S-3
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
June 5, 2006
Registration Statement No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Conexant Systems, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
4000 MacArthur Boulevard, West Tower
Newport Beach, California 92660-3095
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Delaware
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(949) 483-4600
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25-1799439 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
code, of registrants principal executive offices)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
Dennis E. OReilly, Esq.
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Conexant Systems, Inc.
4000 MacArthur Boulevard, West Tower
Newport Beach, California 92660-3095
(949) 483-4600
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Peter R. Kolyer, Esq.
Sey-Hyo Lee, Esq.
Chadbourne & Parke LLP
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112
(212) 408-5100
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this
registration statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities
Act), other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment
plans, check the following box. þ
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities
Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a
post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, please check the following box. þ
If this form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to
General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of
securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box.
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Calculation of Registration Fee
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Proposed maximum |
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Proposed maximum |
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Title of each class of |
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Amount to be |
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offering price per |
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aggregate offering |
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Amount of |
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securities to be registered |
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registered(1) |
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unit(1) |
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price(1) |
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registration fee |
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4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2026 |
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250,000,000 |
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100 |
% |
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$ |
250,000,000 |
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$ 26,750 |
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Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
(including the associated preferred share
purchase rights) |
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50,813,000 |
(2) |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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(3 |
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(1) |
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Equals the aggregate initial principal amount of the notes being registered. Estimated solely
for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities
Act. |
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(2) |
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Represents the number of shares of registrants common stock issuable upon conversion of the
notes at an initial conversion rate of 203.2520 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal
amount of notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $4.92 per
share). Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, the registrant is also registering such
indeterminate number of shares of common stock, including the associated preferred share
purchase rights, as may be issued from time to time upon conversion of the notes as a result
of the conversion rate adjustment provisions relating to the notes. |
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The registrant will receive no consideration for the issuance of shares of common stock upon
conversion of the notes. Therefore, pursuant to Rule 457(i), no filing fee is required with
respect to the shares of common stock registered hereby. |
PROSPECTUS
Conexant Systems, Inc.
$250,000,000
4% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2026
Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion of the Notes
In March and May 2006, we issued and sold $250 million aggregate principal amount of our 4%
convertible subordinated notes due 2026 in a private placement. This prospectus may be used by
selling securityholders to resell the notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the
notes.
The notes bear interest at the rate of 4% per annum. Interest on the notes began accruing on
March 7, 2006 and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year,
beginning on September 1, 2006. The notes will mature on March 1, 2026.
The notes are our unsecured subordinated obligations and are subordinated in right of payment
to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness, structurally subordinated to the
indebtedness of our subsidiaries, effectively subordinated to our secured debt to the extent of the
value of the security, and equal in right of payment with certain of our other subordinated debt.
Holders may convert their notes into shares of our common stock based on a conversion rate of
203.2520 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (which represents an
initial conversion price of approximately $4.92 per share) subject to adjustment, only under the
following circumstances:
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if the closing price of our common stock reaches, or the trading price of the notes
falls below, specified thresholds, |
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if the notes are called for redemption, |
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if specified corporate transactions or distributions to holders of our common stock occur, |
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if a fundamental change occurs, or |
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during the 10 trading days prior to, but excluding, March 1, 2026. |
Upon conversion, we will have the right to deliver, in lieu of shares of our common
stock, cash or a combination of cash and common stock. If a holder elects to convert its notes in
connection with certain fundamental changes that occur on or prior to March 1, 2011, the holder
will also be entitled to receive a make whole premium in the form of an increase in the conversion
rate.
Beginning on March 1, 2011, we may redeem any of the notes at any time, or from time to time,
in whole or in part for cash, without regard to the closing price of our common stock. Upon any
redemption of the notes, we will pay a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any. Holders may require us to
repurchase for cash all or part of their notes on March 1, 2011, March 1, 2016 and March 1, 2021 at
a price of 100% of the principal amount of the notes being repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid
interest and additional interest, if any. In addition, holders may require us to repurchase for
cash all or part of their notes upon a fundamental change at a repurchase price equal to 100% of
the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, including
additional interest, if any.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CNXT. The closing
price of our common stock on June 2, 2006 was $2.86 per share.
Investing in the notes and the underlying shares of common stock involves significant risks.
See Risk Factors beginning on page 5 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 accuracy or adequacy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is June 5, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this
prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You
should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the
date on the cover page of this prospectus.
TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH TREASURY DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 230, EACH PERSON RECEIVING THIS
PROSPECTUS IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT: (A) ANY DISCUSSION OF FEDERAL TAX ISSUES IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS
NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE RELIED UPON, AND CANNOT BE RELIED UPON, BY HOLDERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON HOLDERS UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS
AMENDED AND (B) SUCH DISCUSSION IS INCLUDED HEREIN BY US IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROMOTION OR
MARKETING (WITHIN THE MEANING OF TREASURY DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 230) OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS
ADDRESSED HEREIN.
SUMMARY
This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should
consider before deciding whether to invest in the notes or the underlying common stock. You should
read carefully the entire prospectus, including the more detailed information and financial
statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, before making an investment decision.
Our Company
We design, develop and sell semiconductor system solutions, comprised of semiconductor
devices, software and reference designs, for use in broadband communications applications that
enable high-speed transmission, processing and distribution of audio, video, voice and data to and
throughout homes and business enterprises worldwide. Our access solutions connect people through
personal communications access products such as personal computers (PCs), television set-top boxes
and game consoles to audio, video, voice and data services over wireless and wire line broadband
connections as well as over dial-up Internet connections. Our central office solutions are used by
service providers to deliver high-speed audio, video, voice and data services over copper telephone
lines and optical fiber networks to homes and businesses around the globe. In addition, our media
processing products enable the capture, display, storage, playback and transfer of audio and video
content in applications throughout home and small office environments. We operate in one reportable
segment.
Our principal executive offices are located at 4000 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach,
California 92660 and our telephone number is (949) 483-4600.
Recent Developments
As described in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006,
our Conexant, Inc. subsidiary (formerly GlobespanVirata, Inc.) had been involved in a dispute with
Texas Instruments, Inc., Stanford University and its Board of Trustees, and Stanford University
OTL, LLC (collectively, Texas Instruments) over a group of patents (and related foreign patents)
that Texas Instruments alleges are essential to certain industry standards for implementing
asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) technology. On May 5, 2006, we announced that we reached
a definitive agreement with Texas Instruments that settles all aspects of this dispute. Under the
terms of the settlement agreement, we will make a lump-sum payment of $70 million to Texas
Instruments in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. The agreement resolves the alleged past
infringement of ASDL patents by GlobespanVirata products and provides a fully paid-up,
going-forward license for these products under a previously existing 2003 agreement between Texas
Instruments, Inc. and us. In addition, our patent license with Texas Instruments, Inc. was amended
to make it clear that the previous agreement extends to all xDSL products.
The Offering
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Issuer |
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Conexant Systems, Inc. |
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Securities Offered |
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$250,000,000 principal amount of 4%
convertible subordinated notes due March
1, 2026 and shares of our common stock
issuable upon conversion of the notes. |
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Maturity Date |
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The notes will mature on March 1, 2026,
unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or
converted. |
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Interest |
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4% per annum on the principal amount,
payable in cash semi-annually in arrears
on March 1 and September 1 of each year,
beginning on September 1, 2006, to the
holders of record at the close of business
on the preceding February 15 and August
15, respectively. Interest accrues on the
notes from and including March 7, 2006. |
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Ranking |
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The notes are our unsecured subordinated
obligations and will be subordinated in
right of payment to all of our existing
and future senior indebtedness;
structurally subordinated to the
indebtedness of our subsidiaries,
including the short-term indebtedness of
our subsidiary Conexant USA, LLC in
connection with our accounts receivable
financing facility; effectively
subordinated to our secured debt to the
extent of the value of the security; and
equal in right of payment with our 4%
convertible subordinated notes due 2007. |
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Conversion Rights |
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Holders may convert their notes into
shares of our common stock prior to the
close of business on the business day
before the stated maturity date based on
an initial conversion rate, subject to
adjustment, of 203.2520 shares of our
common stock per $1,000 principal amount
of notes, which represents an initial
conversion price of approximately $4.92
per share, only in the following
circumstances and to the following extent: |
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during any calendar quarter
beginning after March 31, 2006, and only
during such calendar quarter, if the
closing price of our common stock for at
least 20 trading days in the 30
consecutive trading days ending on the
last trading day of the immediately
preceding calendar quarter is more than
120% of the then applicable conversion
price per share; |
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during the five business day
period after any five consecutive trading
day period in which the trading price per
$1,000 principal amount of notes for each
day of that period was less than 98% of
the product of the closing price for our
common stock for each day of that period
and the then applicable conversion rate; |
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if we call the notes for
redemption; |
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if specified corporate
transactions or distributions to holders
of our common stock occur; |
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if a fundamental change occurs; or |
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during the 10 trading days prior
to, but excluding, the maturity date.
Upon conversion, we will have the right to
deliver, in lieu of common stock, cash or
a combination of cash and shares of our
common stock. See Description of the
Notes Conversion Rights. |
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Sinking fund |
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None. |
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Redemption of Notes at Our Option |
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We may not redeem any notes before March
1, 2011. The notes are redeemable by us on
and after March 1, 2011, in whole or in
part, at a redemption price in cash equal
to 100% of the principal amount of notes
to be redeemed, plus any accrued and
unpaid interest, including additional
interest, if any, to but not including the
redemption date. See Description of the
Notes Redemption of Notes at Our
Option. |
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Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the
Holder |
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Holders may require us to purchase for
cash all or part of their notes on March
1, 2011, March 1, 2016 and March 1, 2021
or upon a fundamental change, in each case
at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the notes to be
repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, including additional interest,
if any, to, but not including, the
repurchase date. See Description of the
Notes Repurchase of Notes by Us at the
Option of the Holder. |
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Make Whole Premium Upon a Fundamental
Change |
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If certain fundamental changes occur on or
prior to March 1, 2011, in some
circumstances, we will pay a make whole
premium in the form of an increase in the
conversion rate to holders of the notes
who convert their notes during the period
beginning 15 days before the anticipated
effective date of the fundamental change
and until, but excluding, the fundamental
change repurchase date. |
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The make whole premium will be determined
by reference to the table included in this
prospectus and is based on the date on
which the fundamental change becomes
effective, which we refer to as the
effective date, and the price, which we
refer to as the applicable stock price,
paid per share of our common stock in the
transaction constituting the fundamental
change. If holders of our common stock
receive only cash in the transaction, the
applicable stock price shall be the cash
amount paid per share of our common stock.
Otherwise, the applicable stock price
shall be equal to the average closing
price of our common stock over the five
trading-day period ending on the trading
day immediately |
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preceding, and excluding,
the effective date of the transaction. See
Description of the Notes Determination
of the Make Whole Premium. |
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Use of Proceeds |
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We will not receive any of the proceeds
from the sale by any selling
securityholder of the notes or the common
stock issuable upon conversion of the
notes. |
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Registration Rights |
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We agreed to file the shelf registration
statement of which this prospectus is a
part with the SEC covering the notes and
the shares of common stock, if any,
issuable upon conversion of the notes. We
agreed to file the shelf registration
statement of which this prospectus is a
part within 90 days of the original
issuance of the notes. We also agreed to
use our reasonable efforts to cause the
shelf registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part to become effective
within 180 days and to use our reasonable
efforts to keep the shelf registration
statement of which this prospectus is a
part effective for a specified period. |
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Listing and Trading |
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The notes originally issued in the private
placement are eligible for trading on the
PORTAL(SM) Market; notes resold pursuant
to this prospectus will cease to be
eligible for trading on the PORTAL(SM)
Market. The notes are not currently listed
nor de we intend to list the notes on any
national securities exchange. Our common
stock is listed on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol CNXT. |
For a more complete description of the terms of the notes, see Description of the Notes. For
a more complete description of our common stock, see Description of Capital Stock.
4
RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to Our Business
Our business, financial condition and results of operations can be impacted by a number of
risks, any one of which could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent results or
from anticipated future results. Any of these individual risks could materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn could materially
and adversely affect the price of the notes and our common stock. This effect could be compounded
if multiple risks were to occur. Before deciding to invest in the notes or our common stock, you
should carefully consider the risks set forth below as well as the risks described in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, our Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q for the quarters ended December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006 and our other filings with the
SEC.
We face a risk that capital needed for our business and to repay our convertible notes will
not be available when we need it.
At March 31, 2006, we had $853.3 million aggregate principal amount of convertible
subordinated notes outstanding, of which $196.8 million was repaid in May 2006, $456.5 million is
due in February 2007, and $200.0 million is due in March 2026. In May 2006, we issued an additional
$50 million of notes due in March 2026. The conversion prices of the notes that are due in February
2007 are currently substantially in excess of the market value of our common stock. We also have
$80.0 million of short-term debt which expires in November 2006 and is subject to extension at the
discretion of the lender. Additionally, in May 2006 we reached a definitive agreement with Texas
Instruments that settles all aspects of our ADSL dispute with them, under which we will be required
to make a lump-sum payment of $70 million to Texas Instruments in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.
At March 31, 2006, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $595.1 million. If
we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from our operations and realize additional value
from our investments and other assets, we may be unable to meet our February 2007 debt obligations
without additional financing. We cannot assure you that we will have access to additional sources
of capital, or be able to refinance our debt, on favorable terms or at all. Further, raising
capital through the equity markets would have a greater effect on shareholder dilution.
Included in our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $595.1 million as of March
31, 2006 are 6.2 million shares of common stock of Skyworks Solutions, Inc. valued at $41.9
million. For these securities, there is risk associated with the overall state of the stock market,
having available buyers for the shares we may want to sell, and ultimately being able to liquidate
the securities at a favorable price. We cannot assure you that the carrying value of these assets
will ultimately be realized.
In addition, any strategic investments and acquisitions that we may desire to make to help us
grow our business may require additional capital resources. We cannot assure you that the capital
required to fund these investments and acquisitions will be available in the future.
We may be subject to claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights or
demands that we license third-party technology, which could result in significant expense and loss
of our ability to use, make, sell, export or import our products or one or more components
comprising our products.
The semiconductor industry is characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual
property rights. From time to time, third parties have asserted and may in the future assert
patent, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights to technologies that are
important to our business and have demanded and may in the future demand that we license their
patents and technology. Any litigation to determine the validity of claims that our products
infringe or may infringe these rights, including claims arising through our contractual
indemnification of our customers, regardless of their merit or resolution, could be costly and
divert the efforts and attention of our management and technical personnel. We cannot assure you
that we would prevail in litigation given the complex technical issues and inherent uncertainties
in intellectual property litigation. If any such litigation results in an adverse ruling we could
be required to:
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pay substantial damages; |
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cease the manufacture, use or sale of infringing products; |
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discontinue the use of infringing technology; |
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expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology; or |
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license technology from the third party claiming infringement, which license may not
be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. |
We have recently incurred substantial losses and we anticipate additional future losses.
Our net losses for the first six months of fiscal 2006 and for fiscal 2005 were $34.4 million
and $176.0 million, respectively.
We have implemented a number of expense reduction and restructuring initiatives to improve our
operating cost structure. The cost reduction initiatives included workforce reductions, the closure
or consolidation of certain facilities and an increasing shift of product development resources to
lower-cost regions, among other actions. However, these expense reduction initiatives alone will
not return us to profitability. In order to return to profitability, we must achieve substantial
revenue growth. We cannot assure you as to whether or when we will return to profitability or
whether we will be able to sustain such profitability, if achieved.
We operate in the highly cyclical semiconductor industry, which is subject to significant
downturns.
The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and is characterized by constant and rapid
technological change, rapid product obsolescence and price erosion, evolving technical standards,
short product life cycles and wide fluctuations in product supply and demand. From time to time
these and other factors, together with changes in general economic conditions, cause significant
upturns and downturns in the industry, and in our business in particular. Periods of industry
downturns have been characterized by diminished product demand, production overcapacity, high
inventory levels and accelerated erosion of average selling prices. These factors have caused
substantial fluctuations in our revenues and results of operations. We have experienced these
cyclical fluctuations in our business in the past and may experience them in the future.
Demand for our products in each of the communications electronics end-markets which we address
is subject to a unique set of factors, and a downturn in demand affecting one market may be more
pronounced, or last longer, than a downturn affecting another of our markets.
Our operating results may be negatively affected by substantial quarterly and annual
fluctuations and market downturns.
Our revenues, earnings and other operating results have fluctuated in the past and may
fluctuate in the future. These fluctuations are due to a number of factors, many of which are
beyond our control. These factors include, among others:
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changes in end-user demand for the products manufactured and sold by our customers; |
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the timing of receipt, reduction or cancellation of significant orders by customers; |
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seasonal customer demand; |
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the gain or loss of significant customers; |
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market acceptance of our products and our customers products; |
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our ability to develop, introduce and market new products and technologies on a timely basis; |
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the timing and extent of product development costs; |
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new product and technology introductions by competitors; |
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changes in the mix of products we develop and sell; |
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fluctuations in manufacturing yields; |
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availability and cost of products from our suppliers; |
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intellectual property disputes; and |
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the effects of competitive pricing pressures, including decreases in average selling prices of our products. |
The foregoing factors are difficult to forecast, and these as well as other factors could
materially adversely affect our quarterly or annual operating results.
We are subject to intense competition.
The communications semiconductor industry in general and the markets in which we compete in
particular are intensely competitive. We compete worldwide with a number of United States and
international semiconductor providers that are both larger and smaller than us in terms of
resources and market share. We currently face significant competition in our markets and expect
that intense price and product competition will continue. This competition has resulted in and is
expected to continue to result in declining average selling prices for our products. We also
anticipate that additional competitors will enter our markets as a result of expected growth
opportunities in communications electronics, the trend toward global expansion by foreign and
domestic competitors, technological and public policy changes and relatively low barriers to entry
in certain markets of the industry. Moreover, as with many companies in the semiconductor industry,
customers for certain of our products offer other products that compete with similar products
offered by us. Many of our competitors have certain advantages over us, such as significantly
greater sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution, technical, financial and other resources.
We believe that the principal competitive factors for semiconductor suppliers in our addressed markets are:
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time-to-market; |
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product quality, reliability and performance; |
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level of integration; |
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price and total system cost; |
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compliance with industry standards; |
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design and engineering capabilities; |
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strategic relationships with customers; |
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customer support; |
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new product innovation; and |
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access to manufacturing capacity. |
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We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully address these factors.
Current and potential competitors also have established or may establish financial or
strategic relationships among themselves or with our existing or potential customers, resellers or
other third parties. These relationships may affect customers purchasing decisions. Accordingly,
it is possible that new competitors or alliances could emerge and rapidly acquire significant
market share. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully against current and
potential competitors
The loss of a key customer could seriously impact our revenue levels and harm our business.
In addition, if we are unable to continue to sell existing and new products to our key
customers in significant quantities or to attract new significant customers, our future
operating results could be adversely affected.
We have derived a substantial portion of our past revenue from sales to a relatively small
number of customers. As a result, the loss of any significant customer could materially and
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Sales to our twenty largest customers represented approximately 67% and 64% of our net
revenues in the first six months of fiscal 2006 and for fiscal 2005, respectively. We expect that
our largest customers will continue to account for a substantial portion of our net revenue in
future periods. The identities of our largest customers and their respective contributions to our
net revenue have varied and will likely continue to vary from period to period. We may not be able
to maintain or increase sales to certain of our key customers for a variety of reasons, including
the following:
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most of our customers can stop incorporating our products into their own products
with limited notice to us and suffer little or no penalty; |
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our agreements with our customers typically do not require them to purchase a minimum
quantity of our products; |
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many of our customers have pre-existing or concurrent relationships with our current
or potential competitors that may affect the customers decisions to purchase our
products; |
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our customers face intense competition from other manufacturers that do not use our products; and |
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some of our customers offer or may offer products that compete with our products. |
In addition, our longstanding relationships with some larger customers may also deter other
potential customers who compete with these customers from buying our products. To attract new
customers or retain existing customers, we may offer certain customers favorable prices on our
products. The loss of a key customer, a reduction in sales to any key customer or our inability to
attract new significant customers could seriously impact our revenue and materially and adversely
affect our results of operations.
Our success depends on our ability to timely develop competitive new products and reduce
costs.
Our operating results will depend largely on our ability to continue to introduce new and
enhanced semiconductor products on a timely basis. Successful product development and introduction
depends on numerous factors, including, among others:
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our ability to anticipate customer and market requirements and changes in technology and industry standards; |
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our ability to accurately define new products; |
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our ability to timely complete development of new products and bring our products to
market on a timely basis; |
8
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our ability to differentiate our products from offerings of our competitors; |
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overall market acceptance of our products; |
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our ability to invest in significant amounts of research and development; and |
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our ability to transition product development efforts between and among our sites,
particularly into India and China. |
As a result of the Paxonet Communications acquisition in December 2004 and organic growth, we
have increased our headcount in India from approximately 180 employees to approximately 920
employees at several design centers since the end of fiscal 2004. We plan to continue this growth
trend in India and other international locations in the Asia-Pacific region. Expansion and
transition of product development efforts to other locations entails risks associated with our
ability to manage the development of products at remote geographic locations, to achieve key
program milestones, and to attract and retain qualified management, technical and other personnel
necessary for the design and development of our products. If we experience product design or
development delays as a result of the transition, or an inability to adequately staff the programs,
there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient resources to make the substantial investment
in research and development in order to develop and bring to market new and enhanced products.
Furthermore, we are required to continually evaluate expenditures for planned product development
and to choose among alternative technologies based on our expectations of future market growth. We
cannot assure you that we will be able to develop and introduce new or enhanced products in a
timely and cost-effective manner, that our products will satisfy customer requirements or achieve
market acceptance, or that we will be able to anticipate new industry standards and technological
changes. We also cannot assure you that we will be able to respond successfully to new product
announcements and introductions by competitors.
In addition, prices of established products may decline, sometimes significantly and rapidly,
over time. We believe that in order to remain competitive we must continue to reduce the cost of
producing and delivering existing products at the same time that we develop and introduce new or
enhanced products. We cannot assure you that we will be successful and as a result gross margins
may decline in future periods.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to effect suitable investments, alliances and
acquisitions.
Although we invest significant resources in research and development activities, the
complexity and speed of technological changes make it impractical for us to pursue development of
all technological solutions on our own. On an ongoing basis, we review investment, alliance and
acquisition prospects that would complement our existing product offerings, augment our market
coverage or enhance our technological capabilities. However, we cannot assure you that we will be
able to identify and consummate suitable investment, alliance or acquisition transactions in the
future.
Moreover, if we consummate such transactions, they could result in:
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issuances of equity securities dilutive to our existing shareholders; |
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large initial one-time write-offs of in-process research and development; |
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the incurrence of substantial debt and assumption of unknown liabilities; |
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the potential loss of key employees from the acquired company; |
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amortization expenses related to intangible assets; and |
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the diversion of managements attention from other business concerns. |
9
Additionally, in periods subsequent to an acquisition, at least on an annual basis or when
indicators of impairment exist, we must evaluate goodwill and acquisition-related intangible assets
for impairment. When such assets are found to be impaired, they will be written down to estimated
fair value, with a charge against earnings. At March 31, 2006, we had $714.8 million of goodwill,
of which approximately $616.8 million was generated in our merger with GlobespanVirata in February
2004. When market capitalization is below book value, it is an indicator that goodwill may be
impaired. Although our market capitalization was above our book value at March 31, 2006, it has
been below book value in the recent past. We performed our annual evaluation of goodwill in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 and determined that no impairment was required. However, if our
market capitalization drops below our book value for a prolonged period of time or our current
assumptions regarding our future operating performance change, we may be required to write down the
value of our goodwill by taking a non-cash charge against earnings.
Integrating acquired organizations and their products and services may be expensive,
time-consuming and a strain on our resources and our relationships with employees and customers,
and ultimately may not be successful. The process of integrating operations could cause an
interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of one or more of our product lines and the
loss of key personnel. The diversion of managements attention and any delays or difficulties
encountered in connection with acquisitions and the integration of multiple operations could have
an adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We are subject to the risks of doing business internationally.
For the first six months of fiscal 2006 and for fiscal 2005, approximately 93% and 90%,
respectively, of our net revenues were from customers located outside of the United States,
primarily in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. In addition, a significant portion of our
workforce, including approximately 920 employees in India, and many of our key suppliers are
located outside the United States. Our international operations consist of research and
development, sales offices, and other general and administrative functions. We plan to continue our
international expansion, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Our international operations are
subject to a number of risks inherent in operating abroad. These include, but are not limited to,
risks regarding:
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currency exchange rate fluctuations; |
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local economic and political conditions; |
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disruptions of commerce and capital or trading markets due to or related to terrorist
activity or armed conflict; |
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restrictive governmental actions, such as restrictions on the transfer or
repatriation of funds and trade protection measures, including export duties and quotas
and customs duties and tariffs; |
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changes in legal or regulatory requirements; |
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difficulty in obtaining distribution and support; |
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the laws and policies of the United States and other countries affecting trade,
foreign investment and loans, and import or export licensing requirements; |
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tax laws, including the cost of services provided and products sold between the
Company and its subsidiaries which are subject to review by taxing authorities; and |
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limitations on our ability under local laws to protect our intellectual property. |
Because most of our international sales are currently denominated in U.S. dollars, our
products could become less competitive in international markets if the value of the U.S. dollar
increases relative to foreign currencies. We cannot assure you that the factors described above
will not have a material adverse effect on our ability to increase or maintain our foreign sales.
10
From time to time, we may enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to minimize
risk of loss from currency exchange rate fluctuations for foreign currency commitments entered into
in the ordinary course of business. We have not entered into foreign currency forward exchange
contracts for other purposes. Our financial condition and results of operations could be affected
(adversely or favorably) by currency fluctuations.
We also conduct a significant portion of our international sales through distributors. Sales
to distributors and other resellers accounted for approximately 35% and 28% of our net revenues for
the first six months of fiscal 2006 and for fiscal 2005, respectively. Our arrangements with these
distributors are terminable at any time, and the loss of these arrangements could have an adverse
effect on our operating results. For those international distributors that we account for under a
deferred revenue recognition model, we rely on the distributor to provide us timely and accurate
product sell through information. No assurances can be given that these international distributors
will continue to provide us this information. If we are unable to obtain this information on a
timely basis, or if we determine that the information we do receive is unreliable, it may affect
the accuracy of amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements, and therefore have an
adverse effect on our operating results.
We may not be able to keep abreast of the rapid technological changes in our markets.
The demand for our products can change quickly and in ways we may not anticipate because our
markets generally exhibit the following characteristics:
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rapid technological developments; |
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rapid changes in customer requirements; |
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frequent new product introductions and enhancements; |
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short product life cycles with declining prices over the life cycle of the products; and |
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evolving industry standards. |
Our products could become obsolete sooner than anticipated because of a faster than
anticipated change in one or more of the technologies related to our products or in market demand
for products based on a particular technology, particularly due to the introduction of new
technology that represents a substantial advance over current technology. Currently accepted
industry standards are also subject to change, which may contribute to the obsolescence of our
products.
We may not be able to attract and retain qualified management, technical and other personnel
necessary for the design, development and sale of our products. Our success could be
negatively affected if key personnel leave.
Our future success depends on our ability to attract and to retain the continued service and
availability of skilled personnel, including our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer,
members of our executive team, and those in design, technical, marketing and staff positions. As
the source of our technological and product innovations, our key technical personnel represent a
significant asset. The competition for such personnel can be intense in the semiconductor industry.
While we have entered into employment agreements with some of our key personnel, we cannot assure
you that we will be able to attract and retain qualified management and other personnel necessary
for the design, development and sale of our products. In addition, the Company has relied on its
ability to grant stock options as one mechanism for recruiting and retaining highly skilled talent.
Recent accounting regulations requiring the expensing of stock options may impair the Companys
future ability to provide these incentives without incurring significant compensation costs. There
can be no assurance that the Company will continue to successfully attract, motivate, and retain
key personnel.
11
If OEMs of communications electronics products do not design our products into their
equipment, we will be unable to sell those products. Moreover, a design win from a customer
does not guarantee future sales to that customer.
Our products are not sold directly to the end-user but are components of other products. As a
result, we rely on OEMs of communications electronics products to select our products from among
alternative offerings to be designed into their equipment. We may be unable to achieve these
design wins. Without design wins from OEMs, we would be unable to sell our products. Once an OEM
designs another suppliers semiconductors into one of its product platforms, it will be more
difficult for us to achieve future design wins with that OEMs product platform because changing
suppliers involves significant cost, time, effort and risk. Achieving a design win with a customer
does not ensure that we will receive significant revenues from that customer and we may be unable
to convert design wins into actual sales. Even after a design win, the customer is not obligated to
purchase our products and can choose at any time to stop using our products if, for example, it or
its own products are not commercially successful.
Because of the lengthy sales cycles of many of our products, we may incur significant
expenses before we generate any revenues related to those products.
Our customers may need six months or longer to test and evaluate our products and an
additional six months or more to begin volume production of equipment that incorporates our
products. The lengthy period of time required also increases the possibility that a customer may
decide to cancel or change product plans, which could reduce or eliminate sales to that customer.
As a result of this lengthy sales cycle, we may incur significant research and development, and
selling, general and administrative expenses before we generate the related revenues for these
products, and we may never generate the anticipated revenues if our customer cancels or changes its
product plans.
Uncertainties involving the ordering and shipment of our products could adversely affect our
business.
Our sales are typically made pursuant to individual purchase orders and we generally do not
have long-term supply arrangements with our customers. Generally, our customers may cancel orders
until 30 days prior to shipment. In addition, we sell a portion of our products through
distributors and other resellers, some of whom have a right to return unsold products to us. Sales
to distributors and other resellers accounted for approximately 35% and 28% of our net revenues for
the first six months of fiscal 2006 and for fiscal 2005, respectively. Our distributors may offer
products of several different suppliers, including products that may be competitive with ours.
Accordingly, there is a risk that the distributors may give priority to other supplier products and
may not sell our products as quickly as forecasted, which may impact their future order levels. We
routinely purchase inventory based on estimates of end-market demand for our customers products,
which is difficult to predict. This difficulty may be compounded when we sell to OEMs indirectly
through distributors and other resellers or contract manufacturers, or both, as our forecasts of
demand are then based on estimates provided by multiple parties. In addition, our customers may
change their inventory practices on short notice for any reason. The cancellation or deferral of
product orders, the return of previously sold products or overproduction due to the failure of
anticipated orders to materialize could result in our holding excess or obsolete inventory, which
could result in write-downs of inventory. For example, the reduced demand outlook for fiscal year
2005 and the further decline of average selling prices for certain of our products resulted in net
inventory charges aggregating $44.1 million.
We are dependent upon third parties for the manufacture, assembly and test of our products.
We are entirely dependent upon outside wafer fabrication facilities (known as foundries or
fabs). Under our fabless business model, our revenue growth is dependent on our ability to obtain
sufficient external manufacturing capacity, including wafer production capacity. If the
semiconductor industry experiences a shortage of wafer fabrication capacity in the future, we may
experience delays in shipments or increased manufacturing costs. We do not have any long-term
supply arrangements.
There are significant risks associated with our reliance on third-party foundries, including:
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the lack of assured wafer supply, potential wafer shortages and higher wafer prices; |
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limited control over delivery schedules, manufacturing yields, production costs and product quality; and |
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the unavailability of, or delays in obtaining, access to key process technologies. |
The foundries we use may allocate their limited capacity to fulfill the production
requirements of other customers that are larger and better financed than us. If we choose to use a
new foundry, it typically takes several months to redesign our products for the process technology
and intellectual property cores of the new foundry and to complete the qualification process before
we can begin shipping products from the new foundry.
We are also dependent upon third parties for the assembly and test of our products. Our
reliance on others to assemble and test our products subjects us to many of the same risks as are
described herein with respect to our reliance on outside wafer fabrication facilities. Wafer
fabrication facilities and assembly and test companies are currently experiencing increased demand
for their capacity.
Wafer fabrication processes are subject to obsolescence, and foundries may discontinue a wafer
fabrication process used for certain of our products. In such event, we generally offer our
customers a last time buy program to satisfy their anticipated requirements for our products. The
unanticipated discontinuation of wafer fabrication processes on which we rely may adversely affect
our revenues and our customer relationships.
The foundries and other suppliers on whom we rely may experience financial difficulties or
suffer disruptions in their operations due to causes beyond our control, including labor strikes,
work stoppages, electrical power outages, fire, earthquake, flooding or other natural disasters.
Certain of our suppliers manufacturing facilities are located near major earthquake fault lines in
California and the Asia-Pacific region. In the event of a disruption of the operations of one or
more of our suppliers, we may not have a second manufacturing source immediately available. Such an
event could cause significant delays in shipments until we could shift the products from an
affected facility or supplier to another facility or supplier. The manufacturing processes we rely
on are specialized and are available from a limited number of suppliers. Alternate sources of
manufacturing capacity, particularly wafer production capacity, may not be available to us on a
timely basis. Even if alternate wafer production capacity is available, we may not be able to
obtain it on favorable terms, or at all. Difficulties or delays in securing an adequate supply of
our products on favorable terms, or at all, could impair our ability to meet our customers
requirements and have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
In addition, the highly complex and technologically demanding nature of semiconductor
manufacturing has caused foundries from time to time to experience lower than anticipated
manufacturing yields, particularly in connection with the introduction of new products and the
installation and start-up of new process technologies. Lower than anticipated manufacturing yields
may affect our ability to fulfill our customers demands for our products on a timely basis.
Moreover, lower than anticipated manufacturing yields may adversely affect our cost of goods sold
and our results of operations.
We may experience difficulties in transitioning to smaller geometry process technologies or
in achieving higher levels of design integration, which may result in reduced manufacturing
yields, delays in product deliveries and increased expenses.
To remain competitive, we expect to continue to transition our semiconductor products to
increasingly smaller line width geometries. This transition requires us to modify the manufacturing
processes for our products and to redesign some products as well as standard cells and other
integrated circuit designs that we may use in multiple products. We periodically evaluate the
benefits, on a product-by-product basis, of migrating to smaller geometry process technologies to
reduce our costs. Currently most of our products are manufactured in .35 micron, .25 micron, .18
micron, .15 micron, and .13 micron geometry processes. In addition, we expect to migrate some of
our products to 90 nanometer process technology. In the past, we have experienced some difficulties
in shifting to smaller geometry process technologies or new manufacturing processes, which resulted
in reduced manufacturing yields, delays in product deliveries and increased expenses. We may face
similar difficulties, delays and expenses as we continue to transition our products to smaller
geometry processes. We are dependent on our relationships with our foundries to transition to
smaller geometry processes successfully. We cannot assure you that our foundries will be able to
effectively manage the transition or that we will be able to maintain our existing foundry
relationships or develop new ones. If our foundries or we experience significant delays in this
transition or fail to implement this transition efficiently, we could experience reduced
manufacturing yields, delays in product deliveries and increased expenses, all of which could
adversely affect our relationships with our customers and our results of operations. As smaller
geometry processes become more prevalent, we expect to continue to integrate greater levels of
functionality, as well as
13
customer and third party intellectual property, into our products. However, we may not be able to
achieve higher levels of design integration or deliver new integrated products on a timely basis,
or at all. Moreover, even if we are able to achieve higher levels of design integration, such
integration may have a short-term adverse impact on our operating results, as we may reduce our
revenue by integrating the functionality of multiple chips into a single chip.
If we are not successful in protecting our intellectual property rights, it may harm our
ability to compete.
We rely primarily on patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as
nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements and other methods, to protect our proprietary
technologies and processes. At times we incorporate the intellectual property of our customers into
our designs, and we have obligations with respect to the non-use and non-disclosure of their
intellectual property. In the past, we have engaged in litigation to enforce our intellectual
property rights, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of proprietary
rights of others, including our customers. We may engage in future litigation on similar grounds,
which may require us to expend significant resources and to divert the efforts and attention of our
management from our business operations. We cannot assure you that:
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the steps we take to prevent misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual
property or the intellectual property of our customers will be successful; |
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any existing or future patents will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented; or |
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any of the measures described above would provide meaningful protection. |
Despite these precautions, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain
and use our technology without authorization, develop similar technology independently or design
around our patents. If any of our patents fails to protect our technology it would make it easier
for our competitors to offer similar products. In addition, effective patent, copyright, trademark
and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain countries.
Uncertainties involving litigation could adversely affect our business.
We and certain of our current and former officers and directors have been sued in several
purported securities class action lawsuits, which have now been consolidated into a single action.
We and certain of our directors and officers have also been sued in purported shareholder
derivative actions. Although we believe that these lawsuits are without merit, an adverse
determination could have a negative impact on the price of our stock. Moreover, regardless of the
ultimate result, the lawsuits may divert managements attention and resources from other matters,
which could also adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We may be liable for penalties under environmental laws, rules and regulations, which could
adversely impact our business.
Our former manufacturing operations used a variety of chemicals and were subject to a wide
range of environmental protection regulations in the United States and Mexico. We have been
designated as a potentially responsible party and are engaged in groundwater remediation at one
Superfund site located at a former silicon wafer manufacturing facility and steel fabrication plant
in Parker Ford, Pennsylvania formerly occupied by us. In addition, we are engaged in remediations
of groundwater contamination at our former Newport Beach, California wafer fabrication facility. We
currently estimate the remaining costs for these remediations to be approximately $2.4 million and
have accrued for these costs as of March 31, 2006.
In the United States, environmental regulations often require parties to fund remedial action
regardless of fault. Consequently, it is often difficult to estimate the future impact of
environmental matters, including potential liabilities. While we have not experienced any material
adverse effects on our operations as a result of such regulations, we cannot assure you that the
costs that might be required to complete remedial actions, if any, will not have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
14
We may be limited in the future in the amount of net operating losses that we can use to
offset taxable income.
As of March 31, 2006, we had approximately $1.2 billion of U.S. federal income tax net
operating loss (NOL) carry forwards that can be used to offset taxable income in subsequent years.
Approximately $440 million of the NOL carry forwards were acquired in the merger with
GlobespanVirata and other acquisitions. The NOL carry forwards are scheduled to expire at various
dates through 2026. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code could limit the future use of some or
all of the NOL carry forwards if the ownership of our common stock changes by more than 50
percentage points in certain circumstances over a three-year testing period. Based on information
known to us, we have not undergone such a change of ownership and the merger did not constitute a
change of ownership, although the shares of our common stock issued in the merger will be taken
into account in any change of ownership computations. Direct or indirect transfers of our common
stock, when taken together with the shift in ownership resulting from the merger, could result in a
change of ownership that would trigger the Section 382 limitation. If such an ownership change
occurs, Section 382 would limit our use of NOL carry forwards in each subsequent taxable year to an
amount equal to a federal long-term tax-exempt rate published by the Internal Revenue Service at
the time of the ownership change, multiplied by our fair market value at such time; any unused
annual limitation amounts may also be carried forward. The merger resulted in a change of ownership
of GlobespanVirata and the future use of GlobespanViratas NOL carry forwards is subject to the
Section 382 limitation (or further limitation in the case of NOL carry forwards already subject to
limitation as a result of previous transactions) based on the fair market value of GlobespanVirata
at the time of the merger.
Risks Related to the Notes and Our Common Stock
The notes are unsecured and subordinated to our existing and future senior indebtedness and
to our existing and future secured debt to the extent of the value of the security.
The notes are unsecured and are subordinated in right of payment to our existing and future
senior indebtedness. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization or upon acceleration
of the notes due to an event of default under the indenture relating to the notes and in certain
other events, our assets will be available to pay obligations on the notes only after all senior
indebtedness has been paid in full in cash and any secured debt has been paid in cash to the extent
of the value of the security, or other payment satisfactory to the holders of such indebtedness has
been made. There may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the
notes then outstanding. As a result, the holders of our senior indebtedness or secured debt may
recover more, ratably, than the holders of the notes or our other subordinated indebtedness. The
indenture does not limit our ability to incur additional senior indebtedness, secured debt or any
other indebtedness. Any significant additional senior indebtedness or secured debt incurred may
also materially adversely impact our ability to service our debt, including the notes. In addition,
the holders of our senior indebtedness may, under certain circumstances, restrict or prohibit us
from making payments on the notes. As of March 31, 2006, Conexant Systems, Inc. had approximately
$4.6 million of senior indebtedness outstanding and no secured debt outstanding. We anticipate that
from time to time we may incur additional indebtedness, including senior indebtedness.
The notes are effectively subordinated to the liabilities of our subsidiaries, which may
reduce our ability to use the assets of our subsidiaries to make payments on the notes.
The notes will not be guaranteed by our subsidiaries, and therefore the notes will be
effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our
subsidiaries, including at March 31, 2006 (i) $130 million aggregate principal amount of 5 1/4%
convertible subordinated notes of our Conexant, Inc. subsidiary (formerly named GlobespanVirata,
Inc.) that was repaid on May 15, 2006 and (ii) approximately $80.0 million of short-term
indebtedness of our subsidiary Conexant USA, LLC in connection with our accounts receivable
financing facility. The indenture for the notes does not prohibit or limit any of our subsidiaries
from incurring any indebtedness or other liabilities. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or
dissolution of a subsidiary, following payment by the subsidiary of its liabilities, the subsidiary
may not have sufficient assets to make payments to us.
15
The notes do not contain any financial covenants; therefore, you will not have protection
against adverse changes in our business.
The indenture does not contain any financial covenants, restrict our ability to repurchase our
securities, pay dividends or make restricted payments, or contain covenants or other provisions to
afford holders protection in the event of a transaction that substantially increases the level of
our indebtedness. Furthermore, the indenture contains only limited protections in the event of a
fundamental change. We could engage in many types of transactions, such as acquisitions,
refinancings or recapitalizations, that could substantially affect our capital structure and the
value of the notes and our common stock but would not constitute a fundamental change permitting
holders to require us to repurchase their notes under the indenture.
We may not have the ability to repurchase the notes for cash pursuant to their terms or to
pay the amounts due upon conversion of the notes when required.
In certain circumstances, you may require us to repurchase all or a portion of your notes in
cash. In addition, if we elect to satisfy all or any portion of our conversion obligation in cash,
including as a result of an irrevocable election, in each case as described under Description of
the Notes Conversion Rights Settlement upon Conversion, then upon conversion of the notes, we
will be obligated to satisfy all or a portion our conversion obligation in cash. If you were to
require us to repurchase your notes, including following certain fundamental changes, or at your
option on March 1, 2011, March 1, 2016 or March 1, 2021, or you were to convert your notes, we
cannot assure you that we will be able to pay the amount required in cash. Our ability to
repurchase the notes will be subject to our liquidity position at the time, and may be limited by
law, by the indenture, and by indebtedness and agreements that we may enter into in the future
which may replace, supplement or amend our existing or future debt. If we did not have sufficient
cash to meet our obligations, we could seek to obtain third-party financing to pay for any amounts
due in cash upon such events, but we cannot be sure that such third-party financing will be
available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Our failure to repurchase the notes or make
the required payments upon conversion would constitute an event of default under the indenture
relating to the notes, which might constitute an event of default under the terms of our other
indebtedness at that time.
You may convert the notes only if certain conditions are met.
The notes will be convertible by you into shares of our common stock, cash or a combination of
common stock and cash, only if specified conditions are met. If the specified conditions for
conversion are not met, you will not be able to convert your notes, and you may not be able to
receive the value of the common stock into which the notes would otherwise be convertible.
Fluctuations in the price of our common stock may prevent you from being able to convert the
notes and may impact the price of the notes and make them more difficult to resell.
Your ability to convert the notes is conditioned on the closing price of our common stock
reaching a specified threshold or the occurrence of certain other events, such as a fundamental
change. If the closing price threshold for conversion of the notes is satisfied during a calendar
quarter, you may convert the notes only during the subsequent calendar quarter. If the closing
price threshold is not satisfied and the other specified events that would permit you to convert
your notes do not occur, you will not be able to convert your notes until 10 trading days prior to,
but excluding, the maturity date of the notes and receive the shares of our common stock, cash or a
combination of common stock and cash issuable upon conversion.
Because the notes will be convertible into shares of our common stock, or cash based on the
value of our common stock, volatility or depressed prices for our common stock could have a similar
effect on the trading price of the notes and could limit the value that you receive upon conversion
of the notes. Holders who receive common stock upon conversion of the notes will also be subject to
the risk of volatility and depressed prices of our common stock.
16
The make whole premium that may be payable upon conversion in connection with certain
fundamental changes may not adequately compensate you for the lost option time value of your
notes as a result of such fundamental changes.
If you convert notes in connection with certain fundamental changes that occur prior to March
1, 2011, we may be required to pay a make whole premium by increasing the conversion rate. The make
whole payment is described under Description of the Notes Determination of the Make Whole
Premium. While the make whole premium is designed to compensate you for the lost option time value
of your notes as a result of such fundamental changes, the make whole amount is only an
approximation of such lost value and may not adequately compensate you for such loss. In addition,
if certain fundamental changes occur after March 1, 2011, or in some other cases described below
under Description of the Notes Determination of the Make Whole Premium, there will be no such
make whole premium.
Because your right to require us to repurchase the notes is limited, the market price of the
notes may decline if we enter into a transaction that is not a fundamental change under the
indenture.
The term fundamental change is limited and may not include every event that might cause the
market price of the notes to decline or result in a downgrade of the credit rating of the notes.
The term fundamental change does not apply to transactions in which at least 95% of the
consideration paid for our common stock, excluding cash payments for fractional shares and cash
payments made in respect of dissenters appraisal rights, in a merger or similar transaction is
publicly traded common stock. Our obligation to repurchase the notes upon a fundamental change may
not preserve the value of the notes in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization,
merger or similar transaction. See Description of the Notes Repurchase of Notes by Us at the
Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change.
The conversion rate of the notes may not be adjusted for all dilutive events.
The conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment for certain events, including, among
others, the issuance of stock dividends on our common stock, the issuance of rights or warrants to
acquire shares of our common stock or securities convertible into shares of our common stock,
subdivisions and combinations of our common stock, dividends of our capital stock, certain cash
dividends and certain tender or exchange offers. The conversion rate will not be adjusted for other
events, such as an issuance of shares of common stock for cash, that may adversely affect the
trading price of the notes or our common stock. We cannot assure you that an event that adversely
affects the value of the notes, but does not result in an adjustment to the conversion rate, will
not occur.
If you hold notes, you are not entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock, but
you are subject to all changes made with respect to our common stock.
If you hold notes, you are not entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock,
including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any dividends or other
distributions on our common stock, but you are subject to all changes affecting the common stock.
You will only be entitled to rights on the common stock if and when we deliver shares of common
stock to you upon conversion of your notes. For example, in the event that an amendment is proposed
to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requiring shareholder approval and the
record date for determining the shareholders of record entitled to vote on the amendment occurs
prior to delivery of the common stock, 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.
An active trading market for the notes may not develop, and you may not be able to sell your
notes at attractive prices or at all.
An active trading market for the notes might not develop. The notes may trade at a discount
from their initial offering price, depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar
securities, the price, and volatility in the price, of shares of our common stock, our performance
and other factors. To the extent that an active trading market does not develop, the liquidity and
trading prices for the notes may be harmed.
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We have no plans to list the notes on a securities exchange. We cannot assure you that any
firm or person will make a market in the notes.
The liquidity of any market for the notes will depend upon the number of holders of the notes,
our results of operations and financial condition, the market for similar securities, the interest
of securities dealers in making a market in the notes and other factors. An active or liquid
trading market for the notes may not develop.
The trading price of the notes may be significantly affected by the trading price of our
common stock.
Because the notes will be convertible into shares of our common stock, volatility or depressed
prices for our common stock could have a similar effect on the trading price of the notes and could
limit the value of the cash or shares, if any, that you would receive upon conversion of the notes.
This may result in greater volatility in the trading price of the notes than would be expected for
any non-convertible debt securities we may issue. Holders who receive our common stock upon
conversion of the notes will also be subject to the risk of volatility and depressed prices of our
common stock.
An adverse rating of the notes may cause their trading prices to fall.
If a rating agency rates the notes, it may assign a rating that is lower than investors
expectations. Rating agencies also may lower ratings on the notes in the future. If a rating agency
assigns a lower-than-expected rating or reduces, or indicates that it may reduce, its rating in the
future, the trading price of the notes could significantly decline.
We may issue additional shares of our common stock and thereby materially and adversely
affect the price of our notes.
We will not be restricted from issuing additional shares of our common stock during the life
of the notes. If we issue additional shares of common stock, including upon conversion of the
notes, the price of our common stock, and in turn, the price of the notes, may decline.
The value of our common stock may be adversely affected by market volatility.
The trading price of our common stock fluctuates significantly and may be influenced by many
factors, including:
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our operating and financial performance and prospects; |
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our ability to repay our debt; |
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the depth and liquidity of the market for our common stock; |
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investor perception of us and the industry and markets in which we operate; |
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our inclusion in, or removal from, any equity market indices; |
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the level of research coverage of our common stock; |
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changes in earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by analysts; |
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general financial, domestic, international, economic and other market conditions; and |
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judgments favorable or adverse to us. |
In addition, public stock markets have experienced, and are currently experiencing, price and
trading volume volatility, particularly in the technology sectors of the market. This volatility
has significantly affected the market prices of
18
securities of many technology companies for reasons frequently unrelated to or disproportionately
impacted by the operating performance of these companies. These broad market fluctuations may
adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Provisions in our organizational documents and rights agreement and Delaware law may make it
difficult for someone to acquire control of us.
We have established certain anti-takeover measures that may affect our common stock and
convertible notes. Our restated certificate of incorporation, our by-laws, our rights agreement
with Mellon Investor Services LLC, as rights agent, dated as of November 30, 1998, as amended, and
the Delaware General Corporation Law contain several provisions that would make more difficult an
acquisition of control of us in a transaction not approved by our board of directors. Our restated
certificate of incorporation and by-laws include provisions such as:
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the division of our board of directors into three classes to be elected on a
staggered basis, one class each year; |
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the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of our preferred stock in one
or more series without further authorization of our shareholders; |
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a prohibition on shareholder action by written consent; |
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a requirement that shareholders provide advance notice of any shareholder nominations
of directors or any proposal of new business to be considered at any meeting of
shareholders; |
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a requirement that a supermajority vote be obtained to remove a director for cause or
to amend or repeal certain provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation or
by-laws; |
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elimination of the right of shareholders to call a special meeting of shareholders; and |
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a fair price provision. |
Our rights agreement gives our shareholders certain rights that would substantially increase
the cost of acquiring us in a transaction not approved by our board of directors.
In addition to the rights agreement and the provisions in our restated certificate of
incorporation and by-laws, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law generally provides
that a corporation shall not engage in any business combination with any interested shareholder
during the three-year period following the time that such shareholder becomes an interested
shareholder, unless a majority of the directors then in office approves either the business
combination or the transaction that results in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder
or specified shareholder approval requirements are met.
On conversion of the notes, you may receive less proceeds than expected because the value of
our common stock may decline after you exercise your conversion rights.
If we elect to deliver some or all cash in lieu of shares upon your conversion of notes, the
conversion value that you will receive will in part be determined by the volume weighted average
price of our common stock for a 20 trading day period prior to conversion. Accordingly, if in such
event the price of our common stock decreases after you tender your notes for conversion, the
conversion value you will receive may be adversely affected. See Description of the Notes
Conversion Rights.
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The repurchase rights and the make whole premium in the notes triggered by a fundamental
change could discourage a potential acquiror.
The repurchase rights in the notes triggered by a fundamental change, as described under the
heading Description of the Notes Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the Holders Upon a
Fundamental Change, and the make whole premium in the notes triggered by certain fundamental
changes, as described under the heading Description of the Notes Determination of the Make Whole
Premium, could discourage a potential acquiror. The term fundamental change is limited to
specified transactions and may not include other events that might adversely affect our financial
condition or business operations. Our obligation to offer to repurchase the notes or to provide a
make whole premium upon a fundamental change would not necessarily afford you protection in the
event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, merger or similar transaction involving
us.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents that we incorporate by reference contain statements relating
to our future results (including certain projections and business trends) that are forward-looking
statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as believe, expect, anticipate,
estimate, should, are likely to be, will and similar expressions. Our actual results may
differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks
and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
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the uncertainties of litigation, including claims of infringement of third-party
intellectual property rights or demands that we license third-party technology, and the
demands it may place on the time and attention of our management and the expense it may
place on our company; |
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the risk that capital needed for our business and to repay our convertible notes will
not be available when needed; |
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the risk that the value of our common stock may be adversely affected by market volatility; |
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general economic and political conditions and conditions in the markets we address; |
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the substantial losses we have incurred; |
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the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by our
products and our customers products; |
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continuing volatility in the technology sector and the semiconductor industry; |
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demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; |
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successful development of new products; |
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the timing of new product introductions and product quality; |
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our ability to anticipate trends and develop products for which there will be market demand; |
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the availability of manufacturing capacity; |
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pricing pressures and other competitive factors; |
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changes in product mix; |
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product obsolescence; |
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the ability of our customers to manage inventory; |
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the ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for
the related intellectual property; and |
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possible disruptions in commerce related to terrorist activity or armed
conflict, |
as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed herein
and from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are made
only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise
required by law.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by any selling securityholder of the
notes or common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. All proceeds will be for the accounts
of the selling securityholders, as described below under Selling Securityholders and Plan of
Distribution.
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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CNXT. The following table
lists the high and low per share sale prices of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National
Market for the periods indicated.
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High |
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Low |
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2004: |
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First quarter |
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$ |
6.42 |
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$ |
4.64 |
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Second quarter |
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$ |
7.85 |
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$ |
5.16 |
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Third quarter |
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$ |
6.70 |
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$ |
3.72 |
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Fourth quarter |
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$ |
2.65 |
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$ |
1.37 |
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Fiscal year ended September 30, 2005: |
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First quarter |
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$ |
2.23 |
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$ |
1.50 |
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Second quarter |
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$ |
2.05 |
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$ |
1.36 |
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Third quarter |
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$ |
1.75 |
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$ |
0.95 |
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Fourth quarter |
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$ |
2.17 |
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$ |
1.57 |
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Fiscal year ending September 30, 2006: |
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First quarter |
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$ |
2.72 |
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$ |
1.70 |
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Second quarter |
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$ |
3.60 |
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$ |
2.28 |
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Third quarter (through June 2, 2006) |
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3.90 |
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$ |
2.76 |
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On June 2, 2006 the closing price of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market
was $2.86 per share. As of April 30, 2006, there were approximately 41,517 holders of record
of our common stock.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash
dividends in the foreseeable future.
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods
indicated. For purposes of calculating this ratio, earnings consist of income (loss) from
continuing operations before (i) income taxes, (ii) income (loss) from equity investees and (iii)
fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance
costs, and the portion of rent expense which we believe is representative of the interest component
of rental expense.
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Six Months |
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Ended |
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Fiscal Year Ended September 30, |
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March 31, |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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2006 |
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1) |
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1.9x |
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(1) |
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Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $716.3 million, $141.7 million, $315.3
million and $163.0 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005,
respectively. Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $30.3 million for the six months
ended March 31, 2006. |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
We issued the notes under an indenture dated as of March 7, 2006, between us as issuer, and
J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as trustee. The notes and the shares of our common
stock, if any, issuable upon conversion of the notes are subject to a registration rights
agreement. The following summary of the material terms of the notes, the indenture and the
registration rights agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject, and qualified in its
entirety by reference, to the detailed provisions of the notes, the indenture and the registration
rights agreement. The indenture and the registration rights agreement are filed as exhibits to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Those documents, and not this
description, define your legal rights as a holder of the notes.
As used in this Description of the Notes section, references to Conexant, we, our or
us refer solely to Conexant Systems, Inc. and not to our subsidiaries, unless the context
requires otherwise.
General
The notes:
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are limited to $250 million aggregate principal amount; |
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will mature on March 1, 2026, unless earlier converted by holders, redeemed at our
option or purchased by us at the option of the holders; |
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bear cash interest at an annual rate of 4% on the principal amount, payable
semi-annually, in arrears, on each March 1 and September 1, beginning on September 1,
2006; |
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will bear additional interest if we fail to comply with certain obligations set forth
below under Registration Rights of the Noteholders; |
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are issued only in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and integral multiples
thereof; |
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are our unsecured subordinated obligations and are subordinated in right of payment
to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness; structurally subordinated to the
indebtedness of our subsidiaries; effectively subordinated to our secured debt to the
extent of the value of the security; and equal in right of payment with our 4%
convertible subordinated notes due 2007; |
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are convertible, subject to the conditions described under Conversion Rights,
into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion rate of 203.2520 shares of
common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion
price of approximately $4.92 per share), subject to such adjustments as are described
under Conversion Rights Conversion Procedures Conversion Rate Adjustments; upon
conversion, we will have the right to deliver, in lieu of common stock, cash or a
combination of cash and common stock; |
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are redeemable by us on and after March 1, 2011, in whole or in part, at a redemption
price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of notes to be redeemed, plus any
accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, to but not including
the redemption date; |
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are subject to repurchase by us for cash at the option of the holders upon the
occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined below under Repurchase of Notes by
Us at the Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change), at a repurchase price in
cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued
and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, to but not including the
repurchase date as described below under Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of
the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change; and |
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are subject to repurchase by us for cash at the option of the holders on March 1,
2011, March 1, 2016 and March 1, 2021, in each case at a repurchase price equal to 100%
of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, including additional interest, if any, to but not including the repurchase
date as described below under Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the
Holders; |
The indenture governing the notes does not contain any financial covenants and does not
restrict us or our subsidiaries from paying dividends, incurring additional senior or other
indebtedness or issuing or repurchasing securities. The indenture does not contain covenants or
other provisions that afford protection to holders of notes in the event of highly leveraged
transactions or a fundamental change of Conexant Systems, Inc., except to the extent described
under Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change and
Merger and Sale of Assets.
We maintain an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, where we will pay the
principal and premium, if any, on the notes and you may present the notes for conversion,
registration of transfer or exchange for other denominations, which shall initially be an office or
agency of the trustee. We may pay interest by check mailed to your address as it appears in the
noteholders register. However, payments to The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, which
we refer to as DTC, will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account of
DTC or its nominee.
Neither we nor the note registrar nor the trustee is required to exchange or register a transfer of:
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any notes for a period of 15 days before any mailing of a redemption notice; or |
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any notes that have been called for redemption or for which the holder has delivered,
and not validly withdrawn, a fundamental change repurchase notice, except, in the case
of a partial redemption or repurchase, that portion of the notes not being redeemed or
repurchased. |
Ranking and Subordination
The indebtedness evidenced by the notes is unsecured and subordinated to the extent provided
in the indenture to the prior payment in full of all our senior indebtedness. The notes are
effectively subordinated to our secured debt to the extent of the value of the security and also
are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables
and lease obligations, if any, of our subsidiaries, including at March 31, 2006 (i) $130 million
aggregate principal amount of 5 1/4% convertible subordinated notes of our subsidiary Conexant,
Inc. (formerly named GlobespanVirata, Inc.) that was repaid in May 2006 and (ii) approximately
$80.0 million of short-term indebtedness of our subsidiary Conexant USA, LLC in connection with our
accounts receivable financing facility. Upon any distribution of our assets upon any dissolution,
winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, and
interest on the notes will be subordinated to the extent provided in the indenture in right of
payment to the prior payment in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to the holders of senior
indebtedness of all senior indebtedness. In the event of any acceleration of the notes because of
an event of default, the holders of any senior indebtedness then outstanding will be entitled to
payment in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to the holders of senior indebtedness of all
obligations in respect of such senior indebtedness before the holders of the notes are entitled to
receive any payment or distribution in respect thereof. The indenture requires that we promptly
notify holders of senior indebtedness if payment of the notes is accelerated because of an event of
default. The notes rank equal in right of payment with our 4% convertible subordinated notes due
2007.
We also may not make any payment upon or in respect of the notes (including upon redemption)
if (i) a payment default occurs and is continuing beyond any applicable period of grace or (ii) any
other default occurs and is continuing with respect to designated senior indebtedness (as defined
below) that permits holders of such designated senior indebtedness to accelerate its maturity, and
the trustee receives a notice of such default (a payment blockage notice) from us or another
person permitted to give such notice under the indenture (a non-payment default). Payments on the
notes may and shall be resumed (a) in case of a payment default, upon the date on which such
default is cured or waived or ceases to exist and (b) in case of a non-payment default, the earlier
of the date on which such non-payment default is cured or waived or ceases to exist or 179 days
after the date on which the applicable payment blockage notice is received. No new period of
payment blockage may be commenced pursuant to clause (ii) above unless and until (i) 365 days have
elapsed since the initial effectiveness of
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the immediately prior payment blockage notice and (ii) all scheduled payments of principal,
premium, if any, and interest on the notes that have come due have been paid in full in cash. No
non-payment default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any payment blockage
notice to the trustee shall be, or shall be made, the basis for a subsequent payment blockage
notice.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the trustee, any paying agent on behalf of
us or any holder of the notes receives any payment or distribution of our assets of any kind in
contravention of any of the subordination provisions of the indenture, whether in cash, property or
securities, including, without limitation, by way of set-off or otherwise, in respect of the notes
before all senior indebtedness is paid in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to holders of
senior indebtedness, then such payment or distribution will be held by the recipient in trust for
the benefit of holders of senior indebtedness or their representatives to the extent necessary to
make payment in full in cash or payment satisfactory to the holders of senior indebtedness of all
senior indebtedness remaining unpaid, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or
distribution, or provision therefor, to or for the holders of senior indebtedness.
By reason of the subordination provisions described above, in the event of our bankruptcy,
dissolution or reorganization, holders of senior indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and
holders of the notes may receive less, ratably, than our other creditors. Such subordination will
not prevent the occurrence of any event of default under the indenture.
The term senior indebtedness means the principal of, premium, if any, interest (including
all interest accruing subsequent to the commencement of any bankruptcy or similar proceeding,
whether or not a claim for post-petition interest is allowable as a claim in any such proceeding)
and rent payable on or in connection with, and all fees, costs, expenses and other amounts accrued
or due on or in connection with, our indebtedness (as defined below), whether outstanding on the
date of the indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed, guaranteed or in effect guaranteed
by us (including all deferrals, renewals, extensions or refundings of, or amendments, modifications
or supplements to, the foregoing), unless in the case of any particular indebtedness the instrument
creating or evidencing the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof expressly provides that such
indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to the notes or expressly provides that such
indebtedness is pari passu or junior to the notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term senior
indebtedness shall not include our 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2007 or indebtedness of
ours to any subsidiary of ours, a majority of the voting stock of which is owned, directly or
indirectly, by us.
The term indebtedness means, with respect to any person (as defined in the indenture), and
without duplication:
(a) all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of such
person for borrowed money (including our obligations in respect of overdrafts, foreign exchange
contracts, currency exchange agreements, interest rate protection agreements, and any loans or
advances from banks, whether or not evidenced by notes or similar instruments) or evidenced by
bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to
the whole of the assets of such person or to only a portion thereof), other than any account
payable or other accrued current liability or obligation incurred in the ordinary course of
business in connection with the obtaining of materials or services;
(b) all reimbursement obligations and other liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of such
person with respect to letters of credit, bank guarantees or bankers acceptances;
(c) all obligations and liabilities (contingent or otherwise) in respect of leases of such
person required, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, to be accounted for
as capitalized lease obligations on the balance sheet of such person and all obligations and other
liabilities (contingent or otherwise) under any lease or related document (including a purchase
agreement) in connection with the lease of real property which provides that such person is
contractually obligated to purchase or cause a third party to purchase the leased property and
thereby guarantee a minimum residual value of the leased property to the lessor and the obligations
of such person under such lease or related document to purchase or to cause a third party to
purchase such leased property;
(d) all obligations of such person (contingent or otherwise) with respect to an interest rate
or other swap, cap or collar agreement or other similar instrument or agreement or foreign currency
hedge, exchange, purchase or similar instrument or agreement;
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(e) all direct or indirect guaranties or similar agreements by such person in respect of, and
obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of such person to purchase or otherwise
acquire or otherwise assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness, obligations or
liabilities of another person of the kind described in clauses (a) through (d);
(f) any indebtedness or other obligations described in clauses (a) through (e) secured by any
mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance existing on property which is owned or held by such
person, regardless of whether the indebtedness or other obligation secured thereby shall have been
assumed by such person; and
(g) any and all deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of, or amendments,
modifications or supplements to, any indebtedness, obligation or liability of the kind described in
clauses (a) through (f).
The term designated senior indebtedness means our obligations under any particular senior
indebtedness with respect to which the instrument creating or evidencing the same or the assumption
or guarantee thereof (or related agreements or documents to which we are a party) expressly
provides that such senior indebtedness shall be designated senior indebtedness for purposes of
the indenture (provided that such instrument, agreement or other document may place limitations and
conditions on the right of such senior indebtedness to exercise the rights of designated senior
indebtedness).
As of March 31, 2006, we had approximately $4.6 million of indebtedness outstanding that would
have constituted senior indebtedness and no secured debt outstanding. The indenture does not limit
the amount of additional indebtedness, including senior indebtedness, which we can create, incur,
assume or guarantee, nor does the indenture limit the amount of indebtedness or other liabilities
that any subsidiary of ours can create, incur, assume or guarantee.
We are obligated to pay reasonable compensation to the trustee and to indemnify the trustee
against certain losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by it in connection with its duties
relating to the notes. The trustees claims for such payments will generally be senior to those of
the holders of the notes in respect of all funds collected or held by the trustee.
Interest
The notes bear cash interest at a rate of 4% per annum. We will pay interest semi-annually in
arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2006, to the holders of
record at the close of business on the preceding February 15 and August 15, respectively. However,
in general, we will not pay accrued interest on any notes that are converted. If a holder
surrenders a note for conversion after the close of business on the record date for the payment of
an installment of interest and before the related interest payment date, then, despite the
conversion, we will, on the interest payment date, pay the interest due with respect to the note to
the person who was the record holder of the note at the close of business on the record date. A
holder who surrenders the note for conversion must pay to the conversion agent upon surrender of
the note an amount equal to the interest payable on such interest payment date on the portion of
the note being converted, provided that no such payment need be made:
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if we have specified a redemption date that is after a record date and on or prior to
the corresponding interest payment date; |
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if we have specified a fundamental change repurchase date that is after a record date
and on or prior to the corresponding interest payment date; or |
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to the extent of any overdue interest, if any overdue interest exists at the time of
conversion with respect to the note. |
Except as provided below, we will pay interest on:
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any certificated notes by check mailed to the holders of those notes; and |
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the global note to DTC or its nominee in immediately available funds. |
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Interest on the notes accrues from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if
no interest has been paid, from March 7, 2006. Interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year
composed of twelve 30-day months.
Interest will cease to accrue on a note upon its maturity, conversion, repurchase by us at the
option of a holder or redemption.
At maturity, interest on the notes will be payable at the office of the trustee as set forth
herein. We will make payments of interest at maturity on the global note to DTC or its nominee in
immediately available funds.
Conversion Rights
Holders may convert their notes prior to maturity based on an initial conversion rate of
203.2520 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which represents an initial conversion price
of approximately $4.92 per share, only if the conditions for conversion described below are
satisfied. Holders who convert will receive, at our option described below, cash, shares of our
common stock or a combination of cash and common stock upon conversion. The conversion rate will be
subject to adjustment as described below. If we call notes for redemption, holders may convert
their notes only from the date of notice of redemption until the close of business on the business
day immediately preceding the redemption date. A holder may convert fewer than all of such holders
notes so long as the notes converted are an integral multiple of $1,000 principal amount.
We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon conversion of notes. Instead, we
will pay a cash amount based upon the closing price of our common stock on the trading day that is
three business days prior to the conversion date.
Our ability to pay cash upon conversion of the notes may be subject to limitations that we may
have in credit agreements or indebtedness that we may incur in the future. If you elect to convert
your notes after we have made an irrevocable election as described under Settlement Upon
Conversion Conversion after irrevocable election to pay principal in cash, and at a time when we
are prohibited from paying cash in connection with such conversion, we could seek the consent of
our lenders to allow such payment or we could attempt to refinance their debt. If we do not obtain
consent or refinance their debt, we would not be permitted to convert the notes. Our failure to
deliver cash and common stock, if any, upon conversion of the notes under such circumstances would
constitute an event of default under the indenture. If upon conversion of the notes by any holder,
we are not permitted to pay cash due to the limitations imposed by our indebtedness, we will so
inform such converting holder, and such holder will have the option to revoke its notice of
conversion.
Conditions for Conversion
Upon determining that the holders are or will be entitled to convert their notes in accordance
with the following provisions, we will promptly issue a press release and use our reasonable
efforts to post such information on our website or otherwise publicly disclose this information.
Conversion Upon Satisfaction of Market Price Condition
Holders may surrender notes for conversion in any calendar quarter commencing at any time
after March 31, 2006, and only during such calendar quarter, if, as of the last day of the
preceding calendar quarter, the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in a
period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of such preceding calendar
quarter is more than 120% of the conversion price, as defined below, per share of common stock on
the last day of such preceding calendar quarter, which we refer to as the conversion trigger price.
The conversion price per share of common stock as of any day will equal the result obtained
by dividing $1,000 by the then applicable conversion rate.
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The conversion trigger price initially is $5.90, which is 120% of the initial conversion price
per share of common stock. The foregoing conversion trigger price assumes that no events have
occurred that would require an adjustment to the conversion rate.
The conversion agent will, on our behalf, determine at the beginning of each calendar quarter
commencing at any time after March 31, 2006 whether the notes are convertible as a result of the
price of our common stock and notify us and the trustee, to the extent the trustee is not also
serving as the conversion agent.
Conversion Based on Trading Price of Notes
Holders may also surrender notes for conversion prior to maturity during the five business day
period after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000
principal amount of notes, as determined following a request by a holder of notes in accordance
with the procedures described below, for each day of that period was less than 98% of the product
of the closing price of our common stock and the conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of
notes, referred to as the trading price condition.
Solely for purposes of determining the applicability of the trading price condition, if any,
the trading price of the notes on any date of determination means the average of the secondary
market bid quotations obtained by the trustee for $5.0 million principal amount of the notes at
approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such determination date from three nationally
recognized securities dealers we select, which may include the initial purchaser; provided that if
three such bids cannot reasonably be obtained by the trustee, but two such bids are obtained, then
the average of the two bids shall be used, and if only one such bid can reasonably be obtained by
the trustee, that one bid shall be used. If the trustee cannot reasonably obtain at least one bid
for $5.0 million principal amount of the notes from a nationally recognized securities dealer or,
in our reasonable judgment, the bid quotations are not indicative of the secondary market value of
the notes, then the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes will be deemed to be less
than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the conversion rate per $1,000
principal amount of the notes.
In connection with any conversion upon satisfaction of the trading price condition, the
trustee shall have no obligation to determine the trading price of the notes unless we have
requested such determination; and we shall have no obligation to make such request unless a holder
of the notes provides us with reasonable evidence that the trading price per $1,000 principal
amount of notes would be less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and
the conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of the notes. At such time, we shall instruct the
trustee to determine the trading price of the notes beginning on the next trading day and on each
successive trading day until the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the notes is greater
than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the conversion rate per $1,000
principal amount of the notes.
Conversion Upon Notice of Redemption
A holder may surrender for conversion a note called for redemption at any time prior to the
close of business on the business day immediately preceding the redemption date, even if it is not
otherwise convertible at such time, after which time the holders right to convert will expire
unless we default in the payment of the redemption price. A note for which a holder has delivered a
purchase notice or a fundamental change repurchase notice, as described below, requiring us to
purchase such note may be surrendered for conversion only if such notice is withdrawn in accordance
with the indenture.
Conversion Upon Specified Corporate Transactions
If we elect to:
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distribute to all holders of our common stock any rights entitling them to purchase,
for a period expiring within 45 days of the date of issuance, common stock, or
securities convertible into common stock, at less than, or having a conversion price per
share less than, the then current market price of our common stock, or |
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distribute to all holders of our common stock our assets, debt securities or certain
rights to purchase our securities, which distribution has a per share value as
determined by our board of directors exceeding 15% of the closing price of our common
stock on the trading day immediately preceding the declaration date for such
distribution, |
we will notify the holders of notes at least 20 days prior to the ex-dividend date for such
distribution. Once we have given that notice, holders may surrender their notes for conversion at
any time until the earlier of the close of business on the business day prior to the ex-dividend
date or our announcement that such distribution will not take place. A holder may not convert its
notes under this conversion provision upon specified corporate transactions if the holder will
otherwise participate in such distribution. The ex-dividend date is the first date upon which a
sale of the common stock does not automatically transfer the right to receive the relevant
distribution from the seller of the common stock to its buyer.
In addition, if we are party to a consolidation, merger or binding share exchange, in each
case pursuant to which our common stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property,
a note may be surrendered for conversion at any time from and after the date that is 15 days prior
to the anticipated effective date of the transaction until, but excluding, the date that is 15 days
after the actual effective date of such transaction, unless the transaction also constitutes a
fundamental change, as defined below under Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the
Holders Upon a Fundamental Change, in which case the notes will be convertible as described below
under Conversion Upon a Fundamental Change. If we are party to a consolidation, merger or
binding share exchange pursuant to which our common stock is converted into cash, securities or
other property (regardless of whether the transaction constitutes a fundamental change), from and
after the effective date of the consolidation, merger or binding share exchange, the amount of
cash, securities and other property issuable upon conversion of a note will be as described under
Conversion Procedures. If such transaction also constitutes a fundamental change, the holder
will be able to require us to purchase all or a portion of such holders notes as described under
Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, notes will not become convertible by reason of a merger,
consolidation or other transaction effected with one of our direct or indirect subsidiaries for the
purpose of changing our state of incorporation to any other state within the United States or the
District of Columbia.
Conversion Upon a Fundamental Change
We will notify the holders of notes and the trustee at least 15 days prior to the anticipated
effective date of any fundamental change, as defined below under Repurchase of Notes by Us at
the Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change, that we know or reasonably should know will
occur. Holders may surrender notes for conversion at any time from and after the date that is 15
days prior to the anticipated effective date of the fundamental change and until, but excluding,
the fundamental change repurchase date.
After the occurrence of any fundamental change, we will also notify the holders of notes of
the fundamental change in connection with the holders right arising as a result of such
fundamental change to require us to repurchase notes as described below under Repurchase of
Notes by Us at the Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change. If a holder converts its notes
in connection with a fundamental change occurring on or prior to March 1, 2011, we will pay a make
whole premium by increasing the applicable conversion rate, as described below under
Determination of the Make Whole Premium. Holders will not receive cash and, if applicable, shares
of common stock upon conversion of the notes surrendered for conversion in connection with a
fundamental change occurring on or prior to March 1, 2011 until the applicable stock price, as
defined below under Determination of the Make Whole Premium, has been determined.
If a holder converts its notes following the effective time of a fundamental change, the cash
and other securities to which a holder would be entitled upon conversion of a note will be as
described under Conversion Procedures.
Conversion at Maturity
Holders may surrender notes for conversion at any time beginning 10 trading days before the
maturity date and until the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the
maturity date.
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Settlement Upon Conversion
Conversion on or prior to the final notice date
If we receive your notice of conversion on or prior to the day that is 30 trading days prior
to the maturity date or any redemption date for the notes (the final notice date), the following
procedures will apply:
If we elect to satisfy all or any portion of our obligation (the conversion obligation) in
cash, we will notify the converting holder through the trustee of the dollar amount to be satisfied
in cash (which must be expressed either as 100% of the conversion obligation or as a fixed dollar
amount) at any time on or before the date that is five trading days following receipt of the
converting holders notice of conversion (the cash settlement notice period). If we timely elect
to satisfy all or any portion of our conversion obligation in cash, the converting holder may
retract its conversion notice at any time during the two-trading-day period beginning on the day
after the final day of the cash settlement notice period (the conversion retraction period). No
such retraction may be made (and a conversion notice will be irrevocable) if we do not elect to
satisfy all or any portion of our conversion obligation in cash (other than cash in lieu of any
fractional shares). If the conversion notice has not been retracted, then settlement (in cash
and/or shares of our common stock) will occur on the trading day following the final day of the
20-trading-day period beginning on the third trading day following the final day of the conversion
retraction period (the cash settlement averaging period). The amount of cash and/or shares we
will deliver in respect of our conversion obligation for each $1,000 principal amount of notes (the
settlement amount) will be computed as follows:
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If we elect to satisfy the entire conversion obligation in shares of our common
stock, we will deliver to you a number of shares of our common stock equal to the
aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted divided by $1,000, multiplied by
the then-effective conversion rate. |
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If we elect to satisfy the entire conversion obligation in cash, we will deliver to
you cash in an amount equal to: |
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a number equal to (a) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be
converted divided by $1,000, multiplied by (b) the then-effective conversion
rate, multiplied by |
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the arithmetic average of the volume-weighted average prices (as defined
below) of our common stock for each trading day during the cash settlement
averaging period. |
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If we elect to satisfy a portion of the conversion obligation in cash (other than
100%), we will deliver to you that specified cash amount (cash amount) plus the number
of shares of our common stock equal to the greater of: |
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zero, and |
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the excess, if any, of: |
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the number of shares of our common stock equal to (X) the aggregate
principal amount of the notes to be converted divided by $1,000,
multiplied by (Y) the then effective conversion rate, minus |
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the number of shares of our common stock equal to the quotient of (X)
the cash amount, divided by (Y) the arithmetic average of the
volume-weighted average prices of our common stock for each trading day
during the cash settlement averaging period. |
If we elect to settle all of the conversion obligation in shares, settlement of the conversion
obligation will occur as soon as practicable after receipt of the converting holders notice of
conversion, but in no event later than three trading days thereafter.
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Conversion after the final notice date
If we elect to satisfy all or any portion of the conversion obligation in cash, we will send a
single notice to the trustee of the dollar amount to be satisfied in cash (which must be expressed
either as 100% of the conversion obligation or as a fixed dollar amount) at any time on or before
the final notice date. If we receive your notice of conversion after the final notice date, we will
not send individual notices of our election to satisfy all or any portion of the conversion
obligation in cash. Settlement amounts will be computed and settlement dates will be determined in
the same manner as set forth above under Conversion on or prior to the final notice date except
that the cash settlement averaging period shall be the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the
third trading day prior to the maturity date or any redemption date. Settlement (in cash and/or
shares) will occur on third trading day following the final day of such cash settlement averaging
period.
If we elect to settle all of the conversion obligation in shares, settlement of the conversion
obligation will occur as soon as practicable after receipt of the converting holders notice of
conversion, but in no event later than three trading days thereafter.
Trading day means a day during which trading in securities generally occurs on the Nasdaq
National Market or, if our common stock is not listed on the Nasdaq National Market, on the
principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which our common stock is then
listed or, if our common stock is not listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on
the principal other market on which our common stock is then traded; provided, that no day on which
our common stock experiences any of the following (each, a non-trading event) will count as a
trading day:
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any suspension of or limitation imposed on quotation or trading of our common stock
on the Nasdaq National Market or any other national or regional securities exchange or
association, inter- dealer quotation system or over-the-counter market; or |
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the Nasdaq National Market or any other relevant national or regional securities
exchange or association, inter-dealer quotation system or over-the-counter market on
which our common stock trades closes on any exchange business day prior to its scheduled
closing time unless such earlier closing time is announced by the exchange at least one
hour prior to the earlier of (i) the actual closing time for the regular trading session
on such exchange and (ii) the submission deadline for orders to be entered into the
exchange for execution on such business day. |
The volume-weighted average price of one share of our common stock on any trading day will
be the volume-weighted average prices as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg
Page CNXT <equity> AQR in respect of the period from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City
time) on that trading day (or if such volume-weighted average price is not available, the market
value of one share of our common stock on such trading day as we determine in good faith using a
volume-weighted method).
Notwithstanding the above, if our common stock experiences any non-trading event on any day
during the original cash settlement averaging period (determined assuming our common stock
experienced no non-trading event during that period) that would result in a volume-weighted average
price being determined later than the eighth trading day after the last day of the original cash
settlement averaging period, then we will determine any delayed and undetermined prices on that
eighth trading day based on our good faith estimate of our common stocks value on the day on which
such non-trading event occurred.
Conversion after irrevocable election to pay principal in cash
At any time prior to maturity, we may irrevocably elect, in our sole discretion without the
consent of the holders of the notes, by notice to the trustee and the holders of the notes, to
satisfy in cash 100% of the principal amount of the notes converted after the date of such
election. After making such an election, we still may satisfy our conversion obligation to the
extent it exceeds the principal amount in cash or common stock or a combination of cash and common
stock. We will provide notice of our election in the same manner as set forth above under either
Conversion after the final notice date or Conversion on or prior to the final notice date,
whichever is applicable. Settlement amounts will be computed and settlement
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dates will be determined in the same manner as set forth under Conversion after the final notice
date or Conversion on or prior to the final notice date, as applicable.
Conversion Procedures
To convert a note, a holder must do the following:
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complete and manually sign the conversion notice, a form of which is on the back of
the note, and deliver the conversion notice to the conversion agent; |
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surrender the note to the conversion agent; |
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if required by the conversion agent, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents; |
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if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next interest payment date; and |
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if required, pay all transfer or similar taxes. |
If a holders interest is in a global note, to convert such holder must comply with the last
three requirements listed above and comply with the depositarys procedures for converting a
beneficial interest in a global note. On conversion of a note, a holder will receive the payment
described under Conversion Rights. On conversion of a note, a holder will not receive, except
as described below, any cash payment representing any accrued and unpaid interest. Instead, accrued
and unpaid interest will be deemed paid by the shares of common stock, or any cash in lieu thereof,
received by the holder on conversion. Delivery to the holder of the full number of shares of common
stock into which the note is convertible, or any cash in lieu thereof, together with any cash
payment of such holders fractional shares, will thus be deemed:
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to satisfy our obligation to pay the principal amount of a note; and |
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to satisfy our obligation to pay accrued and unpaid interest. |
As a result, accrued and unpaid interest is deemed paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished
or forfeited.
The conversion rate will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest.
Conversion Rate Adjustments
The conversion rate is subject to adjustment, without duplication, upon the occurrence of any
of the following events:
(1) the payment or issuance of common stock as a dividend or distribution on our common
stock;
(2) the issuance to all holders of our common stock of rights, warrants or options to
purchase our common stock for a period expiring within 45 days of the record date for such
distribution at a price less than the average of the closing prices of our common stock for the
ten trading days preceding the declaration date for such distribution; provided that the
conversion rate will be readjusted to the extent that such rights, warrants or options are not
exercised;
(3) subdivisions, splits or combinations of our common stock;
(4) distributions by us to all holders of our common stock of shares of our capital stock,
evidences of indebtedness, property or assets, including rights, warrants, options and other
securities but excluding dividends or distributions covered by clauses (1) or (2) above or any
dividend or distribution paid exclusively in cash. In the event that we distribute capital stock
of, or similar equity interests in, a subsidiary or other business unit of ours, then the
conversion rate will be adjusted
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based on the market value of the securities so distributed relative to the market value of
our common stock, in each case based on the average closing sales prices of those securities
(where such closing prices are available) for the ten trading days commencing on and including
the fifth trading day after the date on which ex-dividend trading commences for such
distribution on the Nasdaq National Market or such other principal national or regional exchange
or market on which the securities are then listed or quoted;
(5) dividends or other distributions consisting exclusively of cash to holders of our common
stock; and
(6) 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 our common stock exceeds the closing price per share 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.
In the case of:
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any recapitalization, reclassification or change of our common stock, other than
changes resulting from a subdivision or combination; |
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a consolidation, merger or combination involving us; |
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a sale, lease or other transfer to a third party of the consolidated assets of ours
and our subsidiaries substantially as an entirety; or |
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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, 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 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, referred to as the reference property, upon such transaction. In the event holders of our
common stock have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in such
transaction, the type and amount of consideration that holders of notes would have been entitled to
receive will be deemed to be the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration
received by the holders of our common stock that affirmatively make an election. We have agreed in
the indenture not to become a party to any such transaction unless its terms are consistent with
the foregoing.
In addition, the indenture provides that upon conversion of the notes, the holders of such
notes will receive, to the extent that we deliver shares of common stock upon such conversion, the
rights related to such common stock pursuant to any future shareholder rights plan, whether or not
such rights have separated from the common stock at the time of such conversion. However, there
will not be any adjustment to the conversion privilege or conversion rate as a result of:
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the issuance of such rights; |
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the distribution of separate certificates representing such rights; |
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the exercise or redemption of such rights in accordance with any rights agreement; or |
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the termination or invalidation of such rights. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a holder of notes exercising its right of conversion after
the distribution of rights pursuant to any rights plan in effect at the time of such conversion is
not entitled to receive the rights that would otherwise be attributable, but for the date of
conversion, to the shares of common stock to be received upon such conversion, if any, the
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conversion rate will be adjusted as though the rights were being distributed to holders of common
stock on the date the rights become separable from such stock. If such an adjustment is made and
such rights are later redeemed, invalidated or terminated, then a corresponding reversing
adjustment will be made to the conversion rate on an equitable basis.
We may, from time to time, increase the conversion rate if our board of directors has made a
determination that this increase would be in our best interests. Any such determination by our
board will be conclusive. In addition, we may increase the conversion rate if our board of
directors deems it advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to a holder of common stock
resulting from any stock or rights distribution.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, adjustments to the conversion rate, or failures to make
such adjustments, that have the effect of increasing the holders proportionate interests in our
assets or earnings may in some circumstances result in a taxable deemed distribution to the
holders. We will not be required to adjust the conversion rate unless the adjustment would result
in a change of at least 1% of the conversion rate. However, we will carry forward any adjustments
that are less than 1% of the conversion rate and take them into account when determining subsequent
adjustments. In addition, we will make any carry forward adjustments not otherwise effected on each
anniversary of the first issue date of the notes, upon our issuance of any notice of redemption for
the notes, upon conversion of the notes, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change and 20
business days prior to the maturity of the notes. We will not make any adjustments if holders of
notes are permitted to participate in the transactions described above in clauses (1) through (6)
that would otherwise require adjustment of the conversion rate. Except as stated above, the
conversion rate will not be adjusted for the issuance of our common stock or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or carrying the right to purchase our common
stock or any such security.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the conversion rate as adjusted in accordance
with the foregoing exceed 304.8780 per $1,000 principal amount of notes, other than on account of
proportional adjustments to the conversion rate in the manner set forth in clauses (1) through (4)
above.
Redemption of Notes at Our Option
Prior to March 1, 2011, the notes will not be redeemable at our option. On or after March 1,
2011, we may redeem the notes at any time or from time to time in whole or in part, for cash, at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of notes being redeemed, plus accrued and
unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, up to but excluding the redemption date,
unless the redemption date falls after a record date and on or prior to the corresponding interest
payment date. In that case, we will pay the full amount of accrued and unpaid interest, including
additional interest, if any, due on such interest payment date to the holder of record at the close
of business on the corresponding record date. We are required to give notice of redemption by mail
to holders not more than 60 but not less than 30 days prior to the redemption date.
If less than all of the outstanding notes are to be redeemed, the trustee will select the
notes to be redeemed in principal amounts of $1,000 or multiples of $1,000 by lot, pro rata or by
another method the trustee considers fair and appropriate. If a portion of your notes is selected
for partial redemption and you convert a portion of your notes, the converted portion will be
deemed, to the extent practicable, to be part of the portion selected for redemption.
We may not redeem the notes if we have failed to pay any interest on the notes and such
failure to pay is continuing. We will notify the holders if we redeem the notes.
For a discussion on the tax treatment to a holder of the notes upon redemption at our option,
see Material U.S. Federal Tax Considerations.
No sinking fund is provided for the notes.
We may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, at any time purchase the notes in the open
market or by tender at any price or by private agreement. Any note purchased by us will be
surrendered to the trustee for cancellation. Any notes surrendered to the trustee may not be
reissued or resold and will be canceled promptly.
35
Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the Holders
You have the right to require us to repurchase for cash all or part of your notes on March 1,
2011, March 1, 2016 and March 1, 2021, in each case at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, including
additional interest, if any, to but not including the repurchase date.
We will be required to repurchase any outstanding note for which you deliver a written
repurchase notice to the paying agent, which will initially be the trustee. This notice must be
delivered during the period beginning at any time from the opening of business on the date that is
20 business days prior to the repurchase date until the close of business on the repurchase date. A
holder may withdraw its repurchase notice at any time prior to close of business on the repurchase
date. If a repurchase notice is given and withdrawn during that period, we will not be obligated to
repurchase the notes listed in the notice. Our repurchase obligation will be subject to certain
additional conditions.
We must give notice of an upcoming repurchase date to all note holders not less than 20
business days prior to the repurchase date at their addresses shown in the register of the note
registrar. We will also give notice to beneficial owners as required by applicable law. This notice
will state, among other things, the repurchase price and the procedures that holders must follow to
require us to repurchase their notes.
If your notes are in certificated form, your repurchase notice must state:
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the note certificate numbers; |
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the portion of the principal amount of notes to be repurchased, which must be in $1,000 multiples; and |
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that the notes are to be repurchased by us pursuant to the applicable provisions of the indenture.
If your notes are not in certificated form, your repurchase notice must comply with appropriate DTC procedures. |
You may withdraw any written repurchase notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to
the paying agent prior to the close of business on the repurchase date. If your notes are in
certificated form, your withdrawal notice must state:
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the principal amount of the withdrawn notes; |
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the certificate numbers of the withdrawn notes; and |
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the principal amount, if any, of the notes that remain subject to the repurchase notice. |
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If your notes are not in certificated form, your withdrawal notice must comply with appropriate DTC procedures. |
Payment of the repurchase price for a note for which a repurchase notice has been delivered
and not withdrawn is conditioned upon book-entry transfer or delivery of the note, together with
necessary endorsements, to the paying agent at its corporate trust office, at any time after
delivery of the repurchase notice. Payment of the repurchase price for the note will be made
promptly following the later of the business day immediately following the repurchase date and the
time of book-entry transfer or delivery of the note.
If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the repurchase price of the note on the
business day immediately following the repurchase date, then, on and after the repurchase date:
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the note will cease to be outstanding; |
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interest will cease to accrue; and |
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all other rights of the holder will terminate, other than the right to receive the
repurchase price upon delivery of the note. |
This will be the case whether or not book-entry transfer of the note has been made or the note has
been delivered to the paying agent. No notes may be repurchased by us at the option of holders on
March 1, 2011, March 1, 2016, and March 1, 2021 if the principal amount of the notes has been
accelerated, and such acceleration has not been rescinded, on or prior to such date.
Our ability to repurchase notes at the option of the holders is subject to important
limitations. We cannot assure holders that we would have the financial resources, or would be able
to arrange financing, to pay the purchase price for all the notes that might be delivered by
holders of notes seeking to exercise the repurchase right. Furthermore, payment of the purchase
price may violate or may be limited by the terms of our existing or future indebtedness. Any
failure by us to repurchase the notes when required would result in an event of default under the
indenture. Any such default may, in turn, cause a default under other indebtedness.
The Exchange Act requires the dissemination of certain information to security holders and
that an issuer follow certain procedures if an issuer tender offer occurs, which may apply if the
repurchase rights summarized above become available to holders of the notes. In connection with any
election to require us to repurchase notes as summarized above we will, to the extent applicable:
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comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender offer rules
under the Exchange Act that may then be applicable; and |
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file a Schedule TO or any other required schedule or form under the Exchange Act. |
We may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the agreements governing our other debt,
at any time repurchase the notes in the open market or by tender at any price or by private
agreement. Any note so repurchased by us may not be reissued or resold and must be surrendered to
the trustee for cancellation. Any notes otherwise surrendered to the trustee may not be reissued or
resold and will be cancelled promptly.
Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the Holders Upon a Fundamental Change
If a fundamental change, as defined below, occurs at any time prior to maturity, holders of
notes may require us, subject to the terms of the indenture, to repurchase for cash all or any
portion of their notes in integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at a price equal to 100%
of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, including
additional interest, if any, to but excluding the fundamental change repurchase date.
Within 20 days after the occurrence of a fundamental change, we are obligated to give to the
holders of the notes notice of the fundamental change and of the repurchase right arising as a
result of the fundamental change and the fundamental change repurchase date (which may be no
earlier than 15 days and no later than 30 days after the date of such notice). We must also deliver
a copy of this notice to the paying agent. We will also issue a press release announcing the
occurrence of the fundamental change and use our reasonable efforts to publish that information on
our website, or through such other public medium as we deem appropriate at that time.
To exercise its repurchase right, a holder of notes must deliver written notice of such
holders exercise of its repurchase right, referred to as the fundamental change repurchase notice,
to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the fifth business day prior to the
repurchase date. If your notes are in certificated form, your fundamental change repurchase notice
shall state:
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the note certificate numbers; |
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the portion of the principal amount of notes to be repurchased, which must be in $1,000 multiples; and |
37
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that the notes are to be repurchased by us pursuant to the applicable provisions of the notes and the indenture. |
If your notes are not in certificated form, your fundamental change repurchase notice must
comply with appropriate DTC procedures.
You may withdraw any fundamental change repurchase notice by a written notice of withdrawal
delivered to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the fundamental change repurchase
date. If your notes are in certificated form, your withdrawal notice must state:
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the principal amount of the withdrawn notes; |
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the certificate numbers of the withdrawn notes; and |
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the principal amount, if any, that remains subject to the repurchase notice.
If your notes are not in certificated form, your withdrawal notice must comply with appropriate DTC procedures. |
Payment of the repurchase price for a note for which a fundamental change repurchase notice
has been delivered and not withdrawn is conditioned upon book-entry transfer or delivery of the
note, together with necessary endorsements, to the paying agent at any time after delivery of the
fundamental change repurchase notice. Payment of the repurchase price for the note will be made
promptly following the later of the business day immediately following the fundamental change
repurchase date and the time of book-entry transfer or delivery of the note.
If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the repurchase price of the note on the
business day immediately following the fundamental change repurchase date, then, on and after the
fundamental change repurchase date:
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the note will cease to be outstanding; |
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interest will cease to accrue; and |
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all other rights of the holder will terminate, other than the right to receive the
repurchase price upon delivery of the note. |
This will be the case whether or not book-entry transfer of the note has been made or the note has
been delivered to the paying agent.
A fundamental change will be deemed to occur upon a change in control or a termination of
trading.
A change in control will be deemed to have occurred at such time after the original issuance
of the notes when the following has occurred:
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any person or group (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act) other than us, any of our subsidiaries or any of our employee benefit
plans, is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, through a purchase,
merger or other acquisition transaction, of 50% or more of the total voting power of all
classes of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
(voting stock); |
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we consolidate with, or merge with or into, another person (as such term is used in
Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) or any person consolidates with or merges
with or into us, or we convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of our assets to any person, other than: |
38
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any transaction pursuant to which holders of our capital stock immediately
prior to the transaction have the entitlement to exercise, directly or
indirectly, 50% or more of the total voting power of all shares of voting stock
of the continuing or surviving person immediately after the transaction; or |
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any merger solely for the purpose of changing our jurisdiction of formation
and resulting in a reclassification, conversion or exchange of outstanding shares
of common stock solely into shares of common stock of the surviving entity; |
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during any consecutive two-year period, individuals who at the beginning of that
two-year period constituted our board of directors (together with any new directors
whose election to our board of directors, or whose nomination for election by
shareholders, was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors then still in office
who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason (other than
death) to constitute a majority of our board of directors then in office; or |
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we approve a plan of liquidation or dissolution. |
Beneficial ownership will be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the
SEC under the Exchange Act. The term person includes any syndicate or group that would be deemed
to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, it will not constitute a change in control if 95% or more of
the consideration (excluding cash payments for fractional shares and cash payments made in respect
of dissenters appraisal rights) in the transaction or transactions constituting the change in
control consists of common stock and any associated rights traded on a U.S. national securities
exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, or which will be so traded or quoted when issued
or exchanged in connection with the change in control, and as a result of such transaction or
transactions the notes become convertible into such common stock.
A termination of trading is deemed to occur if our common stock (or other common stock into
which the notes are then convertible) is neither listed for trading on a U.S. national securities
exchange nor approved for trading on an established automated over-the-counter trading market in
the United States.
The definition of fundamental change includes a phrase relating to the conveyance, transfer,
lease, or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets. There is no precise
established definition of the phrase substantially all under applicable law. Accordingly, the
ability of a holder of notes to require us to repurchase such notes as a result of a conveyance,
transfer, lease, or other disposition of less than all of our assets may be uncertain.
In connection with any fundamental change purchase offer, we will, if required:
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comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender offer rules
under the Exchange Act, which may then be applicable; and |
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file Schedule TO or any other required schedule under the Exchange Act. |
In some circumstances, the fundamental change repurchase feature of the notes may make more
difficult or discourage a takeover of us and thus the removal of incumbent management. The
fundamental change repurchase feature, however, is not the result of managements knowledge of any
specific effort to accumulate shares of common stock or to obtain control of us by means of a
merger, tender offer, solicitation or otherwise, or part of a plan by management to adopt a series
of anti-takeover provisions. Instead, the fundamental change repurchase feature is the result of
negotiations between us and the initial purchaser.
The foregoing provisions would not necessarily protect holders of the notes if highly
leveraged or other transactions involving us occur that may adversely affect holders. Our ability
to repurchase notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental
39
change is subject to important limitations. The occurrence of a fundamental change could cause an
event of default under, or be prohibited or limited by, the terms of indebtedness that we may incur
in the future. Furthermore, we cannot assure holders that we would have the financial resources, or
would be able to arrange financing, to pay the repurchase price for all the notes that might be
delivered by holders of notes seeking to exercise the repurchase right. Finally, payment of the
repurchase price may violate or may be limited by the terms of our existing or future indebtedness.
Any failure by us to repurchase the notes when required following a fundamental change would result
in an event of default under the indenture. Any such default may, in turn, cause a default under
other indebtedness.
No notes may be purchased by us at the option of holders upon the occurrence of a fundamental
change if there has occurred and is continuing an event of default with respect to the notes, other
than a default in the payment of the fundamental change purchase price with respect to the notes.
Determination of the Make Whole Premium
If a transaction described in the first, second or fourth bullet of the definition of change
in control, as defined above under Repurchase of Notes by Us at the Option of the Holders Upon a
Fundamental Change, occurs on or prior to March 1, 2011, in some circumstances, we will pay a make
whole premium in the form of an increase in the conversion rate to holders of the notes who convert
their notes during the period beginning 15 days before the anticipated effective date of the
fundamental change and until, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
The make whole premium will be determined by reference to the table below and is based on the
date on which the fundamental change becomes effective, which we refer to as the effective date,
and the price, which we refer to as the applicable stock price, paid per share of our common stock
in the transaction constituting the fundamental change. If holders of our common stock receive only
cash in the transaction, the applicable stock price shall be the cash amount paid per share of our
common stock. Otherwise, the applicable stock price shall be equal to the average closing price of
our common stock over the five trading-day period ending on the trading day immediately preceding,
and excluding, the effective date of such transaction. The table shows what the make whole premium
would be for each stock price and effective date set forth below, expressed as additional shares of
common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes.
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Stock Price |
Effective Date |
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$3.28 |
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$4.00 |
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$4.92 |
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$6.00 |
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$7.00 |
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$8.00 |
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$9.00 |
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$10.00 |
March 1, 2006 |
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101.6260 |
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72.4255 |
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50.3648 |
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35.4427 |
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26.9465 |
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21.2697 |
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17.2800 |
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14.3614 |
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March 1, 2007 |
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99.5790 |
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69.0026 |
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46.4151 |
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31.5884 |
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23.4267 |
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18.1353 |
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14.5151 |
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11.9341 |
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March 1, 2008 |
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96.9835 |
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64.5269 |
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41.2220 |
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26.5830 |
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18.9389 |
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14.2118 |
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11.1292 |
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9.0127 |
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March 1, 2009 |
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94.0100 |
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58.6658 |
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34.2501 |
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19.9880 |
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13.1982 |
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9.3643 |
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7.0661 |
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5.5981 |
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March 1, 2010 |
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91.4957 |
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50.7099 |
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24.0087 |
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10.7004 |
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5.6794 |
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3.4550 |
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2.3950 |
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1.8381 |
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March 1, 2011 |
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0.0000 |
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0.0000 |
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0.0000 |
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0.0000 |
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0.0000 |
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0.0000 |
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0.0000 |
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0.0000 |
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The actual stock price and effective date may not be set forth on the table, in which case:
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if the actual stock price on the effective date is between two stock prices on the
table or the actual effective date is between two effective dates on the table, the make
whole premium will be determined by a straight-line interpolation between the make whole
premiums set forth for the two stock prices and the two effective dates on the table
based on a 365-day year, as applicable. |
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if the stock price on the effective date exceeds $10.00 per share, subject to
adjustment as described below, no make whole premium will be paid. |
40
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if the stock price on the effective date is less than $3.28 per share, subject to
adjustment as described below, no make whole premium will be paid. |
The stock prices set forth in the first row of the table above will be adjusted as of any date
on which the conversion rate of the notes is adjusted other than an adjustment pursuant to the make
whole premium described above. 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 set
forth in the table above will be adjusted in the same manner as the conversion rate as set forth
above under Conversion Rights Conversion Procedures, other than by operation of an adjustment
to the conversion rate by adding the make whole premium as described above.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the conversion rate exceed 304.8780, subject
to proportional adjustment in the same manner as the conversion rate as set forth in clauses (1)
through (4) under Conversion Rights Conversion Procedures Conversion Rate Adjustments
above.
Our obligation to pay the additional fundamental change make whole premium could be considered
a penalty, in which case the enforceability would be subject to general principles of
reasonableness of economic remedies.
Merger and Sale of Assets
The indenture provides that we may not consolidate with or merge with or into any other person
and that we may not sell, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties or
assets taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions to another person, unless among other
things:
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we are the surviving person, or the resulting, surviving or transferee person, if
other than us, is organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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the successor person (if other than us and other than any successor who is bound to
our obligations under the notes and the indenture by operation of law) assumes, by
supplemental indenture satisfactory in form and substance to the trustee, all of our
obligations under the notes and the indenture; |
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if as a result of such transaction the notes become convertible into common stock or
other securities issued by a third party, such third party fully and unconditionally
guarantees all obligations of ours or such successor under the notes, the indenture and
the registration rights agreement; |
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after giving effect to such transaction, there is no event of default, and no event
that, after notice or passage of time or both, would become an event of default; and |
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we have delivered to the trustee an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel
each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease
complies with these requirements. |
When such a person assumes our obligations in such circumstances, subject to certain
exceptions, we shall be discharged from all our or its obligations under the notes and the
indenture, except for in the case of a lease of all or substantially all our assets, in which case
we will not be discharged from any of our obligations under the notes or the indenture.
There is no precise established definition of the phrase substantially all under applicable
law. Accordingly, there may be uncertainty as to whether the provisions above would apply to a
sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of less than all of our assets.
41
Events of Default; Notice and Waiver
The following are events of default under the indenture:
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failure to pay principal, if any, when due at maturity, upon redemption, repurchase or otherwise on the notes; |
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default in our obligation to deliver shares of our common stock, cash or other
property upon conversion of the notes as required under the indenture and such default
continues for a period of 15 days; |
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failure to pay any interest, or additional interest, if any, on the notes, when due
and such failure continues for a period of 30 days; |
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failure to provide notice of the occurrence of a fundamental change on a timely
basis; |
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failure to pay any indebtedness for money borrowed by us or one of our subsidiaries
in an outstanding principal amount in excess of $25 million at final maturity or upon
acceleration after the expiration of any applicable grace period, which indebtedness is
not discharged, or such default in payment or acceleration is not cured or rescinded,
within 30 days after written notice to us from the trustee (or to us and the trustee
from holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes); |
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failure by us to perform or observe any of the other covenants in the indenture for
60 days after written notice to us from the trustee (or to us and the trustee from the
holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes); or |
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certain events involving our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to us. |
The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the notes of any default, except defaults in
payment of principal, premium, if any, interest, or additional interest, if any, on the notes.
However, the trustee must consider it to be in the interest of the holders of the notes to withhold
this notice.
If an event of default occurs and continues, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the outstanding notes may declare the principal, if any, and accrued and unpaid
interest, including additional interest, if any, on the outstanding notes to be immediately due and
payable. In case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency involving us, the principal, if any,
and accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, on the notes will
automatically become due and payable. However, if we cure all defaults, except the nonpayment of
principal, if any, or interest, including additional interest, if any, that became due as a result
of the acceleration, and meet certain other conditions, with certain exceptions, this declaration
may be cancelled, the acceleration may be rescinded and annulled and the holders of a majority of
the principal amount of outstanding notes may waive these past defaults.
Payments of principal, premium, if any, interest, or additional interest, if any, on the notes
that are not made when due will accrue interest from the required payment date at the annual rate
of 1% above the then applicable interest rate for the notes.
No holder of the notes may pursue any remedy under the indenture, except in the case of a
default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, or additional interest, if any,
on the notes, unless:
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the holder has given the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default; |
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the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding notes make a written
request, and offer reasonable security or indemnity, to the trustee to pursue the
remedy; |
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the trustee does not receive an inconsistent direction from the holders of a majority
in principal amount of the notes within 60 days after receipt of the request and offer
of indemnity; and |
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the trustee fails to comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the
request and offer of indemnity. |
Modification and Waiver
The consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes is
required to modify or amend the indenture. However, a modification or amendment requires the
consent of the holder of each outstanding note affected if it would:
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extend the fixed maturity of any note; |
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reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest, or additional interest, if any, of any note; |
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reduce the principal amount of any note; |
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reduce any amount payable upon redemption or repurchase of any note; |
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change our obligation to redeem any notes on a redemption date, repurchase any notes
at the option of the holder, or repurchase any notes upon a fundamental change, in each
case in a manner that is adverse to the interests of the holders of such notes; |
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reduce the amount of the make whole premium or otherwise impair the right of a holder
to receive the make whole premium due on any note; |
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impair the right of a holder to institute suit for payment on any note; |
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change the currency in which any note is payable; |
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impair the right of a holder to convert any note or reduce the amount of cash, the
number of shares of common stock or the amount of any other property receivable upon
conversion; |
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modify the subordination provisions of the indenture in a manner that materially
adversely affects the holders of the notes; |
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reduce the quorum or voting requirements under the indenture; or |
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subject to specified exceptions, modify certain of the provisions of the indenture
relating to modification or waiver of provisions of the indenture. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we have made an irrevocable election as described above
under Conversion Rights Settlement Upon Conversion Conversion after irrevocable election to
pay principal in cash, we may, with the consent of the holders of a majority of the principal
amount of the outstanding notes, retract such irrevocable election by modifying or amending the
indenture such that, from and after the date of such modification or amendment, we will have the
ability to satisfy our conversion obligation upon conversion of a note in cash, common stock or any
combination thereof; provided, however, that we may, without seeking the consent of any holders of
notes, (1) increase the majority voting requirement set forth in this paragraph or (2) eliminate
our right to implement the modification or amendment to the indenture set forth in this paragraph.
We are permitted to modify the indenture without the consent of the holders of the notes:
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to evidence a successor to us and the assumption by that successor of our obligations
under the indenture and the notes; |
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to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of the notes or to surrender
any right or power conferred upon us; |
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to secure our obligations in respect of the notes; |
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to evidence and provide for the acceptance of the appointment of a successor trustee under the indenture; |
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to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency in the indenture; or |
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to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of the holders of the notes. |
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes at the time outstanding
may waive any existing default and its consequences except for:
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any default in any payment of principal or interest with respect to the notes; |
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any default with respect to the conversion rights of the notes; |
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any default in the payment of the redemption price; |
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a default in the payment of the repurchase price (upon a repurchase at the option of
a holder or a repurchase upon a fundamental change); or |
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any default in respect of certain covenants or provisions in the indenture which may
not be modified without the consent of the holder of each note as described above. |
When a default is waived, it is deemed cured and will cease to exist, but no such waiver shall
extend to any subsequent or other default.
Form and Denomination
The notes have been issued:
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in fully registered form; |
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without interest coupons; and |
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in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and multiples of $1,000. |
Global Note, Book-Entry Form
Notes are evidenced by one or more global notes. We have deposited the global note or notes
with DTC and registered the global notes in the name of Cede & Co. as DTCs nominee. Except as set
forth below, a global note may be transferred, in whole or in part, only to another nominee of DTC
or to a successor of DTC or its nominee.
Beneficial interests in a global note may be held through organizations that are participants
in DTC (called participants). Transfers between participants will be effected in the ordinary way
in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in clearing house funds. The laws of some states
require that certain persons take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. As a result,
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global note to such persons may be limited.
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Beneficial interests in a global note held by DTC may be held only through participants, or
certain banks, brokers, dealers, trust companies and other parties that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly (called indirect
participants). So long as Cede & Co., as the nominee of DTC, is the registered owner of a global
note, Cede & Co. for all purposes will be considered the sole holder of such global note. Except as
provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global note will:
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not be entitled to have certificates registered in their names; |
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not receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive registered form; and |
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not be considered holders of the global note. |
We will pay interest, and additional interest, if any, on and the redemption price and the
repurchase price of, a global note to Cede & Co., as the registered owner of the global note, by
wire transfer of immediately available funds on each interest payment date or the redemption or
repurchase date, as the case may be. Neither we, the trustee nor any paying agent will be
responsible or liable:
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for the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in a global note; or |
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for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests. |
Neither we, the trustee, registrar, paying agent nor conversion agent have any responsibility
for the performance by DTC or its participants or indirect participants of their respective
obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations. DTC has advised us that it
will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes, including the presentation of
notes for conversion, only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account with DTC
interests in the global note are credited, and only in respect of the principal amount of the notes
represented by the global note as to which the participant or participants has or have given such
direction.
DTC has advised us that it is:
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a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York,
and a member of the Federal Reserve System; |
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a clearing corporation within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code; and |
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a clearing agency registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. |
DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes to
the accounts of its participants. Participants include securities brokers, dealers, banks, trust
companies and clearing corporations and other organizations. Some of the participants or their
representatives, together with other entities, own DTC. Indirect access to the DTC system is
available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.
DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in a global
note among participants. However, DTC is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform
these procedures, and may discontinue these procedures at any time.
We will issue the notes in definitive certificated form if DTC notifies us that it is
unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered
under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days. In
addition, beneficial interests in a global note may be exchanged for definitive certificated notes
upon request by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with customary procedures. The indenture permits
us to determine
45
at any time and in our sole discretion that notes shall no longer be represented by global notes.
DTC has advised us that, under its current practices, it would notify its participants of our
request, but only withdraw beneficial interests from the global notes at the request of each DTC
participant. We would issue definitive certificates in exchange for any such beneficial interests
withdrawn.
Restrictions on Transfer; Legends
The notes are subject to transfer restrictions as described below under Notice to Investors
and the certificates for the notes bear a legend to this effect.
Registration Rights of the Noteholders
We entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchaser of the notes
pursuant to which we agreed, at our expense, to keep the shelf registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part effective until the earliest of (i) the sale pursuant to the shelf
registration statement of all the securities registered thereunder and (ii) the expiration of the
holding period applicable to such securities held by persons that are not affiliates of ours under
Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act, or any successor provision, subject to certain permitted
exceptions. We may suspend the use of this prospectus under certain circumstances relating to
pending corporate developments, public filings with the SEC and similar events no more than once in
any three-month period or four times in any 12-month period. Any such suspension shall not exceed
30 days; provided, however, that we may suspend the use of the prospectus for a period not to
exceed 60 days under certain circumstances relating to acquisitions, probable acquisitions,
financings or similar transactions. All such suspensions in the aggregate shall not exceed 60 days
in any three-month period or 90 days in any 12-month period.
We have agreed to pay predetermined liquidated damages in respect of the notes, in the form of
additional interest at a rate per annum equal to 0.5% of the principal amount of the notes, to
holders of notes if the prospectus in this shelf registration statement is unavailable for periods
in excess of those permitted above.
The summary of certain provisions of the registration rights agreement is subject to, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the registration rights agreement,
a copy of which has been filed with the SEC.
Rule 144A Information Request
We will furnish to the holders or beneficial holders of the notes or the underlying common
stock and prospective purchasers, upon their written request, the information, if any, required
under Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act until such time as such securities are no longer
restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, assuming these
securities have not been owned by an affiliate of ours.
Information Concerning the Trustee
We have appointed J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association the trustee under the
indenture, as paying agent, conversion agent, note registrar and custodian for the notes. J.P.
Morgan Trust Company, National Association is also the trustee for our 4% convertible subordinated
notes due 2007. The trustee or its affiliates may also provide other services to us in the ordinary
course of their business. The indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the trustee,
if it or any of its affiliates is then our creditor, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases
or to realize on certain property received on any claim as security or otherwise. The trustee and
its affiliates are permitted to engage in other transactions with us. However, if the trustee or
any affiliate continues to have any conflicting interest and a default occurs with respect to the
notes, the trustee must eliminate such conflict or resign.
Calculations in Respect of Notes
We are responsible for making all calculations called for under the notes. These calculations
include, but are not limited to, the conversion date, the volume-weighted average price, the
settlement amount, the cash amount, the cash settlement averaging period, the cash settlement
notice period, the conversion retraction period, the trading prices of the
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notes, the closing price, the conversion price, the applicable stock price, the required cash
amount, the applicable conversion rate and the number of shares of common stock, if any, to be
issued upon conversion of the notes. We make all these calculations in good faith and, absent
manifest error, our calculations are final and binding on holders of notes. We will provide a
schedule of our calculations to the trustee, and the trustee is entitled to rely upon the accuracy
of our calculations without independent verification.
Governing Law
The notes and the indenture shall be governed by, and will be construed in accordance with,
the laws of the State of New York.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The following description of our capital stock includes a summary of certain provisions of our
restated certificate of incorporation, our by-laws and our rights plan. This description is subject
to the detailed provisions of, and is qualified by reference to, our restated certificate of
incorporation, as amended, our by-laws, and our rights plan, copies of which have been filed with
the SEC.
We are authorized to issue (1) 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, of which 480,618,464
shares of were outstanding as of April 21, 2006 and (2) 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
without par value, of which our board of directors has designated (a) 5,000,000 shares as Series A
Junior Participating Preferred Stock for issuance in connection with the exercise of our preferred
share purchase rights and (b) one share as Series B Voting Preferred Stock. For a more detailed
discussion of our preferred share purchase rights and how they relate to our common stock, see
Conexant Rights Plan. The authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock will be available
for issuance without further action by our shareholders, unless such action is required by
applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our
securities may be listed or traded. If the approval of our shareholders is not so required, our
board of directors may determine not to seek shareholder approval.
Certain of the provisions described under this section entitled Description of Capital Stock
could have the effect of discouraging transactions that might lead to a change of control of the
Company. Our restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws:
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establish a classified board of directors, whereby our directors are elected for
staggered terms in office so that only one-third of our directors stand for election in
any one year; |
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require shareholders to provide advance notice of any shareholder nominations of
directors or any proposal of new business to be considered at any meeting of
shareholders; |
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require a supermajority vote to remove a director or to amend or repeal certain
provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation or by-laws; |
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preclude shareholders from acting by written consent without a meeting of shareholders; and |
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preclude shareholders from calling a special meeting of shareholders. |
Common Stock
Holders of common stock are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of
directors out of funds legally available therefor. Dividends may not be paid on common stock unless
all accrued dividends on preferred stock, if any, have been paid or set aside. In the event of our
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share pro
rata in the assets remaining after payment to creditors and after payment of the liquidation
preference plus any unpaid dividends to holders of any outstanding preferred stock. See Dividend
Policy.
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Each holder of common stock will be entitled to one vote for each such share outstanding in
such holders name. No holder of common stock will be entitled to cumulate votes in voting for
directors. Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless otherwise determined by
our board of directors, no holder of common stock will have any right to purchase or subscribe for
any stock of any class which we may issue or sell.
Mellon Investor Services LLC is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.
Mellons address is 85 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07606, and its telephone number
is (800) 853-1954.
Preferred Stock
Our restated certificate of incorporation permits us to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of our
preferred stock in one or more series and with rights and preferences that may be fixed or
designated by our board of directors without any further action by our shareholders. Our board of
directors has designated 5,000,000 shares of our preferred stock as Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock for issuance in connection with the exercise of our preferred share purchase
rights. The powers, preferences, rights and qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the
preferred stock of any other series will be fixed by the certificate of designation relating to
such series, which will specify the terms of the preferred stock, including:
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the maximum number of shares in the series and the distinctive designation; |
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the terms on which dividends, if any, will be paid; |
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the terms on which the shares may be redeemed, if at all; |
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the terms of any retirement or sinking fund for the purchase or redemption of the shares of the series; |
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the liquidation preference, if any; |
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the terms and conditions, if any, on which the shares of the series shall be
convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of capital
stock; |
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the restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or any other class or series; and |
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the voting rights, if any, of the shares of the series. |
Although our board of directors has no intention at the present time of doing so, it could
issue a series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of such series, impede the
completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt.
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock.
For a description of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, see Conexant Rights
Plan.
Series B Voting Preferred Stock .
We have one share of Series B Voting Preferred Stock authorized and it is not
outstanding.
Certain Provisions in Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws
Our restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws contain various provisions intended to
(1) promote the stability of our shareholder base and (2) render more difficult certain unsolicited
or hostile attempts to take us over which could disrupt us, divert the attention of our directors,
officers and employees and adversely affect the independence and integrity of our business.
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Pursuant to our restated certificate of incorporation, the number of directors is fixed by our
board of directors. Other than directors elected by the holders of any series of preferred stock or
any other series or class of stock except common stock, our directors are divided into three
classes, each class to consist as nearly as possible of one-third of the directors. Directors
elected by shareholders at an annual meeting of shareholders will be elected by a plurality of all
votes cast. Currently, the terms of office of the three classes of directors expire, respectively,
at our annual meetings in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The term of the successors of each such class of
directors expires three years from the year of election.
Our restated certificate of incorporation contains a fair price provision pursuant to which a
Business Combination (as defined in our restated certificate of incorporation) between us or one of
our subsidiaries and an Interested Shareowner (as defined in our restated certificate of
incorporation) requires approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 80 percent
of the voting power of all of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, voting together as a single class, unless the Business Combination is
approved by at least two-thirds of the Continuing Directors (as defined in our restated certificate
of incorporation) or certain fair price criteria and procedural requirements specified in the fair
price provision are met. If either the requisite approval of our board of directors or the fair
price criteria and procedural requirements were met, the Business Combination would be subject to
the voting requirements otherwise applicable under the Delaware General Corporation Law, which for
most types of Business Combinations currently would be the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of all of our outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon. Any amendment or
repeal of the fair price provision, or the adoption of provisions inconsistent therewith, must be
approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 80 percent of the voting power of
all of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors,
voting together as a single class, unless such amendment, repeal or adoption were approved by at
least two-thirds of the Continuing Directors, in which case the provisions of the Delaware General
Corporation Law would require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of our capital stock entitled to vote thereon.
Our restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide that a special meeting of
shareholders may be called only by a resolution adopted by a majority of the entire board of
directors. Shareholders are not permitted to call, or to require that the board of directors call,
a special meeting of shareholders. Moreover, the business permitted to be conducted at any special
meeting of shareholders is limited to the business brought before the meeting pursuant to the
notice of the meeting given by us. In addition, our restated certificate of incorporation provides
that any action taken by our shareholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of
shareholders and may not be taken by written consent instead of a meeting. Our by-laws establish an
advance notice procedure for shareholders to nominate candidates for election as directors or to
bring other business before meetings of our shareholders.
Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that the affirmative vote of at least 80
percent of the voting power of all of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors, voting together as a single class, would be required to amend or repeal
the provisions of our certificate with respect to:
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the election of directors; |
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the right to call a special shareholders meeting |
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the right to act by written consent; |
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the right to amend our restated certificate of incorporation; or |
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the right to adopt any provision inconsistent with the preceding provisions . |
In addition, our restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of
directors may make, alter, amend and repeal our by-laws and that the amendment or repeal by
shareholders of any of our by-laws would require the affirmative vote of at least 80 percent of the
voting power described above, voting together as a single class.
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Conexant Rights Plan
Each outstanding share of our common stock also evidences one preferred share purchase right.
Each preferred share purchase right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one
two-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, at $300, subject to
adjustment. The description and terms of the preferred share purchase rights are set forth in the
rights agreement dated as of November 30, 1998, as amended as of December 9, 1999.
Until the earlier to occur of (1) 10 days following a public announcement that a person or
group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired beneficial ownership of 20 percent or more
of the outstanding common stock or (2) 10 business days, or such later date as may be determined by
our board of directors prior to such time as any person or group becomes an acquiring person,
following the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to make, a tender offer or exchange
offer the consummation of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 20
percent or more of the outstanding common stock, preferred share purchase rights will be attached
to common stock and will be owned by the registered owners of common stock.
The rights agreement provides that, until the preferred share purchase rights are no longer
attached to the common stock, or until the earlier redemption or expiration of the preferred share
purchase rights:
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the preferred share purchase rights will be transferred with, and only with, shares
of common stock; |
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certificates representing common stock and statements in respect of shares of common
stock registered in book-entry or uncertificated form will contain a notation
incorporating the terms of the preferred share purchase rights by reference; and |
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the transfer of any shares of common stock will also constitute the transfer of the
associated preferred share purchase rights. |
As soon as practicable following the date the preferred share purchase rights are no longer
attached to the common stock, separate certificates evidencing preferred share purchase rights will
be mailed to holders of record of common stock as of the close of business on the date the
preferred share purchase rights are no longer attached to the common stock and the separate
certificates alone will evidence preferred share purchase rights.
In addition, the rights agreement provides that in connection with the issuance or sale of our
common stock following the date the rights separate from our common stock and prior to the earlier
of (1) the redemption of the preferred share purchase rights and (2) the date the preferred share
purchase rights expire (a) we will, with respect to common stock issued or sold pursuant to the
exercise of stock options or under any employee plan or arrangement in existence prior to the date
the rights separate from our common stock, or upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of
securities, notes or debentures (pursuant to the terms thereof) issued by us and in existence prior
to the date the rights separate from our common stock, and (b) we may, in any other case, if deemed
necessary or appropriate by our board of directors, issue certificates representing the appropriate
number of preferred share purchase rights in connection with such issuance or sale. We will not be
obligated to issue any of these certificates if, and to the extent that, we are advised by counsel
that the issuance of those certificates would create a significant risk of material adverse tax
consequences to us or the person to whom such certificate would be issued or would create a
significant risk that the stock options or employee plans or arrangements would fail to qualify for
otherwise available special tax treatment. In addition, no certificate will be issued if, and to
the extent that, appropriate adjustments otherwise have been made instead of the issuance thereof.
Preferred share purchase rights will not be exercisable until the rights separate from the
common stock. Preferred share purchase rights will expire on December 31, 2008, unless this
expiration date is extended or unless preferred share purchase rights are earlier redeemed by us,
in each case, as described below.
The purchase price payable, and the number of shares of Series A junior preferred stock or
other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the preferred share purchase rights will be
subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution upon the occurrence of the following
events:
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in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or
reclassification of, Series A junior preferred stock; |
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upon the grant to holders of shares of Series A junior preferred stock of certain
rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of Series A junior preferred
stock at a price, or securities convertible into shares of Series A junior preferred
stock with a conversion price, less than the then current market price of the shares of
Series A junior preferred stock; or |
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upon the distribution to holders of shares of Series A junior preferred stock of
evidences of indebtedness or assets (excluding regular periodic cash dividends or
dividends payable in shares of Series A junior preferred stock) or of subscription
rights or warrants (other than those referred to above). |
The number of one two-hundredths of a share of Series A junior preferred stock issuable upon
exercise of each preferred share purchase right will also be subject to adjustment in the event of
a stock split of common stock or a stock dividend on common stock payable in common stock or
subdivisions, consolidations or combinations of common stock occurring, in any such case, prior to
the date the preferred share purchase rights are no longer attached to the common stock.
We cannot redeem shares of Series A junior preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of
preferred share purchase rights. Each share of Series A junior preferred stock will be entitled to
a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment of $1 per share but will be entitled to an
aggregate dividend of 100 times the dividend declared per share of common stock whenever such
dividend is declared. In the event of liquidation, the holders of Series A junior preferred stock
will be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation payment of $100 per share but will be
entitled to an aggregate payment of 100 times the payment made per share of common stock. Each
share of Series A junior preferred stock will have 100 votes, voting together with common stock. In
the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which shares of common stock are
exchanged, each share of Series A junior preferred stock will be entitled to receive 100 times the
amount received per share of common stock. These rights will be protected by customary antidilution
provisions.
Because of the nature of the Series A junior preferred stocks dividend, liquidation and
voting rights, the value of each one-hundredth interest in a share of Series A junior preferred
stock purchasable upon exercise of each preferred share purchase right should approximate the value
of one share of common stock.
In the event that any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an acquiring
person, proper provisions shall be made so that each holder of a preferred share purchase right,
other than preferred share purchase rights beneficially owned by the acquiring person, which will
thereafter be void, will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise, instead of shares of
Series A junior preferred stock, that number of shares of our common stock having a market value of
two times the exercise price of a preferred share purchase right.
At any time after any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becomes an acquiring
person, and prior to the acquisition by such person or group of 50 percent or more of the
outstanding shares of common stock, our board of directors may exchange preferred share purchase
rights (other than preferred share purchase rights owned by such person or group, which will have
become void after such person became an acquiring person) for common stock, in whole or in part, at
an exchange ratio of one share of common stock per preferred share purchase right (subject to
adjustment).
In the event that, at any time after any person or group of affiliated or associated persons
has become an acquiring person, we are acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction or 50 percent or more of our consolidated assets or earnings power is sold, proper
provision will be made so that each holder of preferred share purchase right will thereafter have
the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at the then current exercise price of a preferred
share purchase right, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company which at the
time of such transaction will have a market value of two times the exercise price of a preferred
share purchase right.
Generally, no adjustment in the purchase price will be required until cumulative adjustments
require an adjustment of at least one percent. No fractional shares of Series A junior preferred
stock will be issued, other than fractions which are integral multiples of one two-hundredth of a
share of Series A junior preferred stock, which may, at our election, be
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evidenced by depository receipts. Instead, an adjustment in cash will be made based on the market
price of Series A junior preferred stock on the last trading day prior to the date of exercise.
At any time prior to any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becoming an
acquiring person, our board of directors may redeem preferred share purchase rights in whole, but
not in part, at a price of $.01 per preferred share purchase right. The redemption of preferred
share purchase rights may be made effective at such time, on such basis and with such conditions as
our board of directors may determine, in its sole discretion. Immediately upon any redemption of
preferred share purchase rights, the right to exercise preferred share purchase rights will
terminate and the only right of the holders of preferred share purchase rights will be to receive
the redemption price.
The terms of preferred share purchase rights may be amended by our board of directors without
the consent of the holders of preferred share purchase rights, including an amendment to decrease
the threshold at which a person becomes an acquiring person from 20 percent to not less than 10
percent, except that from and after such time as any person becomes an acquiring person no such
amendment may adversely affect the interests of the holders of preferred share purchase rights.
Until a preferred share purchase right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no
rights as a shareholder of ours, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive
dividends.
The foregoing summary of the material terms of preferred share purchase rights is qualified by
reference to the rights agreement, a copy of which has been filed with the SEC.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income and, in the case of non-U.S.
holders (as defined below), estate tax consequences of the ownership of notes and the shares of
common stock, if any, into which the notes may be converted, as of the date hereof. Except where
noted, this summary deals only with a note or common stock held as a capital asset and does not
represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences applicable
to you if you are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income or estate tax laws,
including if you are:
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a dealer in securities or currencies; |
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a financial institution; |
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a regulated investment company; |
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a real estate investment trust; |
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a tax-exempt organization; |
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a person holding the notes as part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or
constructive sale transaction or a straddle; |
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a trader in securities that has elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities; |
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a person liable for alternative minimum tax; |
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a person who is an investor in a pass-through entity; |
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a U.S. holder (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; |
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a controlled foreign corporation; |
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a passive foreign investment company; |
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certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States. |
The summary is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
referred to as the Code, and U.S. Treasury regulations, rulings and judicial decisions as of the
date hereof. Those authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S.
federal income and estate tax consequences different from those summarized below. This summary does
not address all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate taxes and does not deal with all tax
considerations that may be relevant to holders in light of their personal circumstances.
For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of a note or share of
common stock that is:
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an individual citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax
purposes; |
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a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income
tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia; |
53
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an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless
of its source; or |
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a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United
States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under
applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person. |
The term non-U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of a note or share of common stock (other
than a partnership) that is not a U.S. holder.
If a partnership holds the notes or shares of common stock, the tax treatment of a partner
will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you
are a partnership that holds notes or shares of common stock, or a partner of such a partnership,
you should consult your own tax advisors.
If you are considering the purchase of notes, you should consult your own tax advisors
concerning the particular U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences to you of the ownership
of the notes or our common stock, if any, into which the notes may be converted, as well as the
consequences to you arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH TREASURY DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 230, EACH PERSON RECEIVING THIS
PROSPECTUS IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT: (A) ANY DISCUSSION OF FEDERAL TAX ISSUES IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS
NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE RELIED UPON, AND CANNOT BE RELIED UPON, BY HOLDERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON HOLDERS UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS
AMENDED AND (B) SUCH DISCUSSION IS INCLUDED HEREIN BY US IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROMOTION OR
MARKETING (WITHIN THE MEANING OF TREASURY DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 230) OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS
ADDRESSED HEREIN.
U.S. Holders
The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences that
will apply to you if you are a U.S. holder of notes.
Payment of Interest
This discussion assumes that the notes will not be issued with more than a de minimis amount
of original issue discount. In such case, interest on a note will generally be taxable to you as
ordinary income at the time it is paid or accrued in accordance with your usual method of
accounting for tax purposes.
Market Discount
If you purchase a note for an amount that is less than its stated redemption price at
maturity, the amount of the difference will be treated as market discount for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, unless the difference is less than a specified de minimis amount. Under the market
discount rules, you will be required to treat any payment, other than stated interest, on, or any
gain on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of, a note as ordinary income to the
extent of the market discount that you have not previously included in income and is treated as
having accrued on the note at the time of its payment or disposition. Any unrecognized market
discount will carry over to common stock received upon conversion or repurchase by us of the notes.
In addition, you may be required to defer, until the maturity of the note or its earlier
disposition in a taxable transaction, the deduction of all or a portion of the interest expense on
any indebtedness attributable to the note.
Any market discount will be considered to accrue ratably during the period from the date of
acquisition to the maturity date of the note, unless you elect to accrue on a constant interest
method. Your election to accrue market discount on a constant interest method is to be made for the
taxable year in which you acquired the note, applies only to that note and
54
may not be revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. You may elect to include
market discount in income currently as it accrues, on either a ratable or constant interest method,
in which case the rule described above regarding deferral of interest deductions will not apply.
Your election to include market discount in income currently, once made, applies to all market
discount obligations acquired by you on or after the first taxable year to which your election
applies and may not be revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. You should
consult your own tax advisor before making either election described in this paragraph.
Amortizable Bond Premium
If you purchase a note for an amount in excess of the sum of all amounts payable on the note
after the purchase date other than stated interest, you will be considered to have purchased the
note at a premium. You generally may elect to amortize the premium over the remaining term of the
note on a constant yield method as an offset to interest when includible in income under your
regular account method. If you do not elect to amortize bond premium, that premium will decrease
the gain or increase the loss you would otherwise recognize on disposition of the note. Your
election to amortize premium on a constant yield method will also apply to all debt obligations
held or subsequently acquired by you on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which
the election applies. You may not revoke the election without the consent of the Internal Revenue
Service. You should consult your own tax advisor before making this election.
Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or other Disposition of Notes
Except as provided below under Conversion of Notes Solely into Common Stock you will
generally recognize gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of a note
equal to the difference between the amount realized (less accrued but unpaid interest which will be
taxable as such to the extent not previously included in income) upon the sale, exchange,
redemption or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in the note. Your adjusted tax basis in
a note will generally be equal to the amount you paid for the note increased by market discount
that you previously included in income and reduced by any bond premium that you elect to amortize
and any cash payments on the note other than stated interest. Any gain or loss recognized on a
taxable disposition of the note will be capital gain or loss subject to the market discount
discussion above. If you are an individual and have held the note for more than one year, such
capital gain will be subject to reduced rates of taxation. Your ability to deduct capital losses
may be limited.
Conversion of Notes Solely into Common Stock
You will not recognize any income, gain or loss on the conversion of your notes solely into
shares of common stock except to the extent of cash received in lieu of a fractional share of
common stock and cash attributable to accrued but unpaid interest which will be taxable as such to
the extent not previously included in income. The amount of gain or loss recognized with respect to
a fractional share will be equal to the difference between the amount of cash you receive in
respect of such fractional share, and the portion of your tax basis in the note that is allocable
to the fractional share. The tax basis of the shares of common stock received upon a conversion
will equal the adjusted tax basis of the note that was converted, reduced by the portion of the tax
basis that is allocable to any fractional share, and increased by the amount of any accrued but
unpaid interest that is deemed paid by reason of conversion. Your holding period for shares of
common stock will include the period during which you held the note, except that the holding period
of any common stock deemed received with respect to accrued but unpaid interest will commence on
the day after conversion.
Conversion of the Notes into Cash
If a U.S. holder converts a note and we deliver solely cash, the holder will recognize gain or
loss in the same manner as if such holder had disposed of the note in a taxable disposition as
described under Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or other Disposition of Notes above.
55
Conversion of the Notes into Common Stock and Cash
If a U.S. holder converts a note and we deliver a combination of our common stock and cash
(and such cash is not delivered merely in lieu of a fractional share), we intend to take the
position (and the following discussion assumes) that the conversion will be treated as a
recapitalization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although the tax treatment is uncertain.
Assuming such treatment, a U.S. holder will recognize gain, but not loss, equal to the excess
of the sum of the fair market value of our common stock and cash received other than amounts
attributable to accrued interest (which will be treated as described under Payment of Interest
above), over such holders adjusted tax basis in the note, but in no event will the gain recognized
exceed the amount of cash received (excluding cash attributable to accrued interest or received in
lieu of a fractional share).
In such circumstances, a U.S. holders tax basis in our common stock received upon a
conversion of a note (other than common stock received with respect to accrued interest, but
including any basis allocable to a fractional share) will equal the tax basis of the note that was
converted, reduced by the amount of cash received (excluding cash received in lieu of a fractional
share and cash attributable to accrued interest), and increased by the amount of gain, if any,
recognized (other than with respect to a fractional share). The receipt of cash in lieu of a
fractional share will be treated in the same manner as described under Conversion of Notes
Solely into Common Stock above.
A U.S. holders holding period for our common stock received upon conversion will include the
period during which such holder held the notes, except that the holding period of any common stock
received with respect to accrued but unpaid interest will commence on the day after conversion.
If the conversion were not treated as a recapitalization, the cash payment received on
conversion would be treated as proceeds from a sale of a portion of the note, and taxed in the
manner described under Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or other Disposition of Notes above. In such
case, the holders tax basis in the note would be allocated pro rata between the common stock and
cash received, in accordance with their fair market value.
U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax treatment of the receipt of
cash and our common stock for notes upon conversion.
Constructive Distributions
The conversion rate of the notes will be adjusted in certain circumstances. Under Section
305(c) of the Code, adjustments (or failures to make adjustments) that have the effect of
increasing your proportionate interest in our assets or earnings may in some circumstances result
in a deemed distribution to you. 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 be considered to result in a deemed distribution
to you. Certain of the possible conversion rate adjustments provided in the notes may not qualify
as being pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula. If such adjustments are made, the
U.S. holders of notes may be deemed to have received a distribution even though they have not
received any cash or property as a result of such adjustments. Any deemed distributions will be
taxable as a dividend, return of capital, or capital gain in accordance with the earnings and
profits rules under the Code. It is not clear whether a constructive dividend deemed paid to you
would be eligible for the preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax applicable in respect of
certain dividends received. It is also unclear whether corporate holders would be entitled to claim
the dividends received deduction with respect to any such constructive dividends.
Possible Effect of the Adjustment to Conversion Rate Upon a Fundamental Change
In certain situations, we may be obligated to adjust the conversion rate of the notes (as
described above under Description of the Notes Conversion Rights Conversion Procedures
Conversion Rate Adjustments. Depending on the circumstances, such adjustment could result in a
deemed taxable exchange to a holder and the modified note could be treated as newly issued at that
time. In addition, although the issue is not free from doubt, we intend to take the position that
the notes should not be treated as contingent payment debt instruments because of this adjustment.
As required in the
56
indenture, by purchasing notes you agree not to treat the notes as contingent payment debt
instruments. It is possible that the Internal Revenue Service could disagree with this treatment
and seek to treat the notes as contingent payment debt instruments, which would require current
accrual of income in excess of stated interest, recognition of gain or loss on conversion and the
treatment as ordinary income rather than capital gain of income realized on the taxable disposition
of a note.
Taxation of Distributions on Common Stock
Distributions paid on our common stock received upon a conversion of a note, other than
certain pro rata distributions of common stock, will be treated as a dividend to the extent paid
out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax
principles) and will be included in income by the U.S. holder and taxable as ordinary income when
received. If a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess
will be first treated as a tax-free return of the U.S. holders investment, up to the U.S. holders
basis in the common stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as a capital gain. Dividends
received by individual U.S. holders in tax years prior to 2009 will be eligible to be taxed at
reduced rates if the holder meets certain holding period and other applicable requirements.
Dividends received by a corporate U.S. holder will be eligible for the dividends-received deduction
if the holder meets certain holding period and other applicable requirements.
Sale or Other Disposition of Common Stock
Subject to the discussion above concerning market discount, gain or loss realized by a U.S.
holder on the sale or other disposition of our common stock received upon a conversion of a note
will be capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and will be long-term capital
gain or loss if the U.S. holders holding period for the common stock is more than one year. The
amount of the U.S. holders gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the U.S. holders
tax basis in the common stock disposed of and the amount realized on the disposition. If you are an
individual U.S. holder, long-term capital gains will be subject to reduced rates of taxation. Your
ability to deduct capital losses may be limited..
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Information reporting requirements generally will apply to payments of interest on the notes
and dividends on shares of common stock and to the proceeds of a sale of a note or share of common
stock paid to you unless you are an exempt recipient such as a corporation. A backup withholding
tax (currently at a rate of 28%) will apply to those payments if you fail to provide your taxpayer
identification number, or certification of foreign or other exempt status, or if you fail to report
in full interest and dividend income.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a
credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely
furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Non-U.S. Holders
The following is a summary of the U.S. federal tax consequences that will apply to you if you
are a non-U.S. holder of notes or shares of common stock.
Payments of Interest
The 30% U.S. federal withholding tax will not apply to any payment to you of interest on a
note under the portfolio interest rule provided that:
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interest paid on the note is not effectively connected with your conduct of a trade
or business in the United States; |
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you do not actually (or constructively) own 10% or more of the total combined voting
power of all classes of our voting stock within the meaning of the Code and applicable
U.S. Treasury regulations; |
57
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you are not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to us, directly or
indirectly, through stock ownership; |
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you are not a bank whose receipt of interest on a note is described in Section
881(c)(3)(A) of the Code; and |
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either (a) you provide your name and address on an Internal Revenue Service Form
W-8BEN (or other applicable form), and certify, under penalties of perjury, that you are
not a United States person or (b) you hold your notes through certain foreign
intermediaries and satisfy the certification requirements of applicable U.S. Treasury
regulations. |
Special certification rules apply to non-U.S. holders that are pass-through entities rather
than corporations or individuals.
If you cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest made to you will
be subject to the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, unless you provide us with a properly executed:
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IRS Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in
withholding under the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty; or |
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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 your conduct of
a trade or business in the United States. |
The 30% U.S. federal withholding tax generally will not apply to any gain that you realize on
the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of a note.
If you are engaged in a trade or business in the United States and interest on the notes 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, then you will be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on that interest on a net income basis (although you will be exempt from
the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, provided the certification requirements discussed above in
Payments
of Interest are satisfied) generally in the same manner as if you were a United States person as
defined under the Code. In addition, if you are a foreign corporation, you may be subject to a
branch profits tax equal to 30% (or lower applicable income tax treaty rate) of such interest,
subject to adjustments.
Dividends and Constructive Dividends
Any dividends paid to you with respect to the shares of common stock (and any deemed dividends
resulting from certain adjustments, or failure to make adjustments, to the conversion rate
including, without limitation, adjustments in respect of taxable dividends to holders of our common
stock, see U.S. Holders Constructive Distributions above) will be subject to withholding tax
at a 30% rate (or lower applicable income tax treaty rate). In the case of any constructive
dividend, it is possible that this tax would be withheld from any amount owed to you, including,
but not limited to, interest,
shares of our common stock or sales proceeds subsequently paid or credited to you. However,
dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United
States and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment, 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 requirements 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, be subject to an additional
branch profits tax at a 30% rate (or lower applicable income tax treaty rate).
If you hold shares of our common stock and wish to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty
rate, you are required to satisfy applicable certification and other requirements. If you are
eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty, you
may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with
the Internal Revenue Service.
58
As described more fully under Description of the NotesRegistration Rights of the
Noteholders, upon the occurrence of certain enumerated events we may be required to pay additional
amounts to you. Payments of such additional amounts may be subject to federal withholding.
Conversion of Notes into Solely Common Stock
Neither gain nor loss will be recognized by non-U.S. holders on the exchange of notes solely
into shares of our common stock upon conversion, except to the extent of cash received in lieu of a
fractional share (which will be treated as described under Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other
Disposition of Notes or Shares of Common Stock) and common stock attributable to accrued interest,
if any (which will be treated as described above under Payments of Interest).
Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Disposition of Notes or Shares of Common Stock
Any gain realized upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of a note or share
of common stock generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless:
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that gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the
United States (and, if a tax treaty applies, is attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment); |
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you are an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the
taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are met; or |
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we are or have been a U.S. real property holding corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. |
If your gain is described in the first bullet point above, you generally will be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on the net gain derived from the sale. If you are a corporation, then any
such effectively connected gain received by you may also, under certain circumstances, be subject
to the branch profits tax at a 30% rate (or lower applicable income tax treaty rate). If you are an
individual described in the second bullet point above, you will be subject to a flat 30% U.S.
federal income tax on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by U.S. source capital
losses, even though you are not considered a resident of the United States. Such holders are urged to consult their tax advisers
regarding the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the notes or shares
of common stock.
We believe that we are not and do not anticipate becoming a U.S. real property holding
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax
Your estate will not be subject to U.S. federal estate tax on notes held by you at the time of
your death, provided that any payment to you on the notes would be eligible for exemption from the
30% U.S. federal withholding tax under the portfolio interest rule described above under
Payments of Interest without regard to the statement requirement described in the last bullet
point and, at the time of your death, payments with respect to the note would not have been
effectively connected with the conduct by you of a trade or business in the United States. However,
shares of common stock held by you at the time of your death will be included in your gross estate
for U.S. federal estate tax purposes unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Generally, we must report to the Internal Revenue Service and to you the amount of interest
and dividends paid to you and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments.
Copies of the information returns reporting such interest payments and any withholding may also be
made available to the tax authorities in the country in which you reside under the provisions of an
applicable income tax treaty.
59
In general, you will not be subject to backup withholding with respect to payments of interest
or dividends that we make to you provided that we do not have actual knowledge or reason to know
that you are a United States person, as defined under the Code, and we have received from you the
statement described above in the last bullet point under Payments of Interest.
In addition, no information reporting or backup withholding will be required regarding the
proceeds of the sale of a note made within the United States or conducted through certain
U.S.-related financial intermediaries, if the payor receives the statement described above and does
not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a U.S. person, as defined under the Code,
or you otherwise establish an exemption.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund
or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is
timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
The notes were originally issued by us and sold by the initial purchaser of the notes in
transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act to persons reasonably
believed by the initial purchaser to be qualified institutional buyers (as defined in Rule 144A
under the Securities Act) in compliance with Rule 144A. Selling securityholders, including their
transferees, pledgees or donees or their successors, may from time to time offer and sell pursuant
to this prospectus any or all of the notes and shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of
the notes.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the selling securityholders and the
principal amounts of notes beneficially owned by each selling securityholder that may be offered
pursuant to this prospectus. The information is based on information provided by or on behalf of
the selling securityholders. The selling securityholders may offer all, some or none of the notes
or common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. Because the selling securityholders may sell
all or some portion of the notes or the common stock pursuant to this prospectus, we cannot
estimate the amount or percentage of the notes or the common stock that will be held by the selling
securityholders upon completion of any of these sales. In addition, the selling securityholders
identified below may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of their
notes since the date on which they provided the information regarding their notes in transactions
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The percentage of notes
outstanding beneficially owned by each selling securityholder is based on $250,000,000 aggregate
initial principal amount of notes outstanding. The number of shares of common stock owned prior to
the offering includes shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. The number of
shares of common stock offered hereby is based on the initial conversion rate of 203.2520 shares of
common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes and a cash payment in lieu of any fractional
share.
After completion of the offering, no selling securityholder named in the table below will
beneficially own one percent or more of our common stock based on 480,618,464 shares of common
stock outstanding on April 21, 2006 except as noted in the table below. Changed information
regarding the selling securityholders named below and information concerning other selling
securityholders will be set forth in prospectus supplements or amendments from time to time, if
required. It is assumed that the other selling securityholders or any future transferees, pledgees
or donees from or of any such securityholders do not beneficially own any common stock other than
common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes at the initial conversion rate.
60
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Principal |
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Amount of |
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Notes |
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Common |
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Beneficially |
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Stock |
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Common |
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Owned and |
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Percentage |
|
Owned |
|
Stock |
|
|
Offered |
|
of Notes |
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Prior to the |
|
Offered |
Selling Securityholder |
|
Hereby |
|
Outstanding |
|
Offering |
|
Hereby |
|
Aloha Airlines Non-Pilots Pension Trust |
|
$ |
30,000 |
|
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|
* |
|
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|
6,097 |
|
|
|
6,097 |
|
Argent Classic Convertible Arbitrage Fund, L.P. |
|
|
1,510,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
306,910 |
|
|
|
306,910 |
|
Argent Classic Convertible Arbitrage Fund II, L.P. |
|
|
380,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
77,235 |
|
|
|
77,235 |
|
Arkansas PERS |
|
|
760,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
154,471 |
|
|
|
154,471 |
|
Asante Health Systems (1) |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
47,731 |
|
|
|
47,731 |
|
AstraZeneca Holdings Pension |
|
|
95,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
19,308 |
|
|
|
19,308 |
|
Attorneys Title Insurance Fund |
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
16,260 |
|
|
|
16,260 |
|
Bancroft Fund Ltd. |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
Boilermarkers Blacksmith Pension Trust |
|
|
1,010,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
205,284 |
|
|
|
205,284 |
|
BP Amoco PLC Master Trust |
|
|
1,338,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
271,951 |
|
|
|
271,951 |
|
CALAMOS Convertible and High Income Fund (1) |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
CALAMOS Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund (1) |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
CALAMOS High Yield Fund CALAMOS Investment Trust (1) |
|
|
2,500,000 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
508,130 |
|
|
|
508,130 |
|
Calamos Market Neutral Income Fund Calamos Investment
Trust (1) |
|
|
8,200,000 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
% |
|
|
1,666,666 |
|
|
|
1,666,666 |
|
CALAMOS Strategic Total Return Fund (1) |
|
|
6,625,000 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
|
1,346,544 |
|
|
|
1,346,544 |
|
Chrysler Corporation Master Retirement Trust (2) |
|
|
5,480,000 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
% |
|
|
1,113,820 |
|
|
|
1,113,820 |
|
CNH CA Master Account, L.P. (3) |
|
|
27,000,000 |
|
|
|
10.8 |
% |
|
|
5,487,804 |
|
|
|
5,487,804 |
|
Credit Suisse Securities LLC (4) |
|
|
11,000,000 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
2,235,772 |
|
|
|
2,235,772 |
|
Delaware PERS |
|
|
590,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
119,918 |
|
|
|
119,918 |
|
Delaware Public Employees Retirement System (2) |
|
|
2,225,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
452,235 |
|
|
|
452,235 |
|
Ellsworth Fund Ltd. |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc. (2) |
|
|
990,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
201,219 |
|
|
|
201,219 |
|
Forest Fulcrum Fund LP |
|
|
1,008,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
204,878 |
|
|
|
204,878 |
|
Forest Global Convertible Fund, Ltd., Class A-5 |
|
|
5,214,000 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
% |
|
|
1,059,755 |
|
|
|
1,059,755 |
|
Forest Multi-Strategy Master Fund SPC, on behalf of its
Multi-Strategy Segregated Portfolio |
|
|
480,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
97,560 |
|
|
|
97,560 |
|
FPL Group Employees Pension Plan |
|
|
195,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
39,634 |
|
|
|
39,634 |
|
Grace Convertible Arbitrage Fund, Ltd. |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
406,504 |
|
|
|
406,504 |
|
Hallmark Convertible Securities Fund |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
2,032 |
|
|
|
2,032 |
|
HFR CA Global Opportunity Master Trust |
|
|
2,730,000 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
554,877 |
|
|
|
554,877 |
|
HFR CA Select Fund (5) |
|
|
700,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
142,276 |
|
|
|
142,276 |
|
HFR RVA Select Performance Master Trust |
|
|
473,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
96,138 |
|
|
|
96,138 |
|
Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii Pension Plan
Master Trust |
|
|
197,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
40,040 |
|
|
|
40,040 |
|
HSBC Investments (USA) Inc. A/C HSBC Multi-Strategy
Arbitrage Fund (6) |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
ICI American Holdings Trust |
|
|
170,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
34,552 |
|
|
|
34,552 |
|
Institutional Benchmark Series (Master Feeder) Limited
in respect of Electra Series c/o Quattro Fund |
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
60,975 |
|
|
|
60,975 |
|
Institutional Benchmarks Series (Master Feeder) Ltd. (5) |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
Beneficially |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Common |
|
|
Owned and |
|
Percentage |
|
Owned |
|
Stock |
|
|
Offered |
|
of Notes |
|
Prior to the |
|
Offered |
Selling Securityholder |
|
Hereby |
|
Outstanding |
|
Offering |
|
Hereby |
|
Institutional Benchmarks Master Fund Ltd. |
|
|
1,366,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
277,642 |
|
|
|
277,642 |
|
International Truck & Engine Corporation
Non-Contributory Retirement Plan Trust (2) |
|
|
530,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
107,723 |
|
|
|
107,723 |
|
International Truck & Engine Corporation Retiree Health
Benefit Trust (2) |
|
|
320,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
65,040 |
|
|
|
65,040 |
|
International Truck & Engine Corporation Retirement
Plan for Salaried Employees Trust (2) |
|
|
290,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
58,943 |
|
|
|
58,943 |
|
Kamunting Street Master Fund, Ltd. |
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
1,016,260 |
|
|
|
1,016,260 |
|
LLT Limited |
|
|
640,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
130,081 |
|
|
|
130,081 |
|
Lyxor/Forest Fund Limited |
|
|
4,287,000 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
% |
|
|
871,341 |
|
|
|
871,341 |
|
Mackay Shields LLC as Investment Advisor to Aftra
Health Fund |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
45,731 |
|
|
|
45,731 |
|
Mackay Shields LLC as Sub-Advisor to Mainstay
Convertible Fund |
|
|
4,210,000 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
% |
|
|
855,690 |
|
|
|
855,690 |
|
Mackay Shields LLC as Sub-Advisor to Mainstay VP
Convertible Fund |
|
|
2,990,000 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
607,723 |
|
|
|
607,723 |
|
Mackay Shields LLC as Sub-Advisor to New York Life
Insurance Co. Pre 82 |
|
|
1,480,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
300,812 |
|
|
|
300,812 |
|
Mackay Shields LLC as Sub-Advisor to New York Life
Insurance Co. Post 82 |
|
|
3,325,000 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
% |
|
|
675,812 |
|
|
|
675,812 |
|
Mackay Shields LLC as Sub-Advisor to New York Life
Separate A/C 7 |
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
15,243 |
|
|
|
15,243 |
|
Mackay Shields LLC as Investment Advisor to United
Overseas Bank (USD) |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
8,130 |
|
|
|
8,130 |
|
Mackay Shields LLC as Investment Advisor to United
Overseas Bank (SGD) |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
9,146 |
|
|
|
9,146 |
|
Microsoft Capital Group, L.P. (2) |
|
|
910,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
184,959 |
|
|
|
184,959 |
|
Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (1) |
|
|
450,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
91,463 |
|
|
|
91,463 |
|
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Fund JQC |
|
|
3,720,000 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
% |
|
|
756,097 |
|
|
|
756,097 |
|
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund JPC |
|
|
2,670,000 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
542,682 |
|
|
|
542,682 |
|
OCM Convertible Trust (2) |
|
|
2,205,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
448,170 |
|
|
|
448,170 |
|
OCM Global Convertible Securities Fund (2) |
|
|
590,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
119,918 |
|
|
|
119,918 |
|
Partner Reinsurance Company Ltd. (2) |
|
|
1,105,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
224,593 |
|
|
|
224,593 |
|
Partners Group Alternative Strategies PCC Limited, Red
Delta Cell c/o Quattro Fund |
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
60,975 |
|
|
|
60,975 |
|
Prudential Insurance Co. of America |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
8,130 |
|
|
|
8,130 |
|
Quattro Fund Ltd. |
|
|
5,100,000 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
1,036,585 |
|
|
|
1,036,585 |
|
Quattro Multistrategy Masterfund LP |
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
60,975 |
|
|
|
60,975 |
|
Qwest Occupational Health Trust (2) |
|
|
515,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
104,674 |
|
|
|
104,674 |
|
Qwest Pension Trust (2) |
|
|
1,300,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
264,227 |
|
|
|
264,227 |
|
RBC Capital Markets (4) |
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
609,756 |
|
|
|
609,756 |
|
S.A.C. Arbitrage Fund, LLC |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
|
|
203,252 |
|
San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (5) |
|
|
2,200,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
447,154 |
|
|
|
447,154 |
|
Sphinx Convertible Arbitrage SPC |
|
|
514,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
104,471 |
|
|
|
104,471 |
|
62
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
Beneficially |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Common |
|
|
Owned and |
|
Percentage |
|
Owned |
|
Stock |
|
|
Offered |
|
of Notes |
|
Prior to the |
|
Offered |
Selling Securityholder |
|
Hereby |
|
Outstanding |
|
Offering |
|
Hereby |
|
State of Oregon Equity |
|
|
2,185,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
444,105 |
|
|
|
444,105 |
|
Syngenta AG |
|
|
65,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
13,211 |
|
|
|
13,211 |
|
The City of Southfield Fire & Police Retirement System |
|
|
48,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
9,756 |
|
|
|
9,756 |
|
The Estate of James Campbell CG |
|
|
177,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
35,975 |
|
|
|
35,975 |
|
The Estate of James Campbell EST2 |
|
|
681,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
138,414 |
|
|
|
138,414 |
|
TOPAZ Fund (6) |
|
|
12,000,000 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
% |
|
|
2,439,024 |
|
|
|
2,439,024 |
|
United Technologies Corporation Master Retirement Trust |
|
|
492,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
99,999 |
|
|
|
99,999 |
|
UnumProvident Corporation (2) |
|
|
670,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
136,178 |
|
|
|
136,178 |
|
Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund, Inc. (2) |
|
|
9,020,000 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
% |
|
|
1,833,333 |
|
|
|
1,833,333 |
|
Viacom Inc. Pension Plan Master Trust |
|
|
67,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
13,617 |
|
|
|
13,617 |
|
Vicis Capital Master Fund |
|
|
13,000,000 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
% |
|
|
2,642,276 |
|
|
|
2,642,276 |
|
Virginia Retirement System (2) |
|
|
4,350,000 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
% |
|
|
884,146 |
|
|
|
884,146 |
|
Xavex Convertible Arbitrage 10 Fund |
|
|
1,600,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
325,203 |
|
|
|
325,203 |
|
Zazove Convertible Arbitrage Fund, L.P. |
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
1,016,260 |
|
|
|
1,016,260 |
|
Zazove Hedged Convertible Fund, L.P. |
|
|
3,300,000 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
% |
|
|
670,731 |
|
|
|
670,731 |
|
Subtotal: |
|
$ |
192,912,000 |
|
|
|
77.2 |
% |
|
|
39,209,714 |
|
|
|
39,209,714 |
|
Any other holders of notes or future transferees,
pledgees or donees from or of any holder |
|
|
57,088,000 |
|
|
|
22.8 |
% |
|
|
11,603,250 |
|
|
|
11,603,250 |
|
Total: |
|
$ |
250,000,000 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than one percent of the notes outstanding. |
|
(1) |
|
Calamos Advisors LLC is investment advisor for this selling securityholder. |
|
(2) |
|
Oaktree Capital Management, LLC (Oaktree) is the investment manager of this selling
securityholder, and has an affiliate, OCM Investments, LLC, that is a broker-dealer, and therefore,
Oaktree may be deemed an underwriter by the SEC. |
|
(3) |
|
CNH Partners, LLC is investment advisor for this selling securityholder and has sole voting and
dispositive power over the notes and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the
notes. Investment principals for the advisor are Robert Krail, Mark Mitchell and Todd Pulvino. |
|
(4) |
|
This selling securityholder is a registered broker-dealer and is, therefore, deemed an
underwriter by the SEC. |
|
(5) |
|
Zazove Associates, LLC acts as investment advisor with discretionary authority for this selling
securityholder. |
|
(6) |
|
This selling securityholder is an affiliate of a registered broker-dealer and, therefore, may
be deemed an underwriter by the SEC. |
None of the selling securityholders or any of their affiliates, officers, directors or
principal equity holders has held any position or office or has had any material relationship with
us within the past three years, except that Credit Suisse
63
Securities LLC and its affiliates have
in the past provided and may from time to time in the future provide
certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us for
which they have received and will be entitled to receive separate fees.
The initial purchaser purchased all of the notes from the Company in private transactions on
March 7, 2006 and May 10, 2006. All of the notes were restricted securities under the Securities
Act prior to this registration. The selling securityholders have represented to us that they
purchased the shares for their own account for investment only and not with a view toward selling
or distributing them, except pursuant to sales registered under the Securities Act or exempt from
such registration.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling securityholders and their successors, which term includes their transferees,
pledgees or donees or their successors, may sell the notes and the underlying common stock directly
to purchasers or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, who may receive compensation in
the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling securityholders or the
purchasers. These discounts, concessions or commissions as to any particular underwriter,
broker-dealer or agent may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved.
The notes and the underlying common stock may be sold in one or more transactions at:
|
|
|
prevailing market prices at the time of sale, |
|
|
|
prices related to the prevailing market prices, |
|
|
|
varying prices determined at the time of sale, or |
|
|
|
negotiated prices. |
|
|
|
|
These sales may be effected in transactions: |
|
|
|
on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the notes or the
underlying common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, including the
Nasdaq National Market in the case of the common stock; |
|
|
|
in the over-the-counter market; |
|
|
|
otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market; |
|
|
|
through the writing of options (including the issuance by the selling securityholders
of derivative securities), whether the options or such other derivative securities are
listed on an options or other exchange or otherwise; |
|
|
|
through the settlement of short sales; or |
|
|
|
through a combination of the foregoing. |
These transactions may include block transactions or crosses. Crosses are transactions in
which the same broker acts as agent on both sides of the trade.
In connection with the sale of the notes and the underlying common stock or otherwise, the
selling securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial
institutions. These broker-dealers or financial institutions may in turn engage in short sales of
the notes or the underlying common stock in the course of hedging the
64
positions they assume with
selling securityholders. The selling securityholders may also sell the notes and the underlying
common stock short and deliver these securities to close out such short positions, or loan or
pledge the notes or the underlying common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these
securities. The selling securityholders may enter into option or other transactions with
broker-dealers or other financial institutions that require the delivery to the broker-dealer or
other financial institution of the notes or the underlying common stock, which the broker-dealer or
other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus. The selling securityholders
may also enter into transactions in which a broker-dealer makes purchases as a principal for resale
for its own account or through other types of transactions.
The aggregate proceeds to the selling securityholders from the sale of the notes or the
underlying common stock offered by them hereby will be the purchase price of the notes or common
stock less discounts and commissions, if any. Each of the selling securityholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from
time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of notes or common stock to be
made directly or through agents. We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.
Our outstanding common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq National Market. The notes
originally issued in the private placement are eligible for trading on The PORTAL(SM) Market. Notes
resold pursuant to this prospectus will cease to be eligible for trading on The PORTAL(SM) Market.
We do not intend to list the notes for trading on any national securities exchange or on the Nasdaq
National Market and can give no assurance about the development of any trading market for the
notes.
In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the notes and the
underlying common stock may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed
brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the notes may not be sold unless they have been
registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is
available and is complied with.
The selling securityholders and any broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of
the notes and the underlying common stock may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of
the Securities Act. Profits on the sale of the notes and the underlying common stock by selling
securityholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any broker-dealers or
agents may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Selling
securityholders who are deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act will
be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. To the extent the selling
securityholders may be deemed to be underwriters, they may be subject to statutory liabilities,
including, but not limited to, Sections 11, 12 and 17 of the Securities Act.
The selling securityholders and any other person participating in a distribution will be
subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Regulation M of the Exchange Act may limit
the timing of purchases and sales of any of the securities by the selling securityholders and any
other person. In addition, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the
distribution of the securities to engage in market-making activities with respect to the particular
securities being distributed for a period of up to five business days before the distribution. The
selling securityholders have acknowledged that they understand their obligations to comply with the
provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation,
particularly Regulation M, and have
agreed that they will not engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions.
To our knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangements or understandings between any
selling securityholder and any underwriter, broker-dealer or agent regarding the sale of the notes
and the underlying common stock by the selling securityholders.
A selling securityholder may decide not to sell any notes or common stock described in this
prospectus. We cannot assure you that any selling securityholder will use this prospectus to sell
any or all of the notes or the underlying common stock. Any securities covered by this prospectus
which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A of the Securities Act may be sold under
Rule 144 or Rule 144A rather than pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, a selling
securityholder may transfer, devise or gift the notes and the underlying common stock by other
means not described in this prospectus.
65
With respect to a particular offering of the notes and the underlying common stock, to the
extent required, an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective
amendment to the registration statement of
which this prospectus is a part will be prepared and will set forth the following information:
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the specific notes or common stock to be offered and sold, |
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the names of the selling securityholders, |
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the respective purchase prices and public offering prices and other material terms of the offering, |
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the names of any participating agents, broker-dealers or underwriters, and |
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any applicable commissions, discounts, concessions and other items constituting
compensation from the selling securityholders. |
We entered into the registration rights agreement for the benefit of holders of the notes to
register their notes and the underlying common stock under applicable federal and state securities
laws under certain circumstances and at certain times. The registration rights agreement provides
that the selling securityholders and the Company will indemnify each other and their respective
directors, officers and controlling persons against specific liabilities in connection with the
offer and sale of the notes and the underlying common stock, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or will be entitled to contribution in connection with those liabilities. We will
pay all of our expenses and specified expenses incurred by the selling securityholders incidental
to the registration, offering and sale of the notes and the underlying common stock to the public,
but each selling securityholder will be responsible for payment of commissions, concessions, fees
and discounts of underwriters, broker-dealers and agents.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
In accordance with the Exchange Act, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy these reports, proxy
statements and other information that we file at the SECs public reference room at 100 F Street,
N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public
reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that
contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants (including us) that
file electronically with
the SEC (www.sec.gov). Our Internet site is www.conexant.com.
We are incorporating by reference specified documents that we file with the SEC, which
means:
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incorporated documents are considered part of this prospectus; |
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we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents; and |
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information that we file in the future with the SEC automatically will update and
supersede earlier information in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. |
We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any documents that we file with the
SEC under Section 13(c) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and before
the completion of the offering of the notes (other than filings or portions of filings that are
furnished, under applicable SEC rules, rather than filed):
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Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005; |
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Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006; |
66
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Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on November 8, 2005, December 1, 2005, December
12, 2005, January 5, 2006, January 24, 2006, February 7, 2006, February 27, 2006, March
3, 2006, March 6, 2006, March 8, 2006, March 14, 2006, March 30, 2006, May 8, 2006 and
May 11, 2006; and |
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The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form
10, as amended (File No. 000-24923), dated September 28, 1998, including any amendment
or report that updates such description. |
To the extent there are inconsistencies between the information contained in this prospectus
and the information contained in the documents incorporated by reference, the information in this
prospectus shall be deemed to supersede the information in the incorporated documents.
Upon written or oral request, we will provide you with a copy of any of the incorporated
documents without charge (not including exhibits to the documents unless the exhibits are
specifically incorporated by reference into the documents). You may submit such a request for this
material to Office of the Secretary, Conexant Systems, Inc., 4000 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport
Beach, California 92660, (telephone number (949) 483-4600).
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the notes and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes
will be passed upon for us by Chadbourne & Parke LLP.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements, the related financial statement schedule, and
managements report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated
in this prospectus by reference from the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 2005 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, as stated in their reports (which reports (1) express an unqualified opinion on
the consolidated financial statements and related financial statement schedule and includes
explanatory paragraphs referring to a restatement to report the June 27, 2003 spin-off of the
Mindspeed Technologies business as discontinued operations and a change in method of accounting for
goodwill and intangible assets in fiscal 2003, (2) express an unqualified opinion on managements
assessment regarding the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting, and
(3) express an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting), which are incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance
upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
The Conexant logo is a trademark of Conexant Systems, Inc. Other brands, names and
trademarks contained in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners.
67
Conexant Systems, Inc.
$250,000,000
4% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2026
Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion of the Notes
Prospectus
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should
not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is
accurate as of any date other than the date of this prospectus. We are not making an offer of
these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth the estimated fees and expenses payable by the registrant in
connection with the offering of the securities being registered. All fees and expenses other than
the SEC registration fee are estimated.
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Amount |
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SEC registration fee |
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$ |
26,750 |
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Accounting fees and expenses |
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18,000 |
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Legal fees and expenses |
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50,000 |
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Miscellaneous expenses |
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5,250 |
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Total |
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$ |
100,000 |
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Item 15. Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
The Delaware General Corporation Law permits Delaware corporations to eliminate or limit the
monetary liability of directors for breach of their fiduciary duty of care, subject to certain
limitations. Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that our directors are not liable
to Conexant or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
except for liability (1) for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to Conexant or its
shareholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of law, (3) for willful or negligent violation of the laws governing the
payment of dividends or the purchase or redemption of stock or (4) for any transaction from which a
director derived an improper personal benefit.
The Delaware General Corporation Law provides for indemnification of directors, officers,
employees and agents subject to certain limitations. Our by-laws and the appendix thereto provide
for the indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and agents to the extent permitted by
Delaware law. Our directors and officers are insured against certain liabilities for actions taken
in such capacities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We have entered into indemnity
agreements with our directors and certain officers whereby we have agreed to indemnify the
directors and officers to the extent permitted by Delaware law.
Item 16. Index to Exhibits.
3.1 |
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Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3.a.1 to
the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, is
incorporated herein by reference. |
3.2 |
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Amended By-laws of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to the Companys Current Report on
Form 8-K dated February 28, 2005, are incorporated herein by reference. |
II-1
4.1 |
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Specimen certificate for the Companys Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, filed as
Exhibit 4.3 to the Companys Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 000-24923), is
incorporated by reference, |
4.2.1 |
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Rights Agreement, dated as of November 30, 1998, by and between the Company and Mellon
Investor Services, LLC (formerly ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.), as rights agent,
filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No.
333-68755), is incorporated herein by reference. |
4.2.2 |
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First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of December 9, 1999, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to
the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the for the quarter ended December 31, 1999,
is incorporated herein by reference. |
4.3 |
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Indenture, dated as of March 7, 2006, by and between the Company and J. P. Morgan Trust
Company, National Association, as trustee, including the form of the Companys 4% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due March 1, 2026 attached as Exhibit A thereto, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to
the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2006, is incorporated herein by
reference. |
4.4 |
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Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2006, among the Company and initial
purchaser named therein, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K
filed on March 8, 2006, is incorporated herein by reference |
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5 |
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Opinion of Chadbourne & Parke LLP. |
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12 |
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Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
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23.1 |
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Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. |
23.2 |
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Consent of Chadbourne & Parke LLP, contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5 to this
Registration Statement. |
24 |
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Power of Attorney authorizing certain persons to sign this Registration Statement on behalf
of certain directors and officers of the Company. |
25 |
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Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trustee Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee under the Indenture. |
Item 17. Undertakings.
A. |
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The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: |
(1) |
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To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this registration statement: |
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(i) |
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To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; |
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(ii) |
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To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, |
II-2
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individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information
set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar volume of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation
from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected
in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price
represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set
forth in the Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective registration
statement; and |
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(iii) |
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To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement; |
provided, however, that clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) do not apply if the information required to be
included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in reports filed with or
furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is
contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration
statement.
(2) |
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That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
(3) |
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To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
(4) |
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That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser: |
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(A) |
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Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be
deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus
was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and |
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(B) |
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Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or
(b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an
offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(l)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of
providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be
deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of
the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the
first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As
provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at
that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the
registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to
which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no
statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the
registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by
reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the
registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior
to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement |
II-3
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that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the
registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such
effective date. |
(5) |
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That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to
any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities in a primary offering of
securities of the registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the
underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are
offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the
registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such
securities to such purchaser: |
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(i) |
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Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the registrant relating to the
offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
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(ii) |
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Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf
of the registrant or used or referred to by the registrant; |
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(iii) |
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The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering
containing material information about the registrant or its securities provided by or
on behalf of the registrant; and |
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(iv) |
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Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the
registrant to the purchaser. |
(6) |
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That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrants annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to
directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding)
is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled
by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be
governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Newport Beach, State of California, on the 5th day of
June, 2006.
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CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC.
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By: |
/s/
Dennis E. OReilly
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Dennis E. OReilly |
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Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed on the 5th day of June, 2006 by the following persons in the
capacities indicated:
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Signature |
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Title |
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Dwight W. Decker*
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Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Director |
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Donald R. Beall*
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Director |
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Steven J. Bilodeau*
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Director |
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F. Craig Farrill*
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Director |
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Balakrishnan S. Iyer*
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Director |
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D. Scott Mercer*
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Director |
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Jerre L. Stead*
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Director |
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Giuseppe Zocco*
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Director |
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J. Scott Blouin*
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Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) |
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*By:
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/s/ Dennis E. OReilly
Dennis E. OReilly, Attorney-in-Fact**
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** |
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By authority of the powers of attorney filed as Exhibit 24 hereto |
II-5
EXHIBIT INDEX
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Page |
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Number |
3.1
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Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed as
Exhibit 3.a.1 to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.
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3.2
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Amended Bylaws of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K dated February 28, 2005, are incorporated herein by reference. |
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4.1
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Specimen certificate for the Companys Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,
filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Companys Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No.
000-24923), is incorporated by reference, |
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4.2.1
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Rights Agreement, dated as of November 30, 1998, by and between the Company and
Mellon Investor Services, LLC (formerly ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.),
as rights agent, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Companys Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-68755), is incorporated herein by reference. |
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4.2.2
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First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of December 9, 1999, filed as
Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the for the quarter
ended December 31, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference. |
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4.3
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Indenture, dated as of March 7, 2006, by and between the Company and J. P. Morgan
Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, including the form of the
Companys 4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due March 1, 2026 attached as Exhibit
A thereto, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on March 8, 2006, is incorporated herein by reference. |
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4.4
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Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2006, among the Company and
initial purchaser named therein, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2006, is incorporated herein by reference |
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5
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Opinion of Chadbourne & Parke LLP. |
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12
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Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges. |
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23.1
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Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. |
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23.2
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Consent of Chadbourne & Parke LLP, contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5 to
this Registration Statement. |
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24
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Power of Attorney authorizing certain persons to sign this Registration Statement
on behalf of certain directors and officers of the Company. |
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25
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Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trustee Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, of J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee under the
Indenture. |
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