Close

Form 424B5 PPG INDUSTRIES INC

May 18, 2022 6:08 AM EDT
Table of Contents

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-232895

 

This preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, but is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED MAY 18, 2022

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2020

 

LOGO

 

PPG Industries, Inc.

€                 % Notes due 20

€                 % Notes due 20

 

 

We are offering €                of our             % Notes due 20     (the “20     notes”) and €             of our             % Notes due 20     (the “20     notes”). The 20     notes and the 20     notes are collectively referred to in this prospectus supplement as the “notes.” We will pay interest on the 20     notes on                of each year, beginning on                , 2022. We will pay interest on the 20     notes on                of each year, beginning on                , 2022. The 20     notes will mature on                , 20    , and the 20     notes will mature on                , 20    . We may redeem some or all of the notes of each series at any time and from time to time at the applicable redemption prices described in this prospectus supplement under “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption.” In addition, the notes of each series may be redeemed in whole but not in part, at any time at our option, in the event of certain developments affecting U.S. taxation, as described in this prospectus supplement under “Description of the Notes — Redemption for Tax Reasons.”

We must offer to repurchase the notes upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event at the price described in this prospectus supplement in “Description of the Notes — Change of Control Offer.”

The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all our other senior unsecured indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The notes will be issued only in registered form in denominations of €100,000 and integral multiples of €1,000 in excess thereof.

See “Risk Factors” on page S-12 of this prospectus supplement and the “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein, to read about certain risks you should consider before investing in the notes.

 

     Price to
    Public (1)    
        Underwriting    
Discount
        Proceeds To    
Issuer
 

Per 20     note

                                                               

20     note total

            

Per 20     note

                                                               

20     note total

            

Total

            

 

(1)

Plus accrued interest, if any, from                , 2022.

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

We intend to apply to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange. We expect trading in the notes on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within 30 days after the original issue date. Currently, there is no public market for the notes. If such listings are obtained, we have no obligation to maintain such listings, and we may delist either series of notes at any time.

The underwriters expect to deliver the notes to purchasers through the book-entry delivery system of Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (“Euroclear”) and Clearstream Banking, société anonyme (“Clearstream”), on or about                , 2022.

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

BNP PARIBAS    J.P. Morgan

The date of this prospectus supplement is                , 2022.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

 

     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

     S-1  

NOTICE TO INVESTORS

     S-1  

STABILIZATION

     S-3  

DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     S-3  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     S-5  

SUMMARY

     S-7  

RISK FACTORS

     S-12  

CURRENCY CONVERSION

     S-18  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     S-19  

CAPITALIZATION

     S-20  

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

     S-21  

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     S-33  

PROPOSED FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS TAX

     S-39  

UNDERWRITING

     S-40  

VALIDITY OF THE NOTES

     S-46  

EXPERTS

     S-46  

Prospectus

 

     Page  

SUMMARY

     1  

RISK FACTORS

     2  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     2  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     3  

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     3  

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

     12  

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

     13  

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

     16  

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

     16  

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

     17  

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

     18  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     18  

LEGAL MATTERS

     20  

EXPERTS

     20  

You should read carefully this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and any related free writing prospectus we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) before you invest in the notes. These documents contain or incorporate by reference important information you should consider before making your investment decision. This prospectus supplement contains specific information about the notes being offered and the accompanying prospectus contains a general description of the notes. This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information in the accompanying prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, in the accompanying prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf or to which we have referred you. Neither we nor the underwriters take responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement, in the accompanying prospectus, in any document incorporated by reference herein or therein, and in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf or to which we have referred you is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those respective dates.

 

-i-


Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

We provide information to you about this offering in two separate documents. The accompanying prospectus provides general information about us and securities we may offer from time to time, some of which may not be relevant to this offering. This prospectus supplement describes the specific details regarding this offering. Generally, when we refer to the “prospectus,” we are referring to both documents combined. Additional information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement. If information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on this prospectus supplement.

Since information that we file with the SEC in the future will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should not assume that the information contained herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the applicable document.

References in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to “$”, “U.S. $” and “U.S. dollars” are to the currency of the United States of America. References to “€” and “euro” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are to the currency of the member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted or that adopt the single currency in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended by the Treaty on European Union (such member states, the “Eurozone”). The financial information presented in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, references in this prospectus supplement to “PPG,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to PPG Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

NOTICE TO INVESTORS

We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer of the notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering or sale of the notes in some jurisdictions may be restricted by law. The notes are offered globally for sale in those jurisdictions in the United States, Europe, Asia and elsewhere where it is lawful to make such offers.

Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus come are required by us and the underwriters to inform themselves about, and to observe, any applicable restrictions. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may not be used for or in connection with an offer or solicitation by any person in any jurisdiction in which that offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make that offer or solicitation. See “Underwriting — Selling Restrictions” in this prospectus supplement.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (“EEA”). For these purposes, (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; and (b) an offer includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the notes. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared,

 

S-1


Table of Contents

and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in any member state of the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”) from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus is a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.

MIFID II Product Governance / Professional Investors and ECPs Only Target Market

Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer’s product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the notes has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the notes is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) all channels for distribution of the notes to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the notes (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the notes (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (“UK”). For these purposes, (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended, varied, superseded or substituted from time to time, the “EUWA”); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; and (b) an offer includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the notes. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. This prospectus supplement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of notes in the UK will be made pursuant to an exemption under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK Prospectus Regulation”) from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of notes. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus is a prospectus for the purposes of the UK Prospectus Regulation.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any other material in relation to the notes is only being distributed to, and is directed only at, persons in the UK who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the UK Prospectus Regulation) who are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the “Order”), or (ii) high net worth entities or other persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (iii) persons to whom it would otherwise be lawful to distribute it, all such persons together being referred to as “Relevant Persons.” The notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such notes in the UK will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and their contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by any recipients to any other person in the UK. Any person in the UK that is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or their contents. The notes are not being offered to the public in the UK.

 

S-2


Table of Contents

UK MIFIR product governance / Professional investors and ECPs only target market

Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer’s product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the notes has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the notes is only eligible counterparties, as defined in the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook (“COBS”), and professional clients, as defined in Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“UK MiFIR”); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the notes to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the notes (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the “UK MiFIR Product Governance Rules”) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the notes (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

STABILIZATION

IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF THE NOTES, BNP PARIBAS (IN THIS CAPACITY, THE “STABILIZING MANAGER”) (OR ANY PERSON ACTING ON ITS BEHALF) MAY OVER-ALLOT NOTES OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WITH A VIEW TO SUPPORTING THE MARKET PRICE OF THE NOTES AT A LEVEL HIGHER THAN THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE STABILIZING MANAGER (OR PERSONS ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE STABILIZING MANAGER) WILL UNDERTAKE ANY STABILIZATION ACTION. ANY STABILIZATION ACTION MAY BEGIN ON OR AFTER THE DATE ON WHICH ADEQUATE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF THE FINAL TERMS OF THE OFFER OF THE NOTES IS MADE, AND, IF BEGUN, MAY BE ENDED AT ANY TIME, BUT IT MUST END NO LATER THAN THE EARLIER OF 30 DAYS AFTER THE ISSUANCE OF THE NOTES AND 60 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE ALLOTMENT OF THE NOTES.

ANY STABILIZATION ACTION OR OVER-ALLOTMENT MUST BE CONDUCTED BY THE STABILIZING MANAGER (OR PERSONS ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE STABILIZING MANAGER) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS AND RULES. SEE “UNDERWRITING”.

DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 reflecting our current view with respect to future events or objectives and financial or operational performance or results. These matters involve risks and uncertainties as discussed in our periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, and our current reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC. Accordingly, many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements.

Among these factors are the expected effects on our business of COVID-19, global economic conditions, geopolitical uncertainty in Europe, increasing price and product competition by our competitors, fluctuations in cost and availability of raw materials, energy, labor and logistics, the ability to achieve selling price increases, the ability to recover margins, customer inventory levels, our ability to maintain favorable supplier relationships and arrangements, the timing of and the realization of anticipated cost savings from restructuring initiatives, the ability to identify additional cost savings opportunities, the timing and expected benefits of our acquisitions, difficulties in integrating acquired businesses and achieving expected synergies therefrom, economic and political conditions in the markets we serve, the ability to penetrate existing, developing and emerging foreign and domestic markets, foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in such rates, fluctuations in tax rates, the impact of future legislation, the impact of environmental regulations, unexpected business disruptions, the effectiveness

 

S-3


Table of Contents

of our internal control over financial reporting, the results of governmental investigations, and the unpredictability of existing and possible future litigation. However, it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors.

Consequently, while the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements.

Consequences of material differences in the results compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, lower sales or income, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties, other factors set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our other filings with the SEC that are incorporated herein by reference and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of their initial issuance, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

 

S-4


Table of Contents

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Available information

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. The SEC’s website is located at http://www.sec.gov. Our website is located at http://www.ppg.com. The information on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

Incorporation by Reference

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents. Any information we incorporate in this manner is considered part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus except to the extent updated and superseded by information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Any such statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Some information that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus supplement and until we sell all of the securities covered by this prospectus supplement will automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

We incorporate by reference the following documents that we have filed with the SEC and any filings that we make with the SEC in the future under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), until we sell all of the securities covered by this prospectus supplement, including between the date of this prospectus supplement and the date on which the offering of the securities under this prospectus supplement is terminated, except as noted in the paragraph below:

 

Our SEC Filings    Period for or Date of Filing
Annual Report on Form 10-K    Year Ended December 31, 2021
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q    Quarter Ended March 31, 2022
Current Reports on Form 8-K    January  4, 2022 (filed under Item 8.01), April 27,  2022 (filed under Items 5.02 and 5.07) and May 13, 2022 (filed under Items 5.03, 5.07 and 9.01)
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (Only the portions that are responsive to Part III of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021)    March 10, 2022

Pursuant to General Instruction B of Form 8-K, any information submitted under Item 2.02, Results of Operations and Financial Condition, or Item 7.01, Regulation FD Disclosure, of Form 8-K is not deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. We are not incorporating by reference any information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act or into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

Statements contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus do not purport to be complete, and where reference is made to the particular provisions of that contract, agreement or other document, those references are qualified in all respects by reference to all of the provisions contained in that contract, agreement or other document. For a more complete understanding and

 

S-5


Table of Contents

description of each such contract, agreement or other document, we urge you to read the exhibits to the registration statement of which the accompanying prospectus is a part.

We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and a copy of any or all other contracts, agreements or documents which are referred to in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Requests should be directed to: PPG Industries, Inc., One PPG Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15272, Attention: Corporate Secretary; telephone number: (412) 434-3131. You also may review a copy of the registration statement of which the accompanying prospectus is a part and its exhibits through the SEC’s website, located at www.sec.gov.

 

S-6


Table of Contents

SUMMARY

The following summary information is qualified in its entirety by the information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents we have incorporated by reference, and in the indenture as described under “Description of the Notes.” References to “PPG,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” and similar terms mean PPG Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

THE COMPANY

We manufacture and distribute a broad range of paints, coatings and specialty materials. We are comprised of two reportable business segments: Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings.

We supply paints, coatings and specialty materials to customers in a wide array of end-uses, including industrial equipment and components; packaging material; aircraft and marine equipment; automotive original equipment; automotive refinish; pavement marking products; as well as coatings for other industrial and consumer products. We also serve commercial and residential new build and maintenance customers by supplying coatings to painting and maintenance contractors and directly to consumers for decoration and maintenance. The primary specialty coatings and materials products produced by us are amorphous precipitated silicas for tire, battery separator and other end-use markets; TESLIN® substrate used in such applications as labels, e-passports, drivers’ licenses, breathable membranes, loyalty cards and identification cards; Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) materials for use in displays and lighting; and optical lens materials and photochromic dyes for optical lenses and color-change products. The coatings industry is highly competitive and consists of several large firms with global presence and many firms supplying local or regional markets. We compete in our primary markets with the world’s largest coatings companies, most of which have global operations, and many regional coatings companies.

***

We are a Pennsylvania corporation with our principal executive offices located at One PPG Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15272, telephone number (412) 434-3131.

Our website is located at http://www.ppg.com. The information on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

S-7


Table of Contents

The Offering

The following is a brief summary of certain terms of this offering. For a more complete description of the terms of the notes, see “Description of the Notes” in this prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Issuer

PPG Industries, Inc.

 

Securities Offered

€                aggregate principal amount of                % Notes due 20    .

 

  €                aggregate principal amount of                % Notes due 20    .

 

Maturity Dates

The 20    notes will mature on                 , 20    .

 

  The 20    notes will mature on                 , 20    .

 

Interest Payment Dates

For the 20    notes, on                of each year, commencing on                 , 2022.

 

  For the 20    notes, on                of each year, commencing on                 , 2022.

 

Interest Rate

The 20    notes will bear interest at                % per year.

 

  The 20    notes will bear interest at                % per year.

 

Optional Redemption

We may redeem the notes of either series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at the redemption prices described herein under the caption “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption.”

 

Redemption for Tax Reasons

We may redeem all, but not part, of the notes of either series in the event of certain changes in the tax laws of the United States (or any taxing authority in the United States). This redemption would be at 100% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to the date fixed for redemption. See “Description of the Notes — Redemption for Tax Reasons.”

 

Change of Control Offer

If we experience a change of control triggering event, we may be required to offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. See “Description of the Notes — Change of Control Offer.”

 

Certain Covenants

The indenture governing the notes contains certain restrictions, including a limitation that restricts our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to create or incur secured indebtedness. Certain sale and leaseback transactions are similarly limited. See “Description of the Notes — Certain Covenants.”

 

Ranking

The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all our other senior unsecured indebtedness, including all other unsubordinated debt securities issued under the indenture, from

 

S-8


Table of Contents
 

time to time outstanding. The indenture governing the notes provides for the issuance from time to time of senior unsecured indebtedness by us in an unlimited amount. See “Description of the Notes — Ranking.”

 

Currency of Payment

All payments of principal and interest, including payments made upon any redemption of the notes, will be made in euro. If the euro is unavailable to us due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control or if the euro is no longer being used by the then-member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted the euro as their currency or for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then all payments in respect of the notes will be made in U.S. dollars until the euro is again available to us or so used. In such circumstances, the amount payable on any date in euro will be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate mandated by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board as of the close of business on the second business day prior to the relevant payment date or, in the event the U.S. Federal Reserve Board has not mandated a rate of conversion, on the basis of the then most recent U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate published in the Wall Street Journal on or prior to the second business day prior to the relevant payment date or, in the event the Wall Street Journal has not published such exchange rate, the rate will be determined in our sole discretion on the basis of the most recently available market exchange rate for euro. Any payment in respect of the notes so made in U.S. dollars will not constitute an event of default under the notes or the indenture governing the notes. See “Currency Conversion” and “Description of Notes — Payments in Euro.”

 

Additional Amounts

Subject to certain exceptions and limitations, we will pay as additional interest such additional amounts as are necessary to ensure that every net payment on a note to a holder who is not a United States person (as defined herein), after deduction or withholding by us or any of our paying agents for or on account of any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed upon or as a result of such payment by the United States, or any political subdivision or taxing authority of the United States, will not be less than the amount provided in such note to be then due and payable. See “Description of Notes — Payment of Additional Amounts.”

 

Form and Denomination

The notes of each series will be issued in the form of one or more fully-registered global securities, without coupons, in denominations of €100,000 in principal amount and integral multiples of €1,000 in excess thereof. These global securities will be deposited with a common depositary on behalf of Clearstream and Euroclear or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the global securities will be shown on, and transfers will be effected only through, records maintained by Clearstream and Euroclear. Except in the limited circumstances described under “Description of the Notes — Book-Entry, Delivery and Form,” notes will not be issued in certificated form or exchanged for interests in global securities.

 

S-9


Table of Contents

Use of Proceeds

We expect to receive net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts but before deducting other offering expenses, of approximately €                from this offering. We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include (i) working capital, (ii) capital expenditures, (iii) investments in or loans to our subsidiaries or joint ventures, (iv) the repayment, redemption or refinancing of debt, (v) the redemption or repurchase of our outstanding securities, (vi) funding of possible acquisitions and (vii) satisfaction of other obligations of ours. Pending any use of the net proceeds of this offering, the net proceeds may be invested in short-term instruments. See “Use Of Proceeds.”

 

Listing

We intend to apply to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange. The listing application will be subject to approval by the New York Stock Exchange. We expect trading in the notes on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within 30 days after the original issue date. If such listing is obtained, we have no obligation to maintain such listing, and we may delist the notes at any time. Currently, there is no public market for the notes.

 

Material U.S. Tax Considerations

You should consult your tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal tax consequences of owning the notes in light of your own particular situation, as well as the consequences arising under the laws of any other relevant taxing jurisdiction. See “Material U.S. Federal Tax Considerations.”

 

Governing Law

The notes will be, and the indenture is, governed by the laws of the State of New York, United States of America.

 

Trustee

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

 

London Paying Agent

The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch

 

Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the specific factors set forth under “Risk Factors” on page S-12 of this prospectus supplement as well as the information and data included elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, before making an investment decision.

 

Legal Entity Identifier

549300BKPEP01R3V6C59

 

S-10


Table of Contents

Summary Consolidated Historical Financial Data

The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial and other data as of and for the periods presented. The summary historical consolidated financial and other data as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2021 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The summary consolidated financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 as of and for such periods ended are derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of results that you can expect for any future period.

The following data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the other financial and statistical information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and with “Capitalization” included in this prospectus supplement.

 

    Year Ended December 31,           Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
        2021             2020             2019                   2022             2021      
    (In millions)           (Unaudited)  

Statement of Operations Data:

           

Net sales

  $ 16,802     $ 13,834     $ 15,146       $ 4,308     $ 3,881  

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization

    10,286       7,777       8,653         2,698       2,232  

Selling, general and administrative

    3,780       3,389       3,604         974       891  

Depreciation

    389       371       375         102       90  

Amortization

    172       138       136         43       39  

Research and development, net

    439       379       432         115       102  

Interest expense

    121       138       132         30       30  

Interest income

    (26     (23     (32       (9     (6

Pension settlement charge

    50                            

Asbestos-related claims reserve adjustment

    (133           12                

Impairment and other related charges

    21       93               290        

Business restructuring, net

    31       174       176                

Other charges

    29       104       86         13       17  

Other income

    (172     (68     (89       (26     (13
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

    1,815       1,362       1,661         78       499  

Income tax expense

    374       291       392         55       114  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

    1,441       1,071       1,269         23       385  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

    19       3                      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to the controlling and noncontrolling interests

    1,460       1,074       1,269         23       385  

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

    21       15       26         5       7  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (attributable to PPG)

  $ 1,439     $ 1,059     $ 1,243       $ 18     $ 378  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):

           

Total assets

  $ 21,351     $ 19,556     $ 17,708       $ 21,888     $ 20,139  

Working capital

    2,008       1,967       1,795         2,455       2,219  

Long-term debt less current portion

    6,572       5,171       4,539         6,834       5,336  

Other long-term obligations

    3,602       3,739       3,391         3,549       3,714  

Total PPG shareholders’ equity

    6,286       5,689       5,284         6,218       5,839  

Cash Flow Data:

           

Cash from (used for) operating activities - continuing operations

    1,562       2,129       2,084         (304     (23

Cash from (used for) operating activities - discontinued operations

          1       (4              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash from (used for) operating activities

  $ 1,562     $ 2,130     $ 2,080       $ (304   $ (23
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used for investing activities

  $ (2,404   $ (1,447   $ (1,009     $ (183   $ (424

Cash from (used for) financing activities

  $ 93     $ (59   $ (758     $ 443     $ 469  

 

S-11


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

An investment in the notes may involve various risks. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, and in consultation with your own financial and legal advisors, you should carefully consider, among other matters, the following risk factors, as well as those incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other filings we may make from time to time with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, may also materially and adversely affect our business operations, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.

Risks related to the notes

Holders of the notes will receive payments solely in euro except under the limited circumstances provided herein.

All payments of interest on and the principal of the notes and any redemption price for the notes will be made in euro except under the limited circumstances provided herein. See “Currency Conversion.” We, the underwriters, the trustee and the paying agent with respect to the notes will not be obligated to convert, or to assist any registered owner or beneficial owner of notes in converting, payments of interest, principal, any redemption price or any additional amount in euro made with respect to the notes into U.S. dollars or any other currency.

Holders of the notes may be subject to certain risks relating to the euro, including the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, as well as possible exchange controls.

The initial investors in the notes will be required to pay for the notes in euro. Neither we nor the underwriters will be obligated to assist the initial investors in obtaining euro or in converting other currencies into euro to facilitate the payment of the purchase price for the notes.

An investment in any security denominated in, and all payments with respect to which are to be made in, a currency other than the currency of the country in which an investor in the notes resides or the currency in which an investor conducts its business or activities (the “investor’s home currency”), entails significant risks not associated with a similar investment in a security denominated in the investor’s home currency. In the case of the notes offered hereby, these risks may include the possibility of:

 

   

significant changes in rates of exchange between the euro and the investor’s home currency;

 

   

the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls with respect to the euro or the investor’s home currency, and

 

   

tax consequences for you as a result of any foreign exchange gains resulting from an investment in the notes.

We have no control over a number of factors affecting the notes offered hereby and foreign exchange rates, including economic, financial and political events that are important in determining the existence, magnitude and longevity of these risks and their effects. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates between two currencies result from the interaction over time of many factors directly or indirectly affecting economic and political conditions in the countries issuing such currencies, and economic and political developments globally and in other relevant countries. Foreign currency exchange rates may be affected by, among other factors, existing and expected rates of inflation, existing and expected interest rate levels, the balance of payments between countries and the extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in various countries. All of these factors are, in turn,

 

S-12


Table of Contents

sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of various countries important to international trade and finance. Moreover, any global economic crisis and the actions taken or to be taken by various national governments in response to such a crisis could significantly affect the exchange rates between the euro and the investor’s home currency.

The exchange rates of an investor’s home currency for euro and the fluctuations in those exchange rates that have occurred in the past are not necessarily indicative of the exchange rates or the fluctuations therein that may occur in the future. Depreciation of the euro against the investor’s home currency would result in a decrease in the investor’s home currency equivalent yield on a note, in the investor’s home currency equivalent of the principal payable at the maturity of that note and generally in the investor’s home currency equivalent market value of that note. Appreciation of the euro in relation to the investor’s home currency would have the opposite effects.

The Eurozone or one or more of its member states may, in the future, impose exchange controls and modify any exchange controls imposed, which controls could affect exchange rates, as well as the availability of euro at the time of payment of principal of, interest on, or any redemption payment or additional amounts with respect to, the notes.

Furthermore, the indenture governing the notes is, and the notes will be, governed by the laws of the State of New York. Under New York law, a New York state court rendering a judgment on the notes would be required to render the judgment in euro. However, the judgment would be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of entry of the judgment. Consequently, in a lawsuit for payment on the notes, investors would bear currency exchange risk until a New York state court judgment is entered, and we cannot predict how long this would take. A federal court sitting in New York with diversity jurisdiction over a dispute arising in connection with the notes would apply the foregoing New York law. In courts outside of New York, investors may not be able to obtain a judgment in a currency other than U.S. dollars. For example, a judgment for money in an action based on the notes in many other U.S. federal or state courts ordinarily would be rendered in the United States only in U.S. dollars. The date used to determine the rate of conversion of euro into U.S. dollars would depend upon various factors, including which court renders the judgment and when the judgment is rendered.

This description of foreign exchange risks does not describe all the risks of an investment in securities, including, in particular, the notes, that are denominated or payable in a currency other than an investor’s home currency. You should consult your own financial, legal and tax advisors as to the risks involved in an investment in the notes.

The notes permit us to make payments in U.S. dollars if we are unable to obtain euro.

If the euro is unavailable to us due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control or if the euro is no longer being used by the then-member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted the euro as their currency or for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then all payments in respect of the notes will be made in U.S. dollars until the euro is again available to us or so used. In such circumstances, the amount payable on any date in euro will be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate mandated by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board as of the close of business on the second business day prior to the relevant payment date or, in the event the U.S. Federal Reserve Board has not mandated a rate of conversion, on the basis of the then most recent U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate published in the Wall Street Journal on or prior to the second business day prior to the relevant payment date or, in the event the Wall Street Journal has not published such exchange rate, the rate will be determined in our sole discretion on the basis of the most recently available market exchange rate for euro. There can be no assurance that this exchange rate will be as favorable to holders of notes as the exchange rate otherwise determined by applicable law. These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could adversely affect the value of the notes. Any payment in respect of the notes so made in U.S. dollars will not constitute an event of default under the notes or the indenture governing the notes. See “Currency Conversion.”

 

S-13


Table of Contents

The trading market for the notes may be limited.

The notes are a new issue of securities for which no established trading market exists. If an active trading market does not develop for the notes, investors may not be able to resell them. Although we expect the notes to be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, no assurance can be given that the notes will become or remain listed, that a trading market for the notes will develop or of the price at which investors may be able to sell the notes, if at all. In addition, we will have no obligations to maintain, and may terminate without the consent of the holders of the notes, any listing of the notes on the New York Stock Exchange. The underwriters for this offering have advised us that they intend to make a market in the notes after completion of the offering.

However, the underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice, in their sole discretion. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or trading market for, the notes. The lack of a trading market could adversely affect investors’ ability to sell the notes and the price at which investors may be able to sell the notes. The liquidity of the trading market, if any, and future trading prices of the notes will depend on many factors, including, among other things, the number of holders of the notes, our operating results, financial performance and prospects, prevailing interest rates, prevailing foreign exchange rates, the market for similar securities and the overall securities market, and may be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in these factors.

Macroeconomic conditions in the Eurozone could adversely affect the price of the notes.

In the Eurozone, the economic outlook remains uncertain. Significant levels of private and public debt, continued weakness in the financial sector and reform fatigue remain a concern. Conversely, further monetary policy stimulus from the European Central Bank could undermine financial stability by encouraging a further build-up of unsustainable debt. In addition, political uncertainty in the Eurozone, and fragmentation risk in the European Union (the “EU”), could create financial instability and have a negative impact on the Eurozone and global economies, which in turn could adversely affect the value of the euro and the price of the notes.

In addition, the effects on the EU, the UK and global economies following the UK’s exit from the EU (“Brexit”) remain difficult to predict but may include economic and financial instability in the UK, Europe and the global economy. The UK’s membership of the EU single market ended on December 31, 2020, subsequent to which the UK and the EU struck a new bilateral trade and cooperation deal governing the future relationship between the UK and the EU (the “EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement”).

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides clarity in respect of the intended shape of the future of the relationship between the UK and the EU and some detailed matters of trade and cooperation. However, as of the date of this prospectus supplement, there remain unavoidable uncertainties related to Brexit and the relationship between the UK and the EU, which will continue to be developed and defined, and could cause volatility in currency exchange rates, in interest rates, and in EU, UK or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions. This could contribute to instability in political institutions, regulatory agencies, and financial markets. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others that cannot be anticipated, could adversely affect the value of the euro and the price of the notes.

In a lawsuit for payment on the notes, an investor may bear currency exchange risk.

The indenture is, and the notes will be, governed by the laws of the State of New York. Under New York law, a New York state court rendering a judgment on the notes would be required to render the judgment in euro. However, the judgment would be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of entry of the judgment. Consequently, in a lawsuit for payment on the notes, investors would bear currency exchange risk until a New York state court judgment is entered, which could be a long time. A federal court in New York presiding over a dispute arising in connection with the notes may apply the foregoing New York law or in certain circumstances may render the judgment in U.S. dollars.

 

S-14


Table of Contents

In courts outside of New York, investors may not be able to obtain a judgment in a currency other than U.S. dollars. For example, a judgment for money in an action based on the notes in many other U.S. federal or state courts ordinarily would be enforced in the United States only in U.S. dollars. The date used to determine the rate of conversion of euro into U.S. dollars would depend upon various factors, including which court renders the judgment and when the judgment is rendered.

Trading in the clearing systems is subject to minimum denomination requirements.

The notes will be issued only in minimum denominations of €100,000 and integral multiples of €1,000 in excess thereof. It is possible that the clearing systems may process trades which could result in amounts being held in denominations smaller than the minimum denominations. If definitive notes are required to be issued in relation to such notes in accordance with the provisions of the relevant global notes, a holder who does not have the minimum denomination or an integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof in its account with the relevant clearing system at the relevant time may not receive all of its entitlement in the form of definitive notes unless and until such time as its holding satisfies the minimum denomination requirement.

The European Commission has proposed a financial transactions tax in certain member states of the European Union which, if adopted, could apply in certain circumstances to secondary market trades of the notes both within and outside of those participating member states.

On February 14, 2013, the European Commission published a proposal for a directive for a common financial transactions tax (“FTT”) in Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia, which, other than Estonia, we refer to as the “participating Member States.” However, Estonia has since stated that it will not participate. The proposed FTT has very broad scope and could, if implemented in the form proposed by the European Commission, apply to certain dealings in the notes (including secondary market transactions) in certain circumstances.

Under the European Commission proposal, the FTT could apply in certain circumstances to persons both within and outside of the participating Member States. Generally, it would apply to certain dealings in the financial instruments covered by the proposal where at least one party is a financial institution and at least one party is established in a participating Member State. A financial institution may be, or be deemed to be, “established” in a participating Member State in a broad range of circumstances, including (a) by transacting with a person established in a participating Member State or (b) where the financial instrument which is subject to the dealings is issued in a participating Member State.

The FTT proposal remains subject to negotiation among the participating Member States. It may therefore be materially altered prior to any implementation (if at all), the timing of which remains unclear, and the extent to which it may ultimately apply (if at all) to dealings in the notes is uncertain. Additional Member States may decide to participate and/or certain of the participating Member States may decide to withdraw.

Prospective holders of, and investors in, the notes are advised to seek their own professional advice regarding the FTT.

The global note is held by or on behalf of Euroclear and Clearstream and, therefore, holders of the notes will have to rely on their procedures for transfer, payment and communication with us.

The notes will be represented by the global notes which will be held with a common depositary for Euroclear and Clearstream. Except in certain limited circumstances, holders of the notes will not be entitled to receive certificated notes in exchange for interests in the global notes. While the notes are represented by the global notes, holders of the notes will be able to trade their beneficial interests only through Euroclear and Clearstream.

 

S-15


Table of Contents

We will discharge our payment obligations under the notes by making payments to or to the order of the common depositary for Euroclear and Clearstream for distribution to their accountholders. A holder of a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream to receive payments under the notes. We have no responsibility or liability for the records relating to, or payments made in respect of, beneficial interests in the global notes.

Holders of beneficial interests in the global notes will not have a direct right to vote in respect of the notes. Instead, such holders will be permitted to act directly only to the extent that they are enabled in accordance with the procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream to appoint appropriate proxies.

Risks related to our debt obligations

The notes are subject to prior claims of any secured creditors and the creditors of our subsidiaries, and if a default occurs we may not have sufficient funds to fulfill our obligations under the notes.

The notes are our unsecured general obligations, ranking equally with our other senior unsecured indebtedness but below any secured indebtedness and effectively below the debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. The indenture governing the notes permits us and our subsidiaries to incur secured debt under specified circumstances. If we incur any secured debt, our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries will be subject to prior claims by our secured creditors. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding up, assets that secure debt will be available to pay obligations on the notes only after all debt secured by those assets has been repaid in full. Holders of the notes will participate in our remaining assets ratably with all of our unsecured and unsubordinated creditors, including our trade creditors.

If we incur any additional obligations that rank equally with the notes, including trade payables, the holders of those obligations will be entitled to share ratably with the holders of the notes in any proceeds distributed upon our insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to you. If there are not sufficient assets remaining to pay all these creditors, all or a portion of the notes then outstanding would remain unpaid.

Our ability to generate the significant amount of cash needed to pay interest and principal on the notes and service our other debt and financial obligations and our ability to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the notes, depends on our ability to generate cash in the future. We are subject to general economic, industry, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. In particular, economic conditions could cause the prices of the products we sell to fall, our costs to increase, our revenue to decline and hamper our ability to repay our indebtedness, including the notes. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the notes, on or before maturity. Our ability to refinance debt or obtain additional financing will depend on, among other things:

 

   

our financial condition at the time;

 

   

restrictions in the indenture governing the notes and any other indebtedness of ours; and

 

   

other factors, including financial market or industry conditions.

We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including the notes, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If our operations do not generate sufficient cash flow, and additional borrowings or refinancings are not available to us, we may not have sufficient cash to enable us to meet all of our obligations, including payments on the notes.

 

S-16


Table of Contents

The terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness contain significant restrictions that limit our operating and financial flexibility.

The indenture governing the notes and the agreements governing our and our subsidiaries’ other indebtedness contain various covenants and other restrictions that limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants and other restrictions limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness;

 

   

pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make restricted payments;

 

   

borrow the full amount under our credit facilities;

 

   

make investments;

 

   

create liens;

 

   

issue and sell capital stock of subsidiaries;

 

   

sell or transfer assets;

 

   

enter into sale and leasebacks; and

 

   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets.

These restrictions on operations and financings, as well as those that may be contained in future debt agreements, may limit our ability to execute preferred business strategies. Moreover, if our operating results fall below current levels, we may be unable to comply with these covenants. If that occurs, our lenders, including holders of notes, could accelerate the payment obligations with respect to that debt. If the payment obligations with respect to that debt are accelerated, we may not be able to repay all of that debt, in which case the indebtedness represented by the notes may not be fully repaid, if it is repaid at all.

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

Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of change of control events, each holder of notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s notes (equal to €1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. The terms of our existing credit facilities and other financing arrangements may require repayment of amounts outstanding in the event of a change of control and limit our ability to fund the repurchase of the notes in certain circumstances. If we experience a change of control triggering event, there can be no assurance that we would have sufficient financial resources available to satisfy our obligations to repurchase the notes. Our failure to repurchase the notes as required under the supplemental indenture governing the notes would result in a default under the supplemental indenture, which could have material adverse consequences for us and the holders of the notes. See “Description of the Notes — Change of Control Offer.”

Despite our current levels of debt, we may be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our existing debt.

We may be able to incur additional debt in the future, including debt that is senior to the notes. The terms of our other indebtedness and the indenture governing the notes allow us to incur substantial amounts of additional debt, subject to certain limitations. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks we could face would be magnified.

 

S-17


Table of Contents

CURRENCY CONVERSION

All payments of interest and principal, including payments made upon any redemption of the notes, will be payable in euro. If the euro is unavailable to us due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control or if the euro is no longer being used by the then member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted the euro as their currency or for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then all payments in respect of the notes will be made in U.S. dollars until the euro is again available to us or so used. In such circumstances, the amount payable on any date in euro will be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate mandated by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board as of the close of business on the second business day prior to the relevant payment date or, in the event the U.S. Federal Reserve Board has not mandated a rate of conversion, on the basis of the then most recent U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate published in the Wall Street Journal on or prior to the second business day prior to the relevant payment date or, in the event the Wall Street Journal has not published such exchange rate, the rate will be determined in our sole discretion on the basis of the most recently available market exchange rate for euro. Any payment in respect of the notes so made in U.S. dollars will not constitute an event of default under the notes or the indenture governing the notes.

Investors will be subject to foreign exchange risks as to payments of principal and interest, including payments made upon any redemption of the notes, that may have important economic and tax consequences to them. See “Risk Factors.”

As of May 13, 2022, the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate was €1.00 = $1.0410, as announced by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

 

S-18


Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS

We expect to receive net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount but before deducting other offering expenses, of approximately €                 from this offering. We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include (i) working capital, (ii) capital expenditures, (iii) investments in or loans to our subsidiaries or joint ventures, (iv) repayment, redemption or refinancing of debt, (v) redemption or repurchase of our outstanding securities, (vi) funding of possible acquisitions, and (vii) satisfaction of other obligations of ours.

Pending any use of the net proceeds of this offering, the net proceeds may be invested in short-term instruments.

 

S-19


Table of Contents

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth:

 

   

our consolidated capitalization as of March 31, 2022 on an actual basis; and

 

   

our consolidated capitalization as of March 31, 2022, on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the issuance of the notes.

You should read this table in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, the related notes and other financial information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

    As of March 31, 2022  
        Actual                As Adjusted  
    (In millions)  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 960        $   (1) 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

  $ 319        $ 319  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Long-term debt:

      

Notes offered hereby

  $        $   (2) 

Other long-term debt(3)

    6,834          6,834  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

    6,834       

Shareholders’ equity:

      

Common stock

    969          969  

Additional paid-in capital

    1,093          1,093  

Retained earnings

    20,251          20,251  

Treasury stock, at cost

    (13,381        (13,381

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (2,714        (2,714
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total PPG shareholders’ equity

    6,218          6,218  

Noncontrolling interests

    115          115  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

    6,333          6,333  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total capitalization

  $ 13,167        $    
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(1)

As adjusted cash and cash equivalents reflects actual cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2022, plus the amount of proceeds (net of underwriting discount) received from this offering translated from euro using the exchange rate of €1.00 = $1.0410 on May 13, 2022 as announced by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

 

(2)

As adjusted amount is the U.S. dollar equivalent of the aggregate principal amount of the notes offered hereby translated from euro using the exchange rate of €1.00 = $1.0410 on May 13, 2022 as announced by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

 

(3)

Includes $1.0 billion of commercial paper.

 

S-20


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

The following description of certain material terms of the notes does not purport to be complete. This description of the notes is intended to be an overview of the material provisions of the notes and is intended to supplement, and, to the extent of any inconsistency, replace the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth in the accompanying base prospectus. The notes will be issued under an indenture, dated as of March 18, 2008, as supplemented by the eleventh supplemental indenture dated as of the closing date of this offering (the “indenture”), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a national banking association, as trustee (the “trustee”). The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch, will initially act as paying agent for the notes. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., will initially act as security registrar and transfer agent for the notes. Since this description of the notes is only a summary, we urge you to read the indenture (including definitions of terms used therein) and the forms of notes because they, and not this description, define your rights as a beneficial owner of the notes. You may request copies of these documents from us at the information provided under “Where You Can Find More Information.”. The indenture and the forms of the notes are included or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part.

General

Each series of notes offered by this prospectus supplement will be issued as a separate series under the indenture. The 20     notes and the 20     notes offered hereby initially will be limited to aggregate principal amounts of €         and €        , respectively. The 20     notes will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, on                , 20    . The 20     notes will bear interest at the rate of    % per annum from                , 2022. The 20     notes will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, on                , 20    . The 20     notes will bear interest at the rate of    % per annum from                , 2022.

Interest on the 20     notes will be payable annually in arrears on                of each year, beginning on                , 2022, and interest on the 20     notes will be payable annually in arrears on                of each year, beginning on                , 2022, respectively, to the persons in whose names such notes are registered at the close of business on the                  preceding the respective interest payment date. If any payment date is not a business day, then payment will be made on the next business day, but without any additional interest or other amount with the same force and effect as if made on such interest payment date.

Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the period for which interest is being calculated and the actual number of days from and including the last date on which interest was paid on such notes (or                 , 2022 for the 20    notes or                , 2022 for the 20    notes, respectively, if no interest has been paid on such notes), to but excluding the next scheduled interest payment date. This payment convention is referred to as ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA) as defined in the rulebook of the International Capital Market Association.

The notes will be our direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally and ratably with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our current and future secured debt.

The notes will not be subject to any sinking fund.

The notes will be in the form of one or more global notes that we will deposit with or on behalf of a common depositary for the accounts of Euroclear and Clearstream (each as defined below) and will be registered in the name of the nominee of the common depositary. See “— Book-Entry, Delivery and Form” in this prospectus supplement. The notes will be issued in euro and only in minimum denominations of €100,000, and integral multiples of €1,000 in excess thereof.

 

S-21


Table of Contents

Paying Agent and Registrar

We have initially appointed The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch to act as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent in connection with the notes as well as to serve as the common depositary for the notes. The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch is an affiliate of the trustee. The term “paying agent” shall include The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch and any successors appointed from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the indenture. PPG designates as an agency where the notes may be presented for payment, exchange or registration of transfer, in each case as provided in the indenture, the office of the paying agent at One Canada Square, London E14 5AL.

Listing of the Notes

We intend to apply to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange. We expect trading in the notes on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within 30 days after the original issue date. If such a listing is obtained, we have no obligation to maintain such listing and we may delist the notes at any time. Currently, there is no public market for the notes.

We will file annual statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with our obligations under the indenture governing the notes.

Payments in Euro

Initial holders will be required to pay for the notes in euro, and all payments of interest and principal, including payments made upon any redemption of the notes, will be payable in euro. If, on or after the date of this prospectus supplement, the euro is unavailable to us due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond our control or if the euro is no longer being used by the then member states of the European Monetary Union that have adopted the euro as their currency or for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then all payments in respect of the notes will be made in U.S. dollars until the euro is again available to us or so used. In such circumstances, the amount payable on any date in euro will be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate mandated by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board as of the close of business on the second business day prior to the relevant payment date or, in the event the U.S. Federal Reserve Board has not mandated a rate of conversion, on the basis of the then most recent U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate published in the Wall Street Journal on or prior to the second business day prior to the relevant payment date or, in the event the Wall Street Journal has not published such exchange rate, the rate will be determined in our sole discretion on the basis of the most recently available market exchange rate for euro. See “Currency Conversion.” Any payment in respect of the notes so made in U.S. dollars will not constitute an event of default under the notes or the indenture governing the notes. Neither the trustee nor the paying agent shall have any responsibility for any calculation or conversion in connection with the foregoing.

Investors will be subject to foreign exchange risks as to payments of principal and interest that may have important economic and tax consequences to them. See “Risk Factors.”

Business Day

A “business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, (1) which is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York or London are authorized or required by law or executive order to close and (2) on which the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer system (the TARGET2 system), or any successor thereto, operates. If any interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date is not a business day, then the related payment for such interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date shall be paid 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, as the case may be, and no further interest shall accrue as a result of such delay.

 

S-22


Table of Contents

Further Issues

We may from time to time, without notice to or consent of the holders of the notes, create and issue additional notes ranking equally and ratably with the notes in all respects (or in all respects except for the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such additional notes or except, in some cases, for the first payment of interest following the issue date of such additional notes). The additional notes may be consolidated and form a single series with the previously outstanding notes (regardless of whether such additional notes are issued as part of a “qualified reopening” for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and will have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the notes; provided that such additional notes will be fungible with the previously outstanding notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes or will be issued under a different CUSIP number.

Ranking

The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all our other senior unsecured indebtedness, including any other debt securities issued under the indenture governing the notes, from time to time outstanding.

Optional Redemption

Prior to                , 20     (the date that is                 months prior to the scheduled maturity date), the 20     notes will be redeemable in whole or in part, at our option, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 20    notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis (ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA)) at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate (as defined below), plus                 basis points, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

On or after                , 20     (the date that is                 months prior to the scheduled maturity date), we may redeem some or all of the 20     notes, in whole or in part, at our option, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 20    notes to be redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

Prior to                , 20     (the date that is                 months prior to the scheduled maturity date), the 20     notes will be redeemable in whole or in part, at our option, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 20    notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis (ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA)) at the applicable Comparable Government Bond Rate (as defined below), plus basis points, plus                 accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

On or after                , 20     (the date that is                months prior to the scheduled maturity date), we may redeem some or all of the 20     notes, in whole or in part, at our option, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 20    notes to be redeemed, plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

“Comparable Government Bond Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date for each series of notes, the price, expressed as a percentage (rounded to three decimal places, with 0.0005 being rounded up to 0.001), at which the gross redemption yield on the notes to be redeemed, if they were to be purchased at such price on the third business day prior to the date fixed for redemption, would be equal to the gross redemption yield on such business day of the Comparable Government Bond (as defined below) on the basis of the middle market price of the Comparable Government Bond prevailing at 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such business day as determined by an independent investment bank selected by us.

 

S-23


Table of Contents

“Comparable Government Bond” means, with respect to each series of notes, in relation to any Comparable Government Bond Rate calculation, at the discretion of an independent investment bank selected by us, a German government bond whose maturity is closest to the maturity of the notes to be redeemed, or if such independent investment bank in its discretion determines that such similar bond is not in issue, such other German government bond as such independent investment bank may, with the advice of three brokers of, and/or market makers in, German government bonds selected by us, determine to be appropriate for determining the Comparable Government Bond Rate.

“Remaining Scheduled Payments” means, with respect to each series of notes to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if such redemption date is not an interest payment date with respect to such note, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be deemed to be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to such redemption date.

Neither the trustee nor the paying agent shall have any responsibility for calculating the redemption price.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with depositary procedures) at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of the series of notes to be redeemed. Unless we default in payment of the applicable redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

If less than all of any series of notes are to be redeemed, the notes of the series to be redeemed shall be selected by the trustee by such method the trustee deems to be fair and appropriate, or, in the case of global notes, in accordance with applicable depositary procedures.

The notes of each series are also subject to redemption prior to maturity if certain events occur involving U.S. taxation. If any of these special tax events do occur, the notes of each series will be redeemed at a redemption price of 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption. See “— Redemption for Tax Reasons.”

Payment of Additional Amounts

We will, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth below, pay as additional interest on the notes of either series such additional amounts as are necessary in order that the net amount of the principal of, premium on and interest on the notes received by a holder of the notes who is not a United States person (as defined below), after withholding or deduction for any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by the United States (including any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) will not be less than the amount that would have been received by such holder if such tax had not been withheld or deducted; provided, however, that the foregoing obligation to pay additional amounts shall not apply:

 

  1.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed by reason of the holder (or the beneficial owner for whose benefit such holder holds such note), or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of the holder or beneficial owner if the holder or beneficial owner is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation, or a person holding a power over an estate or trust administered by a fiduciary holder, being considered as:

 

  a.

being or having been engaged in a trade or business in the United States or having or having had a permanent establishment in the United States;

 

  b.

having a current or former connection with the United States (other than a connection arising solely as a result of the ownership of the notes, the receipt of any payment or the enforcement of any rights hereunder), including being or having been a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

S-24


Table of Contents
  c.

being or having been a personal holding company, a passive foreign investment company or a controlled foreign corporation for United States income tax purposes or a corporation that has accumulated earnings to avoid United States federal income tax; or

 

  d.

being or having been a “10-percent shareholder” of PPG as defined in section 871(h)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or any successor provision;

 

  2.

to any holder that is not the sole beneficial owner of the notes, or a portion of the notes, or that is a fiduciary, partnership or limited liability company, but only to the extent that a beneficial owner with respect to the holder, a beneficiary or settlor with respect to the fiduciary, or a beneficial owner or member of the partnership or limited liability company would not have been entitled to the payment of an additional amount had the beneficiary, settlor, beneficial owner or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment;

 

  3.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for the failure of the holder or any other person to comply with certification, identification or information reporting requirements concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connection with the United States of the holder or beneficial owner of the notes, if compliance is required by statute, by regulation of the United States or any taxing authority therein as a precondition to exemption from such tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

 

  4.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed otherwise than by withholding by us or a paying agent from the payment;

 

  5.

to any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, excise, transfer, wealth, capital gains or personal property tax or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;

 

  6.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge required to be withheld by any paying agent from any payment of principal of or interest on any note, if the holder or beneficial owner would have been able to avoid such withholding by presenting the note (where presentation is required) to another available paying agent;

 

  7.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that would not have been imposed but for the presentation by the holder of any note, where presentation is required, for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which payment became due and payable or the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;

 

  8.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld solely by reason of the beneficial owner being a bank receiving payments on an extension of credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into the ordinary course of its trade or business, as described in section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code;

 

  9.

to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed under Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or any amended or successor provisions), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b) of the Code or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such sections of the Code; or

 

  10.

in the case of any combination of items (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9).

The notes are subject in all cases to any tax, fiscal or other law or regulation or administrative or judicial interpretation applicable to the notes. Except as specifically provided under this heading “— Payment of

 

S-25


Table of Contents

Additional Amounts,” we will not be required to make any payment for any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any government or a political subdivision or taxing authority of or in any government or political subdivision.

As used under this heading “— Payment of Additional Amounts” and under the heading “— Redemption for Tax Reasons,” the term “United States” means the United States of America, the states of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any political subdivision thereof, and the term “United States person” means any individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia (other than a partnership that is not treated as a United States person under any applicable Treasury regulations), or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.

Redemption for Tax Reasons

If, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated under the laws) of the United States (including any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein), or any change in, or amendments to, an official position regarding the application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, which change or amendment is announced or becomes effective on or after the date of this prospectus supplement, based upon a written opinion of independent counsel of recognized standing selected by us, we have become or, we will become obligated to pay additional amounts as described herein under the heading “— Payment of Additional Amounts” with respect to the notes, then we may at any time at our option redeem, in whole, but not in part, the notes on not less than 15 nor more than 60 days prior notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest (including any additional amounts) on those notes to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption.

Change of Control Offer

If a change of control triggering event occurs, unless we have exercised our option to redeem the notes as described above, we will be required to make an offer (a “change of control offer”) to each holder of the notes to repurchase all or any part (equal to €1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of that holder’s notes on the terms set forth in the notes. In a change of control offer, we will be required to offer payment in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes repurchased to the date of repurchase (a “change of control payment”). Within 30 days following any change of control triggering event or, at our option, prior to any change of control, but after public announcement of the transaction that constitutes or may constitute the change of control, a notice will be mailed (or otherwise transmitted in accordance with the procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear) to holders of the notes describing the transaction that constitutes or may constitute the change of control triggering event and offering to repurchase such notes on the date specified in the applicable notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is sent (a “change of control payment date”). The notice will, if mailed (or otherwise transmitted as above) prior to the date of consummation of the change of control, state that the change of control offer is conditioned on the change of control triggering event occurring on or prior to the applicable change of control payment date.

On each change of control payment date, we will, to the extent lawful:

 

   

accept for payment all notes or portions of notes properly tendered pursuant to the applicable change of control offer;

 

   

deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the change of control payment in respect of all notes or portions of notes properly tendered; and

 

S-26


Table of Contents
   

deliver or cause to be delivered to the trustee the notes properly accepted together with an officers’ certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of notes or portions of notes being repurchased.

We will not be required to make a change of control offer upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event if a third party makes such an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by us and the third party repurchases all notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer. In addition, we will not repurchase any notes if there has occurred and is continuing on the change of control payment date an event of default under the indenture, other than a default in the payment of the change of control payment upon a change of control triggering event.

We will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the notes as a result of a change of control triggering event. To the extent that the provisions of any such securities laws or regulations conflict with the change of control offer provisions of the notes, we will comply with those securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the change of control offer provisions of the notes by virtue of any such conflict.

For purposes of the change of control offer provisions of the notes, the following terms will be applicable:

“Change of control” means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or more series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any person, other than our Company or one of our subsidiaries; (ii) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any person becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of our outstanding voting stock or other voting stock into which our voting stock is reclassified, consolidated, exchanged or changed, measured by voting power rather than number of shares; (iii) we consolidate with, or merge with or into, any person, or any person consolidates with, or merges with or into, us, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of our outstanding voting stock or the voting stock of such other person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of our voting stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the voting stock of the surviving person or any direct or indirect parent company of the surviving person immediately after giving effect to such transaction; (iv) the first day on which a majority of the members of our Board of Directors are not continuing directors; or (v) the adoption of a plan relating to our liquidation or dissolution. The term “person,” as used in this definition, has the meaning given thereto in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

“Change of control triggering event” means the occurrence of both a change of control and a rating event.

“Continuing directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of our Board of Directors who (i) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date the notes were issued or (ii) was nominated for election, elected or appointed to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the continuing directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination, election or appointment (either by a specific vote or by approval of our proxy statement in which such member was named as a nominee for election as a director, without objection to such nomination).

“Investment grade rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, and the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any replacement rating agency or rating agencies selected by us. In no event shall the Trustee be charged with monitoring the Company’s rating.

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

 

S-27


Table of Contents

“Rating agencies” means (i) each of Moody’s and S&P; and (ii) if either Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the notes or fails to make a rating of the notes publicly available for reasons outside of our control, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by us (as certified by a resolution of our Board of Directors) as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, or all of them, as the case may be.

“Rating event” means the rating on the notes is lowered by each of the rating agencies and the notes are rated below an investment grade rating by each of the rating agencies on any day during the period (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the notes is under publicly announced consideration for a possible downgrade by each of the rating agencies) commencing 60 days prior to the first public notice of the occurrence of a change of control or our intention to effect a change of control and ending 60 days following consummation of such change of control.

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a division of S&P Global Inc., and its successors.

“Voting stock” means, with respect to any specified “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) as of any date, the capital stock of such person that is at the time entitled to vote generally in the election of the board of directors of such person.

Certain Covenants

We have agreed to three principal limitations on our activities. The restrictive covenants summarized below will apply to the notes as long as any of the notes are outstanding, unless waived or amended in accordance with the indenture. See “Modification and Waiver” in the accompanying prospectus.

Limitations on Liens

Some of our property may be subject to mortgages, pledges, liens or security interests (“Mortgages”) that give some of our lenders preferential rights in that property over other general creditors, including the holders of notes, if we fail to pay them back. We have agreed under the indenture, with certain exceptions described below, that we will not, and will not permit any of our Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined below) to, issue, assume, guarantee or incur any indebtedness that is secured by Mortgages on any of our or our Restricted Subsidiaries’ present or future property, unless we or any of our Restricted Subsidiaries grant an equal or higher-ranking Mortgage on the same property to the direct holders of the notes and, if we so determine, to the holders of any of our other indebtedness or of such Restricted Subsidiary that ranks equally with the notes.

The term “Restricted Subsidiary” means any of our subsidiaries other than foreign subsidiaries, subsidiaries in the territories or possessions of the United States, or leasing, real estate investment or financing subsidiaries, unless our Board of Directors designates one of these types of subsidiaries as a Restricted Subsidiary.

We do not need to comply with these limitations if the amount of all of our Mortgages and the aggregate value of sale and leaseback transactions involving our property, is not more than 10% of the Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (as defined below).

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the aggregate amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after deducting therefrom (i) all goodwill, tradenames, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other like intangibles and (ii) all current liabilities (excluding any current liabilities for money borrowed having a maturity of less than 12 months but by its terms being renewable or extendible beyond 12 months from such date at the option of the borrower), all as reflected in the Company’s latest audited consolidated balance sheet contained in the Company’s most recent annual report to its stockholders prior to the time as of which “Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” shall be determined.

 

S-28


Table of Contents

When we calculate the limits imposed by this restriction, we can disregard the following types of Mortgages:

 

   

Mortgages on the property of any of our subsidiaries, if those Mortgages existed at the time the corporation becomes a subsidiary;

 

   

Mortgages on property that existed at the time we acquired the property, including property we may acquire through a merger or similar transaction, or that we grant in order to purchase the property;

 

   

Mortgages on property to finance the cost of exploration, development or improvement of that property;

 

   

intercompany Mortgages in our or our wholly owned subsidiaries’ favor;

 

   

Mortgages in favor of federal or state governmental bodies or any other country or political subdivision of another country that we may grant in order to assure payments to such bodies that we owe by law or because of a contract we entered into; and

 

   

Mortgages that extend, renew or replace any of the Mortgages described above.

We are permitted to have as much unsecured debt as we may choose.

Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions

We agree that we will not and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiaries to enter into any sale and leaseback transaction involving our real property or the real property of our Restricted Subsidiaries, unless we comply with this restrictive covenant. A “sale and leaseback transaction” generally is an arrangement between an operating company and a bank, insurance company or other lender or investor where the operating company leases real property which was or will be sold by the operating company to that lender or investor, other than a lease for a period of three years or less by the end of which it is intended that the use of such real property by the operating company will be discontinued.

We can comply with this restrictive covenant in one of two ways:

 

   

if, at the time of the transaction, we could create a Mortgage on the real property to be leased in an amount equal to the value of the sale and leaseback transaction without being required to grant an equal or higher-ranking Mortgage to the holders of the notes as described under “Limitations on Liens” above; or

 

   

if we apply an amount, subject to certain adjustments described in the indenture, equal to the greater of:

 

  (i)

the net proceeds of the sale of the real property leased pursuant to such sale and leaseback transaction, and

 

  (ii)

the fair value of the real property so leased, to retire any other debt that has a maturity of more than one year.

Limitations on Asset Transfers

Neither we nor our Restricted Subsidiaries may transfer any assets constituting a major manufacturing or research property, plant or facility to any of our subsidiaries that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

S-29


Table of Contents

Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The notes will be subject to the satisfaction and discharge provisions and the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions set forth under “Description of Debt Securities — Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” in the accompanying prospectus.

Concerning the Trustee

The Trustee has provided various services to us in the past and may do so in the future as a part of its regular business.

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

We have obtained the information in this section concerning Clearstream and Euroclear and their book-entry systems and procedures from sources that we believe to be reliable. We take no responsibility for an accurate portrayal of this information. In addition, the description of the clearing systems in this section reflects our understanding of the rules and procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear as they are currently in effect. Those clearing systems could change their rules and procedures at any time.

The notes of each series will initially be represented by one or more fully registered global notes. Each such global note will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a common depositary, and registered in the name of the nominee of the common depositary for the accounts of Clearstream and Euroclear. Except as set forth below, the global notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective nominees. You may hold your interests in the global notes in Europe through Clearstream or Euroclear, either as a participant in such systems or indirectly through organizations which are participants in such systems. Clearstream and Euroclear will hold interests in the global notes on behalf of their respective participating organizations or customers through customers’ securities accounts in Clearstream’s or Euroclear’s names on the books of their respective depositaries. Book-entry interests in the notes and all transfers relating to the notes will be reflected in the book-entry records of Clearstream and Euroclear. The address of Clearstream is 42 Avenue JF Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg, Luxembourg and the address of Euroclear is 1 Boulevard Roi Albert II, B-1210 Brussels, Belgium.

The distribution of the notes will be cleared through Clearstream and Euroclear. Any secondary market trading of book-entry interests in the notes will take place through Clearstream and Euroclear participants and will settle in same-day funds. Owners of book-entry interests in the notes will receive payments relating to their notes in euro, except as described in this prospectus supplement under “Currency Conversion.”

Clearstream and Euroclear have established electronic securities and payment transfer, processing, depositary and custodial links among themselves and others, either directly or through custodians and depositaries. These links allow the notes to be issued, held and transferred among the clearing systems without the physical transfer of certificates. Special procedures to facilitate clearance and settlement have been established among these clearing systems to trade securities across borders in the secondary market.

The policies of Clearstream and Euroclear will govern payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to the investor’s interest in the notes held by them. We have no responsibility for any aspect of the records kept by Clearstream or Euroclear or any of their direct or indirect participants. We also do not supervise these systems in any way.

Clearstream and Euroclear and their participants perform these clearance and settlement functions under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers. You should be aware that they are not obligated to perform or continue to perform these procedures and may modify them or discontinue them at any time.

 

S-30


Table of Contents

Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in the notes will not be entitled to have the 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 of the notes under the indenture, including for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by us or the trustee pursuant to the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a note must rely on the procedures of the depositary and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, in order to exercise any rights of a holder of notes.

We have been advised by Clearstream and Euroclear, respectively, as follows:

Clearstream

Clearstream advises that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream holds securities for its participating organizations (“Clearstream Participants”) and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream provides to Clearstream Participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a professional depositary, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Sector (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier). Clearstream Participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream Participant, either directly or indirectly.

Distributions with respect to interests in the notes held beneficially through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream Participants in accordance with its rules and procedures.

Euroclear

Euroclear advises that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear (“Euroclear Participants”) 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. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. Euroclear is operated by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (the “Euroclear Operator”). All operations are conducted by the Euroclear Operator, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator. Euroclear Participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear Participant, either directly or indirectly.

The Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, or the Euroclear Terms and Conditions, and applicable Belgian law govern securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator. Specifically, these terms and conditions govern:

 

   

transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear;

 

   

withdrawal of securities and cash from Euroclear; and

 

   

receipt of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear.

 

S-31


Table of Contents

All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear Operator acts under the terms and conditions only on behalf of Euroclear Participants and has no record of or relationship with persons holding securities through Euroclear Participants.

Distributions with respect to interests in the notes held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear Participants in accordance with the Euroclear Terms and Conditions.

Clearance and Settlement Procedures

We understand that investors that hold their notes through Clearstream or Euroclear accounts will follow the settlement procedures that are applicable to conventional eurobonds in registered form. Notes will be credited to the securities custody accounts of Clearstream Participants and Euroclear Participants on the business day following the settlement date, for value on the settlement date. They will be credited either free of payment or against payment for value on the settlement date.

We understand that secondary market trading between Clearstream and/or Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way following the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear. Secondary market trading will be settled using procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in registered form.

You should be aware that investors will only be able to make and receive deliveries, payments and other communications involving the notes through Clearstream and Euroclear on days when those systems are open for business. Those systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers and other institutions are open for business in the United States.

In addition, because of time-zone differences, there may be problems with completing transactions involving Clearstream and Euroclear on the same business day as in the United States. U.S. investors who wish to transfer their interests in the notes, or to make or receive a payment or delivery of the notes, on a particular day, may find that the transactions will not be performed until the next business day in Luxembourg or Brussels, depending on whether Clearstream or Euroclear is used.

Clearstream or Euroclear will credit payments to the cash accounts of Clearstream customers or Euroclear Participants, as applicable, in accordance with the relevant system’s rules and procedures, to the extent received by its depositary. Clearstream or the Euroclear Operator, as the case may be, will take any other action permitted to be taken by a holder under the indenture on behalf of a Clearstream customer or Euroclear Participant only in accordance with its relevant rules and procedures.

Clearstream and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of notes among Clearstream Participants and Euroclear Participants. However, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform those procedures, and they may discontinue those procedures at any time.

Certificated Notes

If the depositary for any of the notes represented by a registered global note is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue notes in definitive form in exchange for the registered global note that had been held by the depositary. Any notes issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global note will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the trustee or other relevant agent of the trustee. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global note that had been held by the depositary. In addition, we may at any time determine that the notes shall no longer be represented by a global note and will issue notes in definitive form in exchange for such global note pursuant to the procedure described above.

For other terms of the notes, see “Description of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

S-32


Table of Contents

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

This section is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of the notes. This summary does not provide a complete analysis of all potential tax considerations. The information provided below is based on existing U.S. federal income tax authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described herein or that a court would not sustain such challenge. We have not obtained, and do not intend to obtain, a ruling from the IRS with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning or disposing of the notes. This summary generally applies only to beneficial owners of the notes that purchase the notes in this offering for an amount equal to the “issue price” of the notes, which is the first price at which a substantial amount of the notes is sold for money to the public (not including sales to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, initial purchasers, placement agents or wholesalers), and that hold the notes as “capital assets” within the meaning of section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (generally, for investment). This discussion does not purport to deal with all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular beneficial owner in light of the beneficial owner’s circumstances (for example, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code or a U.S. holder (as defined below) whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar). Also, it does not describe all the consequences that may apply to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special rules (such as dealers in securities, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting, accrual-method taxpayers subject to section 451(b) of the Code, banks, thrifts, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, tax-deferred or other retirement accounts, certain former citizens or residents of the United States, persons holding the notes as part of a conversion or integrated transaction or straddle, or persons deemed to sell the notes under the constructive sale provisions of the Code). Finally, this summary does not address the effects of the U.S. federal estate and gift tax laws or the effects of any applicable non-U.S., state or local laws and tax treaties.

INVESTORS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF THE NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS, NON-U.S., STATE AND LOCAL LAWS, AND TAX TREATIES.

As used herein, the term “U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of the notes that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (1) a citizen or individual resident of the United States, (2) a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia, (3) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (4) a trust if it (x) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one of more U.S. persons, or (y) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

A “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of the notes (other than a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. holder.

If a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership) for U.S. federal income tax purposes is a beneficial owner of the notes, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A beneficial owner of the notes that is a partnership, and partners in such a partnership, should consult their own tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the notes.

U.S. Holders

The following discussion is limited to the U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a U.S. holder (as defined above).

 

S-33


Table of Contents

Certain Additional Payments

There are circumstances in which we might be required to make payments on the notes that would increase the yield of the notes. For example, as described under “Description of the Notes — Change of Control Offer,” we must pay a 1% premium if we are required to repurchase the notes in connection with a “change of control triggering event.” The possibility of such payments may implicate special rules under Treasury Regulations governing “nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt instruments.” However, the possibility that additional payments will be made will not cause the notes to be nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt instruments if, as of the date the notes are issued, there is only a remote chance that such payments will be made or certain other exceptions apply. We intend to take the position that the possibility of such payments does not result in the notes being treated as “nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt instruments.” Our position is binding on a U.S. holder unless such U.S. holder discloses that it is taking a contrary position in the manner required by applicable Treasury Regulations. Our position is not, however, binding on the IRS. If the IRS takes a contrary position, a U.S. holder may be required to accrue interest income based upon a “comparable yield” (as defined in the Treasury Regulations) determined at the time of issuance of the notes (which is not expected to differ significantly from the actual yield on the notes), with adjustments to such accruals when any contingent payments are made that differ from the payments based on the comparable yield. In addition, any income on the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of the notes would be treated as interest income rather than as capital gain. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if the notes were treated as nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt instruments. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the notes are not treated as nonfunctional currency contingent payment debt instruments.

Interest

In general, if the stated principal amount of a debt instrument exceeds its issue price by at least a statutorily defined de minimis amount, a U.S. holder will be required to include such excess in income as “original issue discount” over the term of the instrument in accordance with a constant-yield method, irrespective of the holder’s regular method of tax accounting. Generally, original issue discount is considered to be de minimis if it is less than 0.25% of the instrument’s stated principal amount multiplied by the number of complete years from the issue date to maturity. We anticipate, and therefore this discussion assumes, that the notes will not be issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Subject to the discussion above under “Certain Additional Payments,” a U.S. holder will be required to recognize as ordinary income any stated interest paid or accrued on the notes in accordance with its regular method of tax accounting.

 

   

A U.S. holder that uses the cash method of accounting and that receives a payment of interest in euro will be required to include in income the U.S. dollar value of the euro payment received (determined based on the spot rate on the date the payment is received), regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted to U.S. dollars at that time. A cash basis U.S. holder will not recognize exchange gain or loss on the receipt of interest income, but may recognize exchange gain or loss attributable to the actual disposition of the euro received, as described below in the discussion of “Exchange of Euro.”

 

   

A U.S. holder that uses the accrual method of accounting will accrue interest income in euro and translate that amount into U.S. dollars based on the average spot rate of exchange in effect for the accrual period or, with respect to an accrual period that spans two taxable years, at the average spot rate for the partial period within the applicable taxable year. Alternatively, an accrual method U.S. holder may elect to translate interest income into U.S. dollars at the spot rate on the last day of the accrual period (or the last day of the taxable year in the case of an accrual period that spans two taxable years) or, if the date of receipt is within five business days of the last day of the interest accrual period, the spot rate on the date of receipt. A U.S. holder that makes this election must apply it consistently to all debt instruments from year to year and cannot change the election without the consent of the IRS. A U.S. holder that uses the accrual method will recognize exchange gain or loss with respect to accrued

 

S-34


Table of Contents
 

interest income on the date the interest payment is actually received. The amount of exchange gain or loss recognized will equal the difference, if any, between the U.S. dollar value of the euro payment received (determined based on the spot rate on the date the payment is received) in respect of the accrual period and the U.S. dollar value of interest income that has accrued during the accrual period (as determined above), regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted to U.S. dollars. This exchange gain or loss generally will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss.

Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of the Notes

A U.S. holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss if he, she or it disposes of the notes in a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition. The U.S. holder’s gain or loss generally will equal the difference between the amount realized by such holder (other than amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which will be taxed as described above under “— Interest”) and its adjusted tax basis in the notes. The U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the notes generally will equal the U.S. dollar value of the euro it used to purchase the notes, using the spot exchange rate on the purchase date. If a note is traded on an established securities market, a cash basis U.S. holder (and if it elects, an accrual basis U.S. holder) will determine the U.S. dollar value of the euro amount paid for the note on the settlement date of the purchase. The portion of any amount realized that is attributable to accrued interest will not be taken into account in computing the U.S. holder’s capital gain or loss. Instead, that portion will be recognized as ordinary interest income to the extent that the U.S. holder has not previously included the accrued interest in income. The amount realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the notes for an amount in euro will generally be the U.S. dollar value of such euro based on the spot exchange rate on the date the note is disposed of; provided, however, that if the notes are traded on an established securities market, a cash basis U.S. holder (and if it elects, an accrual basis U.S. holder) will determine the U.S. dollar value of such euro on the settlement date of the disposition. If an accrual method U.S. holder makes either of the settlement date elections described above, such election must be applied consistently to all debt instruments from year to year and cannot be changed without the consent of the IRS. If a note is not traded on an established securities market (or, if a note is so traded, but a U.S. holder is an accrual basis U.S. holder that has not made the settlement date election), a U.S. holder should recognize exchange gain or loss (taxable as U.S. source ordinary income or loss) to the extent that the U.S. dollar value of the euro received (based on the spot rate on the settlement date), differs from the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized.

Except with respect to exchange gain or loss described in the subsequent paragraph, the gain or loss recognized by the U.S. holder on the disposition of the notes will be U.S. source long-term capital gain or loss if such holder has held the notes for more than one year, or short-term capital gain or loss if such holder has held the notes for one year or less, at the time of the disposition. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate taxpayers (including individuals) currently are taxed at preferential rates. Short-term capital gains are taxed at ordinary income rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Any gain or loss realized upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the notes that is attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates will be exchange gain or loss. Gain or loss attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates generally will equal the difference between (i) the U.S. dollar value of a U.S. holder’s purchase price for the notes in euro, determined on the date the notes are disposed of, and (ii) the U.S. dollar value of a U.S. holder’s purchase price for the notes in euro, determined on the date the U.S. holder acquired the note (or, in each case, determined on the settlement date if the notes are traded on an established securities market and the U.S. holder is either a cash basis or electing accrual basis holder). The exchange gain or loss (with respect to both principal and accrued interest) will be recognized only to the extent of the total gain or loss realized by a U.S. holder on the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the notes, and generally will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.

Exchange of Euro

A U.S. holder’s tax basis in the euro received as interest on, or on the sale or other disposition of, a note will be the U.S. dollar value of such euro at the spot rate in effect on the date of receipt of the euro. Any gain or loss

 

S-35


Table of Contents

recognized by a U.S. holder on a sale, exchange or other disposition of the euro will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.

Tax Return Disclosure Requirements

Certain Treasury Regulations meant to require the reporting of certain tax shelter transactions cover transactions generally not regarded as tax shelters, including certain foreign currency transactions giving rise to losses in excess of a certain minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 in a single transaction in the case of an individual or trust, and higher amounts for non-individual, non-trust taxpayers), such as foreign currency exchange loss resulting from the receipt of interest on a foreign currency note or a sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of a foreign currency note or of foreign currency received in respect of a foreign currency note. Persons considering the purchase of notes should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the U.S. federal income tax return disclosure obligations, if any, with respect to an investment in the notes or the disposition of euro, including any requirement to file IRS Form 8886 (Reportable Transaction Disclosure Statement).

3.8% Medicare Tax on “Net Investment Income”

U.S. holders that are individuals, estates, and certain trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on the lesser of (a) such holder’s “net investment income” (or undistributed “net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust) for the relevant taxable year and (b) the excess of the U.S. holder’s modified gross income for the taxable year over certain thresholds (generally $200,000 for an unmarried individual, $250,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return (or a surviving spouse), or $125,000 for a married individual filing a separate return). Net investment income will generally include interest income and net gains from the disposition of the notes, unless such interest income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). U.S. holders should consult their advisors with respect to their consequences with respect to the 3.8% Medicare tax.

Non-U.S. Holders

The following discussion is limited to the U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a non-U.S. holder (as defined above).

Interest

Subject to the discussions below regarding the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) and under “— Income or Gains Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business” and “— Backup Withholding and Information Reporting,” payments of interest on the notes to non-U.S. holders will generally qualify as “portfolio interest,” and thus will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including withholding of such tax, if the non-U.S. holder certifies its non-U.S. status as described below.

The portfolio interest exemption will not apply to payments of interest to a non-U.S. holder that:

 

   

owns, actually or constructively, shares of our stock representing at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote;

 

   

is a “controlled foreign corporation” that is related, directly or indirectly, to us through sufficient actual or constructive stock ownership; or

 

   

is a bank that acquired the notes in consideration for an extension of credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business.

 

S-36


Table of Contents

The portfolio interest exemption applies only if the non-U.S. holder certifies its non-U.S. status. A non-U.S. holder can meet this certification requirement by providing a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or appropriate substitute form prior to the payment. If the non-U.S. holder holds the note through a financial institution or other agent acting on its behalf, it will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the agent. Special certification rules apply to non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities.

If the portfolio interest exemption does not apply to payments of interest to a non-U.S. holder, and subject to the discussion below under “— Income or Gains Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business,” these payments will be subject to withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate if the non-U.S. holder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence and provides appropriate certification of eligibility to the applicable withholding agent).

Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of the Notes

Subject to the discussions below regarding backup withholding and FATCA, non-U.S. holders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the notes (other than with respect to payments attributable to accrued interest, which will be treated as described above under “— Interest”) unless:

 

   

the gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a U.S. trade or business (and, generally, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder), in which case the gain would be subject to tax as described below under “— Income or Gains Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business”; or

 

   

the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the year of disposition and certain other conditions apply, in which case, except as otherwise provided by an applicable income tax treaty, the gain, which may be offset by certain U.S.-source capital losses, would be subject to a flat 30% tax, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States.

Income or Gains Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business

If any interest on the notes or gain realized from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the notes is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by a non-U.S. holder, then the income or gain will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net-income basis at the same rates and generally in the same manner applicable to U.S. holders. If the non-U.S. holder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence, any “effectively connected” income or gain generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net-income basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States. Payments of interest that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder (and, if an applicable tax treaty requires, attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base), and therefore included in the gross income of a non-U.S. holder, will not be subject to the 30% withholding tax discussed above under “— Interest,” provided that the non-U.S. holder claims exemption from withholding by timely filing with the applicable withholding agent a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8ECI, or any appropriate substitute or successor form as the IRS designates, as applicable, prior to payment. If the non-U.S. holder is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that portion of its earnings and profits that is effectively connected with its U.S. trade or business generally also will be subject to a “branch profits tax.” The branch profits tax rate is generally 30%, although an applicable income tax treaty might provide for a lower rate.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

The Code and Treasury Regulations generally require persons who make specified payments to report the payments to the IRS. Among the specified payments are interest, dividends, and proceeds paid by brokers to their

 

S-37


Table of Contents

customers. This reporting regime is reinforced by “backup withholding” rules, which generally require the payor to withhold from specified payments subject to information reporting if the recipient has failed to provide a taxpayer identification number to the payor, furnished an incorrect identification number, failed to comply with applicable certification requirements or has been repeatedly notified by the IRS that it has failed to report interest or dividends on its U.S. federal income tax returns. The backup withholding rate is currently 24%.

Payments of interest to U.S. holders of the notes and payments made to U.S. holders by a broker upon a sale of the notes generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless the U.S. holder (1) is an exempt recipient, or (2) in the case of backup withholding, provides the payor with a correct taxpayer identification number and complies with applicable certification requirements. If a sale is made through a foreign office of a foreign broker, however, the sale will generally not be subject to either information reporting or backup withholding. This exception may not apply if the foreign broker is owned or controlled by U.S. persons or is engaged in a U.S. trade or business.

The applicable withholding agent must report annually to the IRS the interest paid to each non-U.S. holder and the amount of tax withheld, if any, with respect to such interest, including any tax withheld pursuant to the rules described under “— Non-U.S. Holders — Interest” above and “— FATCA” below. Copies of these reports may be made available to tax authorities in the country where the non-U.S. holder resides. Payments made to non-U.S. holders by a broker upon a sale of the notes will not be subject to information reporting (except to the extent such payments are subject to withholding under FATCA, discussed below) or backup withholding as long as the non-U.S. holder certifies its non-U.S. status or otherwise establishes an exemption.

Any amounts withheld from a payment to a U.S. holder or non-U.S. holder with respect to the notes under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or can be credited against any U.S. federal income tax liability of the holder, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

FATCA

Provisions of the Code known as FATCA and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder generally impose a 30% U.S. withholding tax on certain U.S.-source payments, including interest (including original issue discount), dividends and other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gain, profits, and income, and on the gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of property of a type which can produce U.S.-source interest or dividends (“Withholdable Payments”), if paid to a foreign financial institution (whether as a beneficial owner or intermediary), unless such institution (i) enters into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to collect and provide to the U.S. Department of the Treasury substantial information regarding its U.S. account holders, including certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners, (ii) satisfies the requirements of an intergovernmental agreement entered into by such institution’s country of residence and the United States, or (iii) qualifies for an exemption. These withholding requirements generally currently apply to payments of interest on the notes. Under proposed Treasury Regulations, this withholding tax will not apply to the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the notes. The preamble to these proposed Treasury Regulations indicates that taxpayers may rely on them pending their finalization. FATCA also generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on Withholdable Payments made to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or certification identifying the direct and indirect substantial U.S. owners of the entity, or unless an exemption applies. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the non-U.S. entity’s jurisdiction may modify these requirements.

If FATCA withholding is imposed, a beneficial owner (other than certain foreign financial institutions) generally will be entitled to a refund of any amounts withheld by filing a U.S. federal income tax return and, in the case of a non-financial foreign entity, providing the IRS with certain information regarding its substantial U.S. owners (unless an exception applies). Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their ownership and disposition of the notes.

 

S-38


Table of Contents

PROPOSED FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS TAX

The Proposed Financial Transactions Tax (“FTT”)

On February 14, 2013, the European Commission published a proposal (the “Commission’s Proposal”) for a Directive for a common FTT in Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia (the “participating Member States”). The Commission’s Proposal has very broad scope and could, if introduced, apply to certain dealings in the notes (including secondary market transactions) in certain circumstances. The issuance and subscription of Notes should, however, be exempt. Under the Commission’s Proposal the FTT could apply in certain circumstances to persons both within and outside of the participating Member States. Generally, it would apply to certain dealings in the notes where at least one party is a financial institution, and at least one party is established in a participating Member State. A financial institution may be, or be deemed to be, “established” in a participating Member State in a broad range of circumstances, including (a) by transacting with a person established in a participating Member State or (b) where the financial instrument which is subject to the dealings is issued in a participating Member State.

On March 16, 2016, Estonia formally withdrew from enhanced cooperation on FTT leaving ten remaining participating Member States. The participating Member States (excluding Estonia) indicated during a ECOFIN meeting on June 17, 2016 that work and discussions would continue during the second half of 2016. The FTT proposal (including whether or not it comes into force as proposed or at all) remains subject to negotiation between the participating Member States and the scope of any such tax is uncertain. Based on recent public statements, the participating Member States are considering a proposal that would reduce the scope of the FTT and would only concern certain listed shares. This proposal remains subject to change until final approval. Additional EU Member States may decide to participate.

Prospective holders of the notes are advised to seek their own professional advice in relation to the FTT.

 

S-39


Table of Contents

UNDERWRITING

Subject to the terms and conditions contained in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters named below, for whom BNP Paribas and J.P. Morgan Securities plc are acting as representatives, we have agreed to sell to each underwriter, and each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase from us, the principal amount of notes that appears opposite its name in the table below:

 

Underwriter

   Principal amount
of 20     notes
     Principal amount
of 20     notes
 

BNP Paribas

                                                                   

J.P. Morgan Securities plc

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The underwriters are offering the notes subject to their acceptance of the notes from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the notes offered by this prospectus supplement are subject to certain conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the notes offered by this prospectus supplement if any such notes are taken. The offering of the notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

The underwriters initially propose to offer the notes to the public at the public offering prices set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. The underwriters may offer the notes to selected dealers at the public offering price minus a concession of up to (i)                % of the principal amount of the 20    notes and (ii)                % of the principal amount of the 20    notes. In addition, the underwriters may allow, and those selected dealers may reallow, a concession of up to (i)                % of the principal amount of the 20    notes and (ii)                % of the principal amount of the 20    notes to certain other dealers. After the initial offering, the underwriters may change the public offering prices and any other selling terms. The underwriters may offer and sell notes through certain of their affiliates.

The following table shows the underwriting discounts that we will pay to the underwriters in connection with the offering of the notes:

 

     Paid by us  

Per 20     note

                 

Per 20     note

                 

Total

    

Expenses associated with this offering to be paid by us, other than the underwriting discount, are estimated to be approximately $                .

In the underwriting agreement, we have also agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments which the underwriters may be required to make in respect of any such liabilities.

Each series of notes is a new issue of securities for which there is no established trading market. We intend to apply to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange. We expect trading in the notes on the New York Stock exchange to begin within 30 days after the original issue date. Settlement of the notes is not conditional on obtaining the listings, and we are not required to maintain the listings. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the notes after completion of the offering, but they are not obligated to do so. The underwriters may discontinue any market making in the notes at any time at their sole discretion. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market will develop for the notes, that you will be able to sell your notes at a particular time or that the prices you receive when you sell will be favorable.

 

S-40


Table of Contents

Stabilization

In connection with the issue of the notes, BNP Paribas (in this capacity, the “Stabilizing Manager”) (or persons acting on behalf of the Stabilizing Manager) may overallot notes or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the notes at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the Stabilizing Manager (or persons acting on behalf of the Stabilizing Manager) will undertake any stabilization action. Any stabilization action may begin on or after the date on which adequate public disclosure of the final terms of the offer of the notes is made, and, if begun, may be ended at any time, but it must end no later than the earlier of 30 days after the issue of the notes and 60 days after the date of the allotment of the notes. Such stabilization shall be carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Any loss or profit sustained as a consequence of any such over-allotment or stabilization shall be for the account of the Stabilizing Manager. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the Stabilizing Manager has repurchased notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

These activities by the underwriters, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the notes. As a result, the price of the notes may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, but if these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Other Relationships

The underwriters and their affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, corporate trust, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. From time to time in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in and may in the future engage in commercial banking, derivatives and/or financial advisory, investment banking and other commercial transactions and services with us and our affiliates for which they have received or will receive customary fees and commissions. Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are dealers with respect to our commercial paper program. In addition, affiliates of certain of the underwriters are lenders and/or agents under our credit facilities for which these affiliates have been and will be paid customary fees.

If any of the underwriters or their affiliates have a lending relationship with us, certain of those underwriters or their affiliates routinely hedge, and certain other of those underwriters may hedge, their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, these underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes offered hereby.

In the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the Company. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Extended Settlement

We expect to deliver the notes against payment for the notes on or about the date specified in the last paragraph of the cover page of this prospectus supplement, which will be the                business day following the

 

S-41


Table of Contents

date of the pricing of the notes. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade notes on any date prior to the second business day before delivery will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially will settle in T+    , to specify an alternate settlement arrangement to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the notes who wish to trade the notes prior to the second business day before their date of delivery hereunder should consult their own advisors.

Selling Restrictions

Canada

The notes may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the notes must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

European Economic Area

The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA. For the purposes of this provision:

 

  (a)

the expression “retail investor” means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

 

  (i)

a retail client as defined in point (11) of MiFID II; or

 

  (ii)

a customer within the meaning of the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; and

 

  (b)

the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the notes.

United Kingdom

The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the UK. For the purposes of this provision:

 

  (a)

the expression “retail investor” means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

 

  (i)

a retail client as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or

 

S-42


Table of Contents
  (ii)

a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the FSMA of the UK and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; and

 

  (b)

the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the notes.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any other material in relation to the notes is only being distributed to, and is directed only at, persons in the UK who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the UK Prospectus Regulation who are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Order, or (ii) high net worth entities or other persons falling within Articles 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (iii) Relevant Persons. The notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such notes will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and their contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by any recipients to any other person in the UK. Any person in the UK that is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or their contents. The notes are not being offered to the public in the UK.

In addition, in the United Kingdom, each underwriter has represented and agreed in the underwriting agreement that the notes may not be offered other than by an underwriter that:

 

   

has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the notes in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us; and

 

   

has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving the UK.

Japan

The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948, as amended, the “FIEL”) and, accordingly, have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for reoffering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, a resident of Japan, except through a solicitation constituting a “solicitation targeting QIIs” as defined in Article 23-13, Paragraph 1 of the FIEL, which will be exempt from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the FIEL and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan in effect at the relevant time.

Hong Kong

The notes may not be offered or sold by in Hong Kong means of any document other than (i) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong) and which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Capt. 32, Laws of Hong Kong). No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the

 

S-43


Table of Contents

purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

Singapore

This prospectus supplement has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA), (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA and (where applicable) Regulation 3 of the Securities and Futures (Classes of Investors) Regulations 2018, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes under Section 275 of the SFA except: (1) to an institutional investor or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; (3) where the transfer is by operation of law; (4) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or (5) as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018 of Singapore.

Singapore Securities and Futures Act Product Classification:

Solely for the purposes of our obligations pursuant to sections 309B(1)(a) and 309B(1)(c) of the SFA and the Securities and Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulation 2018 (the “CMP Regulations 2018’’), we have determined, and hereby notify all relevant persons (as defined in Section 309A of the SFA), that the notes are “prescribed capital markets products” (as defined in the CMP Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).

Switzerland

This prospectus supplement is not intended to constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the notes described herein. The notes may not be publicly offered, sold or advertised, directly or indirectly, in, into or from Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange or on any other exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this prospectus supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes constitutes a prospectus as such term is understood pursuant to article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, and neither this prospectus supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

 

S-44


Table of Contents

Taiwan

The notes have not been, and will not be, registered with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan, the Republic of China (“Taiwan”) pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations. No person or entity in Taiwan is authorized to distribute or otherwise intermediate the offering of the notes or the provision of information relating to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The notes may be made available for purchase outside Taiwan by investors residing in Taiwan (either directly or through properly licensed Taiwan intermediaries acting on behalf of such investors), but may not be issued, offered or sold in Taiwan. No subscription or other offer to purchase the notes shall be binding on us until received and accepted by us or any underwriter outside of Taiwan (the “Place of Acceptance”), and the purchase/sale contract arising therefrom shall be deemed a contract entered into in the Place of Acceptance.

United Arab Emirates

The notes have not been, and are not being, publicly offered, sold, promoted or advertised in the United Arab Emirates (including the Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Dubai International Financial Centre) other than in compliance with the laws, regulations and rules of the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Dubai International Financial Centre governing the issue, offering and sale of securities. Further, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes or the offering do not constitute a public offer of securities in the United Arab Emirates (including the Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Dubai International Financial Centre) and are not intended to be a public offer. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes or the offering have not been approved by or filed with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, the Securities and Commodities Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority or the Dubai Financial Services Authority.

 

S-45


Table of Contents

VALIDITY OF THE NOTES

K&L Gates LLP, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will pass upon the validity of our notes. Certain matters of Pennsylvania law will be passed upon for us by Anne M. Foulkes, our Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Certain legal matters relating to the offering of the notes will be passed upon for the underwriters by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting due to the exclusion of Tikkurila Oyj because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during 2021) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

S-46


Table of Contents

Prospectus

 

LOGO

$2,400,000,000

PPG Industries, Inc.

Debt Securities

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Warrants

Depositary Shares

Purchase Contracts

Units

 

 

We may offer to sell from time to time, in one or more classes or series, debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants, depositary shares, purchase contracts or units, or any combination of these securities. The debt securities, warrants, purchase contracts and preferred stock may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock, preferred stock or other securities or debt or equity securities of one or more other entities.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the ticker symbol “PPG.” If we decide to seek a listing of any securities offered by this prospectus, we will disclose the exchange or market on which the securities will be listed, if any, or where we have made an application for listing, if any, in one or more supplements to this prospectus.

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered and the specific manner in which they may be offered will be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement that contains a description of those securities.

We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to other purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. If any offering involves underwriters, dealers or agents, arrangements with them will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to that offering.

You should consider carefully the “Risk Factors” described on page 2 and in any applicable prospectus supplement before investing in any of our securities offered by this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.

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

 

 

The date of this prospectus is February 24, 2020.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY

     1  

RISK FACTORS

     2  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     2  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     3  

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     3  

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

     12  

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

     13  

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

     16  

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

     16  

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

     17  

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

     18  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     18  

LEGAL MATTERS

     20  

EXPERTS

     20  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which we refer to in this prospectus as the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell from time to time any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may change after that date. Each time we sell securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain or incorporate by reference specific information about the terms of that offering. Each prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. We urge you to read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than as contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by us or any underwriter, agent, dealer or remarketing firm. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made under this prospectus shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus or that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of such information. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is an unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

 

i


Table of Contents

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Available Information

We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can read such reports, proxy statements and other information that we file with the SEC on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information that we file with the SEC are also available on our website, http://www.ppg.com. Information appearing on our website is not a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Incorporation by Reference

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents. Any information we incorporate in this manner is considered part of this prospectus except to the extent updated and superseded by information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. Some information that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and until we sell all of the securities covered by this prospectus will automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus.

We incorporate by reference the following documents that we have filed with the SEC and any filings that we make with the SEC in the future under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), until we sell all of the securities covered by this prospectus, including between the date of this prospectus and the date on which the offering of the securities under this prospectus is terminated, except as noted in the paragraph below:

 

Our SEC Filings (File No. 1-01687)

  

Period for or Date of Filing

Annual Report on Form 10-K    Year Ended December 31, 2019

Current Reports on Form 8-K

   None

Form 10

   June 29, 1935

Pursuant to General Instruction B of Form 8-K, any information submitted under Item 2.02, Results of Operations and Financial Condition, or Item 7.01, Regulation FD Disclosure, of Form 8-K is not deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and we are not subject to the liabilities of Section 18 with respect to information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K. We are not incorporating by reference any information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act into this prospectus.

Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to in this prospectus do not purport to be complete, and where reference is made to the particular provisions of that contract, agreement or other document, those references are qualified in all respects by reference to all of the provisions contained in that contract, agreement or other document. For a more complete understanding and description of each such contract, agreement or other document, we urge you to read the exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference, or deemed to be incorporated by reference, into this prospectus will 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 incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and a copy of any or all other contracts, agreements or documents which are referred to in this prospectus. Requests should be directed to: PPG Industries, Inc., One PPG Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15272, Attention: Corporate Secretary; telephone number: (412) 434-3131. You also may review a copy of the registration statement and its exhibits on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov.

 

ii


Table of Contents

SUMMARY

This summary is a brief discussion of material information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus, as further described above under “Where You Can Find More Information.” This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in any securities being offered by this prospectus. We urge you to carefully read this entire prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to the securities that you propose to buy, especially any description of investment risks that we may include in the prospectus supplement or in documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. References to “PPG,” the “registrant,” “we,” “our,” “us” and similar terms mean PPG Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

PPG Industries, Inc.

PPG Industries, Inc. manufactures and distributes a broad range of coatings and specialty materials. We are a comprised of two reportable segments: Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings. PPG’s vision is to be the world’s leading coatings company by consistently delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable solutions that customers trust to protect and beautify their products and surroundings. Founded in 1883, PPG operates in approximately 70 countries around the world.

We are a Pennsylvania corporation with our principal executive offices located at One PPG Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15272. Our telephone number is (412) 434-3131.

PPG is a major, global supplier of coatings. The Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings reportable business segments supply coatings and specialty materials to customers in a wide array of end-uses, including industrial equipment and components; packaging material; aircraft and marine equipment; automotive original equipment; automotive refinish; as well as for other industrial and consumer products. PPG also serves commercial and residential new build and maintenance customers by supplying coatings to painting and maintenance contractors and directly to consumers for decoration and maintenance. The coatings industry is highly competitive and consists of several large firms with global presence and many firms serving local or regional markets. PPG competes in its primary markets with the world’s largest coatings companies, most of which have global operations, and many regional coatings companies. The primary specialty coatings and materials products produced by PPG are amorphous precipitated silicas for tire, battery separator and other end-uses; TESLIN® substrate used in such applications as e-passports, drivers’ licenses and identification cards; Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) materials for use in displays and lighting; optical lens materials and photochromic dyes for optical lenses and color-change products.

About This Prospectus

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may offer from time to time any of the securities described in this prospectus. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we offer securities under this prospectus, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that contains the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We also may provide important information in one or more reports filed by us with the SEC from time to time pursuant to the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should read the documents we have referred to you in “Where You Can Find More Information” for additional information about us, including our financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. Before deciding whether to purchase any of our securities, you should carefully consider the risks involved in an investment in our securities, as set forth in Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as updated in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the other risks described in any prospectus supplement or in any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In this prospectus, statements that are not reported financial results or other historical information are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on our management’s expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements.

You can identify these forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “would,” “should,” “will,” “will likely result,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “projects” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our reports to the SEC.

Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s forward-looking statements. Such factors include global economic conditions, increasing price and product competition by foreign and domestic competitors, fluctuations in cost and availability of raw materials, the ability to achieve selling price increases, the ability to recover margins, customer inventory levels, our ability to maintain favorable supplier relationships and arrangements, the timing of and the realization of anticipated cost savings from restructuring initiatives, the ability to identify additional cost savings opportunities, difficulties in integrating acquired businesses and achieving expected synergies therefrom, economic and political conditions in the markets we serve, the ability to penetrate existing, developing and emerging foreign and domestic markets, foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in such rates, fluctuations in tax rates, the impact of future legislation, the impact of environmental regulations, unexpected business disruptions, the effects of significant public health issues, the results of governmental actions relating to pending investigations, the results of derivative actions relating to the restatement of our financial statements and the unpredictability of existing and possible future litigation. However, it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, while the list of factors presented here, in any prospectus supplement and in Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as updated in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements.

Consequences of material differences in the results compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, lower sales or income, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties, other factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of any prospectus supplement, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as updated in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

2


Table of Contents

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a specific issuance of securities. Our general corporate purposes include, but are not limited to, (i) working capital, (ii) capital expenditures, (iii) investments in or loans to our subsidiaries or joint ventures, (iv) the repayment, redemption or refinancing of debt, (v) the redemption or repurchase of our outstanding securities, (vi) funding of possible acquisitions, and (vii) satisfaction of other obligations of ours. Pending any such use, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities may be invested in short-term instruments. We will include a more detailed description of the use of proceeds of any specific offering in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to an offering of securities under this prospectus.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following is a general description of the debt securities that we may offer from time to time under this prospectus. The financial terms and other specific terms of the debt securities being offered will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to the issuance of those securities. Those terms may vary from the terms described here. Although the debt securities that we may offer include debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars, we also may choose to offer debt securities in any other currency, including the euro.

The debt securities are governed by documents called “indentures.” The indentures are contracts between us and a financial institution acting as the trustee. The trustee has two main roles. First, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee may act on your behalf, as described below under “—Events of Default—Remedies If an Event of Default Occurs.” Second, the trustee performs certain administrative duties for us.

Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. This summary also is subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the particular terms of the debt securities and the relevant indenture described in the related prospectus supplement, including definitions used in the relevant indenture. The particular terms of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, the relevant indenture and any relevant supplemental indenture may vary from the terms described below.

General

The debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus will be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. We may issue senior debt securities under one or more senior indentures between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, including an existing Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2008, which we refer to in this prospectus as the existing indenture. In this prospectus, we refer to any indenture pursuant to which senior debt securities offered under this prospectus may be issued, including the existing indenture, as any such indenture may be supplemented in connection with an offering of senior debt securities under this prospectus, as a senior indenture. We may issue subordinated debt securities under one or more subordinated indentures between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. In this prospectus, we refer to any indenture pursuant to which subordinated debt securities offered under this prospectus may be issued, as any such indenture may be supplemented in connection with an offering of subordinated debt securities under this prospectus, as a subordinated indenture. Senior indentures and subordinated indentures are sometimes referred to collectively in this prospectus as indentures.

The existing indenture is, and each other indenture will be, governed by New York law. Copies of the existing indenture and forms of a senior indenture and a subordinated indenture pursuant to which we may issue debt securities that are offered under this prospectus have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain copies of these indentures.

 

3


Table of Contents

We may offer the debt securities from time to time in as many distinct series as we may choose. All debt securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of ours. Any senior debt securities that we offer under this prospectus will have the same rank as all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. Any subordinated debt securities that we offer under this prospectus will be subordinate in right of payment to our senior indebtedness. The existing indenture does not, and any other indenture will not, limit either the amount of debt that we may issue thereunder or the amount of other unsecured debt or other securities that we or our subsidiaries may issue.

Our primary sources of payment for our payment obligations under the debt securities will be revenues from our operations and investments and cash distributions from our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation whatsoever to pay any amounts due on debt securities issued by us or to make funds available to us. Our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or make other payments or advances to us will depend upon their operating results and will be subject to applicable laws and contractual restrictions. The existing indenture does not, and any other indenture will not, restrict our subsidiaries from entering into agreements that prohibit or limit their ability to pay dividends or make other payments or advances to us.

To the extent that we must rely on cash from our subsidiaries to pay amounts due on the debt securities, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all our subsidiaries’ liabilities, including their trade payables. This means that our subsidiaries may be required to pay all of their creditors in full before their assets are available to us. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of our subsidiaries, our claims would be effectively subordinated to any security interests in their assets and also could be subordinated to some or all other claims on their assets and earnings.

Other than the restrictions described below or any restrictions described in an applicable prospectus supplement, the existing indenture does not, and any other indenture and the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus will not, contain any covenants or other provisions designed to protect holders of the debt securities if we participate in a highly leveraged transaction. In addition, the existing indenture does not, and any other indenture and the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus will not, contain provisions that give holders of debt securities the right to require us to repurchase their debt securities if our credit ratings decline due to a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or otherwise.

You should look in the applicable prospectus supplement for the following terms of the debt securities being offered:

 

   

the title of the debt securities;

 

   

if other than U.S. currency, the currency in which the debt securities may be purchased and the currency in which principal, premium, if any, and interest will be paid;

 

   

the total principal amount of the debt securities;

 

   

the price at which the debt securities will be issued;

 

   

the date or dates on which the debt securities will mature and the right, if any, to extend the maturity date or dates;

 

   

the annual rate or rates, if any, at which the debt securities will bear interest, including the method of calculating interest if a floating rate is used;

 

   

the date or dates from which the interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which the interest will be payable or the manner of determination of the interest payment dates and the record dates for the determination of holders to whom interest is payable;

 

   

the place or places where principal, premium, if any, and interest will be payable;

 

   

any redemption, repayment or sinking fund provision;

 

   

the application, if any, of defeasance provisions to the debt securities;

 

4


Table of Contents
   

if other than the entire principal amount, the portion of the debt securities that would be payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities;

 

   

any obligation we may have to redeem, purchase or repay the debt securities at the option of a holder upon the happening of any event and the terms and conditions of redemption, repurchase or repayment;

 

   

the form of debt securities, including whether we will issue the debt securities in individual certificates to each holder or in the form of temporary or permanent global securities held by a depositary on behalf of holders;

 

   

if the amount of payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities may be determined by reference to an index, the manner in which that amount will be determined;

 

   

any additional covenants applicable to the debt securities;

 

   

any additional events of default applicable to the debt securities;

 

   

the terms of subordination, if applicable;

 

   

the terms of conversion, if applicable;

 

   

any material provisions described in this prospectus that do not apply to the debt securities; and

 

   

any other material terms of the debt securities, including any additions, deletions or other changes to the terms described in this prospectus, and any terms which may be required by or advisable under applicable laws or regulations.

Debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that is below the prevailing market rate may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. Special federal income tax and other special considerations applicable to any discounted debt securities, or to debt securities issued at face value which are treated as having been issued at a discount for federal income tax purposes, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

In addition to the debt securities that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, we may issue other debt securities in public or private offerings from time to time. These other debt securities may be issued under documentation that is not described in this prospectus, and those debt securities may contain provisions materially different from the provisions applicable to one or more issues of debt securities offered pursuant to this prospectus.

Restrictive Covenants

The existing indenture contains, and any other indenture will contain, certain covenants for the benefit only of holders of the debt securities governed by the applicable indenture. The covenants summarized below will apply to each series of debt securities issued pursuant to any of the indentures as long as any of those debt securities are outstanding, unless waived, amended or the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise.

Payment. We will pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities at the place and time described in the debt securities. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will pay interest on any debt security to the person in whose name that security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for that interest payment.

Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, any money deposited with the trustee or any paying agent for the payment of principal of or any premium, if any, or interest on any debt security that remains unclaimed for two years after that amount has become due and payable will be paid to us at our request. After this occurs, the holder of that debt security must look only to us for payment of that amount and not to the trustee or paying agent.

 

5


Table of Contents

Merger and Consolidation. We will not merge or consolidate with any other entity or sell or convey all or substantially all of our assets to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, except that we may merge or consolidate with, or sell or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, any other entity if:

 

   

we are the continuing entity or the successor entity (if other than us) is organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, a State thereof or the District of Columbia and the successor entity expressly assumes payment of the principal of and interest on all the debt securities, and the performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the applicable indenture to be performed by us; and

 

   

there is no default under the applicable indenture.

Upon such a succession, we will be relieved from any further obligations under the applicable indenture. For purposes of this subsection, “substantially all of our assets” means, at any date, a portion of the non-current assets reflected in our consolidated balance sheet as of the end of the most recent quarterly period that represents at least 66 2/3% of the total reported value of such assets.

Waiver of Certain Covenants. Unless otherwise provided in an applicable prospectus supplement, we may, with respect to the debt securities of any series, omit to comply with any covenant provided in the terms of those debt securities if, before the time for such compliance, holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series waive such compliance in that instance or generally.

Events of Default

You will have special rights if an Event of Default occurs and is not cured, as described later in this subsection. Unless described otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, the term “Event of Default” means any of the following with respect to an issue of debt securities offered under this prospectus:

 

   

we do not pay interest on an issue of debt securities within 30 days of the due date;

 

   

we do not pay the principal of or premium, if any, on an issue of debt securities on the applicable due date;

 

   

we do not pay any sinking fund installment on an issue of debt securities within 30 days of the due date;

 

   

we remain in breach of any other covenant or warranty in the debt securities of such series or in the applicable indenture for 90 days after we receive a notice of default stating that we are in breach, as provided in the applicable indenture;

 

   

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur; or

 

   

any other Event of Default described in the applicable prospectus supplement occurs.

Remedies If an Event of Default Occurs. Unless provided otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, if an Event of Default has occurred and continues with respect to an issue of debt securities, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal amount of all of the debt securities of the affected series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a “declaration of acceleration of maturity.” Under some circumstances, a declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series.

The trustee under the existing indenture generally is not, and the trustee under any other indenture generally will not be, required to take any action under that indenture at the request of any holders unless one or more of the holders has provided to the trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it.

 

6


Table of Contents

If reasonable protection from expenses and liabilities is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee and to waive certain past defaults regarding the relevant series. The trustee may refuse to follow those directions in some circumstances.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing regarding a series of debt securities, the applicable trustee may use any sums that it holds under the relevant indenture for its own reasonable compensation and expenses incurred prior to paying the holders of debt securities of that series.

Before any holder of any series of debt securities may institute an action for any remedy, except payment on such holder’s debt security when due, the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of that series outstanding must request the trustee to take action. Holders must also offer and give the trustee satisfactory security and indemnity against liabilities incurred by the trustee for taking such action.

“Street Name” and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the applicable trustee and to make or cancel a declaration of acceleration.

We will furnish every year to the trustee under each indenture a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that, to their knowledge, we are in compliance with that indenture and the debt securities offered pursuant to that indenture, or else specifying any default.

No Event of Default regarding one series of debt securities issued under an indenture is necessarily an Event of Default regarding any other series of debt securities issued under that indenture or otherwise.

Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The following discussion of satisfaction and discharge, defeasance and covenant defeasance will be applicable to a series of debt securities only if we choose to have them apply to that series. If we do so choose, we will state that in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Satisfaction and Discharge. Each indenture will be satisfied and discharged if:

 

   

we deliver to the trustee all debt securities then outstanding under that indenture for cancellation; or

 

   

all debt securities under that indenture not delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable, are to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year and we deposit an amount sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of maturity, redemption or deposit (in the case of debt securities that have become due and payable), as the case may be, provided that in any case we have paid all other sums payable under that indenture.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance. The existing indenture provides, and any other indenture will provide, if such provision is made applicable to the debt securities of a series issued under that indenture, that:

 

   

we may elect either:

 

   

to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to any debt security of such series (except for the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such debt security, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in trust) (“defeasance”); or

 

7


Table of Contents
   

to be released from our obligations with respect to the restrictions described above under “—Restrictive Covenants,” together with additional covenants that may be included for a particular series; and

 

   

the Events of Default described in the third, fourth and sixth bullets under “- Events of Default,” shall not be Events of Default under that indenture with respect to such series (“covenant defeasance”), upon the deposit with the trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust for such purpose, of money or certain U.S. government obligations which through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such debt security, on the scheduled due dates.

In the case of defeasance, the holders of such debt securities are entitled to receive payments in respect of such debt securities solely from such trust. Such a trust may only be established if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel (as specified in the applicable indenture) to the effect that the holders of the debt securities affected thereby will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance described above, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable federal income tax law occurring after the date of the applicable indenture.

Modification and Waiver

The existing indenture contains, and any other indenture will contain, provisions permitting us and the trustee to modify that indenture or enter into or modify any supplemental indenture without the consent of the holders of the debt securities in regard to matters as will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities, including, without limitation, the following:

 

   

to evidence the succession of another corporation to us;

 

   

to add to our covenants further covenants for the benefit or protection of the holders of any or all series of debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us by that indenture;

 

   

to add any additional events of default with respect to all or any series of debt securities issued under that indenture;

 

   

to add to or change any of the provisions of that indenture to facilitate the issuance of debt securities in bearer form with or without coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form;

 

   

to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of that indenture in respect of one or more series of debt securities thereunder, under certain conditions designed to protect the rights of any existing holder of those debt securities;

 

   

to secure all or any series of debt securities issued under that indenture;

 

   

to establish the forms or terms of the debt securities of any series issued under that indenture;

 

   

to evidence the appointment of a successor trustee and to add to or change provisions of that indenture necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts under that indenture by more than one trustee; or

 

   

to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision of that indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with another provision of that indenture or to make other amendments that do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any series of debt securities in any material respect.

We and the trustee under each indenture may otherwise modify that indenture or any supplemental indenture relating to that indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount

 

8


Table of Contents

of each series of debt securities affected thereby at the time outstanding, except that no such modifications shall, without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected thereby:

 

   

change the fixed maturity of any debt securities or any installment of interest or principal on any debt securities, or reduce the principal amount thereof or reduce the rate of interest or premium payable upon redemption, or reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount debt security or any other debt security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, or change the currency in which the debt securities are payable or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment after the stated maturity thereof or the redemption date, if applicable, or adversely affect any right of the holder of any debt security to require us to repurchase that security;

 

   

reduce the percentage of debt securities of any series, the consent of the holders of which is required for any waiver or supplemental indenture;

 

   

modify the provisions of that indenture relating to the waiver of past defaults or the waiver of certain covenants or the provisions described in this section, except to increase any percentage set forth in those provisions or to provide that other provisions of that indenture may not be modified without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected thereby;

 

   

change any obligation of ours to maintain an office or agency;

 

   

change any obligation of ours to pay additional amounts;

 

   

adversely affect the right of repayment or repurchase at the option of the holder; or

 

   

reduce or postpone any sinking fund or similar provision.

With respect to any vote of holders of a series of debt securities, we will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of outstanding debt securities that are entitled to vote or take other action under the applicable indenture.

“Street Name” and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change the indenture or debt securities or request a waiver.

Subordinated Debt Securities

Although the existing senior indenture and the forms of senior indenture and subordinated indenture filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part are generally similar and many of the provisions discussed above pertain to both senior and subordinated debt securities, there are many substantive differences between the senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. This section discusses some of those differences.

Subordination. Subordinated debt securities will be subordinate in right of payment to all senior indebtedness. “Senior indebtedness” is defined to mean, with respect to us, the principal, premium, if any, and interest, fees, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, guarantees and other amounts owing with respect to all of our indebtedness (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by us), whether outstanding on the date of the applicable subordinated indenture or the date debt securities of any series are issued under that indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, unless in any case in the instrument creating or evidencing any such indebtedness or obligation or pursuant to which the same is outstanding it is provided that such indebtedness or obligation is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities or it is provided that such obligation is subordinated to senior indebtedness to substantially the same extent as the subordinated debt securities are subordinated to senior indebtedness.

Terms of Subordinated Debt Securities May Contain Conversion or Exchange Provisions. The applicable prospectus supplement for a particular series of subordinated debt securities will describe the specific terms

 

9


Table of Contents

discussed above that apply to the subordinated debt securities being offered thereby as well as any applicable conversion or exchange provisions.

Modification of an Indenture Relating to Subordinated Debt Securities. Each subordinated indenture may be modified by us and the trustee without the consent of the holders of the subordinated debt securities for one or more of the purposes discussed above under “—Modification and Waiver.” We and the trustee may also modify each subordinated indenture to make provision with respect to any conversion or exchange rights for a given issue of subordinated debt securities.

“Street Name” and Other Indirect Holders

Investors who hold securities in accounts at banks or brokers generally will not be recognized by us as legal holders of debt securities. This is called holding in “Street Name.” Instead, we would recognize only the bank or broker, or the financial institution that the bank or broker uses to hold its securities. These intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions pass along principal, interest and other payments on the debt securities, either because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to. If you hold debt securities in “Street Name,” you should check with your own institution to find out:

 

   

how it handles payments and notices;

 

   

whether it imposes fees or charges;

 

   

how it would handle voting, if applicable;

 

   

whether and how you can instruct it to send you debt securities registered in your own name so you can be a direct holder, as described below; and

 

   

if applicable, how it would pursue rights under your debt securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests.

Direct Holders

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of each trustee under the indentures and those of any third parties employed by us or the trustee under any of the indentures, run or will run, as the case may be, only to persons who are registered as holders of debt securities issued under the applicable indenture. As noted above, we do not have obligations to you if you hold in “Street Name” or other indirect means, either because you choose to hold debt securities in that manner or because the debt securities are issued in the form of global securities, as described below. For example, once we make payment to the registered holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment, even if that holder is legally required to pass the payment along to you as a “Street Name” customer but does not do so.

Global Securities

What is a Global Security? A global security is a special type of indirectly held debt security as described above under “—‘Street Name’ and Other Indirect Holders.” If we choose to issue debt securities in the form of global securities, the ultimate beneficial owners can only hold the debt securities in “Street Name.” We would do this by requiring that the global security be registered in the name of a financial institution we select and by requiring that the debt securities included in the global security not be transferred to the name of any other direct holder unless the special circumstances described below occur. The financial institution that acts as the sole direct holder of the global security is called the “depositary.” Any person wishing to own a debt security issued in the form of a global security must do so indirectly by virtue of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary. The applicable prospectus supplement will indicate whether a series of debt securities will be issued only in the form of global securities and, if so, will describe the specific terms of the arrangement with the depositary.

 

10


Table of Contents

Special Investor Considerations for Global Securities. As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not recognize this type of investor as a holder of debt securities and instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global security.

An investor should be aware that if a series of debt securities is issued only in the form of global securities:

 

   

the investor cannot have debt securities of that series registered in his or her own name;

 

   

the investor cannot receive physical certificates for his or her interest in the debt securities of that series;

 

   

the investor will be a “Street Name” holder and must look to his or her own bank or broker for payments on the debt securities of that series and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the debt securities of that series, as described under “—‘Street Name’ and Other Indirect Holders”;

 

   

the investor may not be able to sell interests in the debt securities of that series to some insurance companies and other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in the form of physical certificates; and

 

   

the depositary’s policies will govern payments, transfers, exchange and other matters relating to the investor’s interest in the global security. Neither we nor the applicable trustee have or will have any responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in the global security. Also, neither we nor the applicable trustee do or will supervise the depositary in any way.

Special Situations When the Global Security Will be Terminated. In limited special situations, a global security will terminate, and interests in it will be exchanged for physical certificates representing debt securities. After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold debt securities directly or in “Street Name” will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own bank or brokers to find out how to have their interests in debt securities transferred to their own name so that they will be direct holders. The rights of “Street Name” investors and direct holders in debt securities have been previously described in subsections entitled “- ‘Street Name’ and Other Indirect Holders” and “- Direct Holders.”

The special situations for termination of a global security are:

 

   

when the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no longer qualified to continue as depositary, and we do not appoint a successor depositary;

 

   

when an Event of Default on the applicable series of debt securities has occurred and has not been cured; and

 

   

at any time if we decide to terminate a global security.

The applicable prospectus supplement may also list additional situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to the particular series of debt securities covered by the prospectus supplement. When a global security terminates, only the depositary is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial direct holders.

Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer

Unless we inform you otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue the debt securities offered pursuant to this prospectus in registered form, without interest coupons, and only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. We will not charge a service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities offered pursuant to this prospectus. We may, however, require the payment of any tax or other governmental charge payable for that registration.

 

11


Table of Contents

Debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series, in the same total principal amount and on the same terms but in different authorized denominations, in accordance with the terms of the applicable indenture. Holders may present debt securities for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or any transfer agent we designate. The security registrar or transfer agent will effect the transfer or exchange when it is satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request.

We will appoint the trustee under the applicable indenture as security registrar for the debt securities issued under that indenture. If a prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agents initially designated by us, we may at any time rescind that designation or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts. We will be required to maintain an office or agency for transfers and exchanges in each place of payment with respect to debt securities we may offer under any of the indentures. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

In the case of any redemption of debt securities offered under this prospectus, neither the security registrar nor the transfer agent will be required to register the transfer or exchange of any debt security during a period beginning 15 business days prior to the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption and ending on the close of business on the day of mailing of the notice, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement:

 

   

payments on a series of debt securities will be made in U.S. dollars by check mailed to the holder’s registered address or, with respect to global securities, through the depositary.

 

   

we will make interest payments to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest payment; and

 

   

the trustee under the applicable indenture will be designated as our paying agent for payments on debt securities issued under that indenture. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts.

Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, the trustee and paying agent will pay to us upon written request any money held by them for payments on the debt securities under the applicable indenture that remain unclaimed for two years after the date when the payment was due. After payment to us, holders entitled to the money must look to us for payment. In that case, all liability of the trustee or paying agent with respect to that money will cease.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

We may issue, either separately or together with other securities, including as a part of units, shares of our common stock. Shares of common stock issued as part of units may be attached to or separate from any other securities part of those units. Under our Restated Articles of Incorporation, we are authorized to issue up to 1,200,000,000 shares of our common stock, par value $1.66 2/3 per share. As of December 31, 2019, we had 235,680,470 shares of common stock issued and had reserved 6,714,907 additional shares of common stock for issuance under our stock compensation plans.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to an offering of common stock or other securities convertible or exchangeable for, or exercisable into, common stock, or the settlement of which may result in the issuance of common stock, will describe the relevant terms, including the number of shares offered, any initial offering price and market price and dividend information, as well as, if applicable, information on other related securities.

 

12


Table of Contents

The following summary is not complete and is not intended to give full effect to provisions of statutory or common law. You should refer to the applicable provisions of the following:

 

   

the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law, as it may be amended from time to time;

 

   

our Restated Articles of Incorporation, as they may be amended or restated from time to time (“Restated Articles of Incorporation”); and

 

   

our Amended and Restated Bylaws, as they may be amended or restated from time to time (“Bylaws”).

Dividends. The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for their payment subject to the rights of holders of our preferred stock.

Voting Rights. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. There are no cumulative voting rights associated with our common stock.

Rights Upon Liquidation. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share equally in any of our assets available for distribution after the payment in full of all debts and distributions and after the holders of all series of our outstanding preferred stock have received their liquidation preferences in full.

Miscellaneous. The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive or redemption rights. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. Shares of common stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of capital stock. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for the common stock.

Stock Exchange Listing. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “PPG.”

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

We may elect to issue shares of our preferred stock from time to time, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any offering of preferred stock pursuant to this prospectus. We may issue shares of preferred stock separately or as a part of units, and any such shares issued as part of units may be attached to or separate from any other securities part of those units. Shares of our preferred stock may have dividend, redemption, voting and liquidation rights taking priority over our common stock, and shares of our preferred stock may be convertible into our common stock.

Our Board of Directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one or more series. In addition, our Board of Directors is authorized to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series of preferred stock and to fix the designation, powers (including but not limited to voting powers, if any), preferences and rights of the shares of each series of preferred stock and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of each series of preferred stock. The number of authorized shares of preferred stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock, without a vote of the holders of the preferred stock, or of any series of preferred stock, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any preferred stock.

Our Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board of Directors, without further shareholder action, to provide for the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series. As of the date of this prospectus, no shares of preferred stock have been issued.

 

13


Table of Contents

The particular terms of any series of preferred stock being offered by us under this prospectus will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. Those terms may include:

 

   

the title and liquidation preference per share of the preferred stock and the number of shares offered;

 

   

the purchase price of the preferred stock;

 

   

the dividend rate (or method of calculation), the dates on which dividends will be paid and the date from which dividends will begin to accumulate;

 

   

any redemption or sinking fund provisions of the preferred stock;

 

   

any conversion provisions of the preferred stock;

 

   

the voting rights, if any, of the preferred stock; and

 

   

any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of the preferred stock.

If the terms of any series of preferred stock being offered differ materially from the terms set forth in this prospectus, the definitive terms will be disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement. The summary in this prospectus is not complete. You should refer to the applicable Certificate of Amendment to our Restated Articles of Incorporation or certificate of designations, as the case may be, establishing a particular series of preferred stock, in either case which will be filed with the Secretary of State of Pennsylvania and the SEC in connection with an offering of preferred stock.

The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.

Dividend Rights. The preferred stock will be preferred over our common stock as to payment of dividends. Before any dividends or distributions (other than dividends or distributions payable in common stock) on our common stock will be declared and set apart for payment or paid, the holders of shares of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors. We will pay those dividends either in cash, shares of common stock or preferred stock or otherwise, at the rate and on the date or dates set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. With respect to each series of preferred stock, the dividends on each share of the series will be cumulative from the date of issue of the share unless another date is set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the series. Accruals of dividends will not bear interest.

Rights Upon Liquidation. The preferred stock will be preferred over our common stock as to assets so that the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to be paid, upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up and before any distribution is made to the holders of common stock, the amount set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, in this case the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any other or further payment. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up our net assets are insufficient to permit the payment in full of the respective amounts to which the holders of all outstanding preferred stock are entitled, our entire remaining net assets will be distributed among the holders of each series of preferred stock in amounts proportional to the full amounts to which the holders of each series are entitled.

Redemption. All shares of any series of preferred stock will be redeemable to the extent set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. All shares of any series of preferred stock will be convertible into shares of our common stock or into shares of any other series of our preferred stock to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the series.

Voting Rights. Except as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series, the holders of preferred stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of preferred stock held by them on all matters properly presented to shareholders. The holders of common stock and the holders of all series of preferred stock will vote together as one class, except as indicated otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

14


Table of Contents

Additional Series of Preferred Stock. In the event of a proposed merger or tender offer, proxy contest or other attempt to gain control of us and not approved by our Board of Directors, it would be possible for our Board of Directors to authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock with voting rights or other rights and preferences which would impede the success of the proposed merger, tender offer, proxy contest or other attempt to gain control of us. This authority may be limited by applicable law, our Restated Articles of Incorporation, as they may amended or restated from time to time, and the applicable rules of the stock exchange upon which our common stock is listed. The consent of our shareholders would not be required for any such issuance of preferred stock.

Special Charter Provisions. Our Restated Articles of Incorporation contain various provisions that may discourage or delay attempts to gain control of PPG. Our Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that:

 

   

our Board of Directors is classified into three classes, with one class elected each year to serve a three-year term;

 

   

in addition to the requirements of law and the other provisions of our Restated Articles of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our common stock is required for the adoption or authorization of any of the following events:

 

   

certain mergers or consolidations of PPG or any subsidiary with or into other entities;

 

   

certain sales, leases, exchanges, mortgages, pledges, transfers or other dispositions (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any assets of PPG or any subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value of $10,000,000 or more;

 

   

certain issuances or sales by PPG or any subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any securities of PPG or any subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value of $10,000,000 or more;

 

   

the adoption of certain plans or proposals for the liquidation or dissolution of PPG;

 

   

certain reclassifications of securities (including any reverse stock splits) or recapitalizations of PPG or certain transactions which have the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities of PPG or any subsidiary which are directly or indirectly owned by affiliates of PPG;

 

   

the removal of our directors from office with or without cause;

 

   

the amendment or repeal by shareholders of certain provisions of our Restated Articles of Incorporation;

 

   

except as otherwise provided by law, our Restated Articles of Incorporation or our Bylaws, our Bylaws may be amended or repealed only by action of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, subject to the power of the shareholders to change such action;

 

   

special meetings of the shareholders may be called at any time by a majority of our Board of Directors or by the Chairman of our Board of Directors and may not be called by any other person or persons or in any other manner; and

 

   

shareholders must provide advance notice if they wish to submit a proposal or nominate candidates for director at our annual meeting of shareholders.

In addition, Chapter 25 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law contains provisions that limit our ability to enter into certain business combination transactions with a shareholder owning 20% or more of our common stock.

 

15


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, purchase contracts, units or depositary shares issued by us, in each case as described in this prospectus, or any combination of the foregoing. We may issue warrants separately or as a part of units, and any such warrants issued as part of units may be attached to or separate from any other securities part of those units. These warrants also may underlie any purchase contracts that may be offered under this prospectus. We may issue warrants in as many distinct series as we elect. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as otherwise described in an applicable prospectus supplement, any warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the applicable warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of such warrants.

A prospectus supplement relating to any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus will include specific terms relating to the offering of such warrants. We will file any warrant agreement and the form of any warrant offered under this prospectus with the SEC, and you should read the applicable warrant agreement and form of warrant for more information that may be important to you. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe some or all of the following terms which may apply to the warrants being offered:

 

   

the title of the warrants;

 

   

the aggregate number of the warrants offered;

 

   

the designation, number and terms of the debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, purchase contracts, units or depositary shares, as applicable, purchasable upon exercise of the warrants, and procedures by which the number of securities purchasable may be adjusted;

 

   

the exercise price of the warrants;

 

   

the dates or periods during which the warrants are exercisable;

 

   

the designation and terms of any of our securities with which the warrants are issued;

 

   

if the warrants are issued as a unit with another one or more other securities described in this prospectus, the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the other securities will be separately transferable;

 

   

if the exercise price is not payable in U.S. dollars, the foreign currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the exercise price is denominated;

 

   

any minimum or maximum amount of warrants that may be exercised at any one time; and

 

   

any terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exchange or exercise of the warrants.

The preceding description does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus contained in the applicable prospectus supplement, as well as the applicable warrant agreement and form of warrant.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

We may, at our option, elect to offer depositary shares, which represent an interest in fractional shares of our preferred stock, rather than full shares of our preferred stock. If we do, we will issue to the public receipts, called depositary receipts, for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction, to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, of a share of a particular series of our preferred stock. These depositary shares also may underlie any warrants or purchase contracts that may be offered under this prospectus.

 

16


Table of Contents

The shares of any series of our preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited with a depositary to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fractional interest in a share of our preferred stock represented by the depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock represented by the depositary share. Those rights include any applicable dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights.

We may issue depositary shares in as many distinct series as we elect. Each series of depositary shares will be issued under a separate deposit agreement to be entered into between us and the applicable depositary. Except as otherwise described in an applicable prospectus supplement, any depositary will act solely as our agent in connection with the applicable depositary shares and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of such depositary shares.

The prospectus supplement relating to any depositary shares that we may offer under this prospectus will include specific terms relating to the offering. We will file any deposit agreement and form of depositary receipt with the SEC, and you should read the deposit agreement and form of depositary receipt for more information that may be important to you.

The preceding description does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of any depositary shares that we may offer under this prospectus contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and the applicable deposit agreement and form of depositary receipt.

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

We may issue purchase contracts, including purchase contracts issued as part of a unit with one or more other securities described in this prospectus and issued by us, in each case as described in this prospectus, for the purchase or sale of our debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, units or depositary shares. We may issue purchase contracts separately or as a part of units, and any such purchase contracts issued as part of units may be attached to or separate from any other securities part of those units. These purchase contracts also may underlie any warrants that may be offered under this prospectus. The price of our debt securities, warrants, units or depositary shares, or the price per share of our common stock or preferred stock, as applicable, underlying the purchase contracts may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula contained in the purchase contracts. We may issue purchase contracts in as many distinct series as we elect. We may issue purchase contracts in as many distinct series as we elect. Each series of purchase contracts will be issued under a separate purchase contract agreement to be entered into between us and a purchase contract agent to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as otherwise described in an applicable prospectus supplement, any purchase contract agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the applicable purchase contracts and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of such purchase contracts.

A prospectus supplement relating to any purchase contracts that we may offer under this prospectus will include specific terms relating to the offering of such purchase contracts. We will file any purchase contract agreement and the form of any purchase contract offered under this prospectus with the SEC, and you should read the applicable purchase contract agreement and form of purchase contract for more information that may be important to you. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe some or all of the following terms which may apply to the purchase contracts being offered:

 

   

whether the purchase contracts obligate the holder to purchase or sell, or both, debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, units or depositary shares, as applicable, and the nature and amount of each of those securities, or method of determining those amounts;

 

   

whether the purchase contracts are to be prepaid or not;

 

17


Table of Contents
   

whether the purchase contracts are to be settled by delivery, or by reference or linkage to the value, performance or level of our debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, units or depositary shares, as the case may be;

 

   

any acceleration, cancellation, termination or other provisions relating to the settlement of the purchase contracts; and

 

   

whether the purchase contracts will be issued in fully registered global form.

The preceding description does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of any purchase contracts that we may offer under this prospectus contained in the applicable prospectus supplement, as well as the applicable purchase contract agreement and form of purchase contract.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue units comprised of two or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. These units also may underlie any warrants or purchase contracts that may be offered under this prospectus. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date. We may issue units in as many distinct series as we elect. Each series of units will be issued under a separate unit agreement to be entered into between us and a unit agent to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as otherwise described in an applicable prospectus supplement, any unit agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the applicable units and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of such units.

A prospectus supplement relating to any units that we may offer under this prospectus will include specific terms relating to the offering of such units. We will file any unit agreement and the form of any unit certificate offered under this prospectus with the SEC, and you should read the applicable unit agreement and form of unit certificate for more information that may be important to you. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe some or all of the following terms which may apply to the units being offered:

 

   

the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

 

   

any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units;

 

   

the terms of the unit agreement governing the units; and

 

   

whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

The preceding description does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of any units that we may offer under this prospectus contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and the applicable unit agreement and form of unit certificate.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may offer the offered securities in one or more of the following ways, or any other way set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement from time to time:

 

   

to or through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters;

 

18


Table of Contents
   

through one or more underwriters without a syndicate for them to offer and sell to the public;

 

   

through dealers or agents; or

 

   

to investors directly in negotiated sales or in competitively bid transactions.

The prospectus supplement for each series of securities we sell will describe the offering, including:

 

   

the name or names of any underwriters;

 

   

the purchase price and the proceeds to us from that sale;

 

   

any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;

 

   

any commissions paid to agents;

 

   

the initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

 

   

any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed.

Underwriters

If underwriters are used in a sale, we will execute an underwriting agreement with them regarding those securities. Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase these securities will be subject to conditions, and the underwriters must purchase all of these securities if any are purchased.

The securities subject to the underwriting agreement may be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold by them from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from the purchasers of these securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell these securities to or through dealers. These dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any initial offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

We may authorize underwriters to solicit offers by institutions to purchase the securities subject to the underwriting agreement from us, at the public offering price stated in the applicable prospectus supplement under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. If we sell securities under these delayed delivery contracts, the applicable prospectus supplement will state that this is the case and will describe the conditions to which these delayed delivery contracts will be subject and the commissions payable for that solicitation.

In connection with underwritten offerings of the securities, the underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, as follows:

 

   

Over-allotment transactions involve sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position for the underwriters.

 

   

Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.

 

   

Covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions.

 

19


Table of Contents
   

Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a broker/dealer when the securities originally sold by that broker/dealer are repurchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions.

These stabilizing transactions, covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it otherwise would be in the absence of these transactions. If these transactions occur, they may be discontinued at any time.

Agents

We also may sell any of the securities through agents designated by us from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of these securities and will list commissions payable by us to these agents in the applicable prospectus supplement. These agents will be acting on a best efforts basis to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment, unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Direct Sales

We may sell any of the securities directly to purchasers. In this case, we will not engage underwriters or agents in the offer and sale of these securities.

In addition, debt securities described in this prospectus may be issued upon the exercise of warrants or the settlement of purchase contracts or units.

Indemnification

We may indemnify underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may agree to contribute to payments that these underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.

No Assurance of Liquidity

The securities we offer may be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters that purchase securities from us may make a market in these securities. The underwriters will not be obligated, however, to make a market and may discontinue market-making at any time without notice to holders of the securities. We cannot assure you that there will be liquidity in the trading market for any securities of any series.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the issuance of the offered securities will be passed upon for us by K&L Gates LLP, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management Report on Establishing and Maintaining Adequate Internal Control Over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

20


Table of Contents

 

LOGO

 

€                

PPG Industries, Inc.

€                 % Notes due

€                 % Notes due

Preliminary Prospectus Supplement

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

BNP PARIBAS   J.P. Morgan

 

 

                , 2022

 



Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

SEC Filings