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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-204209

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 17, 2016

P R E L I M I N A R Y    P R O S P E C T U S    S U P P L E M E N T

(To Prospectus Dated May 15, 2015)

$                

 

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated

    % Convertible Senior Notes due 2022

 

 

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated is offering $             aggregate principal amount of its     % Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (the “notes”) under this prospectus supplement. Interest on the notes will be payable semiannually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2017. The notes will mature on July 1, 2022.

Holders may convert their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the stated maturity date for the notes. The initial conversion rate for the notes will be shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $             per share of common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment in certain events but will not be adjusted for accrued interest.

Following certain corporate transactions, we will increase the applicable conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its notes in connection with such corporate transaction by a number of additional shares of our common stock as described in this prospectus supplement.

We may not redeem the notes prior to their stated maturity date. If we undergo a fundamental change, holders may require us to repurchase the notes in whole or in part for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date.

We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange. Our common stock, par value $0.10 per share, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ATI.” The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on May 16, 2016 was $14.17 per share.

The notes will be our unsecured senior obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior indebtedness.

 

 

Investing in the notes involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement and the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider before making an investment in the notes.

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

 

		Per Note				Total
Public offering price(1)			%			$
Underwriting discounts and commissions			%			$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us			%			$

 

(1)	Plus accrued interest, if any, from May     , 2016

The underwriters will have the option to purchase within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement up to an additional $             aggregate principal amount of notes from us at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

 

We expect that delivery of the notes will be made to investors in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company on or about May     , 2016.

 

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

Citigroup		J.P. Morgan
BofA Merrill Lynch

May     , 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

 

		Page
About This Prospectus Supplement			S-ii
Where You Can Find More Information			S-iii
Forward-Looking Statements			S-v
Summary			S-1
Risk Factors			S-9
Use of Proceeds			S-14
Common Stock Price Range and Dividends			S-15
Capitalization			S-16
Description of Notes			S-18
Description of Common Stock			S-42
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations			S-43
Underwriting			S-49
Legal Matters			S-55
Experts			S-55

Prospectus

 

About this Prospectus			i
Where You Can Find More Information			ii
Summary			1
Risk Factors			2
Forward-Looking Statements			2
Consolidated Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges			3
Use of Proceeds			3
Description of Debt Securities			4
Description of Other Securities			12
Description of Capital Stock			13
Plan of Distribution			17
Legal Matters			19
Experts			19

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes certain matters relating to us and this offering. The second part, the accompanying prospectus dated May 15, 2015, gives more general information about debt securities we may offer from time to time, some of which may not apply to the notes offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. For information about the notes, see “Description of Notes” in this prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.

We are responsible for the information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and in any related free writing prospectus we prepare or authorize. We have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer of these notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

Before you invest in the notes, you should carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should also read the documents we have referred you to under “Where You Can Find More Information” for information about us. The shelf registration statement described in the accompanying prospectus, including the exhibits thereto, can be read at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) web site or at the SEC’s Public Reference Room as described under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

If the information set forth in this prospectus supplement varies in any way from the information set forth in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in this prospectus supplement. If the information set forth in this prospectus supplement varies in any way from the information set forth in a document we have incorporated by reference, you should rely on the information in the more recent document.

Unless indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this document to “Allegheny Technologies,” “ATI,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” are to Allegheny Technologies Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries, and references to “dollars” and “$” are to United States dollars.

This prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus include registered trademarks, trade names and service marks of the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Available Information

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other information that we file with the SEC can be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. The SEC’s web site is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and our reports and other information can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. Our web site is www.atimetals.com. Information contained on our web site is not part of, and should not be construed as being incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

Incorporation by Reference

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

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

 

Our SEC Filings (File No. 1-12001)		Period for or Date of Filing
Annual Report on Form 10-K		Year Ended December 31, 2015
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q		Quarter Ended March 31, 2016
Current Reports on Form 8-K		February 26 and March 2 and 10 and May 11 and 16, 2016
Registration Statement on Form 8-A		July 30, 1996

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

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

 

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Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference, or deemed to be incorporated by reference, into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein, therein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and a copy of any or all other contracts, agreements or documents which are referred to in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Requests should be directed to: Allegheny Technologies Incorporated, 1000 Six PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5479, Attention: Corporate Secretary; telephone number: (412) 394-2800. You also may review a copy of the registration statement, its exhibits and the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., as well as through the SEC’s web site.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

You should carefully review the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, statements that are not reported financial results or other historical information are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on our management’s expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements.

You can identify these forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “would,” “should,” “will,” “will likely result,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “projects,” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statements will be realized, although we believe that we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate. Among others, the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 or under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement could cause actual results to differ from those in forward-looking statements included in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or that we otherwise make. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: (a) material adverse changes in economic or industry conditions generally, including global supply and demand conditions and prices for our specialty materials; (b) material adverse changes in the markets we serve, including the aerospace and defense, oil and gas/chemical process industry, electrical energy, medical, automotive, construction and mining, and other markets; (c) our inability to achieve the level of cost savings, productivity improvements, synergies, growth or other benefits anticipated by management, from strategic investments and the integration of acquired businesses, whether due to significant increases in energy, raw materials or employee benefits costs, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, or other factors; (d) continued decline in, or volatility of, prices and availability of supply, of the raw materials that are critical to the manufacture of our products; (e) declines in the value of our defined benefit pension plan assets or unfavorable changes in laws or regulations that govern pension plan funding; (f) significant legal proceedings or investigations adverse to us; (g) labor disputes or work stoppage; and (h) other risk factors summarized in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. You should bear this in mind as you consider any forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. You are advised, however, to consider any additional disclosures that we may make on related subjects in future filings with the SEC. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all factors that could cause our actual results to differ. Consequently, you should not consider any list of factors to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in the notes and our common stock involves risks. You should carefully read and consider the risks described below as well as the risks described in the sections entitled “Item 1. Business” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should also carefully read and consider the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including risks described above in “Forward-Looking Statements,” before making a decision to invest in the notes. Each of these risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and prospects, and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment.

Risks Relating to the Notes

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the notes.

We currently have and, after this offering, will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. As of March 31, 2016, after giving effect to this offering, the application of the proceeds from this offering as described under the caption “Use of Proceeds” and the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement Amendment, as described under the caption “Summary — Recent Developments,” our total consolidated indebtedness would have been approximately $         billion (excluding accounts payable, accrued expenses, other liabilities, variable interest entity liabilities and unfunded commitments). This substantial level of indebtedness increases the risk that we may be unable to generate enough cash to pay amounts due in respect of our indebtedness, including the notes.

Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to you and significant effects on our business. For example, it could:

 

•

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes;

 

•

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

•

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, our strategic growth initiatives and development efforts and other general corporate purposes;

 

•

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 

•

restrict us from exploiting business opportunities;

 

•

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness; and

 

•

limit our ability to borrow additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our business strategy or other general corporate purposes.

In addition, the agreements that govern our current indebtedness contain, and the agreements that may govern any future indebtedness that we may incur may contain, financial and other restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt.

Despite our substantial current indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, including pursuant to a capital markets transaction such as a notes offering, as well as additional secured indebtedness that

 

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would be structurally senior to the notes. Furthermore, neither the base indenture nor the supplemental indenture establishing the terms of the notes limits the amount of debt that we or our subsidiaries may issue. Adding new indebtedness to current debt levels could make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes.

Repayment of our debt, including the notes, is dependent on cash flow generated by our subsidiaries.

Our subsidiaries own a significant portion of our assets and conduct a significant portion of our operations. Accordingly, repayment of our indebtedness, including the notes, is dependent, to a significant extent, on the generation of cash flow by our subsidiaries and their ability to make such cash available to us, by dividend, debt repayment or otherwise. None of our subsidiaries will guarantee the notes. Our subsidiaries do not have any obligation to pay amounts due on the notes or to make funds available for that purpose. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness, including the notes. Each subsidiary is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. In the event that we do not receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, including the notes.

The notes will be structurally subordinated to all liabilities of our subsidiaries.

The notes will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries and are therefore structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the notes, or to make any funds available therefor, whether by dividends, loans, distributions or other payments. Any right that we have to receive any assets of any of the subsidiaries upon the liquidation or reorganization of those subsidiaries, and the consequent rights of holders of notes to realize proceeds from the sale of any of those subsidiaries’ assets, will be effectively subordinated to the claims of those subsidiaries’ creditors, including trade creditors and holders of preferred equity interests of those subsidiaries. Accordingly, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our subsidiaries, these subsidiaries will pay the holders of their debts, holders of preferred equity interests and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to us.

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

Upon a fundamental change as defined in the indenture, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. We may not have sufficient financial resources to purchase all of the notes that are tendered upon a fundamental change repurchase offer. A failure to make the fundamental change repurchase offer or to pay the fundamental change repurchase price when due would result in a default under the indenture. The occurrence of a fundamental change would also constitute an event of default under the Credit Facility and may constitute an event of default under the terms of the agreements governing our other indebtedness or require us to offer to repay or repurchase such other indebtedness. See “Description of Notes — Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require us to Purchase Notes.”

There may be no active trading market for the notes.

The notes are a new issue of securities for which there is no established market. Accordingly, any or all of the following may occur:

 

•

no liquid market for the registered notes may develop;

 

•

you may be unable to sell your notes; or

 

•

the price at which you will be able to sell the notes may be lower than their principal amount or purchase price.

If a public market were to exist, the notes could trade at prices that may be higher or lower than their principal amount or purchase price, depending on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the market for similar

 

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securities, and our financial performance. We do not intend to list the notes on any securities exchange or to seek approval for quotations through any automated quotation system. No active market for the notes is currently anticipated.

The notes are not protected by restrictive covenants.

Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will be restricted by the indenture from incurring any indebtedness or other obligation, paying dividends or making distributions on our capital stock or the capital stock of any of our subsidiaries or purchasing or redeeming our capital stock or the capital stock of any of our subsidiaries. In addition, we will not be required to maintain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity pursuant to the indenture. Further, the indenture does not contain covenants or other provisions to afford protection to holders of the notes in the event of a fundamental change involving us except to the extent described under “Description of Notes — Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes” and “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Adjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Certain Fundamental Changes.”

Recent regulatory actions may adversely affect the trading price and liquidity of the notes.

We expect that many investors in, and potential purchasers of, the notes will employ, or seek to employ, a convertible arbitrage strategy with respect to the notes. Investors would typically implement this strategy by selling short the common stock underlying the notes and dynamically adjusting their short position while they hold the notes. Investors may also implement this strategy by entering into swaps on our common stock in lieu of or in addition to short selling our common stock.

The SEC and other regulatory and self-regulatory authorities have implemented various rules and may adopt additional rules in the future that may impact those engaging in short selling activity involving equity securities (including our common stock), including Rule 201 of SEC Regulation SHO, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.’s “Limit Up-Limit Down” program, market-wide circuit breaker systems that halt trading of securities for certain periods following specific market declines, and rules stemming from the enactment and implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Past regulatory actions, including emergency actions or regulations have had a significant impact on the trading prices and liquidity of equity-linked instruments. Any governmental action that similarly restricts the ability of investors in, or potential purchasers of, the notes to effect short sales of our common stock or enter into swaps on our common stock could similarly adversely affect the trading price and the liquidity of the notes.

In addition, if investors and potential purchasers seeking to employ a convertible arbitrage strategy are unable to borrow or enter into swaps on our common stock, in each case on commercially reasonable terms, the trading price and liquidity of the notes may be adversely affected.

As a holder of notes, you will not be entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock, but you will be subject to all changes made with respect to our common stock.

If you hold notes, you will not be entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock into which your notes may be converted (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on our common stock) unless you receive our common stock upon conversion of your notes, but you will be subject to all changes affecting our common stock. You will have the rights with respect to our common stock into which your notes may be converted only if you receive our common stock upon conversion and only as of the date when you become an owner of the shares of our common stock upon such conversion. For example, in the event that an amendment is proposed to our charter or bylaws requiring stockholder approval and the record date for determining the stockholders of record entitled to vote on the amendment occurs prior to the date you are deemed the owner of the shares of our common stock due upon conversion, you will not be entitled to vote on the amendment, although you will nevertheless be subject to any changes in the powers, preferences or special rights of our common stock.

 

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The market price of the notes is expected to be significantly affected by the market price of our common stock, which may continue to be volatile and will be affected by factors beyond our control.

We expect that the market price of our notes will be significantly affected by the market price of our common stock. This may result in greater volatility in the market price of the notes than would be expected for nonconvertible debt securities. The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to significant fluctuations due not only to general stock market conditions but also to changes in sentiment in the market regarding our operations, business prospects, liquidity or this offering. During the period from January 1, 2015 to May 16, 2016, our common stock has fluctuated from a high of $37.76 per share to a low of $7.08 per share. The market price of our common stock will likely continue to fluctuate in response to, among other things, the factors discussed under “Item 1. Business” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

The conversion rate for notes may not be adjusted for all dilutive events.

The conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment for certain events, including, but not limited to, the issuance of stock dividends on our common stock, the issuance of certain rights or warrants, subdivisions, combinations, distributions of capital stock, indebtedness or assets, cash dividends and certain issuer tender or exchange offers as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Conversion Rate Adjustments.” The conversion rate will not be adjusted, however, for other events, such as a third-party tender or exchange offer or an issuance of common stock for cash, that may adversely affect the trading price of the notes or our common stock. In addition, an event that adversely affects the value of the notes may occur, and that event may not result in an adjustment to the conversion rate.

Some significant restructuring transactions may not constitute a fundamental change, in which case we would not be obligated to offer to purchase the notes.

Upon the occurrence of certain fundamental change transactions described under “Description of Notes — Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes,” you have the right to require us to repurchase your notes. However, the fundamental change provisions will only afford protection to holders of notes in the event of certain transactions. Other transactions such as leveraged recapitalizations, refinancings, restructurings, or acquisitions initiated by us may not constitute a fundamental change requiring us to repurchase the notes. In the event of any such transaction, the holders would not have the right to require us to repurchase the notes, even though each of these transactions could increase the amount of our indebtedness or otherwise adversely affect our capital structure or any credit ratings, thereby adversely affecting the holders of notes.

The adjustment to the applicable conversion rate for notes converted in connection with a make whole fundamental change may not adequately compensate you for any lost value of your notes as a result of such transaction.

If a make whole fundamental change, as described under “Description of Notes — Adjustment to Conversion Rate upon Certain Fundamental Changes,” occurs, under certain circumstances we will increase the applicable conversion rate by a number of additional shares of our common stock for notes converted in connection with such fundamental change. The increase in the applicable conversion rate will be determined based on the date on which the fundamental change becomes effective and the price paid per share of our common stock in, or the price of our common stock over a 10 trading-day period immediately preceding the effective date of, such transaction, as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Adjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Certain Fundamental Changes.” The adjustment to the applicable conversion rate for notes converted in connection with a fundamental change may not adequately compensate you for any lost value of your notes as a result of such transaction. In addition, if the stock price for such transaction (determined as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Adjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Certain Fundamental Changes”) is greater than $         per share, or if such price is less than $         per share (each such price, subject to adjustment), no adjustment will be made to the applicable conversion rate.

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reasonableness of economic remedies. An increase in the conversion rate may be treated as a distribution subject to tax as a dividend. You should carefully consider the information under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

The fundamental change provisions may delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial takeover attempt of us.

The fundamental change purchase rights, which will allow noteholders to require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, as defined in “Description of Notes — Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes,” and the provisions requiring an increase to the conversion rate for conversions in connection with fundamental changes may in certain circumstances delay or prevent a takeover of us and the removal of incumbent management that might otherwise be beneficial to investors.

We may issue additional shares of our common stock or instruments convertible into our common stock, including in connection with conversions of notes, and thereby materially and adversely affect the price of our common stock, and, in turn, the notes.

Subject to lock-up provisions described under “Underwriting,” we are not restricted from issuing additional shares of our common stock or other instruments convertible into our common stock during the life of the notes. See “Underwriting.” We cannot predict the size of future issuances or the effect, if any, that they may have on the market price for our common stock. If we issue additional shares of our common stock or instruments convertible into our common stock, it may materially and adversely affect the price of our common stock and, in turn, the price of the notes. Furthermore, the conversion of some or all of the notes may dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders, and any sales in the public market of shares of our common stock issuable upon any such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock or the notes. In addition, the anticipated issuance and sale of substantial amounts of common stock or the anticipated conversion or exercise of securities into shares of our common stock could depress the price of our common stock.

Risks Relating to U.S. Federal Income Taxation

You may be subject to tax if we make or fail to make certain adjustments to the conversion rate of the notes even though you do not receive a corresponding cash distribution.

The conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, including the payment of certain cash dividends. If the conversion rate is adjusted as a result of a distribution that is taxable to our common stockholders, such as a cash dividend, you may be deemed to have received for U.S. federal income tax purposes a taxable dividend to the extent of our earnings and profits without the receipt of any cash. In addition, a failure to adjust (or adjust adequately) the conversion rate after an event that increases your proportionate interest in us could be treated as a deemed taxable dividend to you. If a fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date, under some circumstances, we will increase the conversion rate for notes converted in connection with the fundamental change. Such increase may also be treated as a distribution subject to U.S. federal income tax as a dividend. If you are a non-U.S. holder (as defined in “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”), such deemed dividend may be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax (currently at a 30% rate, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable treaty), which may be set off against subsequent payments on the notes. See “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Conversion Rate Adjustments” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of constructive dividends.

You may be subject to tax upon a change in conversion consideration or subsequent conversion following a change in control even though you do not receive a corresponding cash distribution.

In the event we undergo certain of the events described under “Description of Notes — Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock” or “Description of Notes — Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets”, the conversion consideration may be changed, and depending on the circumstances at the time of such an event, such a change may result in a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, a subsequent conversion for the new conversion consideration may be a taxable event. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Possible Effect of the Change in Conversion Consideration after a Change in Control.”

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $         million (or approximately $         million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional notes to cover over-allotments, if any, in full), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include voluntary or required contributions to our defined benefit pension trust or repurchases, repayment or refinancing of debt.

Until the net proceeds from this offering are applied as described above, we may invest proceeds in short-term, investment grade interest-bearing securities or in obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. government.

 

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COMMON STOCK PRICE RANGE AND DIVIDENDS

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ATI.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NYSE and the dividends declared per share of our common stock.

 

		Price Range of Common Stock								Cash Dividend
		High				Low				Per Share
2014
First Quarter		$	38.30			$	29.74			$	0.18
Second Quarter		$	45.26			$	37.56			$	0.18
Third Quarter		$	46.32			$	36.74			$	0.18
Fourth Quarter		$	36.99			$	30.02			$	0.18
2015
First Quarter		$	35.10			$	27.12			$	0.18
Second Quarter		$	37.76			$	29.05			$	0.18
Third Quarter		$	31.02			$	13.66			$	0.18
Fourth Quarter		$	19.10			$	10.15			$	0.08
2016
First Quarter		$	18.38			$	7.08			$	0.08
Second Quarter (through May 16, 2016)		$	18.03			$	13.95			$	0.08	(1)

 

(1)	On May 6, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share of our common stock. The dividend is payable on June 9, 2016 to our stockholders of record at the close of business on May 27, 2016.

The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on May 16, 2016 was $14.17 per share. As of May 13, 2016, there were 108,880,478 shares of our common stock outstanding held by approximately 3,653 registered holders.

The payment of dividends, if any, and the amount of such dividends depends upon matters deemed relevant by our Board of Directors on a quarterly basis, such as our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects, any limitations imposed by law, credit agreements or debt securities and other factors deemed relevant and appropriate. Under the Credit Facility, there is no limit on dividend declarations or payments provided that the undrawn availability, after giving effect to a particular dividend payment, is at least the greater of $120.0 million and 30% of the sum of the maximum revolving advance amount under the Credit Facility and the outstanding principal amount under the Term Loan, and no event of default under the Credit Facility has occurred and is continuing or would result from paying the dividend. In addition, there is no limit on dividend declarations or payments if the undrawn availability is less than the greater of $120.0 million and 30% of the sum of the maximum revolving advance amount under the Credit Facility and the outstanding principal amount under the Term Loan, but more than the greater of $60.0 million and 15% of the sum of the maximum revolving advance amount under the Credit Facility and the outstanding principal amount under the Term Loan, if (i) no event of default has occurred and is continuing or would result from paying the dividend, (ii) we demonstrate to the administrative agent that, prior to and after giving effect to the payment of the dividend (A) the undrawn availability, as measured both at the time of the dividend payment and as an average for the 60 consecutive day period immediately preceding the dividend payment, is at least the greater of $60.0 million and 15% of the sum of the maximum revolving advance amount under the Credit Facility and the outstanding principal amount under the Term Loan, and (B) we maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00:1.00, as calculated in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility.

While we have historically paid cash dividends on our common stock on a quarterly basis, no assurance can be given that we will continue to pay dividends on our common stock in a manner and amount consistent with our historic practices, or at all, in the future.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of March 31, 2016:

 

•

on an actual basis; and

 

•

on an as-adjusted basis to reflect (i) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement Amendment, as described under the caption “Summary — Recent Developments,” and (ii) the issuance of notes pursuant to this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes) and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, as described under the caption “Use of Proceeds.”

This table should be read in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as any related free writing prospectus.

 

		As of March 31, 2016
		Actual				As Adjusted
		(Dollars in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents		$	156.9			$
Total debt (including current portion of long-term debt):
Revolving credit facility(1)		$	150.0			$	50.0
Term loan			—				100.0
9.375% Senior Notes due 2019			350.0				350.0
5.95% Senior Notes due 2021			500.0				500.0
% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (offered hereby)(2)			—
5.875% Senior Notes due 2023			500.0				500.0
Allegheny Ludlum 6.95% Debentures due 2025			150.0				150.0
Other debt			8.3				8.3
Debt issuance costs			(9.1	)			(9.1	)
Total debt			1,649.2
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.10; 50,000,000 shares authorized; issued — none		$	—			$	—
Common stock, par value $0.10; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 109,695,171 shares issued; 108,916,743 shares outstanding			11.0				11.0
Additional paid-in-capital			1,171.9				1,171.9
Retained earnings			1,835.9				1,835.9
Treasury stock, at cost; 778,428 shares			(28.7	)			(28.7	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax			(994.9	)			(994.9	)
Total ATI stockholders’ equity			1,995.2				1,995.2
Noncontrolling interests			103.2				103.2
Total stockholders’ equity			2,098.4				2,098.4
Total ATI capitalization		$	3,644.4			$

 

(1)

Our revolving credit facility provides for aggregate borrowings of up to $400 million. Borrowing availability under the facility is reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the amount of any outstanding letters of credit under the facility. As of March 31, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings of $150.0 million under the facility, and approximately $9.8 million of letters of credit were outstanding under the facility.

 

(2)	Represents the aggregate principal amount of the notes offered hereby.

 

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The number of shares of our common stock in the table above excludes:

 

•

an aggregate of 7,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options issued under our equity compensation plans at a weighted average exercise price of $72.46 per share;

 

•

an aggregate of 3,255,148 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance in connection with other outstanding stock-settled equity awards;

 

•

an additional 1,371,893 shares of our common stock available for future grants under our equity compensation plans; and

 

•

shares of common stock initially issuable in connection with conversion of the notes offered hereby.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

The following description of the particular terms of the notes offered by this prospectus supplement supplements the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus under the caption “Description of Debt Securities.”

In this “Description of Notes,” references to “ATI,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” and similar words refer only to Allegheny Technologies Incorporated and not to any of its subsidiaries.

The notes will be issued under a senior indenture dated as of June 1, 2009, as heretofore supplemented and as supplemented by a supplemental indenture to be dated as of             , 2016, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (as so supplemented, the “indenture”). The indenture is subject to and is governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. We have filed the indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which the accompanying prospectus forms a part. The following description summarizes selected provisions of the indenture and the notes. It does not restate the indenture or the terms of the notes in their entirety. We urge you to read the indenture and the notes because the indenture and the notes, and not this description, define the rights of noteholders.

General

The notes:

 

•

will be our senior unsecured obligations;

 

•

will initially be limited to an aggregate principal amount of $         (or $         if the underwriters’ over-allotment option with respect to the notes is exercised in full);

 

•

will bear interest at a rate of     % per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning January 1, 2017;

 

•

will be subject to purchase for cash by us at the option of the holders following a fundamental change (as defined below under “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes”), at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date;

 

•

will mature on July 1, 2022 (the “stated maturity date”), unless earlier converted or repurchased;

 

•

will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; and

 

•

will be represented by one or more registered notes in global form, but in certain limited circumstances may be represented by notes in certificated form. See “— Book-entry Issuance.”

The notes may be converted into shares of our common stock initially at a conversion rate of                  shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $         per share of common stock). The conversion rate is subject to adjustment if certain events occur. A holder surrendering its notes for conversion will not receive any separate cash payment for interest, if any, accrued and unpaid to the conversion date except under the limited circumstances described below.

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt that may be issued by the Company or its subsidiaries under the indenture or otherwise. The indenture does not contain any financial covenants and does not restrict us from paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing our other securities. Other than restrictions described under the captions “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes” and “— Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets” below and except for the provisions set forth under “— Conversion Rights — Adjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Certain Fundamental Changes,” the indenture does not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving the Company or in the event of a decline in the credit rating of the Company as the result of a takeover, recapitalization, highly leveraged transaction or similar restructuring involving the Company that could adversely affect such holders.

We may, from time to time, without notice to, or the consent of, the holders of the notes, issue additional notes under the indenture with the same terms and with the same CUSIP number as the notes offered hereby in an

 

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unlimited aggregate principal amount, provided that such additional notes must be part of the same issue as the notes offered hereby for United States federal income tax purposes. We may also from time to time repurchase notes in open market purchases or negotiated transactions without giving prior notice to the holders of the notes.

The terms of the notes allow us to reduce or otherwise set-off against any payments made or deemed made by us to a holder in respect of the notes or common stock for any amounts we believe we are required to withhold by law. For example, non-U.S., holders of notes may, under some circumstances, be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax with respect to payments of interest on the notes. Holders of convertible debt instruments such as the notes may be deemed to receive taxable distributions if the conversion rate of such instruments is adjusted (or not adjusted) even though such holders do not receive any actual cash or property. In this case, U.S. holders may be subject to U.S. federal backup withholding tax and non-U.S. holders may be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax with respect to such deemed distributions. See generally the discussion under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

Prior to or upon the occurrence of any event that results in an actual or deemed payment by us to a holder in respect of the notes or common stock, the terms of the notes allow us (or the trustee or other paying agent acting on our behalf) to request a holder to furnish any appropriate documentation that may be required in order to determine our withholding obligations under applicable law (including, without limitation, a U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9, Form W-8BEN, Form W-8ECI, as appropriate). Upon the receipt of any such documentation, or if no such documentation is provided, we (or the trustee or other paying agent acting on our behalf) will withhold from any actual or deemed payments by us to a holder in respect of the notes or common stock to the extent required by applicable law. See generally the discussion under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

We do not intend to list the notes on a national securities exchange or interdealer quotation system.

Except to the extent the context otherwise requires, we use the term “notes” in this prospectus supplement to refer to each $1,000 principal amount of notes. We use the term “common stock” in this prospectus supplement to refer to our common stock, par value $0.10 per share. References in this prospectus supplement to a “holder” or “holders” of notes that are held through DTC are references to owners of beneficial interests in such notes, unless the context otherwise requires. However, we and the trustee will treat the person in whose name the notes are registered (Cede & Co., in the case of notes held through DTC) as the owner of such notes for all purposes. References herein to the “close of business” refer to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, and to the “open of business” refer to 9:00 a.m., New York City time.

Ranking

The notes will be our senior and unsecured indebtedness and will rank equally with all of our other existing and future senior and unsecured indebtedness. The notes will effectively rank junior to any of our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness, and will be structurally subordinated to any indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. Indebtedness of our subsidiaries and obligations and liabilities of our subsidiaries are structurally senior to the notes since, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or other winding up, the assets of our subsidiaries will be available to pay the notes only after the subsidiaries’ indebtedness and other obligations and liabilities are paid in full. If that happens, we may not have sufficient assets remaining to pay the amounts due on any or all of the notes then outstanding. Because we generally stand as an equity holder, rather than a creditor, of our subsidiaries, creditors of those subsidiaries will have their debt satisfied out of the subsidiaries’ assets before our creditors, including the noteholders.

As of March 31, 2016, we had an aggregate of approximately $1.6 billion of indebtedness outstanding. After giving effect to this offering, the application of the proceeds from this offering as described under the caption “Use of Proceeds” and the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement Amendment, as described under the caption “Summary—Recent Developments,” as of March 31, 2016, we would have had an aggregate of approximately $             of indebtedness outstanding (or $             if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional notes).

 

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Interest

The notes will bear interest at a rate of     % per year. Interest on the notes will accrue from, and including, May     , 2016 or from and including the most recent date on which interest has been paid or duly provided for. Interest will be payable semiannually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year (each such date, an “interest payment date”), beginning January 1, 2017. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, all references to interest in this prospectus supplement include additional interest, if any, payable at our election as the sole remedy during certain periods for an event of default relating to the failure to comply with our reporting obligations as described under “— Events of Default.”

Interest will be paid to the person in whose name a note is registered at the close of business on December 15 or June 15, as the case may be, immediately preceding the relevant interest payment date (each such date, a “regular record date”). Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.

If any interest payment date (other than an interest payment date coinciding with the stated maturity date or earlier required repurchase date upon a fundamental change as defined in “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes”) of a note falls on a day that is not a business day, such interest payment date will be postponed to the next succeeding business day and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the interest payment date to such next succeeding business day. If the stated maturity date would fall on a day that is not a business day, the required payment of interest, if any, and principal will be made on the next succeeding business day and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the stated maturity date to such next succeeding business day. If a fundamental change purchase date would fall on a day that is not a business day, the Company will purchase the notes on the next succeeding business day, and no interest will accrue for the period from the earlier fundamental change purchase date to such next succeeding business day. The Company will pay the fundamental change purchase price promptly following the later of such next succeeding business day or the time of book-entry transfer or the delivery of the notes as described in “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes.” The term “business day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the applicable place of payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

No Optional Redemption

No sinking fund is provided for the notes.

The notes will not be redeemable prior to the stated maturity date.

Conversion Rights

General

Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the stated maturity date of the notes, the notes will be convertible at any time at the option of the holder. The conversion rate will initially be             shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $             per share of common stock). The trustee will initially act as the conversion agent.

Upon conversion, you will not receive any separate cash payment for accrued and unpaid interest, if any, except as described below. We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon conversion of notes. Instead, we will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares based on the last reported sale price (as defined below) of the common stock on the relevant conversion date. Our delivery to you of the full number of shares of our common stock, together with any cash payment for any fractional shares, into which a note is convertible, will be deemed to satisfy in full our obligation to pay:

 

•

the principal amount of the note; and

 

•

accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the conversion date.

 

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As a result, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the conversion date will be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited.

The conversion rate and the equivalent conversion price in effect at any given time are referred to as the “applicable conversion rate” and the “applicable conversion price,” respectively, and will be subject to adjustment as described below. The applicable conversion price at any given time will be computed by dividing $1,000 by the applicable conversion rate at such time. A holder may convert fewer than all of such holder’s notes so long as the notes converted are an integral multiple of $1,000 principal amount.

If a holder of notes has submitted notes for repurchase upon a fundamental change, the holder may convert those notes only if that holder withdraws the repurchase election made by that holder in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

Upon conversion of a note, except in the limited circumstances described below, the holder of such note will not be entitled to any separate cash payment for accrued and unpaid interest, if any. If notes are converted after the close of business on a regular record date for the payment of interest, holders of such notes at the close of business on such record date will receive the interest, if any, payable on such notes on the corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the conversion. Notes surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any regular record date to the open of business on the immediately following interest payment date, must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of interest, if any, payable on such interest payment date on the notes so converted; provided that no such payment need be made

 

•

for conversions following the regular record date immediately preceding the stated maturity date;

 

•

if we have specified a fundamental change purchase date that is after a regular record date and on or prior to the corresponding interest payment date; or

 

•

to the extent of any overdue interest, if any overdue interest exists at the time of conversion with respect to such note.

Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, all record holders as of the close of business on the regular record date immediately preceding the maturity date will receive the full interest payment due on the maturity date regardless of whether their notes have been converted following such regular record date.

If a holder converts notes, we will pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of any shares of our common stock upon the conversion, unless the tax is due because the holder requests any shares to be issued in a name other than the holder’s name, in which case the holder will pay that tax.

The “last reported sale price” of our common stock on any trading day means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) of our common stock on that trading day as reported in composite transactions for the principal United States national or regional securities exchange on which our common stock is traded.

If our common stock is not listed for trading on a United States national or regional securities exchange on the relevant trading day, the “last reported sale price” will be the last quoted bid price for our common stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant trading day as reported by the OTC Markets Group Inc. or similar organization selected by us. If our common stock is not so quoted, the “last reported sale price” will be the average of the mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for our common stock on the relevant date from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by us for this purpose.

For purposes hereof, “trading day” means a day during which (i) trading in our common stock generally occurs on The New York Stock Exchange or, if our common stock is not then listed on The New York Stock Exchange, on the principal other United States national or regional securities exchange or market on which our common stock is then traded, and (ii) a last reported sale price for our common stock is available on such securities exchange or market. If our common stock is not so listed or traded, “trading day” means a “business day.”

 

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Conversion Procedures

If you hold a beneficial interest in a global note, to convert you must comply with DTC’s procedures for converting a beneficial interest in a global note and, if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next interest payment date to which you are not entitled and, if required, pay all taxes or duties, if any.

If you hold a certificated note, to convert you must:

 

•

complete and manually sign the conversion notice on the back of the note, or a facsimile of the conversion notice;

 

•

deliver the conversion notice, which is irrevocable, and the note to the conversion agent;

 

•

if required, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents;

 

•

if required, pay all transfer or similar taxes; and

 

•

if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next interest payment date to which you are not entitled.

The date you comply with these requirements is the conversion date under the indenture.

If a holder has already delivered a purchase notice as described under “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes” with respect to a note, the holder may not surrender that note for conversion until the holder has withdrawn the purchase notice in accordance with the indenture.

Settlement Upon Conversion

Upon conversion of the notes, we will deliver to a converting holder a number of shares of our common stock equal to the product of (1) the aggregate principal amount of notes to be converted divided by $1,000, and (2) the applicable conversion rate. We will deliver such shares of common stock on the third business day immediately following the relevant conversion date. We will deliver cash in lieu of any fractional share of common stock issuable upon conversion based upon the last reported sale price on the relevant conversion date.

Each conversion will be deemed to have been effected as to any notes surrendered for conversion on the conversion date; provided, however, that the person in whose name any shares of our common stock shall be issuable upon such conversion will become the holder of record of such shares as of the close of business on the conversion date.

Conversion Rate Adjustments

The conversion rate will be adjusted as described below, except that we will not make any adjustments to the conversion rate if holders of the notes participate (as a result of holding the notes, and at the same time as common stockholders participate) in any of the transactions described below as if such holders of the notes held a number of shares of our common stock equal to the applicable conversion rate, multiplied by the principal amount (expressed in thousands) of notes held by such holders, without having to convert their notes.

(1) If we issue shares of our common stock as a dividend or distribution on shares of our common stock, or if we effect a share split or share combination, the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:

 

where,

 

 

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Any adjustment made under this clause (1) shall become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution, or immediately after the open of business on the effective date for such share split or share combination. If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this clause (1) is declared but not so paid or made, the conversion rate shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date our board of directors determines not to pay such dividend or distribution, to the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.

(2) If we distribute to holders of all or substantially all of our common stock any rights or warrants entitling them for a period of not more than 45 calendar days to subscribe for or purchase shares of our common stock, at a price per share less than the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock for the 10 consecutive trading-day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such distribution, the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:

 

where,

 

Any increase made under this clause (2) will be made successively whenever any such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such issuance. To the extent that shares of our common stock are not delivered after the expiration of such rights, options or warrants, the conversion rate shall be decreased to the conversion rate that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of our common stock actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the conversion rate shall be decreased to be the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such ex-dividend date for such issuance had not occurred.

In determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of our common stock at less than such average of the last reported sale prices for the 10 consecutive trading-day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date of announcement for such issuance, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such shares of our common stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by us for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable

 

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on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by our board of directors.

(3) If we distribute shares of our capital stock, evidences of our indebtedness or other assets or property of ours or rights or warrants to acquire our capital stock or other securities to holders of all or substantially all of our common stock, excluding

 

•

dividends or distributions and rights or warrants referred to in clause (1) or (2) above;

 

•

dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash; and

 

•

as described below in this paragraph (3) with respect to spin-offs; then the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:

 

where,

 

Any increase made under the portion of this clause (3) above will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such distribution. If such distribution is not so paid or made, the conversion rate shall be decreased to be the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such distribution had not been declared.

If our board of directors determines the “FMV” (as defined above) of any distribution for purposes of this clause (3) by reference to the actual or when-issued trading market for any securities, it will in doing so consider the prices in such market over the same period used in computing the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading-day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date for such distribution.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “FMV” (as defined above) is equal to or greater than the “SP₀” (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of a note shall receive, in respect of each $1,000 principal amount thereof, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of our common stock, the amount and kind of our capital stock, evidences of our indebtedness, other assets or property of ours or rights, options or warrants to acquire our capital stock or other securities that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate in effect on the record date for the distribution.

With respect to an adjustment pursuant to this clause (3) where there has been a payment of a dividend or other distribution on our common stock in shares of capital stock of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to a subsidiary or other business unit where such capital stock or similar equity interest is listed or quoted (or will be listed or quoted upon consummation of the spin-off) on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, which we refer to as a “spin-off,” the conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

 

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where,

 

The increase to the conversion rate under the preceding paragraph will be determined on the last trading day of the valuation period but will be given effect immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date for the spin-off; provided that, if the relevant conversion date occurs during the valuation period, the reference to “10” in the preceding paragraph shall be deemed replaced with such lesser number of trading days as have elapsed between the ex-dividend date for such spin-off and such conversion date in determining the conversion rate.

(4) If any cash dividend or distribution is made to holders of all or substantially all of our common stock, other than a regular, quarterly cash dividend that does not exceed $0.08 per share (the “initial dividend threshold”), the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formulas:

 

where,

 

The initial dividend threshold is subject to concurrent adjustment in a manner inversely proportional to adjustments to the conversion rate, provided that no adjustment will be made to the dividend threshold amount for any adjustment made to the conversion rate under this clause (4).

Such increase shall become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution. If such dividend or distribution is not so paid, the conversion rate shall be decreased to be the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “C” (as defined above) is equal to or greater than “SP₀” (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of a note shall receive, for each $1,000 principal amount of notes, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of shares of our common stock, the amount of cash that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate on the record date for such cash dividend or distribution.

 

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(5) If we or any of our subsidiaries make a payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer for our common stock, to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per share of common stock exceeds the last reported sale price of our common stock on the trading day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, the conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:

 

where,

 

The increase to the conversion rate under the preceding paragraph will be determined at the close of business on the 10th trading day immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires but will be given effect immediately after the open of business on the trading day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires; provided that, if the relevant conversion date occurs during the 10 trading days immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the expiration date of any tender or exchange offer, references to “10” or “10th” in the preceding paragraph shall be deemed replaced with such lesser number of trading days as have elapsed between the expiration date of such tender or exchange offer and such conversion date in determining the conversion rate.

Except as stated herein, we will not adjust the conversion rate for the issuance of shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock or the right to purchase shares of our common stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities.

The “ex-dividend date” is the first date on which shares of our common stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive the issuance, dividend or distribution in question from us or, if applicable, from the seller of our common stock on such exchange or market (in the form of due bills or otherwise) as determined by such exchange or market. As used in this section, the “effective date” means the first date on which the shares trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, reflecting the transaction.

“Record date” means, with respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of our common stock (or other security) have the right to receive any cash, securities or other property or in which our common stock (or other applicable security) is exchanged for or converted into any combination of

 

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cash, securities or other property, the date fixed for determination of securityholders entitled to receive such cash, securities or other property (whether such date is fixed by our board of directors, by statute, by contract or otherwise).

We are permitted to increase the conversion rate of the notes by any amount for a period of at least 20 days if our board of directors determines that such increase would be in our best interest. We may also (but are not required to) increase the conversion rate to avoid or diminish income tax to holders of our common stock or rights to purchase shares of our common stock in connection with a dividend or distribution of shares (or rights to acquire shares) or similar event.

A holder may, in some circumstances, including the distribution of cash dividends to holders of our shares of common stock, be deemed to have received a distribution or dividend subject to U.S. federal income tax as a result of an adjustment or the nonoccurrence of an adjustment to the conversion rate. If we pay withholding taxes on your behalf as a result of an adjustment to the conversion rate of the notes, we may, at our option and pursuant to the indenture, set-off such payments against payments of cash and common stock on the notes. For a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an adjustment to the conversion rate, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

To the extent that we have a rights plan in effect upon conversion of the notes into common stock, holders that convert their notes will receive, in addition to our common stock, the rights under the rights plan, unless prior to any conversion, the rights have separated from our common stock, in which case, and only in such case, the conversion rate will be adjusted at the time of separation as if we distributed to all holders of our common stock shares of our capital stock, evidences of indebtedness or assets as described in clause (3) above, subject to readjustment in the event of the expiration, termination or redemption of such rights.

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the applicable conversion rate will not be adjusted

 

•

upon the issuance of any shares of our common stock pursuant to any present or future plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on our securities and the investment of additional optional amounts in shares of our common stock under any plan;

 

•

upon the issuance of any shares of our common stock or options or rights to purchase those shares pursuant to any present or future employee, director or consultant benefit plan or program of or assumed by us or any of our subsidiaries;

 

•

upon the issuance of any shares of our common stock pursuant to any option, warrant, right or exercisable, exchangeable or convertible security not described in the preceding bullet and outstanding as of the date the notes were first issued;

 

•

for a change in the par value of our common stock; or

 

•

for accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

Adjustments to the applicable conversion rate will be calculated to the nearest 1/10,000th of a share. We will not be required to make an adjustment in the conversion rate unless the adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in the conversion rate. However, we will carry forward any adjustments that are less than 1% of the conversion rate that we elect not to make and take them into account upon the earlier of (1) any conversion of notes or (2) such time as all adjustments that have not been made prior thereto would have the effect of adjusting the conversion rate by at least 1%. Except as described below in this section, in “— Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock” and in “— Adjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Certain Fundamental Changes,” we will not adjust the conversion rate.

Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock

In the case of:

(A) any recapitalization, reclassification or change of our common stock (other than changes resulting from a subdivision or combination);

 

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(B) any consolidation, merger or combination involving us;

(C) any sale, lease or other transfer to another person of all or substantially all of our property and assets; or

(D) any statutory share exchange;

in each case, as a result of which our common stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof), then, at the effective time of the transaction, the right to convert a note will be changed into, with respect to each $1,000 in principal amount of notes, a right to convert it into the kind and amount of shares of stock, other securities or other property or assets (including cash, or any combination thereof) that a holder of a number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion rate prior to such transaction would have owned or been entitled to receive (the “reference property”) upon such transaction. If the transaction causes our common stock to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), the reference property into which the notes will be convertible will be deemed to be (i) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of our common stock that affirmatively make such an election or (ii) if no holders of our common stock affirmatively make such an election, the types and amounts of consideration actually received by the holders of our common stock. If the holders of our common stock receive only cash in such transaction, then for all conversions that occur after the effective date of such transaction (i) the consideration due upon conversion of each $1,000 principal amount of notes shall be solely cash in an amount equal to the conversion rate in effect on the conversion date (as may be increased as described under “— Adjustment to Conversion Rate Upon Certain Fundamental Changes”), multiplied by the price paid per share of common stock in such transaction and (ii) we will satisfy our conversion obligation by paying cash to converting holders on the third business day immediately following the conversion date. We will notify holders, the trustee and the conversion agent (if other than the trustee) of the weighted average as soon as practicable after such determination is made.

The supplemental indenture providing that the notes will be convertible into reference property will also provide for anti-dilution and other adjustments that are as nearly equivalent as possible to the adjustments described under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments” above. If the reference property in respect of any such transaction includes shares of stock, securities or other property or assets of a company other than us or the successor or purchasing corporation, as the case may be, in such transaction, such other company will also execute such supplemental indenture, and such supplemental indenture will contain such additional provisions to protect the interests of the holders, including the right of holders to require us to repurchase their notes upon a fundamental change as described under “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require us to Purchase Notes” below, as the board of directors reasonably considers necessary by reason of the foregoing. We will agree in the indenture not to become a party to any such transaction unless its terms are consistent with the foregoing.

In connection with any adjustment to the conversion rate described above, we will also adjust the initial dividend threshold (as defined under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments”) based on the number of shares of common stock comprising the reference property and (if applicable) the value of any non-stock consideration comprising the reference property. If the reference property is comprised solely of non-stock consideration, the initial dividend threshold will be zero.

Adjustments of Prices

Whenever any provision of the indenture requires us to calculate the last reported sale prices over a span of multiple days (including the “stock price” for purposes of a make-whole fundamental change), we will make appropriate adjustments to account for any adjustment to the conversion rate that becomes effective, or any event requiring an adjustment to the conversion rate where the record date or the ex-dividend date of the event occurs, at any time during the period from which such prices are to be calculated. Such adjustments will be effective as of the effective date of the adjustment to the conversion rate.

 

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Adjustment to Conversion Rate upon Certain Fundamental Changes

If the “effective date” (as defined below) of a “fundamental change” (as defined below and determined after giving effect to any exceptions to or exclusions from such definition, but without regard to the exceptions in clause (2) of the definition thereof, a “make-whole fundamental change”) occurs prior to the maturity date of the notes and a holder elects to convert its notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change, we will, under certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for the notes so surrendered for conversion by a number of additional shares of common stock (the “additional shares”), as described below. A conversion of notes will be deemed for these purposes to be “in connection with” such make-whole fundamental change if the relevant notice of conversion of the notes is received by the conversion agent from, and including, the effective date of the make-whole fundamental change up to, and including, the business day immediately prior to the related fundamental change repurchase date (or, in the case of a make-whole fundamental change that would have been a fundamental change but for the exceptions in clause (2) of the definition thereof, the 35th trading day immediately following the effective date of such make-whole fundamental change) (such period, the “make-whole fundamental change period”).

If the consideration for our common stock in any fundamental change described in clause (2) of the definition of fundamental change is comprised entirely of cash, for any conversion of notes following the effective date of such make-whole fundamental change, the conversion obligation will be calculated based solely on the “stock price” (as defined below) for the transaction and will be deemed to be an amount equal to the applicable conversion rate (including any adjustment as described in this section) multiplied by such stock price. In such event, the conversion obligation will be determined and paid to holders in cash on the third business day following the conversion date. We will notify holders of the effective date of any make-whole fundamental change and issue a press release announcing such effective date no later than five business days after such effective date.

The number of additional shares by which the conversion rate will be increased will be determined by reference to the table below, based on the date on which the make-whole fundamental change occurs or becomes effective (the “effective date”) and the price (the “stock price”) paid per share of our common stock in the fundamental change. If the fundamental change is a transaction described in clause (2) of the definition thereof, and holders of our common stock receive only cash in that make-whole fundamental change, the stock price shall be the cash amount paid per share. Otherwise, the stock price shall be the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading-day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the effective date of the make-whole fundamental change.

The stock prices set forth in the column headings of the table below will be adjusted as of any date on which the conversion rate of the notes is otherwise adjusted. The adjusted stock prices will equal the stock prices applicable immediately prior to such adjustment, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the conversion rate immediately prior to the adjustment giving rise to the stock price adjustment and the denominator of which is the conversion rate as so adjusted. The number of additional shares will be adjusted in the same manner as the conversion rate as set forth above under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments.”

 

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The following table sets forth the hypothetical stock price and the number of additional shares by which the conversion rate will be increased per $1,000 principal amount of notes:

Stock price on fundamental change date

 

Effective Date

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

May     , 2016

July 1, 2017

July 1, 2018

July 1, 2019

July 1, 2020

July 1, 2021

July 1, 2022

The exact stock prices and effective dates may not be set forth in the table above, in which case the following shall apply:

 

•

If the stock price is between two stock price amounts in the table or the effective date is between two effective dates in the table, the number of additional shares by which the conversion rate will be increased will be determined by a straight-line interpolation between the number of additional shares set forth for the higher and lower stock price amounts and the two dates, as applicable, based on a 365-day year.

 

•

If the stock price is greater than $         per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the stock prices set forth in the column headings of the table above), no additional shares will be added to the conversion rate.

 

•

If the stock price is less than $         per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the stock prices set forth in the column headings of the table above), no additional shares will be added to the conversion rate.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the total number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes exceed         per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustments in the same manner as the conversion rate as set forth above under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments.”

In addition, if a holder of notes elects to convert its notes prior to the effective date of any fundamental change, and the fundamental change does not occur, such holder will not be entitled to an increased conversion rate in connection with such conversion.

Our obligation to satisfy the additional shares requirement could be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof would be subject to general principles of reasonableness and equitable remedies.

Our obligation to increase the conversion rate as described above could discourage a potential acquirer of us. The provisions with respect to the adjustment to the conversion rate upon a conversion upon a fundamental change, however, are not the result of management’s knowledge of any specific effort to obtain control of us by any means or part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions.

Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes

If a fundamental change (as defined below in this section) occurs at any time, each holder will have the right, at that holder’s option, to require us to purchase for cash any or all of that holder’s notes, or any portion of the principal amount thereof, that is equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000. The price we are required to pay is equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the fundamental change purchase date (unless the fundamental change purchase date is between a regular record date and the interest payment date to which it relates, in which case we will pay accrued and unpaid interest to the holder of record on such regular record date). The fundamental change purchase date will be a date specified by us that is no earlier than the 20th calendar day and no later than the 35th calendar day

 

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following the date of our fundamental change notice as described below. Any notes purchased by us will be paid for in cash.

A “fundamental change” will be deemed to have occurred at the time after the notes are originally issued that any of the following occurs:

(1) a “person” or “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act other than us, our subsidiaries or our or their employee benefit plans files a Schedule 13D or Schedule TO (or any successor schedule, form or report) pursuant to the Exchange Act disclosing that such person has become the direct or indirect “beneficial owner,” as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, of our common equity representing more than 50% of the voting power of all shares of our common equity entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, unless such beneficial ownership arises as a result of a revocable proxy delivered in response to a public proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act; and provided, that no person or group shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any securities tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by or on behalf of such person or group until such tendered securities are accepted for purchase or exchange under such offer;

(2) consummation of (A) any recapitalization, reclassification or change of our common stock (other than changes resulting from a subdivision or combination) as a result of which our common stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets, (B) any statutory share exchange, consolidation or merger involving us pursuant to which our common stock will be converted into cash, securities or other property or (C) any sale, lease or other transfer in one transaction or a series of transactions of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of us and our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any person other than one or more of our subsidiaries, other than any transaction:

 

•

involving a consolidation or merger that does not result in a reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of our outstanding common stock;

 

•

where the holders of more than 50% of all classes of our common equity immediately prior to such transaction that is a statutory share exchange, consolidation or merger own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of all classes of common equity of the continuing or surviving entity or transferee or the parent entity thereof immediately after such transaction and the proportion of the respective ownership of each pre-transaction holder remains substantially the same relative to all other pre-transaction holders; or

 

•

that is effected solely to change our jurisdiction of incorporation and results in a reclassification, conversion or exchange of outstanding shares of our common stock solely into shares of common stock of the surviving entity; or

(3) our stockholders approve any plan or proposal for our liquidation or dissolution; or

(4) our common stock (or other capital stock or American Depositary Receipts underlying the notes pursuant to the terms of the indenture) ceases to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Nasdaq Global Market (or their respective successors).

A fundamental change as a result of clause (2) above will not be deemed to have occurred, however, if 90% or more of the consideration received or to be received by our common stockholders (excluding cash payments for fractional shares and cash payments made pursuant to dissenters’ appraisal rights) in connection with the transaction or transactions constituting the fundamental change consists of shares of common stock or American Depositary Receipts traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Nasdaq Global Market (or their respective successors) or which will be so traded when issued or exchanged in connection with such transaction or transactions that would otherwise be a fundamental change (these securities being referred to as “publicly traded securities”) and as a result of this transaction or transactions the notes become convertible into such consideration, excluding cash payments for fractional shares.

 

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On or before the 20th day after the occurrence of a fundamental change, we will provide to all holders of the notes and the trustee and paying agent a notice of the occurrence of the fundamental change and of the resulting purchase right. Such notice shall state, among other things

 

•

the events causing a fundamental change;

 

•

the effective date of the fundamental change;

 

•

the last date on which a holder may exercise the repurchase right;

 

•

the fundamental change purchase price;

 

•

the fundamental change purchase date;

 

•

the name and address of the paying agent and the conversion agent, if applicable;

 

•

the applicable conversion rate and any adjustments to the applicable conversion rate;

 

•

that the notes with respect to which a fundamental change purchase notice has been delivered by a holder may be converted only if the holder withdraws the fundamental change purchase notice in accordance with the terms of the indenture; and

 

•

the procedures that holders must follow to require us to purchase their notes.

Simultaneously with providing such notice, we will publish a notice containing this information in a newspaper of general circulation in The City of New York or publish the information on our website or through such other public medium as we may use at that time.

To exercise the purchase right, a holder must deliver, on or before the business day immediately preceding the fundamental change purchase date, subject to extension to comply with applicable law, the notes to be purchased, duly endorsed for transfer, together with a written purchase notice and the form entitled “Form of Fundamental Change Purchase Notice” on the reverse side of the notes duly completed, to the paying agent. The purchase notice must include the following information:

 

•

if certificated, the certificate numbers of the holder’s notes to be delivered for purchase;

 

•

the portion of the principal amount of the holder’s notes to be purchased, which must be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof; and

 

•

that the holder’s notes are to be purchased by us pursuant to the applicable provisions of the notes and the indenture.

A holder may withdraw any purchase notice (in whole or in part) by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the fundamental change purchase date. The notice of withdrawal shall include the following information: ·

 

•

the principal amount of the withdrawn notes;

 

•

if certificated notes have been issued, the certificate numbers of the withdrawn notes, or if not certificated, the notice must comply with appropriate DTC, Clearstream and/or Euroclear procedures; and

 

•

the principal amount, if any, which remains subject to the purchase notice, which must be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof.

We will be required to purchase the notes on the fundamental change purchase date, subject to extension to comply with applicable law. A holder of notes that has exercised the purchase right will receive payment of the fundamental change purchase price promptly following the later of the fundamental change purchase date or the time of book-entry transfer or the delivery of the notes. If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the fundamental change purchase price of the notes on the second business day following the fundamental change purchase date, then the following shall occur:

 

•

the notes tendered for purchase and not withdrawn will cease to be outstanding and interest, if any, will cease to accrue on such notes on the fundamental change purchase date (whether or not book-entry transfer of the notes is made or whether or not the note is delivered to the paying agent); and

 

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•

all other rights of the holders with respect to the notes tendered for purchase and not withdrawn will terminate on the fundamental change purchase date (other than the right to receive the fundamental change purchase price and previously accrued and unpaid interest upon delivery or transfer of the notes).

In connection with any purchase offer pursuant to a fundamental change purchase notice, we will, if required do the following:

 

•

comply with the provisions of the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act that may then be applicable; and

 

•

file a Schedule TO or any other required schedule under the Exchange Act.

We will not be required to make an offer to purchase the notes upon a fundamental change if a third-party makes the offer in the manner, at the times, and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the indenture applicable to an offer by us to purchase the notes upon a fundamental change and such third party purchases all notes validly tendered and not withdrawn in such offer.

The purchase rights of the holders could discourage a potential acquirer of us. The fundamental change purchase feature, however, is not the result of management’s knowledge of any specific effort to obtain control of us by any means or part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions.

The term fundamental change is limited to specified transactions and may not include other events that might adversely affect our financial condition or the value of the notes. In addition, the requirement that we offer to purchase the notes upon a fundamental change may not protect holders in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, merger or similar transaction involving us.

The definition of fundamental change includes a phrase relating to the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or disposition of “all or substantially all” of our consolidated assets. There is no precise, established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of the notes to require us to purchase its notes as a result of the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or other disposition of less than all of our assets may be uncertain.

If a fundamental change were to occur, we may not have enough funds to pay the fundamental change purchase price or be able to arrange for financing to pay the purchase price in connection with a tender of notes for purchase. Our ability to repurchase the notes for cash may be limited by the terms of our then existing borrowing arrangements or otherwise. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Notes — We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a fundamental change.” If we fail to purchase the notes when required following a fundamental change, we will be in default under the indenture. In addition, we have, and may in the future incur, other indebtedness with similar change in control provisions permitting our holders to accelerate or to require us to purchase our indebtedness upon the occurrence of similar events or on some specific dates.

Covenants

Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries will be restricted by the indenture from any of the following:

 

•

incurring any indebtedness or other obligation;

 

•

paying dividends or making distributions on our capital stock or the capital stock of any of our subsidiaries; or

 

•

purchasing or redeeming our capital stock or the capital stock of any of our subsidiaries.

In addition, we will not be required to maintain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity or to repurchase or redeem or otherwise modify the terms of any of the notes upon a change of control or other events involving us or any of our subsidiaries which may adversely affect the creditworthiness or value of the notes, except to the limited extent described under the caption “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes.” Among other things, the indenture will not contain covenants designed to

 

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afford holders of the notes any protections in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving the Company that may adversely affect holders of the notes, except to the limited extent described following the caption “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes.”

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

The Company will not, in a single transaction or through a series of related transactions, consolidate or merge with or into any other person, or, directly or indirectly, sell or convey substantially all of its assets to another person or group of affiliated persons, except that the Company may consolidate or merge with, or sell or convey substantially all of its assets to another person if (i) the Company is the continuing person or the successor person (if other than the Company) is organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and such person expressly assumes all obligations of the Company under the indenture, including payment of the principal and interest on the notes, and the performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the indenture to be performed by the Company and (ii) there is no default under the indenture. Upon such a succession, the Company will be relieved from any further obligations under the indenture.

Although these types of transactions are permitted under the indenture, certain of the foregoing transactions could constitute a fundamental change (as defined above) permitting each holder to require us to purchase the notes of such holder as described above.

Events of Default

Each of the following is an event of default under the indenture:

(1) we default in the paying principal of or premium, if any, on the notes when due;

(2) we default in paying interest on the notes when due and such default continues for 30 days;

(3) we fail to perform any other covenant or warranty in the notes or in the indenture that continues for a period of 90 days after notice of such failure as provided in the indenture;

(4) we fail to comply with our obligation to convert the notes in accordance with the indenture upon exercise of a holder’s conversion right and the default continues for a period of three business days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to us by the trustee or by such holder, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “notice of default” under the indenture;

(5) we fail to give a fundamental change notice as described under “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes” when due;

(6) failure by us to repurchase notes tendered for repurchase following the occurrence of a fundamental change in conformity with the covenant described under the caption “— Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Purchase Notes;”

(7) failure by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to pay any indebtedness for borrowed money, within any applicable grace period after final maturity or the acceleration by the holders thereof, if the total amount of such indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $50.0 million; and

(8) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving us occur.

If an event of default with respect to the notes (other than an event of default described in clause (8) above) should occur and be continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in the principal amount of outstanding notes may declare the notes due and payable. If an event of default described in the clause (8) above occurs with respect to the notes, the principal amount of notes will automatically become due and payable without any declaration by the trustee or the holders. The trustee is required to give holders of the notes written notice of a default with respect to the notes as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act. As used in this paragraph, a “default” means an event described in the first paragraph under “— Events of Default” without including any applicable grace period.

 

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If at any time after the notes have been declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the moneys due has been obtained or entered, we pay or deposit with the trustee amounts sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon the notes and the principal of the notes which shall have become due, otherwise than by acceleration, together with interest on such principal and, to the extent legally enforceable, on such overdue installments of interest and all other amounts due under the indenture shall have been paid, and any and all defaults with respect to the notes under the indenture shall have been remedied, then the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding, by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration that the notes are due and payable.

In addition, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes may waive any past default and its consequences with respect to the notes, except a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on the notes, a default in our obligation to deliver the consideration due upon conversion of any note in accordance with the indenture or a default in the performance of a covenant that cannot be modified under the indenture without the consent of the holder of each affected debt security.

The trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the holders of the notes, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the trustee and certain limitations contained in the indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes at the time outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the notes.

No holder of notes will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture, for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy under the indenture unless:

 

•

the holder has previously given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to the notes; and

 

•

the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes have made a written request to the trustee, and offered reasonable indemnity satisfactory to the trustee, to institute proceedings as trustee, the trustee has failed to institute the proceedings within 60 days after its receipt of such notice and the trustee has not received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes a direction inconsistent with that request.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a holder of notes will have an absolute and unconditional right (1) to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and, subject to the provisions of the indenture regarding the payment of default interest, interest on the notes on the interest payment dates; (2) to receive delivery of the consideration due upon conversion; and (3) to institute suit for the enforcement of delivery, and such right to receive such delivery on or after such respective dates shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such holder.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indenture will provide that, to the extent elected by us, the sole remedy for an event of default relating to the failure to comply with the reporting obligations in the indenture, which are described below under “— Reports” and for any failure to comply with the requirements of Section 314(a)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act will for the first 120 days after the occurrence of such an event of default consist exclusively of the right to receive additional interest on the notes at an annual rate equal to 0.50% of the principal amount of the notes. If we so elect, such additional interest will accrue on all outstanding notes from and including the date on which the event of default relating to the failure to comply with the reporting obligations in the indenture or the failure to comply with the requirements of Section 314(a)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act first occurs to but not including the 120th day thereafter (or such earlier date on which such event of default is cured or waived by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes). On such 120th day (or earlier, if the event of default relating to the reporting obligations under the indenture or the failure to comply with the requirements of Section 314(a)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act is cured or waived by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes prior to such 120th day), such additional interest will cease

 

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to accrue and, if the event of default relating to reporting obligations or the failure to comply with Section 314(a)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act has not been cured or waived prior to such 120th day, the notes will be subject to acceleration as provided above. The provisions of the indenture described in this paragraph will not affect the rights of holders of notes in the event of the occurrence of any other event of default. In the event we do not elect to pay the additional interest upon an event of default in accordance with this paragraph, the notes will be subject to acceleration as provided above.

In order to elect to pay the additional interest on the notes as the sole remedy during the first 120 days after the occurrence of an event of default relating to the failure to comply with the reporting obligations in the indenture or the failure to comply with Section 314(a)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, we must notify all holders of notes and the trustee and paying agent of such election on or before the close of business on the date on which such event of default first occurs.

Modification and Amendment

In addition to the provisions of the indenture described under “Description of Debt Securities — Modification of the Indentures” in the accompanying prospectus, the Company and the trustee may, without the consent of the holders of the notes, modify the indenture or enter into or modify any supplemental indenture to conform the provisions of the indenture to the “Description of Notes” section in this prospectus supplement.

In addition to the provisions of the indenture described under “Description of Debt Securities — Modification of the Indentures” in the accompanying prospectus, the following provisions of the notes may not be modified without the consent of each holder of an outstanding note affected thereby:

(1) the making of any change that adversely affects the conversion rights of any notes or

(2) the reduction of the fundamental change purchase price of any note or the amendment or modification in any manner adverse to the holders of notes the Company’s obligation to make such payment, whether through an amendment or waiver of provisions in the covenants, definitions or otherwise.

Defeasance

The satisfaction and discharge and defeasance provisions described under “Description of Debt Securities — Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” in the accompanying prospectus will not apply to the notes.

Calculations in Respect of Notes

We will be responsible for making all calculations called for under the notes or the indenture. These calculations include, but are not limited to, determinations of the last reported sale prices of our common stock, accrued interest payable on the notes and the conversion rate of the notes. We will make all these calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, our calculations will be final and binding on the holders of the notes. We will provide a schedule of our calculations to each of the trustee and the conversion agent, and each of the trustee and the conversion agent is entitled to rely conclusively upon the accuracy of our calculations without independent verification. The trustee will forward our calculations to any holder of the notes upon the request of that holder.

Reports

The indenture provides that any documents or reports that we are required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act must be delivered by us to the trustee within 15 days after the same are required to be filed with the SEC.

Trustee

The Bank of New York Mellon will be the trustee, security registrar, paying agent and conversion agent for the notes. The Bank of New York Mellon, in each of its capacities, including without limitation as trustee,

 

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security registrar, paying agent and conversion agent, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information concerning us or our affiliates or any other party contained in this document or the related documents or for any failure by us or any other party to disclose events that may have occurred and may affect the significance or accuracy of such information.

We may maintain banking relationships in the ordinary course of business with the trustee and its affiliates.

Governing Law

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

Exchange and Transfer

You may exchange or transfer the notes in accordance with the indenture. You will not be required to pay a service charge to exchange or transfer the notes, but you may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The exchange or transfer will only be made if we and the security registrar are satisfied with your proof of ownership. See “— Book-entry issuance.”

Paying and Paying Agents

The Bank of New York Mellon will act as our paying agent for the notes. We may choose to pay interest by mailing checks or making wire or other electronic funds transfers, provided that we will make all payments in respect of global notes by wire transfer of same-day funds. Regardless of who acts as the paying agent, all money paid by us to a paying agent that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after the amount is due to note holders will be repaid to us. After that two-year period, you may look only to us for payment and not to the trustee, any other paying agent or anyone else. We may also arrange for additional payment offices and may cancel or change these offices, including any use of the trustee’s corporate trust office. We may appoint or change any paying agent without prior notice to any note holder.

Book-entry Issuance

We have obtained the information in this section concerning DTC, Clearstream Banking S.A., or “Clearstream,” and Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, or “Euroclear,” and the book-entry system and procedures from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

The notes will be issued as fully-registered global notes which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC and registered, at the request of DTC, in the name of Cede & Co. Beneficial interests in the global notes will be represented through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners as direct or indirect participants in DTC. Investors may elect to hold their interests in the global notes through either DTC (in the United States) or (in Europe) through Clearstream or through Euroclear. Investors may hold their interests in the global notes directly if they are participants of such systems, or indirectly through organizations that are participants in these systems. Interests held through Clearstream and Euroclear will be recorded on DTC’s books as being held by the U.S. depositary for each of Clearstream and Euroclear (the “U.S. Depositories”), which U.S. Depositories will, in turn, hold interests on behalf of their participants’ customers’ securities accounts. Beneficial interests in the global notes will be held in denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Except as set forth below, the global notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee.

Notes represented by a global note can be exchanged for definitive securities in registered form only if:

 

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DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for that global note and we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days after receiving that notice;

 

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at any time DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days after becoming aware that DTC has ceased to be registered as a clearing agency;

 

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we in our sole discretion determine that that global note will be exchangeable for definitive securities in registered form and notify the trustee of our decision; or

 

•

an event of default with respect to the notes represented by that global note has occurred and is continuing.

A global note that can be exchanged as described in the preceding sentence will be exchanged for definitive securities issued in authorized denominations in registered form for the same aggregate amount. The definitive securities will be registered in the names of the owners of the beneficial interests in the global note as directed by DTC.

We will make principal and interest payments on all notes represented by a global note to the paying agent which in turn will make payment to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole holder of the notes represented by a global note for all purposes under the indenture. Accordingly, we, the trustee, the security registrar and any paying agent will have no responsibility or liability for:

 

•

any aspect of DTC’s records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in a debt security represented by a global note;

 

•

any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and its participants or the relationship between those participants and the owners of beneficial interests in a global note held through those participants; or

 

•

the maintenance, supervision or review of any of DTC’s records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.

DTC has advised us that its current practice is to credit participants’ accounts on each payment date with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global note as shown on DTC’s records, upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information. The underwriters will initially designate the accounts to be credited. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global note will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for customer accounts registered in “street name,” and will be the sole responsibility of those participants. Book-entry notes may be more difficult to pledge because of the lack of a physical note.

DTC

So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global note, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder of the notes represented by that global note for all purposes of the notes. Owners of beneficial interests in the notes will not be entitled to have notes registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the notes in definitive form and will not be considered owners or holders of notes under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that person is not a DTC participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of notes. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in certificated form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global note. Beneficial owners may experience delays in receiving distributions on their notes since distributions will initially be made to DTC and must then be transferred through the chain of intermediaries to the beneficial owner’s account.

We understand that, under existing industry practices, if we request holders to take any action, or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a global note desires to take any action which a holder is entitled to take under the indenture, then DTC would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to take that action and those participants would authorize the beneficial owners owning through such participants to take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

 

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Beneficial interests in a global note will be shown on, and transfers of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants for that global note. The conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to its participants and by its participants to owners of beneficial interests in the notes will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements in effect.

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 Exchange Act.

DTC holds the securities of its participants and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. The electronic book-entry system eliminates the need for physical certificates. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, including underwriters, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of which, and/or their representatives, own DTC. Banks, brokers, dealers, trust companies and others that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly, also have access to DTC’s book-entry system. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

DTC has advised us that the above information with respect to DTC has been provided to its participants and other members of the financial community for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a representation, warranty or contract modification of any kind.

Clearstream

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

Distributions with respect to notes held beneficially through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream Participants in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent received by the U.S. Depositary for Clearstream.

Euroclear

Euroclear has advised us that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear, or “Euroclear Participants,” and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear Participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Euroclear performs various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interacts with domestic markets in several countries. Euroclear is operated by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., or the “Euroclear Operator,” under contract with Euroclear pie, a U.K. corporation. All operations are conducted by the Euroclear Operator, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator, not Euroclear pie. Euroclear pie establishes policy for Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear Participants.

 

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Euroclear Participants.    Euroclear Participants include banks, including central banks, securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear Participant, either directly or indirectly.

The Euroclear Operator is a Belgian bank. As such it is regulated by the Belgian Banking and Finance Commission.

Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, and applicable Belgian law, which we will refer to herein as the “Terms and Conditions.” The Terms and Conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of Euroclear Participants, and has no record of or relationship with persons holding through Euroclear Participants.

Distributions with respect to notes held beneficially through Euroclear will be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear Participants in accordance with the Terms and Conditions, to the extent received by the U.S. Depositary for Euroclear.

Euroclear has further advised us that investors that acquire, hold and transfer interests in the notes by book-entry through accounts with the Euroclear Operator or any other securities intermediary are subject to the laws and contractual provisions governing their relationship with their intermediary, as well as the laws and contractual provisions governing the relationship between such an intermediary and each other intermediary, if any, standing between themselves and the global notes.

Global Clearance and Settlement Procedures

Initial settlement for the notes will be made in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in immediately available funds using DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System. Secondary market trading between Clearstream Participants and/or Euroclear Participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear and will be settled using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in immediately available funds.

Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Clearstream Participants or Euroclear Participants, on the other, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by its U.S. Depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its U.S. Depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving notes through DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Clearstream Participants and Euroclear Participants may not deliver instructions directly to their respective U.S. Depositaries.

Because of time-zone differences, credits of notes received through Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following the DTC settlement date. Such credits or any transactions in such notes settled during such processing will be reported to the relevant Euroclear Participants or Clearstream Participants on such business day. Cash received in Clearstream or Euroclear as a result of sales of notes by or through a Clearstream Participant or a Euroclear Participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Clearstream or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

 

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If the notes are cleared only through Euroclear and Clearstream (and not DTC), you will be able to make and receive through Euroclear and Clearstream payments, deliveries, transfers, exchanges, notices, and other transactions involving any securities held through those systems only on days when those systems are open for business. Those systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers, and other institutions are open for business in the United States. In addition, because of time-zone differences, U.S. investors who hold their interests in the securities through these systems and wish to transfer their interests, or to receive or make a payment or delivery or exercise any other right with respect to their interests, on a particular day may find that the transaction will not be effected until the next business day in Luxembourg or Brussels, as applicable. Thus, U.S. investors who wish to exercise rights that expire on a particular day may need to act before the expiration date.

Although DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of notes among participants of DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures and such procedures may be modified or discontinued at any time. Neither we nor any paying agent will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective direct or indirect participants of their obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

Common Stock

Please read the information discussed under the heading “Description of Capital Stock” beginning on page 10 of the accompanying prospectus. On May 13, 2016, we had 500,000,000 shares of authorized common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of which 108,880,478 were outstanding.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of notes and the shares of our common stock into which the notes may be converted. This summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), applicable Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all in effect as of the date hereof, any of which may subsequently be changed, possibly retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. Except where noted, this summary addresses only a note or common stock held as a capital asset by a beneficial owner who purchased the note on original issuance at its “issue price” (the first price at which a substantial portion of the notes is sold for cash to persons other than bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers). This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxes relevant to holders of a note or common stock, nor does it address all tax consequences that may be relevant to such holders in light of their personal circumstances or particular situations, such as:

 

•

tax consequences to holders who may be subject to special tax treatment, including dealers in securities or currencies, banks, financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, or traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to- market method of tax accounting for their securities;

 

•

tax consequences to persons holding notes or common stock as a part of a hedging, integrated or conversion transaction or a straddle, or persons deemed to sell notes or common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;

 

•

tax consequences to U.S. holders (as defined below) whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar;

 

•

tax consequences to investors that hold notes or common stock through pass-through entities;

 

•

alternative minimum tax consequences;

 

•

any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences; and

 

•

U.S. estate or gift tax consequences, if any.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership holds notes or common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding notes or common stock, you should consult your tax advisors.

If you are considering the purchase of notes, you should consult your tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you in light of your own specific situation, as well as consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

As used herein, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of a note or common stock received upon conversion of a note that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

•

an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

•

a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

•

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

•

a trust, if it (i) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

A “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of a note or common stock received upon conversion of a note that is an individual, corporation, estate or trust that is not a U.S. holder. Special rules may apply to certain non-U.S. holders such as corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax or, in certain

 

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circumstances, individuals who are U.S. expatriates. Consequently, non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors to determine the U.S. federal, state, local, non-U.S. and other tax consequences that may be relevant to them in light of their particular circumstances.

Consequences to U.S. Holders

Interest on the Notes

It is anticipated, and this discussion assumes, that the notes will be issued with no original issue discount or less than a de minimis amount of original issue discount (as determined under the Code). In such case, stated interest on a note generally will be taxable to a U.S. holder as ordinary income at the time it is paid or accrued in accordance with the U.S. holder’s usual method of accounting for tax purposes.

Additional Payments

In certain circumstances, we may be obligated to make payments on the notes in excess of stated principal and interest (see, e.g., “Description of Notes — Events of Default”). We intend to take the position that the foregoing contingencies should not cause the notes to be treated as contingent payment debt instruments because we believe that there is only a remote possibility that we will be obligated to make any such contingent payments on the notes and/or that such additional amounts (if any) will be incidental. Assuming such position is respected, a U.S. holder would be required to include in income the amount of any such additional payments at the time such payments are received or accrued in accordance with such U.S. holder’s method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our position is binding on a holder, unless the holder discloses in the proper manner to the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that it is taking a different position. If the IRS successfully challenged this position, and the notes were treated as contingent payment debt instruments, U.S. holders could be required to accrue interest income at a rate higher than their yield to maturity and to treat as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, any gain recognized on a sale, exchange, retirement or redemption of a note (including all gain realized upon conversion, even if the U.S. holder receives shares of our common stock). This disclosure assumes that the notes will not be treated as contingent payment debt instruments. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application to the notes of the contingent payment debt instrument rules and the consequences thereof.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Disposition of Notes

Except as provided below under “— Conversion of Notes,” a U.S. holder generally will recognize gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note equal to the difference between the amount realized (less accrued but unpaid interest which will be treated as described above under “— Interest on the Notes”) and such U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note. A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in a note generally will be equal to the amount that the U.S. holder paid for the note plus the amount, if any, included in income on an adjustment to the conversion rate of the notes as described in “— Constructive Distributions” below. Any gain or loss recognized on a taxable disposition of a note will be capital gain or loss. If, at the time of the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note, a U.S. holder held the note for more than one year, such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss. Otherwise, such gain or loss will be short-term capital gain or loss. In the case of certain non-corporate U.S. holders (including individuals), long-term capital gains are generally subject to a reduced rate of U.S. federal income tax. A U.S. holder’s ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.

Conversion of Notes

A U.S. holder generally will not recognize any income, gain, or loss upon conversion of a note into common stock, except to the extent of (i) amounts treated as received with respect to accrued and unpaid interest that was not previously included in income (which will be treated as described above under “— Interest on the Notes”) and (ii) cash received in lieu of a fractional share of common stock. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common stock received on conversion of a note generally will be the same as its adjusted tax basis in the note at the time

 

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of the conversion, reduced by any basis allocable to a fractional share, and the holding period for the common stock received on conversion generally will include the holding period of the note converted. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the shares of common stock received that are with respect to accrued and unpaid interest will equal the amount of such accrued interest included in income, and the holding period for such common stock will begin on the day following the date of conversion.

The amount of gain or loss a U.S. holder will recognize on the receipt of cash received in lieu of a fractional share of common stock upon conversion will be equal to the difference between the amount of cash the U.S. holder receives in respect of the fractional share and the portion of the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note that is allocable to the fractional share. Any such gain or loss generally would be capital gain or loss and would be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the conversion, the note has been held for more than one year.

Distributions

Distributions, if any, made on our common stock generally will be included in a U.S. holder’s income as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a U.S. holder’s tax basis in our common stock and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such common stock. Dividends received by a corporation may be eligible for a dividends-received deduction, subject to applicable limitations. Dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. holders (including individuals) are generally taxed at the lower applicable long-term capital gains rates, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied.

Constructive Distributions

The conversion rate of the notes will be adjusted in certain circumstances (see, e.g., “Description of Notes — Conversion Rate Adjustments”). Adjustments (or failures to make, or adequately make, adjustments) that have the effect of increasing a U.S. holder’s proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits may, in some circumstances, result in a deemed distribution to the U.S. holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes even though no cash or property is received. Adjustments to the conversion rate made pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula that has the effect of preventing the dilution of the interest of the holders of the notes, however, will generally not result in a deemed distribution to a U.S. holder. Certain of the conversion rate adjustments provided in the notes (including, without limitation, adjustments in respect of taxable dividends to holders of our common stock) will not qualify as being pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula. If such adjustments are made, a U.S. holder will be deemed to have received a distribution even though the U.S. holder has not received any cash or property as a result of such conversion rate adjustment. In addition, an adjustment to the conversion rate in connection with a make-whole fundamental change may be treated as a deemed distribution. Any deemed distribution will be taxable as a dividend, return of capital or capital gain to the extent thereof as described above under “— Distributions”. Generally, a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in a note will be increased to the extent any such constructive distribution is treated as a dividend. However, it is uncertain whether a constructive dividend deemed paid to a non-corporate U.S. holder would be eligible for the lower applicable long-term capital gains rates as described above under “— Distributions” or whether a corporate holder would be entitled to claim the dividends received deduction with respect to any such constructive dividend. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors on the impact a constructive distribution may have on their holding period in the notes.

Sale, Certain Redemptions or Other Taxable Dispositions of Common Stock

Upon the sale, certain redemptions or other taxable dispositions of our common stock, a U.S. holder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the U.S. holder’s tax basis in our common stock. Any gain or loss recognized on a taxable disposition of common stock will be capital gain or loss. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if a U.S. holder’s holding period at the time of the sale, redemption or other taxable disposition of our common stock is more than one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. holders (including individuals) are generally subject to a reduced rate of U.S. federal income tax. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

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Possible Effect of the Change in Conversion Consideration after a Change in Control

In the event we undergo certain of the events described under “Description of Notes — Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock” or “— Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets”, the conversion consideration may be changed such that the notes may become convertible into or exchangeable for property other than our common stock. Depending on the circumstances at the time of such event, such a change could result in a deemed taxable exchange of the outstanding notes, which may be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, upon the subsequent conversion or exchange of the new notes for property other than our common stock, a U.S. holder may recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of such other property received (other than amounts received with respect to accrued and unpaid interest) and the adjusted tax basis in the notes exchanged therefor. A U.S. holder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of such a change and of such a subsequent conversion.

Medicare Tax

Certain U.S. holders who are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surtax on the lesser of (i) the U.S. holder’s “net investment income” for the relevant taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold. A U.S. holder’s net investment income generally will include interest, dividends, and gains from the sale or other taxable disposition of the notes or common stock. U.S. individuals should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of the Medicare surtax on their ownership and disposition of notes or common stock.

Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders

Interest on the Notes

The 30% U.S. federal withholding tax will not be applied to any payment of interest on a note to a non-U.S. holder provided that:

 

•

the non-U.S. holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock that are entitled to vote;

 

•

the non-U.S. holder is not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to us (actually or constructively) through stock ownership; and

 

•

the non-U.S. holder provides its name and address, and certifies, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a U.S. person (which certification may be made on an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form)) or (b) the non-U.S. holder holds the notes through certain foreign intermediaries and the non-U.S. holder and the foreign intermediaries satisfy the certification requirements of applicable Treasury regulations.

If a non-U.S. holder cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest will be subject to the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, unless the non-U.S. holder provides the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed (i) IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in withholding under an applicable income tax treaty or (ii) IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) stating that interest paid on the notes is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States. If a non-U.S. holder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States and interest on a note is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or a U.S. fixed base, then (although the non-U.S. holder will be exempt from the 30% withholding tax provided the certification requirements discussed above are satisfied) the non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on that interest on a net income basis generally in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a U.S. holder. In addition, if the non-U.S. holder is a foreign corporation, it may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or lesser rate under an applicable income tax treaty) of its earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to adjustments, that are effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the United States.

 

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Dividends and Constructive Distributions

Any dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder with respect to common stock (and any deemed dividends resulting from certain adjustments, or failure to make adjustments, to the conversion rate of the notes, discussed above under “— Consequences to U.S. Holders — Constructive Distributions”) will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or a U.S. fixed base, are not subject to the withholding tax, but instead are subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at applicable graduated individual or corporate rates. Certain certification and disclosure requirements must be complied with in order for effectively connected income to be exempt from withholding. Any such effectively connected income received by a foreign corporation may, under certain circumstances, also be subject to a branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. Because a constructive dividend deemed received by a non-U.S. holder would not give rise to any cash from which any applicable withholding tax could be satisfied, if withholding taxes are paid on behalf of a non-U.S. holder, those withholding taxes may be withheld from payments of cash or common stock payable on the notes (or, in certain circumstances, from any payments on our common stock).

A non-U.S. holder of common stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty rate is required to satisfy applicable certification and other requirements. If a non-U.S. holder is eligible for an exemption or a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty, it may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

Sale, Exchange, Certain Redemptions, Conversion or Other Taxable Dispositions of Notes or Common Stock

Any gain recognized by a non-U.S. holder on the sale, exchange, certain redemptions or other taxable disposition of a note or common stock (as well as upon the conversion of a note into cash or into a combination of cash and stock) will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless:

 

•

that gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or a U.S. fixed base);

 

•

the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition, and certain other conditions are met; or

 

•

we are or have been a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (a “USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes during the shorter of the non-U.S. holder’s holding period or the 5-year period ending on the date of disposition of the note or common stock, as the case may be.

If you are a non-U.S. holder and you realize gain described in the first bullet point above, you will be subject to tax at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates on the net gain derived from the sale, exchange, redemption, conversion or other taxable disposition of a note or common stock, generally in the same manner as if you were a U.S. holder, and, if you are a foreign corporation, you additionally may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of your effectively connected earnings and profits, or at such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. If you are described in the second bullet point above, you will be subject to a flat 30% tax (or lower applicable income tax treaty rate) on the gain recognized on the sale, exchange, redemption, conversion or other taxable disposition of a note or common stock (which gain may be offset by U.S.-source capital losses), even though you are not considered a resident of the United States. Any amounts (including common stock) which a non-U.S. holder receives on a sale, exchange, redemption, conversion or other taxable disposition of a note which are attributable to accrued but unpaid interest will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in accordance with the rules described above under “— Interest on the Notes.” We believe we are not and we do not anticipate becoming a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

U.S. Holders

Information reporting requirements generally will apply to payments of interest on the notes (including additional interest, if any), dividends on our common stock and the proceeds of a sale of a note or common stock paid to a U.S. holder unless the U.S. holder is an exempt recipient and, if requested, certifies as to that status.

Backup withholding generally will apply to those payments if the U.S. holder fails to provide an appropriate certification with its correct taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt status. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Non-U.S. Holders

Generally, the amount of interest (including additional interest, if any) paid on the notes and dividends paid on common stock to non-U.S. holders and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments must be reported annually to the IRS and to the non-U.S. holders. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest, dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in a country in which the non-U.S. holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. In general, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to backup withholding with respect to payments of interest on a note or dividends on common stock, provided the statement described above in the last bullet point under “— Interest on the Notes” has been received. In addition, a non-U.S. holder will be subject to information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding with respect to payments of the proceeds of the sale of a note or common stock conducted within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, unless the statement described above has been received, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Legislation enacted in 2010 (commonly referred to as “FATCA”) generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on interest and dividends paid on, and the gross proceeds of a disposition of, debt obligations or stock in a United States corporation paid to (i) a foreign financial institution (“FFI”), whether as a beneficial owner or intermediary, unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which would include certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners), or qualifies for an exemption from these rules, and (ii) a foreign entity that is not a financial institution (whether as a beneficial owner or intermediary for another foreign entity that is not a financial institution) unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification identifying the substantial U.S. owners of the entity, which generally includes any U.S. person who directly or indirectly owns more than 10% of the entity, or qualifies for an exemption from these rules. A person that receives payments through one or more FFIs may receive reduced payments as a result of FATCA withholding taxes if (i) any such FFI does not enter into such an agreement with the U.S. government and does not otherwise establish an exemption, or (ii) such person is (a) a “recalcitrant account holder” or (b) itself an FFI that fails to enter into such an agreement or establish an exemption. Foreign governments have entered into, and may continue to enter into, agreements with the United States to implement FATCA in a different manner.

Treasury regulations and administrative guidance provide that FATCA withholding will apply to payments of dividends on our common stock and interest on our notes, and, beginning on January 1, 2019, to payments of gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common stock or notes. Investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the implications of this legislation on their investment in our common stock.

 

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UNDERWRITING

Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated are acting as joint bookrunning managers of the offering, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as representatives of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement, each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the principal amount of notes set forth opposite the underwriter’s name.

 

Underwriter		Principal amount of notes
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.		$
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith                           Incorporated
Total		$

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the notes included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all the notes if they purchase any of the notes.

Notes sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any notes sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to         % of the principal amount of the notes. Any such securities dealers may resell any notes purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to         % of the principal amount of the notes. If all the notes are not sold at the initial offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. Sales of shares made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters.

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement to purchase up to $         additional aggregate principal amount of notes at the public offering price less the discount. The underwriters may exercise the option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter must purchase an additional aggregate principal amount of notes approximately proportionate to that underwriter’s initial purchase commitment. Any notes issued or sold under the option will be issued and sold on the same terms and conditions as the other notes that are the subject of this offering.

We have agreed that we will not (i) offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers all or a portion of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of any shares of common stock (regardless of whether any of these transactions are to be settled by the delivery of shares of common stock, or such other securities, in cash or otherwise), in each case without the prior written consent of and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus supplement.

The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the notes).

 

		Paid by ATI
		No Exercise				Full exercise
Per note				%				%

We estimate that our total expenses for this offering will be approximately $500,000.

 

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In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell notes in the open market. Purchases and sales in the open market may include short sales, purchases to cover short positions, which may include purchases pursuant to the over-allotment option, and stabilizing purchases.

 

•

Short sales involve secondary market sales by the underwriters of a greater number of notes than they are required to purchase in the offering.

 

•

“Covered” short sales are sales of notes in an amount up to the number of notes represented by the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

 

•

“Naked” short sales are sales of notes in an amount in excess of the number of notes represented by the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

 

•

Covering transactions involve purchases of notes either pursuant to the underwriters’ over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions.

 

•

To close a naked short position, the underwriters must purchase notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the notes in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.

 

•

To close a covered short position, the underwriters must purchase notes in the open market after the distribution has been completed or must exercise their over-allotment option. In determining the source of notes to close the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of notes available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase notes by exercising their over-allotment option.

 

•

Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase notes so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.

Purchases to cover short positions and stabilizing purchases, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes. They may also cause the price of the notes to be higher than the price that would otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time without notice.

In connection with this offering, the underwriters (or their affiliates) may, for their own accounts, enter into asset swaps, credit derivatives or other derivative transactions relating to the notes and/or the shares issuable upon conversion of the notes at the same time as the offer and sale of the notes or in secondary market transactions. Such transactions may be entered into with the company’s affiliates. As a result of such transactions, the underwriters may hold long or short positions in such notes or derivatives or in the shares issuable upon conversion of the notes. These transactions may comprise a substantial portion of the offering and no disclosure will be made of any such positions. In addition, the underwriters (or their affiliates) may have purchased notes and been allocated the notes for asset management and/or proprietary purposes and not with a view to distribution.

The underwriters have advised us that, pursuant to Regulation M of the Securities Act of 1933, they may also engage in other activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock, including the imposition of penalty bids. This means that if the representatives of the underwriters purchase common stock in the open market in stabilizing transactions or to cover short sales, the representatives can require the underwriters that sold those shares as part of this offering to repay the underwriting discount received by them.

The underwriters are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates have performed commercial banking, investment banking and advisory services for us from time to time for which

 

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they have received customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. The underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. In addition, affiliates of some of the underwriters are lenders, and in some cases agents or managers for the lenders, under our Credit Facility.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. Certain of those underwriters or their affiliates that have a lending relationships with us routinely hedge, and certain other of those underwriters or their affiliates may hedge, their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, these underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes offered hereby. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of those liabilities.

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in the offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State, an offer of notes described in this prospectus supplement may not be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:

 

•

to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

 

•

to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant Dealer or Dealers nominated by us for any such offer; or

 

•

in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,

provided that no such offer of securities shall require us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

 

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For purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of securities to the public” in any relevant member state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities, as the expression may be varied in that member state by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that member state, and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the relevant member state) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each relevant member state. The expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU.

The sellers of the notes have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of notes through any financial intermediary on their behalf, other than offers made by the underwriters with a view to the final placement of the notes as contemplated in this prospectus supplement. Accordingly, no purchaser of the notes, other than the underwriters, is authorized to make any further offer of the notes on behalf of the sellers or the underwriters.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

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

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

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

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive that are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (each such person being referred to as a “relevant person”). This prospectus supplement and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

Notice to Prospective Investors in France

Neither this prospectus supplement nor any other offering material relating to the notes described in this prospectus supplement has been submitted to the clearance procedures of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers or of the competent authority of another member state of the European Economic Area and notified to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. The notes have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. Neither this prospectus supplement nor any other offering material relating to the notes has been or will be:

 

•

released, issued, distributed or caused to be released, issued or distributed to the public in France; or

 

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•

used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale of the notes to the public in France.

Such offers, sales and distributions will be made in France only:

 

•

to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés) and/or to a restricted circle of investors (cercle restreint d’investisseurs), in each case investing for their own account, all as defined in, and in accordance with, articles L.411-2, D.411-1, D.411-2, D.734-1, D.744-1, D.754-1 and D.764-1 of the French Code monétaire et financier;

 

•

to investment services providers authorized to engage in portfolio management on behalf of third parties; or

 

•

in a transaction that, in accordance with article L.411-2-II-1°-or-2°-or 3° of the French Code monétaire et financier and article 211-2 of the General Regulations (Règlement Général) of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, does not constitute a public offer (appel public à l’épargne).

The notes may be resold directly or indirectly, only in compliance with articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 through L.621-8-3 of the French Code monétaire et financier.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

The notes may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong) and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the notes may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

The notes offered in this prospectus supplement have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan, and the notes have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident of Japan (including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), except (i) pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and (ii) in compliance with any other applicable requirements of Japanese law.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

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

Where the notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

 

•

a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or

 

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•

a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,

shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the notes pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

 

•

to an institutional investor (for corporations, under Section 274 of the SFA) or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person pursuant to an offer that is made on terms that such shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or such rights and interest in that trust are acquired at a consideration of not less than S$200,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for each transaction, whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other assets, and further for corporations, in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA;

 

•

where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or

 

•

where the transfer is by operation of law.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the notes offered hereby will be passed upon for us by K&L Gates LLP, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The underwriters have been represented in connection with this offering by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Allegheny Technologies Incorporated appearing in Allegheny Technologies Incorporated’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the effectiveness of Allegheny Technologies Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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PROSPECTUS

 

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated

Debt Securities

Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Warrants

Purchase Contracts

Purchase Units

Depositary Shares

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

We urge you to carefully read the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement for a discussion of factors you should consider before deciding to invest in any securities offered by this prospectus, including the information under “Risk Factors” 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 passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this Prospectus is May 15, 2015.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			i
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			ii
SUMMARY			1
RISK FACTORS			2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			2
CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES			3
USE OF PROCEEDS			3
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES			4
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES			12
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK			13
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			17
LEGAL MATTERS			19
EXPERTS			19

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), using an automatic shelf registration process. By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information in that registration statement. For further information about our business and the securities that may be offered under this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits. The exhibits to the registration statement contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents that we have summarized in this prospectus. Since the summaries in this prospectus may not contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we may offer, you should review the full text of these contracts and documents. These summaries are qualified in all respects by reference to all of the provisions contained in the applicable contract or document. The registration statement and its exhibits can be obtained from the SEC as indicated under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains specific information about the terms of those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated herein by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Available Information

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other information that we file with the SEC can be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. The SEC’s internet address is http://www.sec.gov. In addition, our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and our reports and other information can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. Our Internet website is www.atimetals.com. Information contained on our website is not part of, and should not be construed as being incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.

Incorporation by Reference

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

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

 

Our SEC Filings (File No. 1-12001)		Period for or Date of Filing
Annual Report on Form 10-K		Year Ended December 31, 2014
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q		Quarter Ended March 31, 2015
Current Reports on Form 8-K		March 3 and May 7, 2015
Registration Statement on Form 8-A		July 30, 1996

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

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

Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference, or deemed to be incorporated by reference, into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein, therein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is

 

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

We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and a copy of any or all other contracts, agreements or documents which are referred to in this prospectus. Requests should be directed to: Allegheny Technologies Incorporated, 1000 Six PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5479, Attention: Corporate Secretary; telephone number: (412) 394-2800. You also may review a copy of the registration statement and its exhibits at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., as well as through the SEC’s internet site.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. Before deciding to purchase any of our securities, you should carefully consider the discussion of risks and uncertainties under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and under similar headings in our subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K, as well as the other risks and uncertainties described in any applicable prospectus supplement and in the other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See the information under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain copies of documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The risks and uncertainties we discuss in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus are those we currently believe may materially affect our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

You should carefully review the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. In this prospectus, statements that are not reported financial results or other historical information are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on our management’s expectations that involve a number of business risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements.

You can identify these forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “would,” “should,” “will,” “will likely result,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “projects,” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statements will be realized, although we believe that we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate. Among others, the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and any of our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q could cause actual results to differ from those in forward-looking statements included in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus or that we otherwise make. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. You should bear this in mind as you consider any forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. You are advised, however, to consider any additional disclosures that we may make on related subjects in future filings with the SEC. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all factors that could cause our actual results to differ. Consequently, you should not consider any list of factors to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

 

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CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth the ratio of our earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:

 

		Year Ended December 31,																				Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		2010				2011				2012				2013				2014
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges			2.2x				3.6x				2.8x				—	(1)			—	(1)			1.6x

 

(1)	For the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, fixed charges exceeded earnings by $192.8 million and $7.1 million, respectively.

For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, “earnings” represents income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax provision and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, plus (income) loss recognized on less than fifty percent owned persons, plus fixed charges, less capitalized interest, less noncontrolling interest in the income of subsidiaries with fixed charges. “Fixed charges” consists of interest expense, the portion of rents deemed to be interest, capitalized interest and amortization of debt expense.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a specific issuance of securities. Our general corporate purposes include, but are not limited to, repayment, redemption or refinancing of debt, capital expenditures, investments in or loans to subsidiaries and joint ventures, funding of possible acquisitions, working capital, contributions to one or more of our pension plans, satisfaction of other obligations and repurchase of our outstanding equity securities. Pending any such use, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities may be invested in short-term, investment grade, interest-bearing instruments. We will include a more detailed description of the use of proceeds of any specific offering under this prospectus in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that offering.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following is a general description of the debt securities that we may offer from time to time under this prospectus. The particular terms of the debt securities offered under this prospectus and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions described below may apply will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Although our securities include securities denominated in U.S. dollars, we may choose to issue securities in any other currency, including the euro.

The debt securities will be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. We will issue the senior debt securities under an indenture, dated June 1, 2009, between Allegheny Technologies Incorporated and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the “Senior Indenture”). The Senior Indenture is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We will issue the subordinated debt securities under a subordinated indenture between us and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the “Subordinated Indenture”), a form of which is as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture sometimes are collectively referred to in this prospectus as the indentures, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee under the Senior Indenture or the Subordinated Indenture, as the case may be, sometimes is referred to in this prospectus as the trustee.

The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the indentures. We urge you to read the appropriate indenture, along with any applicable supplement to the appropriate indenture, because they, and not this description, define your rights as holders of the applicable debt securities. See the information under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain a copy of the appropriate indenture and any applicable supplement to that indenture. The following description also is subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the particular terms of the debt securities, the relevant indenture and any applicable supplement to that indenture, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including definitions used in the relevant indenture and any applicable supplement to that indenture. The particular terms of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, the relevant indenture and any applicable supplement to that indenture may vary from the terms described below.

General

The senior debt securities will be unsubordinated obligations, will rank equally with all other unsubordinated debt obligations of ours and, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, will be unsecured. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate in right of payment to any senior debt securities. A description of certain additional terms of the subordinated debt securities is provided below under “— Subordinated Debt Securities.” The specific terms of any subordinated debt securities will be provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. For a complete understanding of the provisions pertaining to the subordinated debt securities, you should refer to the form of the Subordinated Indenture which is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Unless we elect or are required to secure the debt securities, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to any of our existing and future secured debt to the extent of the assets securing that debt.

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

To the extent that we must rely on cash from our subsidiaries to pay amounts due on the debt securities, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all of our subsidiaries’ liabilities, including their trade payables. This means that our subsidiaries may be required to pay all of their creditors in full before their assets

 

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are available to us. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of our subsidiaries, our claims would be effectively subordinated to any security interests in their assets and also could be subordinated to some or all other claims on their assets and earnings.

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

Terms

The Senior Indenture does not, and the Subordinated Indenture will not, limit the principal amount of debt, including unsecured debt, or other securities that we or our subsidiaries may issue.

We may issue notes or bonds in traditional paper form, or we may issue a global security. The debt securities of any series may be issued in definitive form or, if provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, may be represented in whole or in part by a global security or securities, registered in the name of a depositary designated by us. Each debt security represented by a global security is referred to in this prospectus as a “book-entry security.”

Debt securities may be issued from time to time pursuant to this prospectus and will be offered on terms determined by market conditions at the time of sale. Debt securities may be issued in one or more series with the same or various maturities and may be sold at par, a premium or an original issue discount. Debt securities sold at an original issue discount may bear no interest or interest at a rate that is below market rates. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars will be issued in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Please refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for the specific terms of the debt securities offered, including the following:

 

•

Designation of an aggregate principal amount, purchase price and denomination;

 

•

Date of maturity;

 

•

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

 

•

The interest rate or rates and the method of calculating interest (unless we specify a different method, interest will be calculated based on a 360-day year consisting of 12 30-day months);

 

•

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

 

•

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

 

•

Any redemption or sinking fund provisions or other repayment or repurchase obligations;

 

•

Any index used to determine the amount of principal, premium, if any, and interest to be paid with respect to the debt securities;

 

•

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

 

•

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

 

•

Whether the debt securities will be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities and, in such case, the depositary for the global securities;

 

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•

Whether the debt securities may be converted into or exercised or exchanged for our common stock, preferred stock, warrants, other securities, purchase contracts or purchase units and the terms of such conversion, exercise or exchange, if any;

 

•

Any covenants applicable to the debt securities;

 

•

Any events of default applicable to the debt securities;

 

•

Any changes to the events of default described in this prospectus;

 

•

The terms of subordination, if applicable;

 

•

The terms of conversion, if applicable; and

 

•

Any other specific material terms, including any additions to the terms described in this prospectus and any terms that may be required by or advisable under applicable law.

Except with respect to book-entry securities, debt securities may be presented for exchange or registration of transfer, in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the debt securities and the applicable prospectus supplement. Such services will be provided without charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith, but subject to the limitations provided in the indentures.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

Pursuant to the indentures, the Company will not, in a single transaction or through a series of related transactions, consolidate or merge with or into any other person, or, directly or indirectly, sell or convey all or substantially all of its properties and assets to another person or group of affiliated persons, except that the Company may consolidate or merge with, or sell or convey substantially all of its assets to another person if (i) the Company is the continuing person or the successor person (if other than the Company) is organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and such person expressly assumes all obligations of the Company under the indenture, including payment of the principal and interest on the debt securities, and the performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the indenture to be performed by the Company and (ii) there is no default under the indenture. Upon such a succession, the Company will be relieved from any further obligations under the indenture.

Events of Default

Except as otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, an event of default shall occur with respect to any series of debt securities when:

 

•

We default in paying principal or premium, if any, on any of the debt securities of such series when due;

 

•

We default in paying interest on any of the debt securities of such series when due and such default continues for 30 days;

 

•

We default in making deposits into any sinking fund payment with respect to any of the debt securities of such series when due and such default continues for 30 days;

 

•

We fail to perform any other covenant or warranty in the debt securities of such series or in the applicable indenture, and such failure continues for a period of 90 days after notice of such failure as provided in that indenture;

 

•

Certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving us occur; or

 

•

Any other event of default specified in the applicable prospectus supplement occurs with respect to debt securities of that series.

 

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We will be required annually to deliver to the trustee an officers’ certificate stating whether or not the officers signing such certificate have any knowledge of any default in the performance by us of our obligations under the applicable indenture.

If an event of default shall occur and be continuing with respect to any series (other than an event of default described in the fifth bullet point of the first paragraph above under “— Events of Default”), the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of such series then outstanding (or, if any debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities, the portion of the principal amount of such securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) may declare the debt securities of such series to be immediately due and payable. If an event of default described in the fifth bullet point of the first paragraph above under “— Events of Default” occurs with respect to any series of debt securities, the principal amount of all debt securities of that series (or, if any debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities, the portion of the principal amount of such securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) will automatically become due and payable without any declaration by the trustee or the holders. The trustee is required to give holders of the debt securities of any series written notice of a default with respect to such series as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. As used in this paragraph, a “default” means an event described in the first paragraph above under “— Events of Default” without including any applicable grace period.

If at any time after the debt securities of such series have been declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the moneys due has been obtained or entered, we pay or deposit with the trustee amounts sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon the debt securities of such series and the principal of all debt securities of such series which shall have become due, otherwise than by acceleration, together with interest on such principal and, to the extent legally enforceable, on such overdue installments of interest and all other amounts due under the applicable indenture shall have been paid, and any and all defaults with respect to such series under that indenture shall have been remedied, then the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of such series then outstanding, by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration that the debt securities of such series are due and payable.

In addition, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of such series may waive any past default and its consequences with respect to such series, except a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities of such series or a default in the performance of a covenant that cannot be modified under the applicable indenture without the consent of the holder of each affected debt security.

The trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the indentures at the request, order or direction of any of the holders of debt securities, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the trustee and certain limitations contained in the indentures, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of each series at the time outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the debt securities of such series.

No holder of debt securities of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the applicable indenture, for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy under the indenture, unless:

 

•

The holder has previously given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to the debt securities of that series; and

 

•

The holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made a written request to the trustee, and offered reasonable indemnity satisfactory to the trustee, to institute proceedings as trustee, the trustee has failed to institute the proceedings within 60 days after its receipt of such notice and the trustee has not received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with that request.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any debt security issued under indentures will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and, subject to the provisions of the applicable indenture regarding the payment of default interest, interest on that debt security on the due dates expressed in that security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.

Modification of the Indentures

The Senior Indenture contains, and the Subordinated Indenture will contain, provisions permitting us and the trustee to modify that indenture or enter into or modify any supplemental indenture without the consent of the holders of the debt securities for any of the following purposes:

 

•

To evidence the succession of another corporation to us in accordance with “— Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets”;

 

•

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

 

•

To add any additional events of default with respect to all or any series of debt securities;

 

•

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

 

•

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

 

•

To secure all or any series of debt securities;

 

•

To establish the forms or terms of the debt securities of any series;

 

•

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

 

•

To cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision of that indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with another provision of that indenture or to change any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under that indenture, provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any series of debt securities.

We and the trustee may otherwise modify each indenture or any supplemental indenture with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of each series of debt securities affected thereby at the time outstanding, except that no such modifications shall:

 

•

Change the fixed maturity of any debt securities or any installment of principal, interest or premium on any debt securities, or reduce the principal amount thereof or reduce the rate of interest or premium payable upon redemption, or reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount debt security or any other debt security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, or change the currency in which the debt securities are payable or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment after the stated maturity thereof or the redemption date, if applicable, or adversely affect any right of the holder of any debt security to require us to repay or repurchase that security, without the consent of the holder of each debt security so affected;

 

•

Reduce the percentage of debt securities of any series, the consent of the holders of which is required for any waiver or supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of all debt securities affected thereby then outstanding;

 

•

Modify the provisions of that indenture relating to the waiver of past defaults or the waiver or certain covenants or the provisions described above, except to increase any percentage set forth in those

 

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provisions or to provide that other provisions of that indenture may not be modified without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected thereby, without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected thereby;

 

•

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

 

•

Change any obligation of ours to pay additional amounts;

 

•

Adversely affect any right of repayment or repurchase at the option of the holder; or

 

•

Reduce or postpone any sinking fund or similar provision.

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

Satisfaction and Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each indenture shall be satisfied and discharged if (i) we shall deliver to the trustee all debt securities then outstanding for cancellation or (ii) all debt securities not delivered to the trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, are to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year and we shall deposit an amount sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of maturity, redemption or deposit (in the case of debt securities that have become due and payable), provided that in either case we shall have paid all other sums payable under that indenture.

The Senior Indenture provides, and the Subordinated Indenture will provide, if such provision is made applicable to the debt securities of a series, that we may elect either (A) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to any debt security of such series, or “defeasance,” or (B) to be released from our obligations with respect to such debt security under certain of the covenants and events of default under that indenture together with additional covenants that may be included for a particular series and that certain events of default shall not be events of default under that indenture with respect to such series (“covenant defeasance”), upon the deposit with the trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust for such purpose, of money or certain U.S. government obligations which through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such debt security, on the scheduled due dates.

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

Record Dates

The Senior Indenture provides, and the Subordinated Indenture will provide, that in certain circumstances we may establish a record date for determining the holders of outstanding debt securities of a series entitled to join in the giving of notice or the taking of other action under the applicable indenture by the holders of the debt securities of such series.

 

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Subordinated Debt Securities

Subordinated debt securities will be subordinate, in right of payment, to all senior debt. Senior debt means, with respect to us, the principal, premium, if any, interest, fees, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, guarantees and other amounts owing on the following:

 

•

All indebtedness of ours, whether outstanding on the date of issuance or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, which is for money borrowed, or evidenced by a note or similar instrument given in connection with the acquisition of any business, properties or assets, including securities;

 

•

Any indebtedness of others of the kinds described in the preceding clause for the payment of which we are responsible or liable (directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise) as guarantor or otherwise; and

 

•

Amendments, renewals, extensions and refundings of any indebtedness described above, unless in any instrument or instruments evidencing or securing such indebtedness or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, or in any such amendment, renewal, extension or refunding, it provides that such indebtedness is not senior or prior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities.

Upon any distribution of our assets upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated, to the extent provided in the Subordinated Indenture, in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our senior debt. Our obligation to make payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the subordinated debt securities will not otherwise be affected. In addition, no payment on account of principal and premium, if any, sinking fund or interest, if any, may be made on the subordinated debt securities at any time unless full payment of all amounts due in respect of the principal and premium, if any, sinking fund and interest, if any, on our senior debt has been made or duly provided for in money or money’s worth.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless all of our senior debt has been paid in full, in the event that any payment or distribution made by us is received by the trustee or the holders of any of the subordinated debt securities, such payment or distribution must be paid over to the holders of our senior debt or a person acting on their behalf, to be applied toward the payment of all of our senior debt remaining unpaid until all the senior debt has been paid in full. Subject to the payment in full of all of our senior debt, the rights of the holders of our subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of our senior debt.

By reason of this subordination, in the event of a distribution of our assets upon our insolvency, certain of our general creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of our subordinated debt securities.

Governing Law

The laws of the State of New York governs the Senior Indenture, will govern the Subordinated Indenture and will govern the debt securities issued under the indentures.

“Street Name” and Other Indirect Holders

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

 

•

How it handles payments and notices;

 

•

Whether it imposes fees or charges;

 

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•

How it would handle voting if applicable;

 

•

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

 

•

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

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

Book-Entry Securities

The following description of book-entry securities will apply to any series of debt securities issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities except as otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Book-entry securities of like tenor and having the same date will be represented by one or more global securities deposited with and registered in the name of a depositary that is a clearing agent registered under the Exchange Act. Beneficial interests in book-entry securities will be limited to institutions that have accounts with the depositary, or “participants,” or persons that may hold interests through participants.

Ownership of beneficial interests by participants will only be evidenced by, and the transfer of that ownership interest will only be effected through, records maintained by the depositary. Ownership of beneficial interests by persons that hold through participants will only be evidenced by, and the transfer of that ownership interest within such participant will only be effected through, records maintained by the participants. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.

Payment of principal of and any premium and interest on book-entry securities represented by a global security registered in the name of or held by a depositary will be made to the depositary, as the registered owner of the global security. Neither we, the trustee nor any agent of ours or the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the depositary’s records or any participant’s records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the depositary’s records or any participant’s records relating to the beneficial ownership interests. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global security held through such participants will be governed by the depositary’s procedures, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name,” and will be the sole responsibility of such participants.

A global security representing a book-entry security will be exchangeable for definitive debt securities in registered form, of like tenor and of an equal aggregate principal amount registered in the name of, or is transferable in whole or in part to, a person other than the depositary for that global security, only if:

 

•

The depositary notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for that global security and we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days after receiving that notice;

 

•

At any time the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90 days after becoming aware that the depositary has ceased to be registered as a clearing agency;

 

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•

We in our sole discretion determine that that the global security is so transferable or will be exchangeable for definitive securities in registered form and, in each case, notify the trustee of our decision;

 

•

An event of default with respect to the debt securities of that series has occurred and is continuing; or

 

•

Other circumstances exist that have been specified in the terms of the debt securities of that series.

Any global security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be registered in the name or names of such person or persons as the depositary shall instruct the trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such global security.

Except as provided above, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the holders thereof for any purpose under the indentures, and no global security shall be exchangeable, except for a security registered in the name of the depositary. This means each person owning a beneficial interest in such global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indentures. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or an owner of a beneficial interest in such global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indentures, the depositary would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participant to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a description of any warrants, purchase contracts, purchase units or depositary shares that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Common Stock

We may issue, either separately or together with other securities, including as a part of purchase units, shares of our common stock. Shares of common stock issued as part of purchase units may be attached to or separate from any other securities part of those purchase units. Under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, we are authorized to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of our common stock. As of May 1, 2015, we had 109,215,499 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and had reserved approximately 5.6 million additional shares of common stock for issuance under our stock compensation plans.

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

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

 

•

The Delaware General Corporation Law, as it may be amended from time to time;

 

•

Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as it may be amended or further restated from time to time; and

 

•

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws, as they may be further amended or restated from time to time.

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

Voting Rights. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.

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

Miscellaneous. The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive or redemption rights. Shares of common stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of capital stock. Computershare Investor Services is the transfer agent and registrar for the common stock.

Preferred Stock

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

Our Board of Directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one or more series. In addition, our Board of Directors is authorized to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series of preferred stock and to fix the

 

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designation, powers (including but not limited to voting powers, if any), preferences and rights of the shares of each series of preferred stock and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of each series of preferred stock. The number of authorized shares of preferred stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock, without a vote of the holders of the preferred stock, or of any series of preferred stock, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any preferred stock.

Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors without further stockholder action, to provide for the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in one or more series. As of the date of this prospectus, no shares of preferred stock have been issued, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock are available for issuance. We have 6,000,000 shares of preferred stock designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock in connection with our prior rights agreement, leaving 44,000,000 shares of preferred stock remaining available for designation as of the date of this prospectus.

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

 

•

The title and liquidation preference per share of the preferred stock;

 

•

The number of shares offered;

 

•

The purchase price of the preferred stock;

 

•

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

 

•

Any redemption or sinking fund provisions of the preferred stock;

 

•

Any conversion provisions of the preferred stock;

 

•

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

 

•

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

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

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

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

Rights upon Liquidation. The preferred stock will be preferred over our common stock as to assets so that the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to be paid, upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up and before any distribution is made to the holders of common stock, the

 

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amount set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, in this case the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any other or further payment. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up our net assets are insufficient to permit the payment in full of the respective amounts to which the holders of all outstanding preferred stock are entitled, our entire remaining net assets will be distributed among the holders of each series of preferred stock in amounts proportional to the full amounts to which the holders of each series are entitled.

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

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 stockholders. The holders of common stock and the holders of all series of preferred stock will vote together as one class.

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

Special Charter Provisions. Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that:

 

•

Our Board of Directors is classified into three classes;

 

•

In addition to the requirements of law and the other provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our common stock is required for the adoption or authorization of any of the following events unless the event has been approved at a meeting of our Board of Directors by the vote of more than two-thirds of the incumbent members of our Board of Directors:

 

•

Any merger or consolidation of us with or into any other corporation;

 

•

Any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition, but excluding a mortgage or any other security device, of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

•

Any merger or consolidation of a Significant Shareholder (as defined in our Restated Certificate of Incorporation) with or into us or a direct or indirect subsidiary of ours;

 

•

Any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition to us or to a direct or indirect subsidiary of ours of any of our common stock held by a Significant Shareholder or any other assets of a Significant Shareholder which, if included with all other dispositions consummated during the same fiscal year of ours by the same Significant Shareholder, would result in dispositions of assets having an aggregate fair value in excess of five percent of our total consolidated assets as shown on our certified balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year preceding the proposed disposition;

 

•

Any reclassification of our common stock, or any re-capitalization involving our common stock, consummated within five years after a Significant Shareholder becomes a Significant Shareholder, whereby the number of outstanding shares of common stock is reduced or any of those shares are converted into or exchanged for cash or other securities;

 

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•

Any dissolution; and

 

•

Any agreement, contract or other arrangement providing for any of these transactions but notwithstanding anything not including any merger pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended from time to time, which does not require a vote of our stockholders for approval;

 

•

Our stockholders may not alter, amend, supplement or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with the purpose or intent of, certain provisions contained in our Restated Certificate of Incorporation other than by the affirmative vote of 75% of the combined voting power of all of our outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in an election of directors, voting together as a single class;

 

•

Our stockholders may not adopt, amend or repeal our Amended and Restated Bylaws other than by the affirmative vote of 75% of the combined voting power of all of our outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in an election of directors, voting together as a single class;

 

•

Any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be effected by the written consent of the stockholders; and

 

•

Special meetings of the stockholders may be called at any time by a majority of our directors, our Chairman of the Board or our Chief Executive Officer and may not be called by any other person or persons or in any other manner.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities in one or more of the following ways:

 

•

To underwriters, whether or not part of a syndicate, for public offering and sale by them;

 

•

Directly to purchasers in negotiated sales or in competitively bid transactions;

 

•

Through agents;

 

•

Through dealers; or

 

•

Through a combination of any of the above methods of sale.

Offers to purchase securities may be solicited directly by us or by agents designated by us from time to time. Any agent, who may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, involved in the offer and sale of the securities will be named, and any commissions payable by us to that agent will be provided, in an applicable prospectus supplement. We and our agents may sell the securities at:

 

•

A fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

•

Market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

•

Prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

 

•

Negotiated prices.

Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements with us, to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to reimbursement by us for certain expenses. Unless otherwise described in an applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase offered securities will be subject to conditions, and the underwriters must purchase all of the offered securities if any are purchased.

If an underwriter or underwriters are used in the offer or sale of securities, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriters at the time of sale of the securities to the underwriters, and the names of the underwriters and the principal terms of our agreements with the underwriters will be provided in an applicable prospectus supplement.

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

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

 

•

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

 

•

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

 

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•

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

 

•

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

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

If indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize dealers acting as agents for us to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in the prospectus supplement. The identity of any such agents, the terms of such delayed delivery contracts and the commissions payable by us to these agents will be set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement.

If indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, we may sell shares of our common stock under a newly established direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan. The terms of any such plan will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Each underwriter, dealer and agent participating in the distribution of any of the securities that are issuable in bearer form will agree that it will not offer, sell or deliver, directly or indirectly, securities in bearer form in the United States or to U.S. persons, other than qualifying financial institutions, during the restricted period, as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7).

Except for shares of our common stock or as otherwise described in an applicable prospectus supplement, all of the securities will be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom or agents through whom the securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in the securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for any such securities.

Certain of the underwriters, dealers or agents and their associates may be customers of, engage in transactions with and perform services for us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered by us will be passed upon for us by Elliot S. Davis, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary of Allegheny Technologies Incorporated, or by K&L Gates LLP, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Davis is paid a salary by Allegheny Technologies Incorporated, is a participant in various employee benefit plans offered to its employees and beneficially owns, or has rights to acquire, an aggregate of less than one percent of the shares of our outstanding common stock.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Allegheny Technologies Incorporated and Subsidiaries appearing in Allegheny Technologies Incorporated’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2014, and the effectiveness of Allegheny Technologies Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are, and audited consolidated financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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$        

 

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated

    % Convertible Senior Notes due 2022

 

 

P R O S P E C T U S    S U P P L E M E N T

                , 2016

 

 

Citigroup

J.P. Morgan

BofA Merrill Lynch