e424b5
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration
Nos. 333-52658 and
333-110546
Prospectus Supplement
(To Prospectus dated August 17, 2005)
Emerson Electric Co.
$250,000,000
5.125% Notes due 2016
Interest payable on June 1 and December 1.
The 5.125% Notes due 2016 (the Notes) will
mature on December 1, 2016. Prior to maturity, we may
redeem any of the Notes at the redemption prices described in
this prospectus supplement. Interest will accrue from
December 6, 2006.
The Underwriter proposes to offer the Notes from time to time
for sale in negotiated transactions, or otherwise, at varying
prices to be determined at the time of each sale. The
Underwriter has agreed to purchase the notes from us at 98.970%
of their principal amount ($247,425,000 of proceeds to us before
deducting estimated expenses from the sale of the Notes),
subject to the terms and conditions in the Pricing Agreement
between the Underwriter and us.
We do not intend to apply for listing of the Notes on any
national securities exchange. Currently, there is no public
market for the Notes.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities, or determined if this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The Underwriter expects to deliver the Notes through the
book-entry delivery system of The Depository Trust Company to
the purchasers on December 6, 2006.
Citigroup
November 29, 2006
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and
prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
information different from that contained in this prospectus
supplement and prospectus. We are offering to sell Notes and
seeking offers to buy Notes only in jurisdictions where offers
and sales are permitted. The information contained in this
prospectus supplement and prospectus is accurate only as of the
date of this prospectus supplement, regardless of the time of
delivery of this prospectus supplement and prospectus or any
sale of the Notes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement
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Use of Proceeds
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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Description of the Notes
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Underwriting
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Validity of the Notes
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Prospectus |
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Information About Emerson
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Risk Factors
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About this Prospectus
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Where You Can Find More Information
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Information We Incorporate By Reference
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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
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Use of Proceeds
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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Description of the Debt Securities
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Book-Entry Debt Securities
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Description of Capital Stock of Emerson
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Description of Warrants
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Description of Share Purchase Contracts and Share Purchase Units
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Plan of Distribution
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Legal Matters
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Experts
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S-2
USE OF PROCEEDS
We expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes
(estimated at $247.4 million, before deducting estimated
expenses of this offering) for general corporate purposes and to
repay a portion of our commercial paper borrowings issued within
the last year for general corporate purposes. As of
November 24, 2006, such commercial paper had a weighted
average interest rate (on a bond-equivalent yield basis) of
approximately 5.3% per annum with a weighted average
maturity of approximately 26 days.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated. For purposes of computation
of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of
earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and
cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles and
minority interests in the income of consolidated subsidiaries
with fixed charges plus the amount of fixed charges. Fixed
charges consist of interest expense and that portion of rental
expense deemed to represent interest.
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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S-3
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
We will issue the Notes under an Indenture dated as of
December 10, 1998 between us and The Bank of New York Trust
Company, N.A. as Trustee (successor to The Bank of New York).
Information about the Indenture and the general terms and
provisions of the Notes is in the accompanying Prospectus under
Description of the Debt Securities.
We will issue the Notes in book-entry form, as one or more
global notes registered in the name of the nominee of The
Depository Trust Company, which will act as Depositary.
Beneficial interests in book-entry Notes will be shown on, and
transfers of the Notes will be made only through, records
maintained by the Depositary and its participants. The
provisions set forth under Book-Entry Debt
Securities in the accompanying Prospectus will apply to
the Notes.
Certain Terms of the Notes
The Notes will be initially limited to $250,000,000 aggregate
principal amount. The Notes will mature on December 1,
2016. The interest rate on the Notes will be 5.125% per
annum.
Payment of Principal and Interest
We will pay interest on June 1 and December 1 of each
year, beginning June 1, 2007. Interest will accrue from
December 6, 2006 or from the most recent interest payment
date from which we have paid or provided for the payment of
interest to but excluding the next interest payment date or the
scheduled maturity date, as the case may be. We will pay
interest computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve
30-day months.
We will pay interest on the Notes in U.S. dollars in
immediately available funds to the persons in whose names the
Notes are registered at the close of business on the May 15 or
November 15 immediately preceding the respective interest
payment date. At maturity we will pay the principal, together
with final interest on the Notes, in U.S. dollars in
immediately available funds.
If an interest payment date or the maturity date is not a
Business Day, we will pay interest or principal, as
the case may be, on the next succeeding Business Day. The term
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday or
Sunday or a day on which applicable law authorizes or requires
banking institutions in The City of New York, New York to close.
Additional Notes
The Notes are initially being offered in the aggregate principal
amount of $250,000,000. We may, without the consent of the
holders of the Notes, create and issue additional notes ranking
equally with the Notes in all respects, including having the
same CUSIP number, so that such additional notes shall be
consolidated and form a single series with the Notes and shall
have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the
Notes. No additional notes may be issued if an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes.
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
The Notes will trade in the Depositarys same-day funds
settlement system until maturity or until we issue the Notes in
definitive form. The Depositary will therefore require secondary
market trading activity in the Notes to settle in immediately
available funds. We can give no assurance as to the effect, if
any, of settlement in immediately available funds on trading
activity in the Notes.
Ranking
The Notes will be our senior unsecured obligations and will rank
equally with all of our existing and future unsecured and
unsubordinated debt.
Redemption
The Notes will be redeemable, in whole or from time to time in
part, at our option on any date (a
Redemption Date), at a redemption price equal
to the greater of (1) 100 percent of the principal
amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (2) the sum of the
present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to that
Redemption Date) discounted to that Redemption Date on
a semi-annual basis (assuming a
360-day year consisting
of twelve
S-4
30-day months) at the
Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points, plus, in either case,
accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being
redeemed to that Redemption Date, provided that
installments of interest on the Notes which are due and payable
on an interest payment date falling on or prior to the relevant
Redemption Date shall be payable to the holders of those
Notes registered as such at the close of business on the
relevant record date according to their terms and the provisions
of the Indenture.
Treasury Rate means, with respect to any
Redemption Date for the Notes, (1) the yield, under
the heading which represents the average for the immediately
preceding week, appearing in the most recently published
statistical release designated H.15(519) or any
successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes
yields on actively traded United States Treasury securities
adjusted to constant maturity under the caption Treasury
Constant Maturities, for the maturity corresponding to the
Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is within three months
before or after the Maturity Date, yields for the two published
maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury
Issue shall be determined and the Treasury Rate shall be
interpolated or extrapolated from those yields on a straight
line basis, rounding to the nearest month) or (2) if that
release (or any successor release) is not published during the
week preceding the calculation date or does not contain those
yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent
yield to maturity for the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated
using a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a
percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable
Treasury Price for that Redemption Date. The Treasury Rate
shall be calculated on the third Business Day preceding the
Redemption Date.
Comparable Treasury Issue means the United
States Treasury security selected by the Independent Investment
Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of
the Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of
selection and in accordance with customary financial practice,
in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable
maturity to the remaining term of the Notes.
Independent Investment Banker means Citigroup
Global Markets Inc. or, if that firm is unwilling or unable to
select the Comparable Treasury Issue, an independent investment
banking institution of national standing appointed by the
Trustee after consultation with us.
Comparable Treasury Price means with respect
to any Redemption Date for the Notes (1) the average
of five Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for that
Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest
such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (2) if the
Trustee obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations, the average of all such quotations.
Reference Treasury Dealer means
(1) Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and its successors,
provided, however, that if the foregoing shall cease to be a
primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City
(a Primary Treasury Dealer), we shall substitute
therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer, and (2) any other
Primary Treasury Dealers selected by us.
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation means
with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any
Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Trustee,
of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount)
quoted in writing to the Trustee by that Reference Treasury
Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third
Business Day preceding that Redemption Date.
Notice of any redemption by us will be mailed at least
30 days but not more than 60 days before any
Redemption Date to each holder of the Notes to be redeemed.
If less than all the Notes are to be redeemed at our option, the
Trustee shall select, in such manner as it shall deem fair and
appropriate, the Notes to be redeemed in whole or in part.
Except as described above, we will not have the right to redeem
the Notes before their scheduled maturity, and you will not have
the right to require us to redeem the Notes before their
scheduled maturity. We will not make any sinking fund payments
in connection with the Notes.
Governing Law
The Notes will be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York.
S-5
UNDERWRITING
We are selling the entire principal amount of the Notes to
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (the Underwriter)
pursuant to a Pricing Agreement dated November 29, 2006.
Under the terms and conditions of the Pricing Agreement, if the
Underwriter takes any of the Notes, then it is obligated to take
and pay for all of the Notes.
The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established
trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the
Notes on any national securities exchange. The Underwriter has
advised us that it intends to make a market in the Notes, but it
has no obligation to do so. The Underwriter may discontinue
market making at any time without providing any notice. We
cannot give any assurance as to the liquidity of any trading
market in the Notes.
The Underwriter proposes to offer the Notes from time to time
for sale in negotiated transactions, or otherwise, at varying
prices to be determined at the time of each sale. In connection
with the sale of the Notes, the Underwriter may be deemed to
have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting
discounts.
We have agreed to indemnify the Underwriter against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments which the
Underwriter may be required to make in respect of such
liabilities.
In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Underwriter
may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the price of the Notes. Specifically, the Underwriter may
overallot in connection with the offering of the Notes, creating
a short position in the Notes for its own account. In addition,
the Underwriter may bid for, and purchase, Notes in the open
market to cover short positions or to stabilize the price of the
Notes. Finally, the Underwriter may reclaim selling concessions
allowed for distributing the Notes in the offering, if the
Underwriter repurchases previously distributed Notes in
transactions to cover short positions, in stabilization
transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize
or maintain the market price of the Notes above independent
market levels. The Underwriter is not required to engage in any
of these activities and may end any of these activities at any
time.
We expect that delivery of the notes will be made against
payment therefor on or about the delivery date specified on the
cover page of this prospectus supplement, which will be the
fifth business day following the date of pricing of the notes
(this settlement cycle being referred to as T+5). Under
Rule 15c6-1 under
the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are
required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to
that trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers
who wish to trade notes on the date of pricing or the next
succeeding business day will be required, by virtue of the fact
that the notes initially will settle in T+5, to specify an
alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to
prevent a failed settlement and should consult their own
advisors.
We estimate that we will spend approximately $100,000 for
printing, ratings agency, trustee and legal fees, and other
expenses related to this offering.
In the ordinary course of their respective businesses, the
Underwriter and its affiliates engage in, and may in the future
engage in, commercial banking and/or investment banking
transactions and/or advisory services with us and our affiliates.
VALIDITY OF THE NOTES
Timothy G. Westman, Esq., our Vice President, Associate
General Counsel and Assistant Sectretary, will pass upon the
legality of the Notes for us. Davis Polk & Wardwell,
450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, will pass upon
the legality of the Notes for the Underwriter. You may also
receive a copy of the documents incorporated by reference in
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus from
us, free of charge, by contacting Mr. Westman at Emerson
Electric Co., 8000 West Florissant Avenue, P.O.
Box 4100, St. Louis, Missouri 63136, telephone
314-553-3822, e-mail
S-6
tim.westman@emrsn.com. Mr. Westman is a participant in
various employee benefit plans and incentive plans offered by us
and owns and has options to purchase shares of our Common Stock.
Davis Polk & Wardwell will rely on the opinion of
Mr. Westman with respect to all matters of Missouri law.
Arthur F. Golden, one of our directors, is a partner of Davis
Polk & Wardwell. Davis Polk & Wardwell acts as
counsel to us from time to time with respect to various matters
but not with respect to the Notes.
S-7
$2,500,000,000
EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
CONVERTIBLE DEBT SECURITIES
NON-CONVERTIBLE DEBT SECURITIES
MEDIUM TERM NOTES
PREFERRED STOCK ($2.50 PAR VALUE)
COMMON STOCK ($0.50 PAR VALUE)
WARRANTS
SHARE PURCHASE CONTRACTS
SHARE PURCHASE UNITS
We may offer and issue debt securities, preferred stock, common
stock, warrants, share purchase contracts and share purchase
units from time to time. The shares of preferred stock or debt
securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of
our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. This
Prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and
the general manner in which we will offer them. We will provide
the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this
prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the
specific manner in which we will offer these securities. You
should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement
carefully before you invest.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and
the Chicago Stock Exchange under the symbol EMR. On
August 17, 2005, the closing price of our common stock was
$67.00 per share.
Investing in our securities involves risk. See Risk
Factors beginning on Page 2 of this Prospectus.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE
SECURITIES, OR DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR
COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
We may offer these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms
determined at the time of offering.
We may sell securities at fixed prices, which may change, or at
negotiated prices, or, in the case of our common stock or
securities convertible into our common stock, at market prices
prevailing at the time of the sales or prices related to such
prevailing market prices.
We may sell the securities directly to you, through agents we
select, or through underwriters and dealers we select. More
information about the way we will distribute the securities is
under the heading Plan of Distribution. Information
about the underwriters or agents who will participate in any
particular sale of securities will be in the prospectus
supplement relating to that series of securities. Unless we
state otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will not list any
of the debt securities on any securities exchange.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS AUGUST 17, 2005.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INFORMATION ABOUT EMERSON
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RISK FACTORS
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
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INFORMATION WE INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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USE OF PROCEEDS
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
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BOOK-ENTRY DEBT SECURITIES
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF EMERSON
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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND SHARE PURCHASE UNITS
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
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LEGAL MATTERS
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EXPERTS
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INFORMATION ABOUT EMERSON
Emerson Electric Co. was incorporated in Missouri in 1890. We
were originally engaged in the manufacture and sale of electric
motors and fans. We subsequently expanded our product lines
through internal growth and acquisitions. We now engage
principally in the design, manufacture and sale of a broad range
of electrical, electromechanical and electronic products and
systems throughout the world. Our principal executive offices
are at 8000 West Florissant Avenue, P. O. Box 4100,
St. Louis, Missouri 63136. Our telephone number is
(314) 553-2000.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risks. Before you invest in
our securities, you should carefully consider the risks
regarding our business which are set forth in the Risk
Factors of Part I, Item 1 to our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004,
which are hereby incorporated by reference, the risks described
below and any risks in the accompanying prospectus supplement,
as well as the other information included or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement. We
may amend or supplement these risk factors from time to time by
other reports we file with the SEC in the future.
Risks Related to Our Securities
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There may be no established trading market for some of our
securities offered that could make selling such securities
difficult and also impact the price of such securities. |
There may be no established trading market for some of our
securities offered by this prospectus. For example, some of our
securities may not be listed on any securities exchange or
included in any automated quotation system. We cannot assure you
that an active trading market for such securities will develop
or, if such market develops, that you will be able to sell such
securities. If a trading market does not develop or is not
maintained, holders of the securities may experience difficulty
in reselling, or an inability to sell, such securities. As a
result, the liquidity of such securities may be limited and,
under certain circumstances, nonexistent. If a market does
develop, any such market may be discontinued at any time.
The liquidity of, pricing of, and trading market for, our
securities may be adversely affected by, among other things,
changes in the overall markets for debt and equity securities,
changes in our financial performance and prospects, the
prospects in general for companies in our industry, the number
of holders of the various securities, the interest of securities
dealers in making a market in our securities, adverse credit
rating actions and prevailing interest rates.
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Net proceeds from the sale of our securities may not
result in an increase in investment value. |
Our management will have considerable discretion in the
application of the net proceeds from offerings pursuant to this
prospectus. For example, the net proceeds from an offering of
our securities may be used for general corporate purposes. Under
such circumstances, you may not have the opportunity, as part of
your investment decision, to evaluate the economic, financial,
or other information on which we base our decisions on how to
use the proceeds, or to assess how the proceeds will be used.
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If you purchase certain debt securities that we may offer,
you may be required to accrue original issue discount on the
notes for United States Federal Income Tax purposes and you
may be required to pay taxes on distributions that you have not
received. |
Because of the manner in which the interest rate on certain debt
securities is calculated, those notes may be classified as
contingent payment debt instruments. If the notes are so
treated, you will be required to accrue original issue discount
on the notes in your gross income, such that you may have to pay
taxes with respect to distributions that you have not received.
For additional information, see Description of
Securities Original Issue Discount Securities.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we
refer to as the SEC, utilizing a shelf
registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, from
time to time, sell any combination of the securities described
in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total amount
of $2,500,000,000, or the equivalent of this amount in foreign
currencies or foreign currency units.
In this prospectus, we, us,
our, the Company and Emerson
refer to Emerson Electric Co.
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This prospectus provides you with a general description of the
securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will
provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific
information about the terms of that offering. We will file each
prospectus supplement with the SEC. The prospectus supplement
may also add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement together with additional information
described under the heading Where You Can Find More
Information below.
You should rely only on the information provided in this
prospectus and in any prospectus supplement, including the
information incorporated by reference. We have not authorized
anyone to provide you with different information. You should not
assume that the information in this prospectus, or any
supplement to this prospectus, is accurate at any date other
than the date indicated on the cover page of these documents.
This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an
offer to buy any securities other than the securities referred
to in the prospectus supplement. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in
any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is
unlawful. You should not interpret the delivery of this
prospectus, or any sale of securities, as an indication that
there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this
prospectus. You should also be aware that information in this
prospectus may change after this date.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result, we file annual,
quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of these
documents at the SECs public reference room in
Washington, D.C. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information on the public reference room. Our SEC
filings are also available to the public at the SECs web
site at http://www.sec.gov. Because our common stock trades on
the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange under
the symbol EMR, those materials can also be
inspected and copied at the offices of those organizations.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the
Securities Act that registers the distribution of these
securities. The registration statement, including the attached
exhibits and schedules, contains additional relevant information
about us and the securities. The rules and regulations of the
SEC allow us to omit certain information included in the
registration statement from this prospectus. You can get a copy
of the registration statement from the sources referred to above.
INFORMATION WE INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information we file with it in this prospectus, which means that
we can disclose important information to you by referring you to
those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
considered to be part of this prospectus, except for any
information that is superceded by other information that is
included in or incorporated by reference into this document.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents
listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC. These
documents contain important information about us.
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Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 2004. |
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Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
December 31, 2004. |
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Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2005. |
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Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 2005. |
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Our Current Reports on Form 8-K dated October 1, 2004,
October 5, 2004, November 12, 2004, February 1,
2005 and March 17, 2005. |
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The description of our common stock contained in our
Registration Statement on Form 10 as amended by our
Form 8 filed on January 19, 1981. |
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The description of our preferred stock purchase rights contained
in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed
October 6, 1998. |
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus any additional
documents that we may file with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 between the date of this prospectus and the
termination of the offering of the securities. These documents
may include periodic reports, like Annual Reports on
Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current
Reports on Form 8-K, as well as Proxy Statements. Any
material that we subsequently file with the SEC will
automatically update and replace the information previously
filed with the SEC.
You may receive a copy of any of the documents incorporated by
reference in this prospectus from the SEC on its web site
(http://www.sec.gov), or you may read and copy any materials we
file with the SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at
100 F Street, N.E., Room 1850,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the
operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. You can also obtain these documents from us,
without charge, by contacting H. M. Smith, our Assistant
Secretary and Assistant General Counsel, at Emerson Electric
Co., Station 2431, 8000 West Florissant Avenue, P.O.
Box 4100, St. Louis, Missouri 63136, telephone
314-553-2431, e-mail harley.smith@emrsn.com. Information on our
web site is not part of this prospectus or the registration
statement of which this prospectus is part.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this registration statement contain various
forward-looking statements and include assumptions concerning
our operations, future results and prospects. These
forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and
are subject to risk and uncertainties. We undertake no
obligation to update any such statement to reflect later
developments. In connection with the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, we provide the following cautionary statement identifying
important economic, political and technological factors, among
others, changes in which could cause the actual results or
events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied
by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.
Such factors include the following: (i) current and future
business environment, including interest rates and capital and
consumer spending; (ii) volatility of the end markets
served, as demonstrated by the recent decline in the electronics
and telecommunications market; (iii) competitive factors
and competitor responses to Emerson initiatives;
(iv) development and market introduction of anticipated new
products; (v) availability of raw materials and purchased
components; (vi) government laws and regulations, including
taxes; (vii) outcome of pending and future litigation,
including environmental compliance; (viii) stable
governments and business conditions in emerging economies;
(ix) penetration of emerging economies; (x) favorable
environment for acquisitions, domestic and foreign, including
regulatory requirements and market values of candidates;
(xi) integration of acquisitions; (xii) favorable
access to capital markets; and (xiii) execution of
cost-reduction efforts.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We expect to use the proceeds from the sale of the securities
for general corporate purposes, which may include, but are not
limited to, working capital, capital expenditures, financing
acquisitions and the repayment of short or long term borrowings.
Before we use the proceeds for these purposes, we may invest
them in short term investments. If we anticipate that proceeds
will be earmarked for a specific purpose, such as to repay debt
or make an acquisition, we will disclose the principal purpose
for the net proceeds from each sale of our securities, and the
amounts intended for each such purpose, in the relevant
prospectus supplement. If the prospectus supplement does not
disclose the principal purposes for the net proceeds of the
offering and the approximate amounts to be used for each such
purpose, we will include a discussion of our reasons for
conducting that offering in the prospectus supplement.
4
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our ratios of earnings to fixed
charges for the periods indicated. For purposes of computation
of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of
earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and
cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles and
minority interests in the income of consolidated subsidiaries
with fixed charges plus the amount of fixed charges. Fixed
charges consist of interest expense and that portion of rental
expense deemed to represent interest.
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Nine Months | |
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Ended | |
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Year Ended September 30, | |
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2000 | |
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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7.1 |
x |
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5.4 |
x |
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6.1 |
x |
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5.5 |
x |
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7.1 |
x |
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7.5x |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
This section describes some of the general terms of the debt
securities that we may issue, either separately, or upon
exercise of a warrant, or as part of a share purchase unit. Each
prospectus supplement describes the particular terms of the debt
securities we are offering under that supplement. The prospectus
supplement also indicates the extent, if any, to which such
general provisions may not apply to the particular debt
securities we are offering under that supplement. When we refer
to a prospectus supplement we are also referring to any
applicable pricing supplement.
We will issue the debt securities under an Indenture between us
and The Bank of New York, which is serving as Trustee. We are
summarizing certain important provisions of the Indenture and
all material known provisions of the debt securities. We do not
restate the Indenture or the debt securities in their entirety.
We urge you to read the Indenture and the debt securities
because they, and not this description, define your rights as
holders of the debt securities. We filed the Indenture with the
SEC in the past, and it is incorporated by reference as an
exhibit to the registration statement that includes this
prospectus. When we use capitalized terms that we dont
define here, those terms have the meanings given in the
Indenture. When we use references to Sections, we mean Sections
in the Indenture.
General
The debt securities will be our unsecured obligations. The debt
securities may be referred to as debentures, notes (including
notes commonly referred to as medium term notes) or other
unsecured evidence of indebtedness.
The Indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that
we may issue under the Indenture, nor does it limit other debt
that we may issue. We may issue the debt securities at various
times in different series, each of which may have different
terms. (Section 2.3)
The prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of
debt securities we are offering will include the following
information concerning those debt securities:
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The title of the debt securities. |
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Any limit on the amount of such debt securities that we may
offer. |
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The price at which we are offering the debt securities. We will
usually express the price as a percentage of the principal
amount. |
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The amortization schedule, maturity date or retirement of the
debt securities. |
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The interest rate per annum on the debt securities. We may
specify a fixed rate or a variable rate, or we may offer debt
securities that do not bear interest but are sold at a
substantial discount from the amount payable at maturity. |
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The date from which interest on the debt securities will accrue. |
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The dates on which we will pay interest and the regular record
dates for determining which holders are entitled to receive the
interest. |
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If applicable, the dates on which or after which, and the prices
at which, we are required to redeem the debt securities or have
the option to redeem the debt securities. |
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If applicable, any provisions with respect to amortization,
sinking funds or retirement. |
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If applicable, any limitations on our right to defease our
obligations under the debt securities by depositing cash or
securities. |
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The amount that we would be required to pay if the maturity of
the debt securities is accelerated, if that amount is other than
the principal amount. |
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Any additional restrictive covenants or other material terms
relating to the debt securities. |
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The terms, if any, upon which the debt securities may be
converted into or exchanged for common stock, preferred stock or
debt securities. |
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Any additional events of default that will apply to the debt
securities. |
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If we will make payments on the debt securities in any currency
other than United States dollars, the currency or composite
currency in which we will make those payments. If the currency
will be determined under an index, the details concerning such
index. |
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Any other material terms of the debt securities. |
Payments on Debt Securities
We will make payments on the debt securities at the office or
agency we will maintain for that purpose (which will be the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee in New York, New York
unless we indicate otherwise in the prospectus supplement) or at
such other places and at the respective times and in the manner
as we designate in the prospectus supplement. (Sections 3.1
and 3.2) As explained under Book-Entry Debt
Securities below, all debt securities will be book-entry
and The Depository Trust Company or its nominee will be the
initial registered Holder unless the prospectus supplement
provides otherwise.
Form, Denominations and Transfers
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement:
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The debt securities will be in fully registered form, without
coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any multiple thereof. |
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We will not charge any fee to register any transfer or exchange
of the debt securities, except for taxes or other governmental
charges (if any). (Section 2.8) |
Original Issue Discount Securities
If debt securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, we
will offer and sell them at a substantial discount below their
stated principal amount. Original Issue Discount
Security means any security which provides that less than
the full principal amount will be due if the maturity is
accelerated or if the security is redeemed before its maturity.
(Section 1.1)
If we issue Original Issue Discount Securities:
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For Federal income tax purposes, you will need to include in
your income the total amount of the original issue discount, or
OID, as ordinary income over the life of the Original Issue
Discount Security. The amount that the Original Issue Discount
Security increases in value each tax year |
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must be included in your taxable income as interest on your tax
return. You must report OID as it accrues, whether or not you
receive any taxable interest payments. This means that you must
recognize income gradually over the life of the Original Issue
Discount Security, even though you may not receive actual
payments. This rule applies whether you are on the cash or
accrual basis of accounting. |
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The OID accrues on a constant yield basis. The
general result of this method of allocating annual interest is
that interest accrual will be smaller in the earlier years after
issuance of the Original Issue Discount Security and larger in
the later years. |
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Your basis in the Original Issue Discount Security will increase
as you recognize the OID as income. Your basis will decrease by
the amount of any payments you receive on the Original Issue
Discount Security (other than certain stated interest that is
not taken into account in the calculation of OID). |
We will describe specific Federal income tax consequences and
other special considerations applicable to any such Original
Issue Discount Securities in the prospectus supplement, and we
will file an opinion of counsel with respect to any such
material tax consequences.
Indexed Debt Securities
We may issue debt securities under which the principal amount
payable at maturity or the amount of interest payable will be
determined by reference to currency exchange rates, commodity
prices, equity indices or other factors. In that case, the
amount we will pay to the Holders will depend on the value of
the applicable currency, commodity, equity index or other factor
at the time our payment obligation is calculated. All payments
of principal and interest with respect to any indexed debt
securities will be paid in cash. We will include information in
the prospectus supplement for such debt securities about how we
will calculate the principal and/or interest payable, and will
specify the currencies, commodities, equity indices or other
factors to which the principal amount payable at maturity or
interest is linked. We will also provide information about
certain additional tax considerations which would apply to the
Holders of those debt securities in the applicable prospectus
supplement, and file any required opinion of counsel with
respect to any related material tax consequences.
Certain Restrictions
Unless we otherwise specify in the prospectus supplement, there
will not be any covenants in the Indenture or the debt
securities that would protect you against a highly leveraged or
other transaction involving Emerson that may adversely affect
you as a holder of debt securities. If there are provisions that
offer such protection, they will be described in the particular
prospectus supplement.
Limitations on Liens. Under the Indenture, we and our
Restricted Subsidiaries (defined below) may not issue any debt
for money borrowed, or assume or guarantee any such debt, which
is secured by a mortgage on a Principal Property (defined below)
or shares of stock or indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary,
unless such mortgage similarly secures your debt securities. A
Principal Property is any manufacturing plant or manufacturing
facility that we or any Restricted Subsidiary owns, is located
within the continental United States and, in the opinion of our
board of directors, is of material importance to our total
business that we and our Restricted Subsidiaries conduct, taken
as a whole. The above restriction will not apply to debt that is
secured by:
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mortgages on property, shares of stock or indebtedness of any
corporation that exists when it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; |
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mortgages on property that exist when we acquire the property
and mortgages that secure payment of the purchase price of and
improvements to the mortgaged property; |
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mortgages that secure debt which a Restricted Subsidiary owes to
us or to another Restricted Subsidiary; |
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mortgages that existed at the date of the Indenture; |
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mortgages on property of a company that exist when we acquire
the company; |
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mortgages in favor of a government to secure debt that we incur
to finance the purchase price or cost of construction of the
property that we mortgage; or |
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extensions, renewals or replacement of any of the mortgages
described above. |
A Restricted Subsidiary is a direct or indirect subsidiary of
Emerson if substantially all of its property is located in the
continental United States and if it owns any Principal Property
(except a subsidiary principally engaged in leasing or in
financing installment receivables or overseas operations).
The Indenture also excepts from this limitation on liens secured
debt in an amount up to 10% of our consolidated net tangible
assets. (Section 3.6)
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. We and our
Restricted Subsidiaries may not enter into sale and leaseback
transactions involving any Principal Property (except for leases
of up to three years, and except for leases between us and a
Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries) unless
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we could issue debt secured by the property involved (under the
limitations on liens described above) in an amount equal to the
Attributable Debt which would be calculated under the Indenture
based on the rental payments to be received, or |
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we pay other debt within 90 days in an amount not less than
such Attributable Debt amount. (Section 3.7) |
Restrictions on Consolidation, Merger or Sale. We may not
consolidate or merge or sell or convey all or substantially all
of our assets unless (1) we are the surviving corporation
or (2)(a) the surviving corporation (if it is not Emerson) is a
domestic (U.S.) corporation and assumes our obligations on your
debt securities and under the Indenture and (2)(b) immediately
after such transactions, there is no default. (Section 9.1)
Defeasance
The Indenture includes provisions allowing defeasance that we
may choose to apply to debt securities of any series. If we do
so, we would deposit with the Trustee or another trustee money
or U.S. Government Obligations sufficient to make all
payments on the defeased debt securities. If we make such a
deposit with respect to your debt securities, we may elect
either:
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to be discharged from all our obligations on your debt
securities, except for our obligations to register transfers and
exchanges, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in
respect of the debt securities and to hold moneys for payment in
trust; or |
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to be released from our restrictions described above relating to
liens and sale/leaseback transactions. |
To establish such a trust, we must deliver to the Trustee an
opinion of our counsel that the Holders of the debt securities
will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax
purposes as a result of such 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
had not occurred. There may be additional provisions relating to
defeasance which we will describe in the Prospectus Supplement.
(Sections 12.1 through 12.4)
Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
If certain Events of Default by us specified in the Indenture
happen and are continuing, either the Trustee or the Holders of
25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
the defaulted
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series may declare the principal, and accrued interest, if any,
of all securities of such series to be immediately due and
payable. If other specified Events of Default happen and are
continuing, either the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all
series may declare the principal, and accrued interest, if any,
of all the outstanding debt securities to be due and payable.
(Section 5.1)
An Event of Default in respect of any series of debt securities
means:
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default for 30 days in payment of any interest installment; |
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default in payment of principal, premium, sinking fund
installment or analogous obligation when due; |
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unless stayed by litigation, default in performance of any other
covenant in the Indenture governing such series, for
90 days after notice to us by the Trustee or by the Holders
of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
such series; and |
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certain events of our bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization.
(Section 5.1) |
Within 90 days after a default in respect of any series of
debt securities, the Trustee must give to the Holders of such
series notice of all uncured and unwaived defaults by us known
to it. However, except in the case of default in payment, the
Trustee may withhold such notice if it in good faith determines
that such withholding is in the interest of such Holders. The
term default means, for this purpose, the happening
of any Event of Default, disregarding any grace period or notice
requirement. (Section 5.11)
Before the Trustee is required to exercise rights under the
Indenture at the request of Holders, it is entitled to be
indemnified by such Holders, subject to its duty, during an
Event of Default, to act with the required standard of care.
(Sections 6.1 through 6.13)
If any Event of Default has occurred, in certain cases, the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and
place of conducting proceedings for remedies available to the
Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
Trustee, in respect of such series. (Section 5.9)
If an Event of Default occurs, the Trustee will distribute the
money it collects in the following order:
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First, to the Trustee and its agents and attorneys an amount
sufficient to cover its reasonable compensation, costs,
expenses, liabilities and advances made. |
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Second, in the case the principal of the defaulted series is not
yet due and payable, ratably to the persons entitled to payment
of interest on the defaulted series in order of the maturity of
the installments of such interest, with interest on the overdue
installments of interest, or, in the case the principal of the
defaulted series is due and payable, ratably, based on the
aggregate of principal and accrued and unpaid interest, to
persons entitled to payment of principal and interest on the
defaulted series, with interest on the overdue principal and
overdue installments of interest. |
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Third, the remainder to us or any other person entitled to it.
(Section 5.3) |
We must file an annual certificate with the Trustee that we are
in compliance with conditions and covenants under the Indenture.
(Section 3.5)
In certain cases, the Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the outstanding debt securities of a series, on behalf of the
Holders of all debt securities of such series, or the Holders of
a majority of all outstanding debt securities voting as a single
class, on behalf of the Holders of all outstanding debt
securities, may waive any past default or Event of Default, or
compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture, but may not
waive, among other things, an uncured default in payment.
(Sections 5.1 and 5.10)
9
Modification or Amendment of the Indenture
If we receive the consent of the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities affected, we
may enter into supplemental indentures with the Trustee that
would
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add, change or eliminate provisions in the Indenture; or |
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change the rights of the Holders of debt securities. |
However, unless we receive the consent of all of the affected
Holders, we may not enter into supplemental indentures that
would with respect to the debt securities of such Holders:
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change the maturity; |
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reduce the principal amount or any premium; |
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reduce the interest rate or extend the time of payment of
interest; |
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reduce any amount payable on redemption or reduce the amount of
the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would
be payable on acceleration; |
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impair or affect the right of any Holder to institute suit for
payment; |
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change any right of the Holder to require repayment; or |
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reduce the requirement for approval of supplemental indentures.
(Section 8.2) |
Regarding the Trustee
The Trustee is The Bank of New York. The Trustee is a lender to
us under our revolving credit agreement and is also an
investment manager for one of our pension funds. From time to
time, we may enter into other banking relationships with the
Trustee.
Under certain circumstances, the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Securities of each series may remove the
Trustee with respect to such series and appoint a new successor
Trustee for such series, or any Securityholder of at least six
months may petition a court for the removal of the Trustee and
the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to a
particular series. (Section 6.10)
BOOK-ENTRY DEBT SECURITIES
The Prospectus Supplement will indicate whether we are issuing
the related debt securities as book-entry securities. Book entry
securities of a series will be issued in the form of one or more
global notes that will be deposited with The Depository Trust
Company, or DTC, 55 Water Street, New York, New York 10041. The
global note(s) will evidence all of the debt securities of that
series. This means that we will not issue certificates to each
Holder. We will issue one or more global securities to DTC,
which will keep a computerized record of its participants (for
example, your broker) whose clients have purchased the debt
securities. The participant will then keep a record of its
clients who own the debt securities. Unless it is exchanged in
whole or in part for a security evidenced by individual
certificates, a global security may not be transferred, except
that DTC, its nominees and their successors may transfer a
global security as a whole to one another. Beneficial interests
in global book-entry securities will be shown on, and transfers
of beneficial interests in global notes will be made only
through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. Each
person owning a beneficial interest in a global security must
rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such person is not a
participant, on the procedures of the participant through which
such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a
Holder of debt securities under the Indenture.
The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers
of securities such as debt securities take physical delivery of
such securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws
may impair your ability to acquire or transfer beneficial
interests in the global book-entry security.
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We will make payments on each series of book-entry debt
securities to DTC or its nominee, as the sole registered owner
and holder of the global book-entry security. Neither Emerson,
the Trustee nor any of their agents will be responsible or
liable for any aspect of DTCs records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a
global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
of DTCs records relating to such beneficial ownership
interests.
DTC has advised us that, when it receives any payment on a
global security, it will immediately, on its book-entry
registration and transfer system, credit the accounts of
participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their
beneficial interests in the global security as shown on
DTCs records. Payments by participants to you, as an owner
of a beneficial interest in the global security, will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices (as is
now the case with securities held for customer accounts
registered in street name) and will be the sole
responsibility of such participants.
A global security representing a series will be exchanged for
certificated debt securities of that series only if (x) DTC
notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
Depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered
under the 1934 Act and we dont appoint a successor
within 90 days, (y) we decide that the global security
shall be exchangeable or (z) there is an Event of Default
under the Indenture or an event which with the giving of notice
or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with
respect to the debt securities represented by such global
security. If that occurs, we will issue debt securities of that
series in certificated form in exchange for such global
security. An owner of a beneficial interest in the global
security then will be entitled to physical delivery of a
certificate for debt securities of such series equal in
principal amount to such beneficial interest and to have such
debt securities registered in its name. We would issue the
certificates for such debt securities in denominations of $1,000
or any larger amount that is an integral multiple thereof, and
we would issue them in registered form only, without coupons.
DTC has advised us that it is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the New York Banking Law, a banking
organization within the meaning of the New York Banking
Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a clearing
corporation within the meaning of the New York Uniform
Commercial Code, and a clearing agency registered
under the 1934 Act. DTC was created to hold the securities
of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions among its participants
through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of securities certificates. DTCs participants include
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations, and certain other organizations, some of whom
(and/or their representatives) own DTC. Access to DTCs
book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks,
brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either
directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its
participants are on file with the SEC. No fees or costs of DTC
will be charged to you.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF EMERSON
The following is a summary of the material terms of our capital
stock and the provisions of our restated articles of
incorporation, as amended, bylaws and rights agreement. It also
summarizes some relevant provisions of the Missouri General and
Business Corporation Law, which we refer to as Missouri law.
Since the terms of our restated articles of incorporation,
bylaws and rights agreement, and Missouri law, are more detailed
than the general information provided below, you should only
rely on the actual provisions of those documents and Missouri
law. If you would like to read those documents, they are on file
with the SEC, as described under the heading Where You Can
Find More Information.
General
Our authorized capital stock consists of
1,200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$0.50 per share, and 5,400,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $2.50 per share.
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Common Stock
All of our outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and
non-assessable. Any shares of common stock issued in an offering
pursuant to this prospectus, including those issuable upon the
exercise of warrants or upon conversion of preferred stock or
debt securities issued pursuant to this Prospectus or in
connection with the obligations of a holder of share purchase
contracts to purchase our common stock, will be fully paid and
non-assessable. Subject to the prior rights of the holders of
any shares of preferred stock which later may be issued and
outstanding, holders of common stock are entitled to receive
dividends as and when declared by us out of legally available
funds. In the event of any such declaration or payment, the
holders of common stock will be entitled, to the exclusion of
the holders of the preferred stock, to share therein. If we
liquidate, dissolve, or wind up Emerson, after distribution and
payment in full is made to holders of preferred stock, if any,
the remainder of assets, if any, will be distributed pro rata
among the holders of common stock of the company. Each holder of
common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters presented to a vote of shareholders,
including the election of directors. Holders of common stock
have no cumulative voting rights or preemptive rights to
purchase or subscribe for any stock or other securities and
there are no conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund
provisions for the common stock. We may issue additional shares
of authorized common stock without shareholder approval, subject
to applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange and the
Chicago Stock Exchange.
Mellon Investor Services LLC is the registrar and transfer agent
for our common stock. Our common stock is listed on the New York
Stock Exchange and on the Chicago Stock Exchange under the
symbol EMR.
Preferred Stock
Our restated articles of incorporation vest our board of
directors with authority to issue up to 5,400,000 shares of
preferred stock from time to time in one or more series and by
resolution or resolutions:
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To fix the distinctive serial designation of the shares of any
such series; |
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To fix the rate or amount per annum at which the holders of the
shares of any series shall be entitled to receive dividends, the
dates on which such dividends shall be payable, and the date or
dates from which such dividends shall be cumulative; |
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To fix the price or prices at which, the times during which, and
the other terms upon which the shares of any such series may be
redeemed; |
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To fix the amounts payable on the shares of any series in the
event of dissolution or liquidation of the Company; |
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From time to time to include additional shares of preferred
stock which the Company is authorized to issue in any such
series; |
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To determine whether or not the shares of any such series shall
be made convertible into or exchangeable for shares of the
common stock of the Company, shares of any other series of the
preferred stock of the Company, now or hereafter authorized, or
any new class of preferred stock of the Company hereafter
authorized, or debt securities, the conversion price or prices,
or the rate or rates of exchange at which such conversion or
exchange may be made, and the terms and conditions upon which
any such conversion right shall be exercised; |
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To fix such other preferences and rights, privileges and
restrictions applicable to any such series as may be permitted
by law; |
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To determine if a sinking fund shall be provided for the
purchase or redemption of shares of any series and, if so, to
fix the terms and amount or amounts of such sinking
fund; and |
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To set the consideration for which the shares of the series are
to be issued. |
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Except as otherwise provided in any prospectus supplement, all
shares of the same series of preferred stock will be identical
with each other share of said stock. The shares of different
series may differ, including as to rank, as may be provided in
our restated articles of incorporation, or as may be fixed by
our board of directors as described above. We may from time to
time amend our restated articles of incorporation to increase or
decrease the number of authorized shares of preferred stock.
Unless otherwise provided in any prospectus supplement, all
shares of preferred stock will be fully paid and non-assessable.
The material terms of any series of preferred stock being
offered by us will be described in the prospectus supplement
relating to that series of preferred stock. If so indicated in
the prospectus supplement and if permitted by law and the
restated articles of incorporation, the terms of any such series
may differ from the terms set forth below. That prospectus
supplement may not restate the amendment to our restated
articles of incorporation or the board resolution that
establishes a particular series of preferred stock in its
entirety. We urge you to read that amendment or board resolution
because it, and not the description in the prospectus
supplement, will define your rights as a holder of preferred
stock. The certificate of amendment to our restated articles of
incorporation or board resolution will be filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Missouri and with the SEC.
Dividend Rights. The preferred stock will be preferred as
to payment of dividends over our common stock or any other stock
ranking junior to the preferred stock as to dividends. No
dividend may be declared or paid and no distribution may be made
on our common stock or stock of junior rank, other than
dividends or distributions payable in common stock, until the
full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock of all series
up to the end of the then quarterly dividend period shall have
been declared and paid (or appropriated and set aside) by the
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 indicated in the applicable
prospectus supplement. With respect to each series of preferred
stock, the dividends on each share of that series will be
cumulative from the date of issue of the share unless some other
date is set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the
series. Accruals of dividends will not bear interest. If the
amount determined by our board of directors to be declared and
payable as dividends on the preferred stock is insufficient to
pay the full dividend, including accumulations, on all
outstanding series, such amount shall be paid on all outstanding
shares of all series on pro rata basis generally based on the
amount of the full dividend for that series.
Rights upon Liquidation. The preferred stock will be
preferred over common stock, or any other stock ranking junior
to the preferred stock with respect to distribution earnings and
assets, so that the holders of each series of preferred stock
will be entitled to be paid, upon voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up and before any
distribution is made to the holders of common stock or stock of
junior rank, 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. In
addition, the rights of the preferred stock in the event of a
dissolution, liquidation or winding up shall not restrict or
prevent the Company from paying dividends on common stock if the
payment of such dividends is not restricted by any other terms
of the preferred stock. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or
winding up amounts available for payment are insufficient to
permit the payment in full of the respective amounts to which
the holders of all outstanding preferred stock are entitled, the
amount available will be distributed among the holders of each
series of preferred stock in an amount 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.
Conversion or Exchange. Shares of any series of preferred
stock will be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of
common stock or preferred stock or debt securities to the extent
set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Preemptive Rights. No holder of shares of any series of
preferred stock will have any preemptive or preferential rights
to subscribe to or purchase shares of any class or series of
stock, now or hereafter
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authorized, or any securities convertible into, or warrants or
other evidences of optional rights to purchase or subscribe to,
shares of any series, now or hereafter authorized.
Voting Rights. Except as indicated in the applicable
prospectus supplement, 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
otherwise provided by law and except as set forth below.
The preferences, priorities, special rights and powers given to
the preferred stock under our restated articles of
incorporation, or to any series thereof by any authorizing
action of our board, may be altered or terminated, as provided
by law, upon the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds
(2/3) of each series of preferred stock issued and outstanding
whose rights will be affected by such proposed alteration or
termination. No additional shares of the preferred stock except
the shares provided for in our restated articles of
incorporation shall be authorized, and no additional shares of
any other class of preferred stock having a priority over, or
entitled to participate on a parity with, the preferred stock
shall be authorized, except upon the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of each series of the preferred stock
issued and outstanding; provided, however, that the authorizing
resolution for any series of preferred stock may provide for the
vote of a greater percentage of the shares.
Currently under Missouri law, even if shares of a particular
class or series of stock are not otherwise entitled to a vote on
any matter submitted to the shareholders, amendments to the
restated articles of incorporation which adversely affect those
shares require a vote of the class or series of which such
shares are a part, including amendments which would:
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increase or decrease the aggregate number or par value of
authorized shares of the class or series; |
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create a new class of shares having rights and preferences prior
or superior to the shares of the class or series; |
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increase the rights and preferences, or the number of authorized
shares, of any class having rights and preferences prior to or
superior to the rights of the class or series; or |
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alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the
shares of such class or series so as to affect such shares
adversely. |
Board Representation. Our restated articles of
incorporation provide that in addition to the voting rights set
forth above, if, and whenever, six (6) or more quarterly
dividends, whether or not consecutive, on the preferred stock
shall be in arrears, in whole or in part, the holders of the
preferred stock, including all series thereof, voting as a
single class, shall have the right to elect a number of the
members of the board of directors equal to the whole number
obtained by dividing seven (7), into the number of directors of
the Company authorized at such time by the restated articles of
incorporation of the Company, but not less than two
(2) directors. In such event, the remainder of the
directors shall be elected by the holders of the common stock
and preferred stock, voting as a single class. Whenever all
dividends in arrears and current dividends on the preferred
stock then outstanding have been paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set aside, then the right of
the holders of the preferred stock to elect such number of
directors shall then cease. During the time when the preferred
stock is vested with the power of board representation, the
secretary of the Company may (shall upon the written request of
the holders of record of ten percent (10%) or more in number of
shares of the preferred stock outstanding) call a special
meeting of the holders of the preferred stock for the election
of the directors to be elected by them subject to provisions of
our restated articles of incorporation. In the case of
additional authorized shares of preferred stock or a different
class of preferred stock shall be created and issued, nothing
herein contained shall prevent any such additional shares or
class of the preferred stock from having the same voting rights
on a pari passu basis with the shares of preferred stock
entitled to vote on any matters.
Many of our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries,
and thus our ability to pay dividends on our common stock or any
series of preferred stock is dependent on their financial
condition, results of operations, cash requirements and other
related factors.
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Depending upon the rights of holders of the preferred stock, an
issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of
common stock by delaying or preventing a change of control of
Emerson, making removal of the management of Emerson difficult,
or restricting the payment of dividends and other distributions
to the holders of common stock. Except as otherwise contemplated
by our shareholder rights plan described below, we presently
have no intention to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Certain Effects of Authorized but Unissued Stock
We may issue additional shares of common stock or preferred
stock without shareholder approval, subject to applicable rules
of the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange,
for a variety of corporate purposes, including raising
additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit
plans. The existence of unissued and unreserved common and
preferred stock may enable us to issue shares to persons who are
friendly to current management, which could discourage an
attempt to obtain control of Emerson through a merger, tender
offer, proxy contest, or otherwise, and protect the continuity
of management and possibly deprive you of opportunities to sell
your shares at prices higher than the prevailing market prices.
We could also use additional shares to dilute the stock
ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of Emerson
pursuant to the operation of the rights plan or otherwise. See
also Certain Charter and Bylaw Provisions below.
Rights Plan
Under our shareholder rights plan, we distributed one preferred
stock purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock.
The rights agreement, as amended, between Emerson and Mellon
Investor Services LLC (formerly ChaseMellon Shareholder
Services, L.L.C.), as rights agent, dated as of November 1,
1998, contains the terms of the shareholder rights plan. Since
the terms of our shareholder rights plan are more extensive than
the general summary information we are providing, you should
only rely on the actual provisions of the rights agreement. If
you would like to read the rights agreement, it is on file with
the SEC or you may request a copy from us.
Under the rights agreement, one right attaches to each
outstanding share of our common stock and, when exercisable,
entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one
one-thousandth (1/1,000th) of a share of Series B Junior
participating preferred stock, par value $2.50 per share,
at an initial purchase price of $260 (originally set in 1998)
per one one-thousandth (1/1,000th) of a share, subject to
customary antidilution adjustments. Until a right is exercised,
the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a
shareholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the
right to vote or to receive dividends. For a description of the
terms of the Series B Junior participating preferred stock.
See Description of Capital Stock Series B
Junior participating preferred stock below.
Generally, the rights will not become exercisable until the
earlier of (the Distribution Date):
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10 business days following a public announcement (or the date on
which we first have notice or determine) that a person or group,
other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company or any
employee benefit plan of the Company (Acquiring
Person), has become the beneficial owner of 20% or more of
the outstanding shares of voting stock of the Company, without a
qualified written approval of our board of directors; and |
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10 business days, or such later date as we may determine,
following the commencement of, or the announcement of an
intention to commence, a tender offer or exchange offer that
would result in an Acquiring Person becoming the beneficial
owner of securities representing 20% or more of our voting
stock, without a qualified written approval of our board of
directors. |
Prior to the Distribution Date, the rights are not exercisable
but trade with and are inseparable from our common stock. The
rights will expire, if not previously exercised, on
November 1, 2008, unless this date is extended. At the
Distribution Date, the flip-in features of the rights or, at the
discretion of our
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board of directors, the exchange features of the rights, may be
exercised by any holder, except by the Acquiring Person. A
summary description of each of these features follows:
In the event an Acquiring Person becomes the beneficial owner of
securities representing 20% or more of our outstanding voting
stock without the prior written consent of our board of
directors, each right, except those held by the Acquiring
Person, would entitle each holder of a right to acquire such
number of shares of our common stock as shall equal the result
obtained by multiplying the then current purchase price
(originally set at $260 in 1998) by the number of one
one-thousandths of a share of preferred stock for which a right
is then exercisable and dividing that product by 50% of the then
current market price of our common stock. For example, if we
assume that the initial purchase price of $260 per one
one-thousandth (1/1,000th) of a share of Series B junior
participating preferred stock is in effect on the date that the
flip-in feature of the right is exercised, any holder of a
right, except for the Acquiring Person that has become the
beneficial owner of 20% of our outstanding voting stock, can
exercise one of his or her rights by paying us $260 in order to
receive from us shares of our common stock having a value equal
to $520.
At any time after an Acquiring Person acquires more than 20% but
less than 50% of our outstanding common stock without prior
written consent of our board of directors, each right, except
those held by the Acquiring Persons, may be exchanged by our
board of directors for one share of our common stock. Use of
this exchange feature means that eligible rights holders would
not have to pay a purchase price before receiving shares of our
common stock.
In the event we are acquired in a merger or other business
combination transaction where we are not the surviving
corporation, where our common stock is exchanged or changed or
50% or more of our assets or earning power is sold in one or
several transactions without the prior written consent of our
board of directors, each right would entitle the holders
thereof, except for the Acquiring Person, to receive such number
of shares of the acquiring companys common stock as shall
be equal to the result obtained by multiplying the then current
purchase price (originally set at $260 in 1998) by the number of
one one-thousandths of a share of preferred stock for which a
right is then exercisable and dividing that product by 50% of
the then current market price per share of the common stock of
the acquiring company on the date of such merger or other
business combination.
At any time prior to the time an Acquiring Person becomes such,
the board of directors may redeem all the rights in whole, but
not in part, at a redemption price of $0.005 per right,
subject to adjustment. The right to exercise the rights, as
described above under Exercisability of
Rights, will terminate upon redemption, and at such time,
the holders of the rights will have the right to receive only
the redemption price for each right held.
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Amendment of Rights Agreement |
The terms of the rights may be amended by the board of directors
without the consent of the holders of the rights, including, but
not limited to, an amendment to lower certain thresholds.
However, if at any time after a person or group becomes an
Acquiring Person, our board of directors may not adopt
amendments to the rights agreement that adversely affect the
interests of holders of the rights.
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If not previously exercised, the rights will expire on
November 1, 2008, unless we earlier redeem or exchange the
rights or extend the final expiration date.
The rights have certain anti-takeover effects. Once the rights
have become exercisable, the rights will cause substantial
dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire or merge
with us in certain circumstances. Accordingly, the existence of
the rights may deter potential acquirers from making a takeover
proposal or tender offer. The rights should not interfere with
any merger or other business combination approved by our board
of directors because we may redeem the rights as described above
and because a transaction approved by our board of directors
would not cause the rights to become exercisable.
Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock
In connection with the creation of the rights, as described
above, our board has authorized the issuance of
1,200,000 shares of preferred stock as Series B junior
participating preferred stock.
We have designed the dividend, liquidation, voting and
redemption features of the Series B junior participating
preferred stock so that the value of one one-thousandth
(1/1,000th) of a share of Series B junior participating
preferred stock approximates the value of one share of common
stock. Shares of Series B junior participating preferred
stock may only be purchased after the rights have become
exercisable, and each share of the Series B junior
participating preferred stock:
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is non-redeemable and junior to all other series of preferred
stock, unless otherwise provided in the terms of those series of
preferred stock; |
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will have a preferential cumulative quarterly dividend in an
amount equal to the greater of $1.00 and 1,000 times any
dividend declared on each share of common stock; |
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in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, will
entitle its holder to receive a preferred liquidation payment
equal to the greater of $1,000 and 1,000 times the payment made
per share of common stock; |
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will have one vote, voting together with our common stock and
any other capital stock with general voting rights, except as
otherwise provided by the restated articles of incorporation and
by law; and |
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in the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction
in which shares of common stock are converted or exchanged, will
be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount and type of
consideration received per share of common stock. |
The rights of the Series B junior participating preferred
stock as to dividends, liquidation and voting, and in the event
of mergers and consolidations, are protected by customary
antidilution provisions.
Certain Charter and Bylaw Provisions
Our restated articles of incorporation and bylaws:
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provide for a classified board of directors; |
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limit the right of shareholders to remove directors or change
the size of the board of directors; |
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limit the right of shareholders to fill vacancies on the board
of directors; |
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limit the right of shareholders to call a special meeting of
shareholders or propose other actions; |
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require a higher percentage of shareholders than would otherwise
be required to amend, alter, change, or repeal certain
provisions of our restated articles of incorporation; and |
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provide that the bylaws may be amended only by the majority vote
of the board of directors. |
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Shareholders will not be able to amend the bylaws without first
amending the restated articles of incorporation. These
provisions may discourage certain types of transactions that
involve an actual or threatened change of control of Emerson.
Since the terms of our restated articles of incorporation and
bylaws may differ from the general information we are providing,
you should only rely on the actual provisions of our restated
articles of incorporation and bylaws. If you would like to read
our restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, they are on
file with the SEC or you may request a copy from us.
Our restated articles of incorporation provide that the number
of directors will be fixed by our bylaws; provided that the
bylaws must provide for three or more directors. Our bylaws
provide for a board of directors of at least three directors and
permit the board of directors to set the number of directors
from time to time. In accordance with our bylaws, our board of
directors has fixed the number of directors at fourteen. Our
restated articles of incorporation and bylaws further provide
that our bylaws may be amended only by majority vote of our
entire board of directors.
In order for you to nominate a candidate for director, our
bylaws require that you give timely notice to us in advance of
the meeting. Ordinarily, you must give notice not less than
90 days nor more than 120 days before the meeting (but
if we give less than 100 days notice of the meeting,
then you must give notice within ten days after we mail notice
of the meeting or make a public disclosure of the meeting). Your
notice must describe various matters regarding the nominee,
including the nominees name, address, occupation, and
shares held. Our bylaws do not permit cumulative voting in the
election of directors. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of
the then outstanding shares of common stock can elect all the
directors of the class then being elected at that meeting of
shareholders.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that our board
will be divided into three classes, with the classes to be as
nearly equal in number as possible, and that one class shall be
elected each year and serve for a three-year term.
Missouri law provides that, unless a corporations articles
of incorporation provide otherwise, the holders of a majority of
the corporations voting stock may remove any director from
office. Our restated articles of incorporation provide that
shareholders may remove a director with or without
cause and with the approval of the holders of 85% of
Emersons voting stock. Our board of directors may remove a
director, with or without cause, only in the event the director
fails to meet the qualifications stated in the bylaws for
election as a director or in the event the director is in breach
of any agreement between such director and Emerson relating to
such directors service as a director or employee of
Emerson.
Missouri law further provides that, unless a corporations
articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, all
vacancies on a corporations board of directors, including
any vacancies resulting from an increase in the number of
directors, may be filled by the vote of a majority of the
remaining directors even if that number is less than a quorum.
Our bylaws provide that, subject to the rights, if any, of the
holders of any class of preferred stock then outstanding and
except as described below, only the vote of a majority of the
remaining directors may fill vacancies.
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Limitations on Shareholder Action by Written
Consent |
Missouri law provides that any action by written consent of
shareholders in lieu of a meeting must be unanimous.
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Limitations on Calling Shareholder Meetings |
Under our restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, special
meetings of shareholders may be called only by our board of
directors, our chairman of the board, our chief executive
officer and by the holders of not less than 85% of our voting
stock.
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Limitations on Proposals of Other Business |
In order for you to bring a proposal before a shareholder
meeting, our bylaws require that you give timely notice to us in
advance of the meeting. Ordinarily, you must give notice at
least 90 days but not more than 120 days before the
meeting (but if we give less than 100 days notice of
the meeting, then you must give notice within ten days after we
mail notice of the meeting or make other public disclosure of
the meeting). Your notice must include a description of the
proposal, the reasons for the proposal, and other specified
matters. Our board may reject any proposals that have not
followed these procedures or that are not a proper subject for
shareholder action in accordance with the provisions of
applicable law.
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Amendment of Restated Articles of Incorporation |
Our restated articles of incorporation may be amended by the
affirmative vote of the holders of shares representing a
majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the amendment;
provided that certain provisions contained in our restated
articles of incorporation respecting business combinations, the
board of directors, removal of directors, amendment of bylaws
and special meetings of shareholders may be amended only by the
affirmative vote of the holders of 85% of the total voting power
of all outstanding shares of Emerson, voting as a single class.
However, the provisions respecting business combinations may be
amended upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of Emerson
if such amendment shall first have been approved and recommended
by a majority of those directors who meet certain criteria of
independence from parties seeking a business combination.
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Business Combination Provisions in Restated Articles of
Incorporation |
Certain business combinations involving Emerson require the
affirmative vote of the holders of 85% of the outstanding shares
of Emerson common stock unless (i) a majority of the
continuing directors (as defined in the Emerson restated
articles of incorporation) have approved the proposed business
combination, or (ii) various conditions intended to ensure
the adequacy of the consideration offered by the party seeking
the combination are satisfied.
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Limitation on Directors Liability |
Our restated articles of incorporation limit the liability of
our directors to us or any of our shareholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the
fullest extent permitted under the Missouri General and Business
Corporation Law.
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Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions |
The classification of directors, the inability to vote shares
cumulatively, the advance notice requirements for nominations,
and the provisions in our restated articles of incorporation
and/or bylaws that limit the ability of shareholders to increase
the size of our board or to remove directors and that permit the
remaining directors to fill any vacancies on our board make it
more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of our
board. As a result, at least two annual meetings of shareholders
may be required for the shareholders to change a majority of the
directors, whether or not a change in our board would benefit
Emerson and its shareholders and whether or not a majority of
our shareholders believes that the change would be desirable.
The provision of Missouri law which requires unanimity for
shareholder action by written consent gives all our shareholders
entitled to vote on a proposed action the opportunity to
participate in the action and prevents the holders of a majority
of the voting power of Emerson from using the written consent
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procedure to take shareholder action. The bylaw provision
requiring advance notice of other proposals may make it more
difficult for shareholders to take action opposed by the board.
Moreover, a shareholder cannot force a shareholder consideration
of a proposal over the opposition of our board of directors by
calling a special meeting of shareholders.
These provisions make it more difficult and time-consuming to
obtain majority control of our board of directors or otherwise
bring a matter before shareholders without our boards
consent, and thus reduce the vulnerability of Emerson to an
unsolicited takeover proposal. These provisions enable Emerson
to develop its business in a manner which will foster its
long-term growth, by reducing to the extent practicable the
threat of a takeover not in the best interests of Emerson and
its shareholders and the potential disruption entailed by the
threat. On the other hand, these provisions may adversely affect
the ability of shareholders to influence the governance of
Emerson and the possibility that shareholders would receive a
premium above market price for their securities from a potential
acquirer who is unfriendly to management. The provisions
requiring an 85% vote of shareholders for amendments to certain
provisions of our restated articles of incorporation and for
certain business combinations have the effect of limiting the
ability of shareholders and others to change the terms of
Emersons restated articles of incorporation and to change
control of Emerson.
Missouri Statutory Provisions
Missouri law also contains certain provisions which may have an
anti-takeover effect and otherwise discourage third parties from
effecting transactions with us, including control share
acquisition and business combination statutes.
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Business Combination Statute |
Missouri law contains a business combination statute
which restricts certain business combinations
between us and an interested shareholder, or
affiliates of the interested shareholder, for a period of five
years after the date of the transaction in which the person
becomes an interested shareholder, unless either such
transaction or the interested shareholders acquisition of
stock is approved by our board on or before the date the
interested shareholder obtains such status.
The statute also prohibits business combinations after the
five-year period following the transaction in which the person
becomes an interested shareholder unless the business
combination or purchase of stock prior to becoming an interested
shareholder is approved by our board prior to the date the
interested shareholder obtains such status. The statute provides
that, after the expiration of such five-year period, business
combinations are prohibited unless:
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the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting stock, other
than the stock owned by the interested shareholder, approve the
business combination; or |
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the business combination satisfies certain detailed fairness and
procedural requirements. |
A business combination includes a merger or
consolidation, some sales, leases, exchanges, pledges and
similar dispositions of corporate assets or stock and any
reclassifications or recapitalizations that increase the
proportionate voting power of the interested shareholder. An
interested shareholder generally means any person
who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns or
controls 20% or more of the outstanding shares of the
corporations voting stock.
A Missouri corporation may opt out of coverage by the business
combination statute by including a provision to that effect in
its governing corporate documents. We have not done so.
The business combination statute may make it more difficult for
a 20% beneficial owner to effect other transactions with us and
may encourage persons that seek to acquire us to negotiate with
our board prior to acquiring a 20% interest. It is possible that
such a provision could make it more difficult to accomplish a
transaction which shareholders may otherwise deem to be in their
best interest.
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Control Share Acquisition Statute |
Missouri also has a control share acquisition
statute. This statute may limit the rights of a
shareholder to vote some or all of his shares. A shareholder
whose acquisition of shares results in that shareholder having
voting power, when added to the shares previously held by him,
to exercise or direct the exercise of more than a specified
percentage of our outstanding stock (beginning at 20%), will
lose the right to vote some or all of his shares in excess of
such percentage unless the shareholders approve the acquisition
of such shares.
In order for the shareholders to grant approval, the acquiring
shareholder must meet certain disclosure requirements specified
in the statute. In addition, a majority of the outstanding
voting shares, as determined before the acquisition, must
approve the acquisition. Furthermore, a majority of the
outstanding voting shares, as determined after the acquisition,
but excluding shares held by (i) the acquiring shareholder,
(ii) employee directors or (iii) officers appointed by
the board of directors, must approve the acquisition. If the
acquisition is approved, the statute grants certain rights to
dissenting shareholders.
Not all acquisitions of shares constitute control share
acquisitions. The following acquisitions do not constitute
control share acquisitions:
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good faith gifts; |
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transfers in accordance with wills or the laws of descent and
distribution; |
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purchases made in connection with an issuance by us; |
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purchases by any compensation or benefit plan; |
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the conversion of debt securities; |
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purchases from holders of shares representing two-thirds of our
voting power; provided such holders act simultaneously; |
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satisfaction of a pledge or other security interest created in
good faith; |
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mergers involving us which satisfy the other requirements of the
General and Business Corporation Law of Missouri; |
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transactions with a person who owned a majority of our voting
power within the prior year; or |
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purchases from a person who previously satisfied the
requirements of the control share statute, so long as the
acquiring person does not have voting power after the ownership
in a different ownership range than the selling shareholder
prior to the sale. |
A Missouri corporation may opt out of coverage by the control
share acquisition statute by including a provision to that
effect in its governing corporate documents. We have not opted
out of the control share acquisition statute.
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Take-Over Bid Disclosure Statute |
Missouris take-over bid disclosure statute
requires that, under some circumstances, before making a tender
offer that would result in the offeror acquiring control of us,
the offeror must file certain disclosure materials with the
Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Securities.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred
stock, debt securities or any combination thereof. We may issue
warrants independently or together with debt securities,
preferred stock or common stock, and the warrants may be sold at
the same or different time as those offered securities.
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Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash an
amount or number of securities at the exercise price specified
in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants.
We will issue our warrants in one or more series, each under a
warrant agreement between us and a bank or trust company, as
warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in
connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation
or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or
beneficial owners of the warrants.
We will file a copy of each warrant agreement that we enter into
with the warrant agent in our Current Reports on Form 8-K,
which will be incorporated herein by reference, or by an
amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus
forms a part. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a
description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant
agreement will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
General Terms
The applicable prospectus supplement will contain, where
appropriate, information relating to the warrants, including the
following:
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the title of the warrants; |
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the aggregate number of warrants offered; |
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the price and prices at which the warrants will be issued; |
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the various factors considered in determining the exercise
prices; |
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the currency or currencies in which the price of the warrants
will be payable; |
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the dates upon which the right to exercise the warrants will
begin and end; |
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if the warrants are not continuously exercisable, the specific
date or dates on which they may be exercised; |
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the place or places where, and the manner in which, the warrants
may be exercised; |
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the exercise price, the procedures for exercise and the
circumstances, if any, that will deem the warrants to be
automatically exercised; |
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any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise
price; |
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the designation and terms of the securities purchasable upon
exercise of the warrants and the number or amount of such
securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; |
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any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of
securities receivable upon exercise of the warrants; |
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any minimum or maximum number of warrants which may be exercised
at any one time; |
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if warrants are issued together with debt securities, common
stock or preferred stock, the title of the securities, their
terms, the number of warrants accompanying each other security
and the date that the warrants and other securities will become
separately transferable; |
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whether the warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form
or both and whether they will be issued in certificated or
uncertificated form; |
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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
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the terms of any mandatory or optional redemption or call
provisions; |
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the exchanges, if any, on which the warrants may be listed; |
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the identity of the warrant agent; |
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the terms of the warrant agreement entered into with the warrant
agent; |
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the U.S. Federal income tax consequences applicable to the
warrants; and |
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any other material terms of the warrants. |
Prior to the exercise of the warrants, warrant holders will not
have any rights of holders of our securities purchasable upon
exercise of those warrants, including (1) in the case of
warrants for the purchase of our debt securities, the right to
receive payments of principal, premium or interest, if any, on
those debt securities or to enforce covenants in the governing
Indenture, or (2) in the case of warrants for the purchase
of preferred stock or common stock, the right to receive
payments of dividends, if any, on that preferred stock or common
stock or to exercise any applicable right to vote.
Exercise of Warrants
Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement. Any warrants not exercised by the
expiration date will be void. Unless otherwise set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement, holders of warrants may
exercise them by delivering properly completed warrant
certificates and payment of the exercise price to the warrant
agent at its corporate trust office. As soon as practicable
after such delivery, we will issue and deliver to the holder the
securities purchased upon exercise of the warrants. If the
warrants are certificated and a holder does not exercise all of
the warrants represented by a particular certificate, we will
also issue a new certificate for the remaining number of
warrants.
Amendments and Supplements to Warrant Agreement
Except as otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, we
and the warrant agent may amend or supplement the warrant
agreement for a series of warrants without the consent of the
holders of the warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that
are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and
that do not materially and adversely affect the interests of the
holders of the warrants. However, except as otherwise set forth
in the prospectus supplement, any amendment that materially and
adversely alters the rights of the holders of warrants will not
be effective unless the holders of at least a majority of the
applicable warrants then outstanding approve the amendment.
Except as otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement,
every holder of an outstanding warrant at the time any amendment
becomes effective, by continuing to hold the warrant, will be
bound by the applicable warrant agreement as amended. The
prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of
warrants may provide that certain provisions of the warrants,
including the securities for which they may be exercisable, the
exercise price and the expiration date, may not be altered
without the consent of the holder of each warrant.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND SHARE PURCHASE
UNITS
We may issue share purchase contracts obligating holders to
purchase from us and obligating us to sell to holders at a
future date a specified number of shares of our common stock or
preferred stock, or a number of shares of common stock or
preferred stock to be determined by reference to a specific
formula set forth in the share purchase contract. The price per
share may be fixed at the time that the share purchase contracts
are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific
formula set forth in the share purchase contracts. Share
purchase contracts may include anti-dilution provisions to
adjust the number of shares issuable pursuant to such share
purchase contract upon the occurrence of certain events.
We may issue the share purchase contracts separately or as a
part of units, which we refer to as share purchase
units. Each such unit will consist of a share purchase
contract and one or more of: (i) our debt securities,
(ii) our preferred stock, or (iii) debt obligations of
third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities, which in
each case will be pledged to secure the purchasers
obligation to purchase common stock or preferred stock under the
related share purchase contract.
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The share purchase contracts may:
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require us to make periodic payments to holders of the share
purchase units, or vice versa, and such payments may be
unsecured or prefunded on some basis; |
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require holders to pay their payment obligations at the time the
share purchase contracts are issued, which we refer to as
prepaid share purchase contracts, or at the time of
settlement; |
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require holders to secure their obligations under the share
purchase contracts in a specified manner; and |
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permit us to deliver, in certain circumstances, newly issued
prepaid share purchase contracts, often known as prepaid
securities, upon release to a holder of any collateral
securing such holders obligations under the original share
purchase contract. |
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the material
terms of the share purchase contracts or share purchase units
and, if applicable, prepaid securities. The description in the
applicable prospectus supplement will not contain all of the
information that you may find useful. For more information, you
should review the share purchase contracts, the collateral
arrangements and depositary arrangements, if applicable,
relating to such share purchase contracts or share purchase
units and, if applicable, the prepaid securities and the
document pursuant to which the prepaid securities will be
issued. We will file a copy of each of these documents in our
Current Reports on Form 8-K, which will be incorporated
herein by reference, or by an amendment to the registration
statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Material United
States Federal income tax considerations applicable to the share
purchase contracts and the share purchase units will also be
discussed in the related prospectus supplement.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell any of the securities offered by this prospectus to
or through one or more underwriters or dealers, and also may
sell the securities directly to other purchasers or through
agents. Such firms may also act as our agents in the sale of the
securities. We have no definitive plans to sell any of the
securities offered by this prospectus directly to purchasers,
but it is possible that we may make direct sales to one or more
institutional investors. Any of our officers involved in such
direct sales will rely on the exemption from broker-dealer
registration provided by Rule 3a4-1 under the Securities
Exchange Act and will comply with all elements of that rule.
Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be
considered as underwriters of the securities offered by such
supplement. All participating underwriters, dealers and agents
will be registered broker-dealers or associated persons of
registered broker-dealers. If the registration statement related
to this prospectus is declared effective without naming all of
the underwriters that will participate in an offering of our
securities, we will file a post-effective amendment to such
registration statement that will name all of the participating
underwriters in any at the market equity offering.
We may distribute securities at different times in one or more
transactions. We may sell securities at fixed prices, which may
change, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at
prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated
prices.
In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters may
receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the
securities in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the
distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters.
Discounts or commissions they receive and any profit on their
resale of the securities may be considered underwriting
discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933. We
will identify any such underwriter, dealer or agent, and we will
describe any such compensation, in the prospectus supplement. We
will describe our expected offering expenses in the prospectus
supplement relating to a particular offering.
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We may agree to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents who
participate in the distribution of the securities against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act of 1933. We may also agree to contribute to payments which
the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in
respect of such liabilities.
Agents designated by us may solicit offers to purchase the
securities from time to time. The prospectus supplement will
name any such agent involved in the offer or sale of the
securities and will set forth any commissions payable by us to
such agent. Unless otherwise indicated in such prospectus
supplement, any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best
efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated
in the applicable prospectus supplement, on a firm commitment
basis. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as
that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, of the
securities so offered and sold.
If the securities are sold by means of an underwritten offering,
we will execute an underwriting agreement with an underwriter or
underwriters at the time an agreement for such sale is reached.
A prospectus supplement will be used by the underwriters to make
resales of the securities to the public and will set forth the
names of the specific managing underwriter or underwriters, as
well as any other underwriters, and the terms of the
transaction, including commissions, discounts and any other
compensation of the underwriters and dealers, if any. If
underwriters are utilized in the sale of the securities, the
securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own
account and may be resold from time to time in one or more
transactions, including negotiated transactions, at fixed public
offering prices or at varying prices determined by the
underwriter at the time of sale. The securities may be offered
to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented
by managing underwriters or directly by the managing
underwriters. If any underwriters are utilized in the sale of
the securities, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus
supplement, the underwriting agreement will provide that the
obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain
conditions precedent and that the underwriters will be obligated
to purchase all such securities if any are purchased.
If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities, we will
sell such securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may
then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to
be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. Any such
dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter, as such term is
defined in the Securities Act of 1933, of the securities so
offered and sold. The prospectus supplement will set forth the
name of the dealer and the terms of the transaction.
We may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities and
may sell such securities directly to institutional investors or
others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning
of the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to any resale
thereof. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of
any such sales.
We may determine the price or other terms of the securities
offered under this prospectus by use of an electronic auction.
In the event that we conduct an electronic auction, we will file
a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of
which this prospectus (as supplemented) forms a part, describing
the auction. We will include the price and terms to be
established by the auction, a summary of the auction process and
how you may participate in the auction, a description (or screen
shots) of the Internet web pages that you will see before the
auction and a description of the underwriters obligations.
Each series of securities will be a new issue with no
established trading market, other than the common stock which is
listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock
Exchange. Any common stock sold pursuant to a prospectus
supplement will be listed on such exchange, subject to official
notice of issuance. We may elect to list any series of debt
securities or preferred stock on an exchange, but we will not be
obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters
may make a market in a series of the securities, but will not be
obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any
time without notice. Therefore, we can give no assurance as to
the liquidity of the trading market for the securities.
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Agents, underwriters and dealers may be customers of, engage in
transactions with, or perform services for, us and our
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
We may enter into derivative or other hedging transactions with
financial institutions. These financial institutions may in turn
engage in sales of common stock to hedge their position, deliver
this prospectus in connection with some or all of those sales
and use the shares covered by this prospectus to close out any
short position created in connection with those sales. We may
also sell shares of common stock short using this prospectus and
deliver common stock covered by this prospectus to close out
such short positions, or loan or pledge common stock to
financial institutions that in turn may sell the shares of
common stock using this prospectus. We may pledge or grant a
security interest in some or all of the common stock covered by
this prospectus to support a derivative or hedging position or
other obligation and, if we default in the performance of our
obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell
the common stock from time to time pursuant to this prospectus.
The securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in
the prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon
their purchase, in accordance with their terms, or otherwise, by
one or more firms, which we refer to as remarketing
firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as
agents for us. The prospectus supplement will identify any
remarketing firm and will describe the terms of its agreement,
if any, with us and its compensation. Remarketing firms may be
deemed to be underwriters, as such term is defined in the
Securities Act of 1933, in connection with the securities
remarketed thereby. Under agreements which may be entered into
with us, we may be required to provide indemnification or
contribution to remarketing firms against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933. Remarketing firms may also be customers of, engage in
transactions with or perform services for us and our
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may
authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by
certain institutions to purchase the securities from us at the
public offering prices set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for
payment and delivery on a specified date or dates. The
applicable prospectus supplement will indicate the commission to
be paid to underwriters, dealers and agents soliciting purchases
of the securities pursuant to contracts accepted by us.
In connection with an offering of the securities, underwriters
may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the price of the securities. Specifically, underwriters
may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a
syndicate short position in the securities for their own
account. In addition, underwriters may bid for, and purchase,
securities in the open market to cover short positions or to
stabilize the price of the securities. Finally, underwriters may
engage in penalty bids or reclaim selling concessions allowed
for distributing the securities in the offering if the
underwriters repurchase previously distributed securities in
transactions to cover short positions, in stabilization
transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize
or maintain the market price of the securities above independent
market levels. Underwriters are not required to engage in any of
these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, H. M. Smith, Esq., our Assistant General
Counsel, will pass upon the legality of the offered securities
for us. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, Davis Polk & Wardwell, 450 Lexington
Avenue, New York, New York 10017, will pass upon the legality of
the offered securities for the underwriters, if any.
Mr. Smith is paid a salary by Emerson, is a participant in
various employee benefit plans offered by us and owns or has
options to purchase shares of Emerson common stock. Davis,
Polk & Wardwell will rely on the opinion of H. M. Smith
with respect to matters of Missouri law. Arthur F. Golden, one
of our directors, is a partner of Davis Polk &
Wardwell. Davis Polk & Wardwell acts as counsel to us
from time to time with respect to various matters but not with
respect to the offered securities.
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EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Emerson Electric Co.
and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2004 and 2003, and for
each of the years in the three-year period ended
September 30, 2004 have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm incorporated by reference
herein and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing. The audit report covering the
September 30, 2002, consolidated financial statements
refers to a change in accounting for goodwill and other
intangible assets.
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