.
In the event GVI does not perform under the Purchase Agreement, the Company
will be required to otherwise acquire the Reference Property for delivery to the
holders of the STRYPES on the Maturity Date, unless it elects to exercise its
option to deliver cash with an equal value.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by
reference in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference
herein. The Selected Financial Data under the captions "Operating Results",
"Financial Position" and "Common Share Data" for each of the five years in the
period ended December 27, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report to
Stockholders of the Company, and incorporated by reference herein, has been
derived from consolidated financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
as set forth in their reports included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or incorporated by reference herein. Such consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedules, and such Selected
Financial Data appearing or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, have been included or
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports of Deloitte &
Touche LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to unaudited interim financial information for the periods
included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which are incorporated herein by
reference, Deloitte & Touche LLP have applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, as stated
in their report included in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated
by reference herein, they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on
such interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their
reports on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature
of the review procedures applied. Deloitte & Touche LLP are not subject to the
liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), for any such report on unaudited interim financial information
because any such report is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration
statement prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections
7 and 11 of the Act.
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