1 File Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration No. 333-07473 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 15, 1996 $200,000,000 Caliber System, Inc. 7.80% Notes Due August 1, 2006 ------------------------ Interest on the Notes is payable on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing February 1, 1997. The Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity and are not entitled to a sinking fund. The Notes will be represented by one or more global Notes registered in the name of the nominee of The Depository Trust Company. Beneficial interests in the global Notes will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. Except as described herein, Notes in definitive form will not be issued. The Notes will be issued in registered form in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. See "Description of Notes". ------------------------ THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS TO WHICH IT RELATES. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. ------------------------ INITIAL PUBLIC UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO OFFERING PRICE(1) DISCOUNT (2) COMPANY(1)(3) ----------------- ------------ ------------- Per Note.................................... 99.979% 0.650% 99.329% Total....................................... $199,958,000 $1,300,000 $198,658,000 - --------------- <FN> (1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from August 1, 1996. (2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. (3) Before deducting estimated expenses of $290,000 payable by the Company. ------------------------ The Notes offered hereby are offered severally by the Underwriters, as specified herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that the Notes will be ready for delivery in book-entry form only through the facilities of DTC in New York, New York, on or about August 1, 1996, against payment therefor in immediately available funds. GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. J.P. MORGAN & CO. ------------------------ The date of this Prospectus Supplement is July 26, 1996. 2 IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME. ------------------------ THE COMPANY Caliber System, Inc. (the "Company") (formerly Roadway Services, Inc.), an Ohio corporation, is engaged through its subsidiaries in a broad range of transportation, logistics, and related information services. The Company's operations include a small-package carrier, a superregional freight carrier, a surface expedited carrier and a contract logistics provider. These operations provide services and solutions to meet customer requirements based upon shipment size, distance, time in transit, and distribution needs. The Company conducts these operations principally through RPS, Inc. ("RPS"), Viking Freight, Inc. ("Viking"), Roberts Express, Inc. ("Roberts") and Caliber Logistics, Inc. ("Caliber Logistics"). USE OF PROCEEDS The net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Notes offered hereby, estimated at $198,368,000 (after deducting underwriting discount and expenses payable by the Company in connection with this offering) will immediately be used to reduce the Company's borrowings against its outstanding short-term bank loans, which totaled $320 million at July 25, 1996, and expire at different dates. The borrowings were incurred to finance capital expenditures, working capital needs and other corporate purposes and the revolving credit facilities are expected to be available for reborrowing from time to time by the Company for such purposes. The Company's bank borrowings outstanding at July 25, 1996 had a weighted average interest rate of 5.68%. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated. 24 WEEKS ENDED CALENDAR YEAR ------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- JUNE 15, 1996 JUNE 17, 1995 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 ------------- ------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Historical 2.76 11.47 32.69 58.77 47.20 38.28 10.39 Pro forma 2.08 9.18 9.18 For the purpose of determining the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent income (before cumulative effect of accounting changes) before income taxes, fixed charges (less capitalized interest) and amortization of capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest on all indebtedness (including capital lease obligations), capitalized interest, amortization of debt issue costs and the portion of rental charges considered to be representative of the interest factor. The pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges gives effect to the change in interest expense assuming the sale of the Notes. S-2 3 CAPITALIZATION The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at June 15, 1996, and as adjusted to give effect to the sale by the Company of the Notes offered hereby and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom (after underwriters' discount and expenses payable by the Company) as if such sale and application of proceeds occurred on such date. See "Use of Proceeds". AS OF JUNE 15, 1996 (UNAUDITED) -------------------------- ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED ---------- ----------- (IN THOUSANDS) Short-term debt................................................... $284,700 $ 86,332 ======== ======== Long-term debt: Notes offered hereby............................................ $ 0 $200,000 -------- -------- Shareholders' equity: Serial Preferred stock -- without par value: Authorized -- 40,000,000 shares Issued -- none Common stock -- without par value: Authorized -- 200,000,000 Issued -- 40,896,414......................................... 39,898 39,898 Additional Capital.............................................. 50,538 50,538 Earnings reinvested in the business............................. 692,537 692,537 Less Common stock held in treasury (1,379,000 shares)........... 51,269 51,269 -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity................................... $731,704 $731,704 -------- -------- Total capitalization.................................... $731,704 $931,704 ======== ======== S-3 4 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following selected consolidated financial information of the Company for, and as of the end of, each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1995 has been derived from the consolidated financial statements which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors. Selected consolidated financial information presented for the 12 week and 24 week periods ended June 15, 1996 and June 17, 1995 has been derived from the consolidated interim financial statements, which have not been audited. In the opinion of management, such interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of such information. The results for any interim period may not be indicative of the results for a full year. The selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated by reference in the accompanying Prospectus.(1) 12 WEEKS ENDED 24 WEEKS ENDED ------------------- ----------------------- FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 JUNE 15 JUNE 17 JUNE 15 JUNE 17 -------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 1995 1996 1995 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (UNAUDITED) (IN THOUSANDS) INCOME STATEMENT DATA: Revenue............ $615,901 $550,779 $1,197,975 $1,094,248 $2,448,172 $2,327,523 $1,822,490 $1,391,898 $1,114,179 OPERATING EXPENSES: Salaries, Wages and Benefits.... 241,010 211,890 471,033 422,842 937,972 876,694 677,226 473,711 387,247 Purchased Transportation... 181,332 151,973 347,823 306,993 694,275 700,016 527,118 432,634 357,818 Operating Supplies and Expenses.... 131,535 101,683 242,330 194,192 428,980 362,219 288,089 217,626 164,727 Operating Taxes and Licenses.... 13,426 11,371 25,469 22,554 48,282 43,818 36,624 23,330 18,925 Insurance and Claims.......... 13,848 12,477 25,042 24,526 50,552 59,644 44,685 31,667 24,667 Provision for Depreciation.... 33,336 29,646 66,683 57,930 132,383 120,029 97,565 74,599 57,712 -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total Operating Expenses........ $614,487 $519,040 $1,178,380 $1,029,037 $2,292,444 $2,162,420 $1,671,307 $1,253,567 $1,011,096 -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating Income... $ 1,414 $ 31,739 $ 19,595 $ 65,211 $ 155,728 $ 165,103 $ 151,183 $ 138,331 $ 103,083 Income from Continuing Operations........ 220 22,357 9,841 43,887 92,409 98,537 91,605 86,495 65,115 Net Income (Loss)............ 220 (2,002) 9,841 3,849 (27,205) 19,560 101,204(2) 147,407 127,323 BALANCE SHEET DATA: Current Assets..... $ 441,752 $ 369,722 $ 402,224 $ 346,537 $ 382,965 $ 476,962 $ 347,744 Property and Equipment, Net.... 913,924 790,097 857,347 706,068 592,942 423,577 373,599 Total Assets....... 1,480,863 1,589,780 1,389,270 1,509,846 1,466,509 1,350,072 1,200,434 Long-Term Debt..... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shareholders' Equity............ 731,704 993,424 736,301 1,015,394 1,047,151 1,021,360 890,256 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS AND OTHER DATA: Interest Expense... $ 4,015 $ 569 $ 3,800 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Depreciation and Amortization...... 67,913 59,235 138,342 122,859 100,318 Purchases of Property and Equipment, Net.... (122,424) (141,687) (282,019) (223,826) (142,051) Cash Dividends Paid.............. (20,725) (27,331) (54,688) (54,613) (52,903) - --------------- <FN> (1) On December 14, 1995, the shareholders of the Company approved the spin-off, effective January 2, 1996, to the Company's shareholders of approximately 95% of the stock of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Roadway Express ("REX"), the Company's national long haul, less-than-truckload motor freight carrier. In addition, during the last quarter of 1995, the Company exited the air freight business served by Roadway Global Air ("RGA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary. REX and RGA have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Company's financial statements for 1995 and prior years. Statement of cash flows data for 1992 and 1991 has not been presented. (2) Net income for 1993 includes a charge of $18.1 million for changes in accounting for income taxes and retiree medical benefits. S-4 5 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW On December 14, 1995, the shareholders of the Company approved the spin-off to the Company's shareholders of approximately 95% of the stock of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Roadway Express ("REX"), the Company's national long haul, less-than-truckload ("LTL") motor freight carrier. In addition, during the last quarter of 1995, the Company exited the air freight business served by Roadway Global Air ("RGA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary. REX and RGA have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Company's financial statements for 1995 and prior years. Therefore, this discussion and analysis refers to only the continuing businesses of the Company. Additionally, in late 1995, the Company announced the consolidation of the operations of its four regional freight carriers into the "new" Viking, a superregional freight carrier. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The 12 and 24 Week Periods Ended June 15, 1996 Compared to the 12 and 24 Week Periods Ended June 17, 1995 Consolidated revenue for the second quarter ended June 15, 1996 amounted to $615.9 million, an increase of $65.1 million or 11.8% over second quarter 1995 revenue of $550.8 million. For the twenty-four weeks constituting the Company's first half, revenue was $1,198.0 million, an increase of $103.7 million or 9.5% from $1,094.2 million for the first half of 1995. All operating units experienced revenue improvements over second quarter 1995 levels. Revenue for the second quarter at RPS, the Company's small package carrier, increased to $302.5 million or 3.7% over the second quarter last year. The increase was primarily attributable to higher package volume from the growth of its Overnight Ground(SM) product. However, revenues at RPS continue to be adversely affected by economic pressures in the retail segment. Revenue at Viking, the Company's emerging superregional carrier, amounted to $226.3 million for the second quarter, an increase of 17.8% over 1995 levels. Revenues increased at Viking due to volume growth but were impacted by continued aggressive discounting in the industry. Second quarter revenues for Caliber Logistics were up approximately 50% with revenues from Roberts, the Company's expedited carrier, up 9.2% over second quarter 1995. Operating expenses for the second quarter 1996 increased $95.4 million or 18.4% over comparable 1995 levels, while first half operating expenses were up $149.3 million or 14.5% over the same period in 1995. The increase for the quarter was, in largest part, due to operating expense increases at Viking of $59.9 million. Besides the expected increases in costs related to revenue growth, Viking experienced significantly greater expenses associated with operating inefficiencies and the consolidation of the Company's regional carriers, and to a lesser extent, higher fuel costs. Viking's rapid revenue growth resulted in additional expenses for training of new hires, purchased transportation, equipment rentals and overtime. At the same time, Viking experienced substantial nonrecurring consolidation costs from the integration of multiple information systems, re-identification of equipment, merging of administrative operating systems and the closing of three regional corporate headquarters. These consolidation costs will continue throughout the second half with the integration of the Company's former regional carriers into the "new" Viking expected to be completed by year end. Operating expenses increased at RPS due primarily to higher business volumes and fixed costs resulting from RPS's continuing expansion. Higher business volumes resulted in increased operating expenses at Caliber Logistics and Roberts. Operating income for the second quarter and first half declined $30.3 million and $45.6 million, respectively, from comparable 1995 levels. Operating income at RPS amounted to $24.5 million for S-5 6 the second quarter compared to $33.8 million for 1995. This decline in operating income at RPS was due to lower than expected volume growth, an aggressive pricing environment and higher fixed costs associated with its continuing expansion and investments in equipment and technology. Viking's operating loss for the quarter was $31.2 million compared to an operating loss of $5.5 million in second quarter 1995. For the first half, Viking's operating loss amounted to $43.1 million compared to $10.3 million last year. Roberts continues to maintain excellent margins while Caliber Logistics met its profit objective for the quarter. The change in other expense, net for the quarter and first half from comparable 1995 periods, reflects additional net interest expense of $1.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and the loss of interest income from discontinued operations, amounting to $2.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively. Income taxes were 42.1% of pre-tax income for the first half 1996 which approximated the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 1995. This rate exceeded the U.S. federal statutory rate due primarily to state income taxes and non-deductible operating costs. The Year Ended December 31, 1995 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 1994 Consolidated revenue in 1995 amounted to a record $2.45 billion, an increase of $120.6 million or 5.2% over 1994, when revenues were positively impacted by the 24-day strike by the Teamsters against most unionized LTL carriers. Revenue increased in 1995 at all operating units except Roberts. The largest share of the revenue growth was attributable to RPS which reported revenue of $1.29 billion, an increase of $77.2 million or 6.3% over 1994. This increase was a result of growth in package volume and the effects of a rate increase implemented in early 1995. Caliber Logistics contributed significantly to the revenue increase due to ongoing expansion of the business, reporting a 45.9% increase in revenue over 1994. Revenues at Viking amounted to $834.1 million or an increase of 3.4% over 1994. This increase was experienced despite a decline in revenue at Central Freight Lines, Inc. ("Central") of 8.6% due to the impact of intrastate deregulation in Texas. Overall, revenue fell short of plan at Viking as a result of the slowing economy and the aggressive discounting and overcapacity being experienced in the industry. Roberts experienced a revenue decline of 13.2% due principally to the sluggish economy. Operating expenses increased $130 million or 6.0% over 1994. This increase resulted primarily from higher business volumes at all business units except Roberts, with RPS and Viking reporting operating expense increases of 5.2% and 8.6%, respectively. Operating supplies and expenses at Viking were impacted by costs of $6.6 million associated with the consolidation of the Company's regional carriers and the write-off of $3.1 million of goodwill for Coles Express as a result of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." As planned, Viking also incurred additional costs related to PRISM, a major reengineering and information technology project that was launched in 1994. Depreciation expense during 1995 at the Company's information and technology unit was $6.7 million lower than 1994 due to certain information processing equipment becoming fully depreciated in 1994. Insurance and claims related expenses declined $9.1 million in 1995 primarily as a result of on-going claims management and safety-related programs. Higher than normal operating expenses were incurred in 1994 which included the effect of a settlement with the IRS related to the classification of certain drivers at RPS for the years 1985 through 1993 for employment tax purposes. The net after-tax cost of the settlement amounted to $13.7 million or $.35 per share in 1994. Also included in 1994 was a charge to operating expenses of $5.8 million related to federal legislation that required the write-off of the remaining asset values of intrastate operating rights. Operating income amounted to $155.7 million for 1995 compared to $165.1 million in 1994. Overall operating results were negatively impacted by the aggressive discounting of freight rates and the effects of the sluggish economy. The resulting lower-than-planned volumes and higher S-6 7 operating expenses negatively impacted margins in 1995, which declined from 7.1% in 1994 to 6.4% in 1995. RPS was negatively impacted by the economy, particularly in the retail industry, which affected its rate of growth. Despite stringent cost controls, operating income was 2% below 1994 before the charge for the IRS settlement mentioned above. Viking's margins were impacted by the consolidation costs and the write-off of goodwill, previously mentioned, along with PRISM project costs, resulting in an operating loss for Viking in 1995 of $31.5 million compared to an operating profit in 1994 of $9.5 million. Caliber Logistics experienced improved margins over the prior year. Effective cost controls at Roberts allowed it to maintain its margins despite a decline in volume. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Early in 1995, the Company entered into two new debt agreements, a $300 million credit agreement and a $25 million revolving line of credit. Interest on outstanding borrowings is based on variable rates. Borrowings under these agreements were $197.5 million at December 31, 1995 and $284.7 million at the end of the second quarter 1996. Net cash provided by operating activities of $238.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 and $42.5 million for the 24 weeks ended June 15, 1996 was not sufficient to fund net property additions of $282.0 million and $122.4 million, respectively, and dividends of $54.7 million and $20.7 million, respectively, during such periods, requiring the Company to incur outside borrowings which increased approximately $87.2 million during the first half of 1996. Recently, the Company entered into a $30 million short term bank loan. Funds provided by operations in 1996 will need to be supplemented by additional borrowings to meet the Company's planned cash requirements. Capital expenditures are expected to approximate $335 million in 1996. The Company anticipates that after application of the proceeds from the Notes offered hereunder, the funds available under its existing credit facilities and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund its projected capital expenditures and provide adequate levels of working capital and funds for payment of dividends and interest projected for the next 12 months. Although no assurances can be given, the Company anticipates that adequate sources of additional financing will be available at that time. The future amount of cash dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company. Future dividend decisions will be based on, and affected by, a number of factors, including future operating results, financial requirements of the Company and other factors. The impact of inflation on operating expenses has been moderate in recent years. Most of the Company's operating expenses reflect current costs. CURRENT TRENDS AND OUTLOOK Discounting of rates and the effects of overcapacity in the industry are expected to continue throughout the remainder of 1996 causing industry margins to remain under pressure. As a result of the impact of continuing economic pressure in the retail segment and an aggressive pricing environment, RPS will not realize targeted goals for double digit growth in revenue or improved year-over-year operating income during 1996. At Viking, while tactical plans for managing the rapid growth and associated expenses are being implemented, and consolidation costs are being incurred for the remainder of the year, it is expected that operating losses will significantly exceed the Company's earlier estimate for 1996. As a result of the Company's first half operating results and expectations for the rest of the year, it is anticipated that earnings from continuing operations for 1996 will be significantly below those of 1995. RPS reached its goal of opening 32 new terminals by the end of June, allowing it to effectively serve 100% of the U.S. population. In addition, RPS will continue to invest in state-of-the-art package handling equipment and technology and plans to increase its penetration of the overnight ground delivery market. The Company will direct significant resources to meet customer requirements for blended transportation, logistics and related information services, even at the expense of short-term profits. The Company will continue to strengthen the respective operating units for customers who want special services and products. The foregoing Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from current S-7 8 expectations due to a number of factors, including general economic conditions; competitive initiatives and pricing pressures; availability and cost of capital; shifts in market demand; weather conditions; the performance and needs of industries served by the Company's businesses; actual future costs of operating expenses such as fuel and related taxes; self-insurance claims and employee wages and benefits; actual costs of continuing investments in technology; the timing and amount of capital expenditures; and the actual costs and effects of the continuing consolidation of the regional carriers. BUSINESS OF CALIBER INTRODUCTION Caliber System, Inc., an Ohio corporation, is engaged through its subsidiaries in a broad range of transportation, logistics, and related information services. The Company's operations include a small-package carrier, superregional freight carrier, a surface expedited carrier and a contract logistics provider. These operations provide services and solutions to meet customer requirements based upon shipment size, distance, time in transit, and distribution needs. The Company conducts these operations principally through RPS, Viking, Roberts and Caliber Logistics. STRATEGY The transportation, intermodal and logistics marketplace continues to experience rapid change in response to demands for quality and time based management. The Company's business strategy is to provide blended transportation, logistics and information solutions that encompass multiple service channels: small-package (RPS); regional and national freight (Viking); logistics (Caliber Logistics); and expedited, critical or time-definite shipment (Roberts). Each operating unit also serves customers who prefer to work with the Company's individual carriers for specific services and products. By offering a broad range of transportation, logistics and related information services, the Company is positioned to take advantage of changing distribution trends as more customers embrace the concept of a single source provider. This strategy includes the continuing improvement of information services to customers, an increasingly important component of transportation and logistics services. Each of the above subsidiaries provides shipment tracking and related information systems to assist customers in achieving the lowest total delivered cost of their products. BUSINESSES RPS, Inc. RPS, Caliber's largest operating unit, is the second-largest ground small package carrier in the United States. RPS serves customers in the small-package market in North America and between North America and Europe, focusing primarily on the business-to-business delivery of packages weighing up to 150 pounds. RPS provides service to 100% of the United States, and, through RPS, Ltd., its subsidiary, to 100% of Canada. Additionally, RPS provides service to Mexico through an arrangement with another transportation provider. RPS service extends to 27 European countries through an arrangement with General Parcel Logistics, GmbH. RPS also offers service offshore to Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii via a ground/air network operation in cooperation with other transportation providers. RPS provides other specialized transportation services to meet specific customer requirements in the small-package market. RPS conducts its operations primarily with 8,100 owner-operated vehicles and, in addition, owns over 7,700 trailers. S-8 9 Viking Freight, Inc. Viking is a superregional freight carrier, formed by the consolidation of the Company's four regional carrier businesses, with regional coverage throughout the country. Viking's primary business consists of handling shipments weighing less than 10,000 pounds each. Most of its customers' shipments require less than the full cargo and/or weight capacity of a trailer and are more efficiently transported by sharing trailer capacity with other shipments. Viking operates a dedicated trucking network principally serving its core geographic markets with next-day and second-day freight service. In addition, transcontinental service is provided to meet specific customer requirements. With 217 strategically located terminals and a fleet of over 20,000 trucks, tractors and trailers, Viking serves 91% of the U.S. population in all 50 states and Puerto Rico; it also serves Canada through an arrangement with Interlink Freight Systems, Inc. Roberts Express, Inc. Roberts is the largest surface expedited carrier in North America, providing critical needs shipping and transportation for emergency shipments. Roberts also provides similar service in Europe. Utilizing over 2,000 vehicles, Roberts delivers shipments within 15 minutes of the promised delivery time in 96% of all cases. In addition to time-critical delivery, Roberts offers White Glove Services, requiring specially equipped vehicles and highly trained teams to handle such items as electronics, medical equipment, radioactive materials, pressurized gases, trade show exhibits and works of art. Roberts transports freight by utilizing independent owner-operators. Caliber Logistics, Inc. Caliber Logistics is a contract logistics provider with expertise across the entire supply chain, from inbound materials management through distribution to the final consumer. Services provided include transportation management, dedicated transportation, warehouse operations and management, just-in-time delivery programs (including light assembly and manufacturing), customer order processing, returnable container management, freight bill payment and auditing and other management services outsourced by its customers. COMPETITION RPS competes in the small package market, which is dominated by UPS, the world's largest package carrier. Competition for high volume, profitable shipping business focuses largely on providing economical pricing and dependable service. Viking operates in the extremely competitive LTL marketplace. High levels of competition and periodic industry overcapacity continue to result in aggressive discounting and narrow margins. Viking competes with regional LTL carriers, with national LTL carriers, small package carriers, private carriage, freight forwarders, railroads and airlines. Competition for freight is based primarily on price and service. Roberts competes principally with companies that specialize in critical time or needs shipments. Competition is based primarily on meeting exacting service requirements. Roberts competes by providing extremely reliable, fast delivery of shipments at competitive prices. Caliber Logistics operates in a relatively new business area and further competition is expected from existing competitors and new entrants. Competition for the provision of logistics services is vigorous. GOVERNMENT REGULATION The operations of the Company's subsidiaries in interstate commerce are currently regulated by the Department of Transportation ("DOT") and Federal Highway Administration, which retain S-9 10 limited oversight authority over motor carriers. Federal legislation has been enacted that preempted regulation by the states of price, routes and service in intrastate freight transportation. The Company's subsidiaries, like other interstate motor carriers, are subject to certain DOT safety requirements governing interstate operations. In addition, vehicle weight and dimensions remain subject to both Federal and state regulations. More restrictive limitations on vehicle weight and size, or on trailer length or configuration, could adversely affect the profitability of these subsidiaries. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things, contingency planning for spills of petroleum products and the disposal of waste oil. Additionally, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to significant regulations dealing with underground fuel storage tanks and has environmental management programs to conform with these regulations. The Company's subsidiaries store fuel for trucks and tractors in approximately 119 underground tanks located in 22 states. CYCLICALITY The trucking and shipping industries are affected directly by the state of the overall economy. Seasonal fluctuations affect tonnage, revenues, and earnings. Normally, the fall of each year is the busiest shipping period for each of the Company's operating subsidiaries; the months of December and January of each year are the slowest. Shipment levels, operating costs and earnings can also be adversely affected by inclement weather. EMPLOYEES The Company and its subsidiaries employ approximately 27,100 persons (on a full time equivalent basis) and utilize the services of approximately 10,700 independent contractors. PROPERTIES Caliber System, Inc. The corporate offices of the Company and its information systems subsidiary, Caliber Technology, Inc., are located in Akron, Ohio in leased facilities. Limited additional corporate office space is located in nearby leased facilities. RPS, Inc. As of June 15, 1996, RPS operated 370 terminals, including 26 hub facilities. Twelve of the terminals, including three hub facilities, are operated by RPS, Ltd., RPS' Canadian subsidiary. The 26 hub facilities are strategically located to cover the geographic area served by RPS. RPS' corporate offices and data center are located in an approximately 350,000 square foot building owned by a subsidiary of the Company in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. Viking Freight, Inc. As of June 15, 1996, Viking operated 217 terminals. The largest terminal facility, located in Dallas, Texas, has 525 loading spaces and is owned by Viking. Viking's general offices are located in leased facilities in San Jose, California. Roberts Express, Inc. Roberts' general offices are located in Akron, Ohio in owned facilities. Roberts does not use any terminal facilities in its business. Caliber Logistics, Inc. Caliber Logistics' general offices are located in Hudson, Ohio in leased facilities. S-10 11 DESCRIPTION OF NOTES The following description of the particular terms of the Notes offered hereby (referred to in the Prospectus as the "Debt Securities") supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the description of the general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities set forth in the Prospectus, to which description reference is hereby made. The following description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the detailed provisions of the Notes and the Indenture referred to below. GENERAL The Notes are to be issued under an Indenture dated as of August 1, 1996 (the "Indenture"), which is more fully described in the accompanying Prospectus. The Notes will be limited to $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount and will mature on August 1, 2006. The Notes will bear interest at the rate per annum shown on the cover of this Prospectus Supplement from August 1, 1996 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or provided for, payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing February 1, 1997, to the Person in whose name Notes are registered at the close of business on the January 15 or July 15, as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. The Notes will not be redeemable prior to their maturity and will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund. BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM The Notes will be issued in the form of one or more fully registered global notes (collectively, the "Global Notes") which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York (the "Depositary") and registered in the name of the Depositary's nominee. The provisions set forth under "Descriptions of Debt Securities -- Global Securities" in the accompanying Prospectus will be applicable to the Notes. Ownership of interests in such Global Notes will be shown on, and transfer thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary or its nominee for such Global Notes and on the records of the participants. Except as described under "Description of Debt Securities -- Global Securities" in the Prospectus, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will not be entitled to receive Notes in definitive form and will not be considered the holders of Notes. The Depositary has advised the Company as follows: The Depositary is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Depositary was created to hold securities of institutions that have accounts with the Depositary or its nominee ("participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The Depositary's participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the Underwriters), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own the Depositary. Access to the Depositary's book-entry system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The Depositary agrees with and represents to its participants that it will administer its book-entry system in accordance with its rules and bylaws and requirements of law. So long as the Depositary, or its nominee, is the registered holder and owner of the Global Notes, the Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder of the related Notes for all purposes of such Notes and for all purposes under the Indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the Global Notes must rely on the S-11 12 procedures of the Depositary and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interests, to exercise any rights of a holder of Notes under the Indenture or the Global Notes. The Company understands that under existing industry practice, in the event the Company requests any action of holders of Notes or an owner of a beneficial interest in the Global Notes desires to take any action that the Depositary, as the holder of the Global Notes, is entitled to take, the Depositary would authorize the participants to take such action, and that the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them. Payment of principal of and interest on Notes represented by the Global Notes registered in the name of or held by the Depositary or its nominee will be made to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the Global Notes. The Company expects that the Depositary, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest in respect of the Global Notes, will credit immediately participants' accounts with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the Global Notes as shown on the records of the Depositary. The Company also expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such participants. None of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes for any Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between the Depositary and its participants or the relationship between such participants and the owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes owning through such participants. DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE The provisions of Article 13 of the Indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance as described under "Description of Debt Securities -- Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance" set forth in the Prospectus will apply to the Notes. S-12 13 UNDERWRITING Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement and the Pricing Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to each of the Underwriters named below, and each of the Underwriters has severally agreed to purchase, the principal amount of the Notes set forth opposite its name below: PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UNDERWRITER NOTES ----------- ------------ Goldman, Sachs & Co.................................................. $100,000,000 J.P. Morgan Securities Inc........................................... 100,000,000 ------------ Total........................................................... $200,000,000 ============ Under the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement and the Pricing Agreement, the Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the Notes, if any are taken. The Underwriters propose to offer the Notes in part directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement and in part to certain securities dealers at such price less a concession of 0.40% of the principal amount of the Notes. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed 0.25% of the principal amount of the Notes to certain brokers and dealers. After the Notes are released for sale to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the Underwriters. The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that the Underwriters intend to make a market in the Notes but are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the Notes. The Company has agreed to indemnify each Underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. In the ordinary course of their business, the Underwriters and their respective affiliates have engaged, or may in the future engage, in investment or commercial banking transactions with the Company and affiliates of the Company. VALIDITY OF NOTES The validity of the Notes offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, Cleveland, Ohio, and for the Underwriters by Sullivan & Cromwell, New York, New York. Joseph C. Weinstein, Deputy General Counsel of the Company, will also pass upon certain matters in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Notes. Sullivan & Cromwell will rely as to all matters of Ohio law upon the opinion of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue. S-13 14 $400,000,000 CALIBER SYSTEM, INC. DEBT SECURITIES ------------------ Caliber System, Inc. (the "Company") may from time to time offer Debt Securities consisting of debentures, notes and/or other unsecured evidences of indebtedness in one or more series at an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $400,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency or composite currency. The Debt Securities may be offered as separate series in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of sale. The accompanying Prospectus Supplement sets forth with regard to the series of Debt Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered the title, aggregate principal amount, denominations (which may be in United States dollars, in any other currency or in a composite currency), maturity, rate (which may be fixed or variable) and time of payment of any interest, any terms for redemption at the option of the Company or the holder, any terms for sinking fund payments, any listing on a securities exchange, the initial public offering price and any other terms relating to such series of Debt Securities or their offering and sale. The Company may sell Debt Securities to or through underwriters, and also may sell Debt Securities directly to other purchasers or through agents. See "Plan of Distribution". The accompanying Prospectus Supplement sets forth the names of any underwriters or agents involved in the sale of the Debt Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered, the principal amounts, if any, to be purchased by underwriters and the compensation, if any, of such underwriters or agents. ------------------ THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. ------------------ The date of this Prospectus is July 15, 1996. 15 AVAILABLE INFORMATION The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance therewith, files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Company with the Commission may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as at the Commission's Regional Offices at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511; and Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material may also be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company may also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the Debt Securities offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in such Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto which may be inspected without charge at the office of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies thereof may be obtained from the Commission upon payment of the prescribed fees. ------------------ INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference: 1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995; 2. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 23, 1996, as amended; 3. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 15, 1996; 4. Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 18, 1996; and 5. Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 1, 1996. The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, on the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by reference (other than exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Requests should be directed to Secretary, Caliber System, Inc., 3560 W. Market Street, P.O. Box 5459, Akron, Ohio 44334-0459, telephone number (330) 665-5646. Unless otherwise indicated, currency amounts in this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement are stated in United States dollars ("$" or "dollars"). ------------------ All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the Debt Securities offered hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained herein or in a document all or any portion of which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus. 2 16 THE COMPANY Caliber System, Inc. (formerly Roadway Services, Inc.), an Ohio Corporation, is engaged through its subsidiaries in a broad range of transportation, logistics, and related information services. The Company's operations include a small-package carrier, superregional freight carrier, a surface expedited carrier and a contract logistics provider. These operations provide services and solutions to meet customer requirements based upon shipment size, distance, time in transit, and distribution needs. The Company conducts these operations principally through RPS, Inc. ("RPS"), Viking Freight, Inc. ("Viking"), Roberts Express, Inc. ("Roberts") and Caliber Logistics, Inc. ("Caliber Logistics", formerly Roadway Logistics Systems, Inc.). RPS, Caliber's largest operating unit, is the second-largest ground small package carrier in the United States. RPS serves customers in the small-package market in North America and between North America and Europe, focusing primarily on the business-to-business delivery of packages weighing up to 150 pounds. RPS provides service to 100% of the United States, and, through RPS, Ltd., its subsidiary, to 100% of Canada. Additionally, RPS provides service to Mexico through an arrangement with another transportation provider. RPS service extends to 27 European countries through an arrangement with General Parcel Logistics, GmbH. RPS also offers service offshore to Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii via a ground/air network operation in cooperation with other transportation providers. RPS provides other specialized transportation services to meet specific customer requirements in the small-package market. RPS conducts its operations primarily with 8,100 owner-operated vehicles and, in addition, owns over 7,700 trailers. Competition focuses largely on providing dependable service and economical pricing. Viking is a superregional freight carrier, formed by the consolidation of the Company's four regional carrier businesses, with regional coverage throughout the country. Viking's primary business consists of handling shipments weighing less than 10,000 pounds each. Most of its customers' shipments require less than the full cargo and/or weight capacity of a trailer and are more efficiently transported by sharing trailer capacity with other shipments. Viking operates a dedicated trucking network principally serving its core geographic markets with next-day and second-day freight service. In addition, transcontinental service is provided to meet specific customer requirements. With 217 strategically located terminals and a fleet of over 20,000 trucks, tractors and trailers, Viking serves 91% of the U.S. population in all 50 states and Puerto Rico; it also serves Canada through an arrangement with Interlink Freight Systems, Inc. Viking competes primarily with other regional freight carriers and, to a lesser extent, with national freight and small package carriers. Roberts is the largest surface expedited carrier in North America, providing critical needs shipping and transportation for emergency shipments. Roberts also provides similar service in Europe. Utilizing over 2,000 vehicles, Roberts delivers shipments within 15 minutes of the promised delivery time in 96% of all cases. In addition to time-critical delivery, Roberts offers White Glove Services, requiring specially equipped vehicles and highly trained teams to handle such items as electronics, medical equipment, radioactive materials, pressurized gases, trade show exhibits and works of art. Roberts transports freight by utilizing independent owner-operators. Caliber Logistics is a contract logistics provider with expertise across the entire supply chain, from inbound materials management through distribution to the final consumer. Services provided include transportation management, dedicated transportation, warehouse operations and management, just-in-time delivery programs (including light assembly and manufacturing), customer order processing, returnable container management, freight bill payment and auditing and other management services outsourced by its customers. 3 17 USE OF PROCEEDS Caliber intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Debt Securities offered hereby for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include the reduction of short-term borrowings. Further information concerning the use of proceeds from the sale of any Debt Securities may be included in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt Securities. RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated. 24 WEEKS ENDED CALENDAR YEAR ------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- JUNE 15, 1996 JUNE 17, 1995 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 ------------- ------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Historical 2.76 11.47 32.69 58.77 47.20 38.28 10.39 Pro forma 2.03 9.18 9.18 For the purpose of determining the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent income (before cumulative effect of accounting changes) before income taxes, fixed charges (less capitalized interest) and amortization of capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest on all indebtedness (including capital lease obligations), capitalized interest, amortization of debt issue costs and the portion of rental charges considered to be representative of the interest factor. The pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges gives effect to the change in interest expense assuming the sale of the Debt Securities. DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES The Securities are to be issued under an Indenture (the "Indenture"), between the Company and Chemical Bank, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The Securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The particular terms of each series, or of Securities forming a part of a series, which are offered by a Prospectus Supplement will be described in such Prospectus Supplement. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indenture do not purport to be complete and are subject, and are qualified in their entirety by reference, to all the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions therein of certain terms, and, with respect to any particular Securities, to the description of the terms thereof included in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Wherever particular Sections or defined terms of the Indenture are referred to herein or in a Prospectus Supplement, such Sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference herein or therein, as the case may be. The Company is a holding company and derives its operating income and cash flow from its subsidiaries. The Company must rely entirely upon distributions from its subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet its obligations, including the payment of principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities. The ability of the Company's subsidiaries to make such payments will be subject to, among other things, applicable state laws and any restrictions that may be contained in credit agreements or other financing arrangements entered into by such subsidiaries. Because claims of creditors of the Company's subsidiaries will generally have priority as to the assets of such subsidiaries over the claims of the Company and the holders of the Company's indebtedness, including the Securities, the Securities effectively will be subordinated to all indebtedness of the Company's subsidiaries. The Indenture does not restrict the ability of these subsidiaries to incur indebtedness. As of June 15, 1996, the total amount of outstanding indebtedness of these subsidiaries was approximately $6 million. GENERAL The Indenture will provide that Securities in separate series may be issued thereunder from time to time without limitation as to aggregate principal amount. The Company may specify a maximum aggregate principal amount for the Securities of any series. (Section 301) The Securities are to have 4 18 such terms and provisions which are not inconsistent with the Indenture, including as to maturity, principal and interest, as the Company may determine. The Securities will be unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank on a parity with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth the price or prices at which the Securities to be offered will be issued and will describe the following terms of such Securities: (1) the title of such Securities; (2) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of such Securities or the series of which they are a part; (3) the date or dates on which the principal of any of such Securities will be payable; (4) the rate or rates at which any of such Securities will bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which any such interest will accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest will be payable and the Regular Record Date for any such interest payable on any Interest Payment Date; (5) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on any of such Securities will be payable; (6) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions on which any of such Securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company; (7) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any of such Securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of the Holder thereof, and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions on which any of such Securities will be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to any such obligation; (8) the denominations in which any of such Securities will be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof; (9) if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on any of such Securities may be determined with reference to an index or one or more securities, currencies or other reference or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts will be determined; (10) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on any of such Securities will be payable (and the manner in which the equivalent of the principal amount thereof in the currency of the United States of America is to be determined for any purpose, including for the purpose of determining the principal amount deemed to be Outstanding at any time); (11) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any of such Securities is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency-units other than those in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of any such amount as to which such election is made will be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount is to be determined); (12) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any of such Securities which will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof; (13) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any of such Securities will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which will be deemed to be such principal amount as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which will be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which will be deemed to be Outstanding as of any such date (or, in any such case, the manner in which such deemed principal amount is to be determined); (14) if applicable, that such Securities, in whole or any specified part, are defeasible pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture described under "Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance -- Defeasance and Discharge" or "Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance -- Defeasance of Certain Covenants", or under both such captions; (15) whether any of such Securities will be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, if so, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of the legend referred to under "Global Securities" and, if different from those described under such caption, any circumstances under which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the names of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or its nominee; (16) any addition to or change in the Events of Default applicable to any of such Securities and any change in the right of the Trustee or the Holders to declare the principal amount of any of such Securities due and payable; (17) any addition to or change in the covenants in the Indenture described under "Restrictive Covenants" applicable to any of such 5 19 Securities; and (18) any other terms of such Securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture. (Section 301) Securities, including Original Issue Discount Securities, may be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. Certain special United States federal income tax considerations (if any) applicable to Securities sold at an original issue discount may be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In addition, certain special United States federal income tax or other considerations (if any) applicable to any Securities which are denominated in a currency or currency unit other than United States dollars may be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. FORM, EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER The Securities of each series will be issuable only in fully registered form, without coupons, and, unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. (Section 302) At the option of the Holder, subject to the terms of the Indenture and the limitations applicable to Global Securities, Securities of each series will be exchangeable for other Securities of the same series of any authorized denomination and of a like tenor and aggregate principal amount. (Section 305) Subject to the terms of the Indenture and the limitations applicable to Global Securities, Securities may be presented for exchange as provided above or for registration of transfer (duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed) at the office of the Security Registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by the Company for such purpose. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. Such transfer or exchange will be effected upon the Security Registrar or such transfer agent, as the case may be, being satisfied with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request. The Company has appointed the Trustee as Security Registrar. Any transfer agent (in addition to the Security Registrar) initially designated by the Company for any Securities will be named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. (Section 305) The Company may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that the Company will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each Place of Payment for the Securities of each series. (Section 1002) If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified terms) are to be redeemed in part, the Company will not be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security of that series (or of that series and specified terms, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any such Security that may be selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing or (ii) register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any such Security being redeemed in part. (Section 305) GLOBAL SECURITIES Some or all of the Securities of any series may be represented, in whole or in part, by one or more Global Securities which will have an aggregate principal amount equal to that of the Securities represented thereby. Each Global Security will be registered in the name of a Depositary or a nominee thereof identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, will be deposited with such Depositary or nominee or a custodian therefor and will bear a legend regarding the restrictions on exchanges and registration of transfer thereof referred to below and any such other matters as may be provided for pursuant to the Indenture. Notwithstanding any provision of the Indenture or any Security described herein, no Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global 6 20 Security or any nominee of such Depositary unless (i) the Depositary has notified the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or has ceased to be qualified to act as such as required by the Indenture, (ii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Securities represented by such Global Security or (iii) there shall exist such circumstances, if any, in addition to or in lieu of those described above as may be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. All securities issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof will be registered in such names as the Depositary may direct. (Sections 204 and 305) As long as the Depositary, or its nominee, is the registered Holder of a Global Security, the Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and Holder of such Global Security and the Securities represented thereby for all purposes under the Securities and the Indenture. Except in the limited circumstances referred to above, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security will not be entitled to have such Global Security or any Securities represented thereby registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated Securities in exchange therefor and will not be considered to be the owners or Holders of such Global Security or any Securities represented thereby for any purpose under the Securities or the Indenture. All payments of principal of and any premium and interest on a Global Security will be made to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the Holder thereof. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Security. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be limited to institutions that have accounts with the Depositary or its nominee ("participants") and to persons that may hold beneficial interests through participants. In connection with the issuance of any Global Security, the Depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of Securities represented by the Global Security to the accounts of its participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be shown only on, and the transfer of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary (with respect to participants' interests) or any such participant (with respect to interests of persons held by such participants on their behalf). Payments, transfers, exchanges and others matters relating to beneficial interests in a Global Security may be subject to various policies and procedures adopted by the Depositary from time to time. None of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the Depositary's or any participant's records relating to, or for payments made on account of, beneficial interests in a Global Security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests. Beneficial interests in a Global Security, will trade in the Depositary's same-day funds settlement system, in which secondary market trading activity in those beneficial interests would be required by the Depositary to settle in immediately available funds. Also, settlement for purchases of beneficial interests in a Global Security upon the original issuance thereof will be required to be made in immediately available funds. PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of interest on a Security on any Interest Payment Date will be made to the Person in whose name such Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest. (Section 307) Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of a particular series will be payable at the office of such Paying Agent or Paying Agents as the Company may designate for such purpose from time to time, except that at the option of the Company payment of any interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address appears in the Security Register. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the corporate trust office of the Trustee in The City of New York 7 21 will be designated as the Company's sole Paying Agent for payments with respect to Securities of each series. Any other Paying Agents initially designated by the Company for the Securities of a particular series will be named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Company may at any time designate additional Paying Agents or rescind the designation of any Paying Agent or approve a change in the office through which any Paying Agent acts, except that the Company will be required to maintain a Paying Agent in each Place of Payment for the Securities of a particular series. (Section 1002) All moneys paid by the Company to a Paying Agent for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to the Company, and the Holder of such Security thereafter may look only to the Company for payment thereof. (Section 1003) RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS Limitation on Liens The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, Incur any Lien on property or assets owned on or acquired after the date of the Indenture to secure Debt without making, or causing such Subsidiary to make, effective provision for securing the Securities (and, if the Company may so determine, any other Debt of the Company which is not subordinated in right of payment to the Securities or any Debt of such Subsidiary) (x) equally and ratably with such Debt as to such property or assets for so long as such Debt will be so secured or (y) in the event such Debt is subordinated in right of payment to the Securities, prior to such Debt as to such property for so long as such Debt will be so secured. (Section 1008) The foregoing restrictions will not apply to Liens existing on the date of the Indenture or to: (i) Liens securing only the Securities; (ii) Liens in favor of only the Company; (iii) any Lien on property of a Person existing immediately prior to the time such Person is merged with or into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or otherwise becomes a Subsidiary of the Company (provided that such Lien is not Incurred in anticipation of the financing of such transaction and does not extend beyond the property subject thereto, or secure any Debt that is not secured thereby, immediately prior to such transaction); (iv) any Lien on property existing immediately prior to the time of acquisition thereof (provided that such Lien is not Incurred in anticipation of the financing of such acquisition and does not extend beyond the property subject thereto, or secure any Debt that is not secured thereby, immediately prior to such acquisition); (v) any Lien to secure Debt Incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of construction or improvement of the property subject to such Lien; provided, however, that (a) the principal amount of any Debt secured by such Lien does not exceed 100% of such purchase price or cost and (b) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other property other than such item of property and any improvements on such item; (vi) Liens on property of the Company or any Subsidiary in favor of the United States of America, any state thereof, or any instrumentality of either, to secure certain payments pursuant to any contract or statute; (vii) Liens for taxes or assessments or other governmental charges or levies which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted and for which a reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as may be required in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles has been made; (viii) Liens to secure obligations under workmen's compensation laws or similar legislation, including Liens with respect to judgments which are not currently dischargeable; (ix) Liens Incurred to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance or return-of-money bonds or other obligations of a like nature Incurred in the ordinary course of business; (x) Liens to secure industrial revenue or development bonds; (xi) Liens to secure Debt Incurred to extend, renew, refinance or refund (or successive extensions, renewals, refinancings or refundings), in whole or in part, Debt secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing Clauses (i) to (x) so long as such Lien does not extend to any other property and the Debt so secured is not increased; (xii) any Lien securing Debt owing by the Company to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary; provided, however, that for purposes of this covenant and the covenant described under "Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions", upon either (a) the transfer or other disposition of any Debt secured by a Lien so 8 22 permitted to a Person other than another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company or (b) the issuance (other than directors' qualifying shares), sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of shares of Capital Stock of or other ownership interest in any such Wholly Owned Subsidiary to a Person other than the Company or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company, the provisions described in this Clause (xii) shall no longer be applicable to such Lien and such Lien shall be subject (if otherwise subject) to the requirements of this covenant without regard to this Clause (xii); and (xiii) any Lien in favor of the Trustee in respect of expenses incurred or services rendered in connection with the Indenture. (Section 1008) In addition to the foregoing, the Company and its Subsidiaries may, without equally and ratably securing the Securities, Incur a Lien to secure Debt or enter into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction if, after giving effect thereto, the sum of: (i) the amount of all Debt secured by all Liens entered into after the date of the Indenture and otherwise prohibited by the Indenture and (ii) the Attributable Value of Sale and Leaseback Transactions entered into after the date of the Indenture and otherwise prohibited by the Indenture does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets; provided, however, that such percentage will be increased to 15% in the event the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company enters into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction in respect of RPS, Inc.'s headquarters facilities after the date of the Indenture; provided further, however, that if such Sale and Leaseback Transaction entered into by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is terminated or reaches its stated maturity, such percentage will revert to 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets. (Section 1008) Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction (except for a period not exceeding 18 months) unless (i) the Company or such Subsidiary would be entitled to enter into such Sale and Leaseback Transaction pursuant to the provisions described in the third paragraph under "Limitation on Liens" without equally and ratably securing the Securities; or (ii) the Company or a Subsidiary applies or commits to apply, within 90 days after the sale or transfer, an amount equal to the Net Available Proceeds of the sale pursuant to the Sale and Leaseback Transaction to the redemption of Securities or, to the extent Securities are not then redeemable, to the retirement of Securities, of other Company Debt which is pari passu to the Securities or of Subsidiary Debt or, to the extent there is no such Company Debt or Subsidiary Debt, to the retirement of other Company Debt. In lieu of applying all or any part of such amount to the redemption of Securities, the Company may deliver to the Trustee Securities for cancellation and thereby reduce the amount to be applied to the redemption of Securities by an amount equivalent to the aggregate principal amount of Securities delivered. Securities redeemed or delivered, or otherwise retired, pursuant to the provision described above may not be used as credits against any sinking fund obligations. (Section 1009) Certain Definitions. The Indenture will include, among others, the following definitions: "Asset Disposition" by any Person means any transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries (including a consolidation, merger or other sale of any such Subsidiary with, into or to another Person in a transaction in which such Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary, but excluding a disposition by a Subsidiary of such Person to such Person or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such Person or by such Person to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such Person) of (i) shares of Capital Stock (other than directors' qualifying shares) or other ownership interests of a Subsidiary of such Person, (ii) substantially all of the assets representing a division or line of business of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) other assets or rights of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries outside of the ordinary course of business. "Attributable Value" means, as to any particular lease under which any Person is at the time liable other than a Capital Lease Obligation, and at any date as of which the amount thereof is to be determined, the total net amount of rent required to be paid by such Person under such lease during the 9 23 initial term thereof as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, discounted from the last date of such initial term to the date of determination at a rate per annum equal to the discount rate which would be applicable to a Capital Lease Obligation with like term in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The net amount of rent required to be paid under any such lease for any such period shall be the aggregate amount of rent payable by the lessee with respect to such period after excluding amounts required to be paid on account of insurance, taxes, assessments, utility, operating and labor costs and similar charges. In the case of any lease which is terminable by the lessee upon the payment of a penalty, such net amount shall also include the amount of such penalty, but no rent shall be considered as required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first date upon which it may be so terminated. "Attributable Value" means, as to a Capital Lease Obligation under which any Person is at the time liable and at any date as of which the amount thereof is to be determined, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on the face of a balance sheet of such Person in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. "Capital Lease Obligation" of any Person means the obligation to pay rent or other payment amounts under a lease of (or other Debt arrangements conveying the right to use) real or personal property of such Person which is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease or a liability on the face of a balance sheet of such Person in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The stated maturity of such obligation shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty. "Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock of such Person. "Consolidated Subsidiaries" of any Person means all other Persons that would be accounted for as consolidated persons in such Person's financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" of any Person means the sum of the Tangible Assets of such Person after eliminating inter-company items, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, including appropriate deductions for any minority interest in Tangible Assets of such Person's Subsidiaries; provided, however, that, with respect to the Company, no effect will be given to any adjustments following the date of the Indenture to the accounting books and records of the Company in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinions Nos. 16 and 17 (or successor opinions thereto) or otherwise resulting from the acquisition of control of the Company by another Person. "Debt" means (without duplication), with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person and whether or not contingent, (i) every obligation of such Person for money borrowed, (ii) every obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations Incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses, (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person, (iv) every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business), (v) every Capital Lease Obligation of such Person, (vi) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of Redeemable Stock of such Person at the time of determination, and (vii) every obligation of the type referred to in Clauses (i) through (vi) of another Person and all dividends of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such Person has Guaranteed or is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, Guarantor or otherwise. "Guaranty" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing any Debt of any other Person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) 10 24 any security for the payment of such Debt, (ii) to purchase property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the holder of such Debt of the payment of such Debt or (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Debt (and "Guaranteed", "Guaranteeing" and "Guarantor" shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing); provided, however, that the Guaranty by any Person shall not include endorsements by such Person for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business. "Incur" means, with respect to any Debt, Lien or other obligation of any Person, to create, issue, incur (by conversion, exchange or otherwise), assume, Guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such Debt, Lien or other obligation, or to have any of its property become subject to such Debt, Lien or other obligation, or the recording, as required pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles or otherwise, of any such Debt, Lien or other obligation on the balance sheet of such Person (and "Incurrence", "Incurred", "Incurrable" and "Incurring" shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing); provided, however, that a change in generally accepted accounting principles that results in an obligation of such Person that exists at such time becoming Debt shall not be deemed an Incurrence of such Debt. "Lien" means, with respect to any property or assets, any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security interest, lien, charge, easement (other than any easement not materially impairing usefulness or marketability), encumbrance, preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to such property or assets (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing). "Net Available Proceeds" from any Asset Disposition by any Person means cash or readily marketable cash equivalents received (including by way of sale or discounting of a note, installment receivable or other receivable, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiree of Debt or other obligations relating to such properties or assets or received in any other noncash form) therefrom by such Person, net of (i) all legal, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses Incurred and all federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be accrued as a liability as a consequence of such Asset Disposition, (ii) all payments made by such Person or its Subsidiaries on any Debt which is secured by such assets in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon or with respect to such assets or which must by the terms of such Lien, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition or by applicable law be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition, and (iii) all distributions and other payments made to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries of such Person or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Disposition. "pari passu", when used with respect to the ranking of any Debt of any Person in relation to other Debt of such Person, means that each such Debt (a) either (i) is not subordinated in right of payment to any other Debt of such Person or (ii) is subordinated in right of payment to the same Debt of such Person as is the other and is so subordinated to the same extent and (b) is not subordinated in right of payment to the other or to any Debt of such Person as to which the other is not so subordinated. "Redeemable Stock" of any Person means any equity security of or other ownership interest in such Person that by its terms or otherwise is required to be redeemed prior to the final Stated Maturity of the Securities or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof at any time prior to the final Stated Maturity of the Securities. "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" of any Person means an arrangement with any lender or investor or to which such lender or investor is a party providing for the leasing by such Person of any property or asset of such Person which has been or is being sold or transferred by such Person more than 180 days after the acquisition thereof or the completion of construction or commencement of operation thereof to such lender or investor or to any person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such property or asset. The stated maturity of such arrangement shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such arrangement prior to the first date on which such arrangement may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty. 11 25 "Significant Subsidiary" means, at any time, any Subsidiary that would be a "Significant Subsidiary" at such time, as such term is defined in Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission as in effect at such time. "Subsidiary" of any Person means (i) a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or (ii) any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person, directly or indirectly, has at least a majority ownership and power to direct the policies, management and affairs thereof. References to any "Subsidiary" mean a Subsidiary of the Company unless the context requires otherwise. "Tangible Assets" of any Person means, at any date, the gross book value as shown by the accounting books and records of such Person of all its property both real and personal, less (i) the net book value of all its licenses, patents, patent applications, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, goodwill, non-compete agreements, organizational expenses and other like intangibles, (ii) unamortized Debt discount and expense, (iii) all reserves for depreciation, obsolescence, depletion and amortization of its properties and (iv) all other proper reserves which in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles should be provided in connection with the business conducted by such Person; provided, however, that, with respect to the Company and its Consolidated Subsidiaries no effect will be given to adjustments following the date of the Indenture to the accounting books and records of the Company and its Consolidated Subsidiaries in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinions Nos. 16 and 17 (or successor opinions thereto) or otherwise resulting from the acquisition of control of the Company by another Person. "Voting Stock" of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person which ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of securities has such voting power by reason of any contingency. "Wholly Owned Subsidiary" of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock of or other ownership interest in which (other than directors' qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person. References to any "Wholly Owned Subsidiary" mean a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company unless the context requires otherwise. (Section 101) CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS The Company may not consolidate with or merge into, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, any Person (a "successor Person"), and may not permit any Person to merge into, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, the Company, unless (i) the successor Person (if any) is a corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company or other entity organized and validly existing under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction and assumes the Company's obligations on the Securities and under the Indenture, (ii) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, (iii) if, as a result of the transaction, property of the Company would become subject to a Lien that would not be permitted under the limitation on Liens described above under "Restrictive Covenants", the Company takes such steps as shall be necessary to secure the Securities equally and ratably with (or prior to) the Debt secured by such Lien and (iv) certain other conditions are met. (Section 801) EVENTS OF DEFAULT Each of the following will constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture with respect to Securities of any series: (a) failure to pay principal of or any premium on any Security of that series when due; (b) failure to pay any interest on any Securities of that series when due, continued for 30 days; 12 26 (c) failure to deposit any sinking fund payment, when due, in respect of any Security of that series; (d) failure to perform any other covenant of the Company in the Indenture (other than a covenant included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of a series other than that series), continued for 60 days after written notice has been given by the Trustee, or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, as provided in the Indenture; (e) a default or defaults under any note(s) or other evidence(s) of Debt, or any instrument(s) under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Debt, of the Company or any Subsidiary having a principal amount outstanding, individually or in the aggregate, of at least $10,000,000, and whether existing on or created after the date of the Indenture, which default or defaults constitute a failure to pay any portion of the principal of such Debt when due (after the expiration of any applicable grace period) or have resulted in acceleration of the Debt, without such Debt having been discharged or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled within 10 days after written notice has been given by the Trustee, or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, as provided in the Indenture; and (f) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary. Other Events of Default may apply with respect to the Securities of a particular series, as indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. (Section 501) If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause (f) above) with respect to the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding shall occur and be continuing, either the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series by notice as provided in the Indenture may declare the principal amount of the Securities of that series (or, in the case of any Security that is an Original Issue Discount Security or the principal amount of which is not then determinable, such portion of the principal amount of such Security, or such other amount in lieu of such principal amount, as may be specified in the terms of such Security) to be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default described in clause (f) above with respect to the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding shall occur, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, in the case of any such Original Issue Discount Security or other Security, such specified amount) will automatically, and without any action by the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable. After any such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal (or other specified amount), have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture. (Section 502) For information as to waiver of defaults, see "Modification and Waiver". Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 603) Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of that series. (Section 512) No Holder of a Security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder has previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series, (ii) the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series have made written request, and such Holder or Holders have offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee and (iii) the Trustee has failed to institute such proceeding, and has not received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a direction inconsistent with such request, within 60 days after such notice, request and offer. (Section 507) However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a Holder of a Security for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or any 13 27 premium or interest on such Security on or after the applicable due date specified in such Security. (Section 508) The Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement by certain of its officers as to whether or not the Company, to their knowledge, is in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of the Indenture and, if so, specifying all such known defaults. (Section 1004) MODIFICATION AND WAIVER Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such modification or amendment; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, (b) reduce the principal amount of, or any premium or interest on, any Security, (c) reduce the amount of principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or any other Security payable upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof, (d) change the place or currency of payment of principal of, or any premium or interest on, any Security, (e) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Security, (f) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for modification or amendment of the Indenture, (g) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Securities of any series necessary for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults or (h) modify such provisions with respect to modification and waiver. (Section 902) The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may waive compliance by the Company with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture. (Section 1010) The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may waive any past default under the Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal, premium or interest and certain covenants and provisions of the Indenture which cannot be amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected. (Section 513) The Indenture will provide that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given or taken any direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action under the Indenture as of any date, (i) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that will be deemed to be Outstanding will be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date, (ii) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable (for example, because it is based on an index), the principal amount of such Security deemed to be Outstanding as of such date will be an amount determined in the manner prescribed for such Security and (iii) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units that will be deemed to be Outstanding will be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner prescribed for such Security, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in clause (i) or (ii) above, of the amount described in such clause). Certain Securities, including those for whose payment or redemption money has been deposited or set aside in trust for the Holders and those that have been fully defeased pursuant to Section 1302, will not be deemed to be Outstanding. (Section 101) Except in certain limited circumstances, the Company will be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give or take any direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action under the Indenture, in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the Indenture. In certain limited circumstances, the Trustee will be entitled to set a record date for action by Holders. If a record date is set for any action to be taken by Holders of a particular series, such action may be taken only by persons who are Holders of Outstanding Securities of that series on the record date. To be effective, such action must be taken by Holders of the requisite 14 28 principal amount of such Securities within a specified period following the record date. For any particular record date, this period will be 180 days or such other period as may be specified by the Company (or the Trustee, if it sets the record date), and may be shortened or lengthened (but not beyond 180 days) from time to time. (Section 104) DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE If and to the extent indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have the provisions of Section 1302, relating to defeasance and discharge of indebtedness, or Section 1303, relating to defeasance of certain restrictive covenants in the Indenture, applied to the Securities of any series, or to any specified part of a series. (Section 1301) Defeasance and Discharge The Indenture will provide that, upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have Section 1302 applied to any Securities, the Company will be discharged from all its obligations with respect to such Securities (except for certain obligations to exchange or register the transfer of Securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated Securities, to maintain paying agencies and to hold moneys for payment in trust) upon the deposit in trust for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities of money or U.S. Government Obligations, or both, which, through the payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities on the respective Stated Maturities in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and such Securities. Such defeasance or discharge may occur only if, among other things, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or there has been a change in tax law, in either case to the effect that Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge were not to occur. (Sections 1302 and 1304) Defeasance of Certain Covenants The Indenture will provide that, upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have Section 1303 applied to any Securities, the Company may omit to comply with certain restrictive covenants, including those described under "Restrictive Covenants" and in Clause (iii) under "Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets" and any that may be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the occurrence of certain Events of Default, which are described above in clause (d) (with respect to such restrictive covenants) and clause (e) under "Events of Default" and any that may be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, will be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect to such Securities. The Company, in order to exercise such option, will be required to deposit, in trust for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, money or U.S. Government Obligations, or both, which, through the payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities on the respective Stated Maturities in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and such Securities. The Company will also be required, among other things, to deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance were not to occur. In the event the Company exercised this option with respect to any Securities and such Securities were declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default, the amount of money and U.S. Government Obligations so deposited in trust would be sufficient to pay amounts due on such Securities at the time of their respective Stated Maturities but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such Securities upon 15 29 any acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. In such case, the Company would remain liable for such payments. (Sections 1303 and 1304) NOTICES Notices to Holders of Securities will be given by mail to the addresses of such Holders as they may appear in the Security Register. (Sections 101 and 106) TITLE The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name a Security is registered as the absolute owner thereof (whether or not such Security may be overdue) for the purpose of making payment and for all other purposes. (Section 308) GOVERNING LAW The Indenture and the Securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York. (Section 112) REGARDING THE TRUSTEE The Company maintains ordinary banking relationships with the Trustee and its affiliates and a number of other banks. The Trustee and its affiliates along with a number of other banks have extended credit facilities to the Company. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, or an event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, the Trustee may be deemed to have a conflicting interest with respect to the Securities for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and, accordingly, may be required to resign as Trustee under the Indenture. In that event, the Company would be required to appoint a successor Trustee. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The Company may sell Debt Securities to or through underwriters and also may sell Debt Securities directly to other purchasers or through agents. The distribution of the Debt Securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. In connection with the sale of Debt Securities, underwriters may receive compensation from the Company or from purchasers of Debt Securities for whom they may act as agents in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell Debt Securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of Debt Securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts or commissions received by them from the Company and any profit on the resale of Debt Securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act. Any such underwriter or agent will be identified, and any such compensation received from the Company will be described, in the Prospectus Supplement. Under agreements which may be entered into by the Company, underwriters and agents who participate in the distribution of Debt Securities may be entitled to indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. 16 30 EXPERTS The financial statements of the Company, incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon incorporated by reference therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. VALIDITY OF DEBT SECURITIES The validity of the Debt Securities offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, Cleveland, Ohio, and may be passed upon for any underwriters by Sullivan & Cromwell, New York, New York. Joseph C. Weinstein, Deputy General Counsel of the Company, will pass upon certain matters in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Debt Securities. Sullivan & Cromwell will rely as to all matters of Ohio law upon the opinion of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue. 17 31 ================================================================================ NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE. ------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT PAGE ---- The Company............................ S-2 Use of Proceeds........................ S-2 Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.... S-2 Capitalization......................... S-3 Selected Financial Data................ S-4 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations........................... S-5 Business of Caliber.................... S-8 Description of Notes................... S-11 Underwriting........................... S-13 Validity of Notes...................... S-13 PROSPECTUS Available Information.................. 2 Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............................ 2 The Company............................ 3 Use of Proceeds........................ 4 Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.... 4 Description of Debt Securities......... 4 Plan of Distribution................... 16 Experts................................ 17 Validity of Debt Securities............ 17 ================================================================================ ================================================================================ $200,000,000 CALIBER SYSTEM, INC. 7.80% NOTES DUE AUGUST 1, 2006 ------------------------------------ [CALIBER LOGO] ------------------------------------ GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. J.P. MORGAN & CO. ================================================================================