Automatic Shelf Registration Statement by a Well-Known Issuer — Form S-3 Filing Table of Contents
Document/ExhibitDescriptionPagesSize 1: S-3ASR S-3ASR Registration Statement HTML 189K
2: EX-4.2 EX-4.2 Form of Senior Indenture HTML 299K
3: EX-4.3 EX-4.3 Form of Subordinate Indenture HTML 316K
4: EX-5.1 EX-5.1 Opinion of Bass, Berry & Sims Plc HTML 26K
5: EX-23.1 EX-23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP HTML 7K
6: EX-25.1 EX-25.1 Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 HTML 115K
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨
If any of the securities
being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ý
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If
this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ý
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,”“accelerated filer,”“smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☑
Accelerated
filer
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Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the
registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. ¨
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title
of each class of securities to be registered (2)
Amount to be registered (1)
Proposed maximum offering price per unit (1)
Proposed maximum aggregate offering price (1)
Amount of registration fee (3)
Debt Securities
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—
—
—
Preferred
Stock, $1.00 par value
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—
—
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Common Stock, $0.008 par value
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Warrants
—
—
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(1)
Omitted pursuant to General Instructions II.E of Form S-3. An indeterminate aggregate offering price or number of securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered at indeterminate prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities.
(2) Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder.
(3) In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r), the registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fee. Registration fees will be paid subsequently on a pay as you go basis.
We may offer and sell the securities identified above from time to time in one or more offerings. The debt securities may consist of debentures, notes, or other types of debt. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and trades under the ticker symbol “TSCO.” Each
prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange.
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We will provide specific terms of any securities to be offered in supplements to this prospectus. Any prospectus supplement may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities. We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers, or agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. These securities also may be resold by security holders. If any underwriters, dealers or agents
are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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Our principal executive offices are located at 5401 Virginia Way, Brentwood, Tennessee37027. Our telephone number is (615) 440-4000.
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Investing in our
securities involves certain risks. See the “Risk Factors” section of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the applicable prospectus supplement. Also see “Risk Factors” on page 3.
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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. By using a shelf registration statement,
we may sell, at any time and from time to time in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus.
We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference therein is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document. Our financial condition, results of operations or business prospectus may have changed since those dates.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus
supplement containing specific information about the terms of that offering. That prospectus supplement may include a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those securities. The prospectus supplement also may add, update, or change information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. Before purchasing any securities, you should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
The registration statement containing this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement, provides additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus.
The
exhibits to the registration statement contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents we have summarized in this prospectus. You should review the full text of these documents because these summaries may not contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we offer. You may obtain copies of these documents as described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to the “Registrant,”“we,”“us,” and “our” refer to Tractor Supply Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy and information statements, and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding Tractor Supply Company and other companies that file materials electronically with the SEC. Copies of our periodic and current reports and proxy statements may be obtained, free of charge, on our website
at www.ir.tractorsupply.com. This reference to our Internet address is for informational purposes only and shall not, under any circumstances, be deemed to incorporate the information available at or through such Internet address into this prospectus.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to those documents. The information
incorporated by reference is considered to comprise a part of this prospectus supplement from the date we file that document. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and in some cases supersede this information. Specifically, we incorporate by reference the following documents or information filed with the SEC (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules, including Item 2.02 and 7.01 of any current report on Form 8-K):
•The description of our common stock set forth in Exhibit 4.1
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 26, 2020 filed with the SEC on October 22, 2020; and
•Future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and before the termination of the offering of the securities made under this prospectus; provided, however, that we are not incorporating by reference any documents or information, including parts of documents that we file with the SEC, that are deemed to be furnished and not filed with the SEC. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, none of the information we disclose under Items 2.02 or 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K that we may from time to time furnish to the SEC will be incorporated
by reference into, or otherwise included in, this prospectus.
We will provide, without charge, to each person to whom a copy of this prospectus has been delivered, including any beneficial owner, a copy of any and all of the documents referred to herein that are summarized in and incorporated by reference into this prospectus, if such person makes a written or oral request directed to:
WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR ANY INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS, ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR ANY FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH AN OFFERING. WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR, AND CAN PROVIDE NO ASSURANCE AS TO THE RELIABILITY OF, ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT OTHERS MAY GIVE YOU. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE THEREOF, UNLESS WE OTHERWISE NOTE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR
ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, including documents incorporated herein by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, which address activities, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including sales and earnings growth, estimated results of operations in future periods, the declaration and payment of dividends, future capital expenditures (including
their amount and nature), business strategy, expansion and growth of our business operations, and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be affected by certain risks and uncertainties, any one, or a combination of which, could materially affect the results of our operations. To take advantage of the safe harbor provided by the PSLRA, we are identifying certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, whether oral or written. As with any business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control. These factors include, without limitation, national, regional, and local economic conditions affecting consumer spending, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing and acceptance of new products, the timing and mix of goods sold, purchase price volatility (including inflationary and deflationary pressures), the
ability to increase sales at existing stores, the ability to manage growth and identify suitable locations, failure of an acquisition to produce anticipated results, the ability to successfully manage expenses (including increased expenses as a result of operating as an essential retailer during the COVID-19 pandemic) and execute our key gross margin enhancing initiatives, the availability of favorable credit sources, capital market conditions in general, the ability to open new stores in the time, manner and number currently contemplated, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of new stores on our business, competition, including that from online competitors, weather conditions, the seasonal nature of our business, effective merchandising initiatives and marketing emphasis, the ability to retain vendors, reliance on foreign suppliers, the ability to attract, train, and retain qualified employees, product liability and other claims, changes in federal,
state, or local regulations, the effects that “shelter in place” and similar federal, state, and local regulations and protocols could have on our business, including our supply chain and employees, the imposition of tariffs on imported products or the disallowance of tax deductions on imported products, potential judgments, fines, legal fees, and other costs, breach of information systems or theft of employee or customer data, ongoing and potential future legal or regulatory proceedings, management of our information systems, failure to develop and implement new technologies, the failure of customer-facing technology systems, business disruption including from the implementation of supply chain technologies, effective tax rate changes and results of examination by taxing authorities, the ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, and changes in accounting standards, assumptions, and estimates. We discuss in greater detail
risk factors relating to our business in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 and in Part II, Item 1A of our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 27, 2020 and in any prospectus supplement for an offering. Forward-looking statements are based on our knowledge of our business and the environment in which we operate, but because of the factors listed above or other factors, actual results could differ materially from those reflected by any forward-looking statements. Consequently, all of
the forward-looking statements made are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on our business and operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures we make in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”
We are the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States (“U.S.”). We are focused on supplying the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle (which we refer to as the “Out Here” lifestyle), as well as tradesmen and small businesses. We operate retail stores under the names Tractor Supply Company, Del’s Feed & Farm Supply, and Petsense and operate websites under the names TractorSupply.com and Petsense.com. Our
stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities.
Tractor Supply Company was first incorporated in 1938 and reincorporated in 1982 in the state of Delaware. Our principal corporate offices are located in Brentwood, Tennessee. We completed our initial public offering in May 1994 and our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “TSCO.”
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risk. Before you decide whether to purchase any of our securities, in addition to the other information, documents, or reports included in
or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering materials, you should carefully consider the risk factors in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in any prospectus supplement as well as our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any prospectus supplement in their entirety, as the same may be amended, supplemented, or superseded from time to time by our filings under the Exchange Act. For more information, see the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.” These risks could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment.
USE
OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds of any offering for general corporate purposes, which may include, but are not limited to, repayment of debt, repurchases of outstanding shares of common stock, dividends, acquisitions, investments, working capital, investments in our subsidiaries, and capital expenditures. Net proceeds may be temporarily invested prior to use. We may also deposit the net proceeds with banks.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The
following is a general description of the debt securities that we may offer from time to time. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions described below may apply to those securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. We also may sell hybrid securities that combine certain features of debt securities and other securities described in this prospectus. As you read this section, please remember that the specific terms of a debt security as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and may modify or replace the general terms described in this section. If there are any differences between the applicable prospectus supplement and this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement will control. As a result, the statements we make in this section may not apply to the debt security you purchase.
Tractor
Supply Company will be the issuer of any debt securities we may offer and references to “we,”“our,” or “us” in this description do not, unless the context otherwise indicates, include any of its subsidiaries. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this section have the respective meanings set forth in the applicable indenture.
The
debt securities that we may offer will be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, any senior debt securities will be issued under the indenture between us and Regions Bank, which we refer to as the senior indenture. Any subordinated debt securities will be issued under a different indenture, which we refer to as the subordinated indenture, to be entered into between us and the trustee named in the applicable prospectus supplement. We refer to both the senior indenture
and the subordinated indenture as the indentures, and to each of the trustees under the indentures as a trustee. The terms of each series of debt securities will be set forth in a resolution of the board of directors of the Registrant, an officers’ certificate or by a supplemental indenture. You should read the indentures, including any amendments or supplements or any officers’ certificate setting forth the terms of any series of notes, carefully
to fully understand the terms of the debt securities. The forms of the indentures have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The indentures are subject to, and are governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”).
Any senior debt securities that we may issue will be our unsubordinated obligations. They will rank equally with each other and all of our other unsubordinated debt, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Any subordinated debt securities that we may issue will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of our senior debt. See “Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities.” The subordinated debt securities will rank equally with each other, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will indicate in each applicable prospectus supplement, as of the most recent practicable date, the aggregate amount of our outstanding debt that would rank senior to the subordinated debt securities.
The indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that can be issued thereunder and provide that debt securities of any series may be issued thereunder up to the aggregate principal amount that we may authorize from time to time. Unless otherwise provided in the
applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures do not limit the amount of other indebtedness or securities that we may issue. We may issue debt securities of the same series at more than one time and, unless prohibited by the terms of the series, we may reopen a series for issuances of additional debt securities without the consent of the holders of the outstanding debt securities of that series. All debt securities issued as a series, including those issued pursuant to any reopening of a series, will vote together as a single class.
Reference is made to the prospectus supplement for the following and other possible terms of each series of the debt securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered:
•the
title of the debt securities;
•any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under the applicable indenture, except for debt securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, other debt securities of that series;
•the date or dates on which the principal and premium, if any, of the debt securities of the series is payable;
•the rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, at which the debt securities of the series shall bear interest or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates, if any, including any procedures to vary or reset such rate or
rates, and the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;
•the place or places where the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series shall be payable, where the debt securities of such series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon us with respect to the debt securities of such series and the applicable indenture may be served, and the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail, or other means if other than as set forth in the applicable indenture;
•the date or dates from which such interest
shall accrue, the dates on which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such dates, and the record date for the determination of holders to whom interest is payable on any such dates;
•any trustees, authenticating agents or paying agents with respect to such series, if different from those set forth in the applicable indenture;
•the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods or defer the payment of interest and the duration of such extension or deferral;
•the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which, debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at our option;
•our
obligation, if any, to redeem, purchase, or repay debt securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions, including payments made in cash in anticipation of future sinking fund obligations, or at the option of a holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, debt securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
•the form of the debt securities of the series including the form of the trustee’s certificate of authentication for such series;
•if
other than denominations of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, the denominations in which the debt securities of the series shall be issuable;
•the currency or currencies in which payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, debt securities of the series shall be payable;
•if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of debt securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to such stated maturity, the amount which will be deemed to be such principal amount as of any such date for any purpose, including the portion of the principal amount thereof that will be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or upon any maturity other than the stated maturity or that 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;
•the terms of any repurchase or remarketing rights;
•if the debt securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a global security or securities, the type of global security to be issued; the terms and conditions, if different from those contained in the applicable indenture, upon which such global security or securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual securities in definitive registered form; the depositary for such global security or securities; and the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such global security or securities in addition to or in lieu of the legends referred to in the applicable indenture;
•whether
the debt securities of the series will be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities, and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such debt securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate or the method of calculation, how and when the conversion price or exchange ratio may be adjusted, whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, the conversion or exchange period, and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those described herein;
•any additional restrictive covenants or events of default that will apply to the debt securities of the series, or any changes to the restrictive covenants set forth in the applicable indenture that will apply to the debt securities of the series, which may
consist of establishing different terms or provisions from those set forth in the applicable indenture or eliminating any such restrictive covenant or event of default with respect to the debt securities of the series;
•any provisions granting special rights to holders when a specified event occurs;
•if the amount of principal or any premium or interest on debt securities of a series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts will be determined;
•any special tax implications of the debt securities, including provisions for original issue discount securities, if offered;
•whether
and upon what terms debt securities of a series may be defeased if different from the provisions set forth in the applicable indenture;
•with regard to the debt securities of any series that do not bear interest, the dates for certain required reports to the trustee;
•whether the debt securities of the series will be issued as unrestricted securities or restricted securities, and, if issued as restricted securities, the rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in reliance on which they will be sold;
•any guarantees on the debt securities;
•the provisions,
if any, relating to any security provided for the debt securities of the series;
•any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents, or other agents with respect to debt securities of such series if other than those appointed in the applicable indenture;
•if the debt securities are subordinated debt securities, the subordination terms of the debt securities; and
•any and all additional, eliminated, or changed terms that shall apply to the debt securities of the series, including any terms that may be required by or advisable under U.S. laws or regulations, including the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or advisable
in connection with the marketing of debt securities of that series.
We will comply with Section 14(e) under the Exchange Act, to the extent applicable, and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act that may then be applicable, in connection with any obligation to purchase debt securities at the option of the holders thereof. Any such obligation applicable to a series of debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto.
The statements made hereunder relating to the indentures and any debt securities that we may issue are summaries of certain provisions thereof and are qualified in their entirety by reference to all provisions of the indentures
and the debt securities and the descriptions thereof, if different, in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of subordinated debt securities is subordinated to debt securities of another series or to our other indebtedness. The terms will
include a description of:
•the indebtedness ranking senior to the debt securities being offered;
•the restrictions, if any, on payments to the holders of the debt securities being offered while a default with respect to the senior indebtedness is continuing; and
•the provisions requiring holders of the debt securities being offered to remit some payments to the holders of senior indebtedness.
Redemption
If specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may redeem the debt securities of any series, as a whole or in part, at our option on and after the dates and in
accordance with the terms established for such series, if any, in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we redeem the debt securities of any series, we also must pay accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption on such debt securities.
Selection and Notice
If less than all of the debt securities of a series are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee will select the debt securities of such series for redemption by lot, based on the applicable procedures of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”).
No debt securities in principal amount of $2,000 or less can be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption will be mailed by first class mail (or in cases of notes held in book entry form, by electronic transmission)
at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of debt securities of such series to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the debt securities of such series or a satisfaction and discharge of the indenture.
If any debt security is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that debt security will state the portion of the principal amount of that debt security that is to be redeemed. For debt securities issued in certificated form, a new certificate in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original debt security will be issued in the name of the holder of the original debt security
upon cancellation of the original debt security. Debt securities called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the debt securities or portions of the debt securities called for redemption.
The trustee will not be liable for selections made by it as contemplated in this section. For any debt securities which are represented by global securities held on behalf of DTC, Euroclear Bank SA/NV, as operator of the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”), or Clearstream Banking S.A. (“Clearstream”), notices may be given by delivery of the relevant notices to DTC, Euroclear, or Clearstream for communication to entitled account holders in substitution for the aforesaid mailing.
Reports
Whether
or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any debt securities are outstanding, we shall file with the trustee, within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and regulations, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that we would be required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. We shall be deemed to have complied with the previous sentence to the extent that such information, documents and reports are filed with the SEC via EDGAR, or any successor electronic delivery procedure. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the trustee is for informational purposes only, and the trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein,
including our compliance with any covenants under the indenture (as to which the trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on officers’ certificates).
Events of Default
The following will be “Events of Default” with respect to debt securities of a particular series, except to the extent provided in the supplemental indenture, officers’ certificate, or resolution of our board of directors pursuant to which a series of debt securities is issued:
•failure to pay any interest on any of the debt securities of such series within 30 days after such interest becomes due and payable;
•failure to pay principal of (or premium, if any, on) any of the debt securities of such series at maturity, or if applicable, the redemption price, when the same becomes due and payable by the terms of the debt securities of such series;
•failure to pay any sinking fund installment as and when the same shall become due and payable by the terms of the debt securities of such series, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;
•default in the payment of principal when due or resulting in acceleration of other indebtedness of for borrowed
money where the aggregate principal amount with respect to which the default or acceleration has occurred exceeds $25,000,000 and the indebtedness is not discharged or acceleration is not rescinded or annulled within ten days after written notice by the trustee or by the holders of at least 25.0% in aggregate principal amount of the securities of such series then outstanding;
•failure to comply with any of the covenants or agreements in any of the debt securities of such series or the applicable indenture (other than an agreement or covenant that we included in the indenture solely for the benefit of another series of debt securities) for 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to us by the trustee
or to us by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of a series affected by that failure, a written notice specifying such failure and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “notice of default” under the indenture;
•certain events involving our bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization; and
•any other Event of Default provided in the supplemental indenture, officers’ certificate, or resolution of our board of directors under which such series of debt securities is issued or in the form of security for such series.
A
default under one series of debt securities issued under an indenture will not necessarily be a default under another series of debt securities under such indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of a series of debt securities issued under such indenture of any default or event of default (except in any payment on the debt securities of such series) if the trustee considers it in the interest of the holders of the debt securities of that series to do so.
If an event of default for a series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the debt
securities of that series may require us to pay immediately the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest on all the debt securities of that series. If an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization occurs with respect to us, the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest on the debt securities of that series will become immediately due and payable without any action on the part of the trustee or any holder. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of such series then outstanding may in some cases rescind this accelerated payment requirement.
A holder of debt securities of any series may pursue any remedy under the indenture applicable to the debt securities of that series only if:
•the
holder gives the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default;
•the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of such series then outstanding make a written request to the trustee to pursue the remedy;
•the holder furnishes to the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee against loss, liability, or expense;
•the trustee fails to act for a period of 60 days after receipt of notice and furnishing of indemnity; and
•during that 60-day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.
This
provision does not, however, affect the right of any holder to sue for enforcement of any overdue payment with respect to the debt securities of such series. In most cases, holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series then outstanding may direct the time, method, and place of:
•conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee with respect to the debt securities of such series; and
•exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee not relating to or arising under an event of default with respect to the debt securities of such series.
The indenture will require us to file with
the trustee each year a written statement as to our compliance with the covenants contained in the indenture, and we are required upon becoming aware of any default or Event of Default, to deliver to the trustee a written statement specifying such default or Event of Default.
Covenants
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to protect holders of the debt securities in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.
We will covenant not to consolidate with or merge into any other person or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’, taken as a whole, assets to any person unless either we are the surviving corporation or the resulting, surviving or transferee entity is a corporation organized under the laws of the United States or, if such person is not a corporation, a co-obligor of the notes is a corporation organized under any such laws, and any successor or purchaser expressly assumes our obligations under the debt securities by an indenture
supplemental to the indenture, and immediately after which, 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. An officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel will be delivered to the trustee, which will serve as conclusive evidence of compliance with these provisions.
Modification and Waiver
Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the indenture or the debt securities of any series may be amended or supplemented, and waivers may be obtained, with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the debt securities of the applicable series at the time outstanding (including, without limitation, additional debt securities of such series, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, debt securities of such series), and any existing default or Event of Default (other than a default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on, debt securities of such series, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of such indenture or the applicable debt securities may be waived with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the applicable series at the time outstanding (including, without limitation,
additional debt securities of such series, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, such series). Without the consent of each holder of outstanding debt securities affected thereby, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any debt securities held by a non-consenting holder):
•reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities, the consent of whose holders is required for any amendment, supplement, or waiver;
•reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on the debt securities;
•reduce the principal or change the stated maturity of any debt securities of any series;
•reduce
any premium payable on the redemption of any debt security, change the time at which any debt security may or must be redeemed or alter or waive any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of such debt securities;
•make payments on any debt security payable in currency other than as originally stated in such debt security;
•impair the holder’s right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on any debt security; or
•waive a continuing default or event of default regarding any payment on the debt securities.
Notwithstanding the preceding, without the consent of any holder of debt securities, we and the trustee may modify, amend or supplement the indenture
or the applicable debt securities in certain circumstances in order to, among other things:
•to cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any inconsistency;
•to conform the text of the indenture to the applicable description of debt securities;
•to provide for the assumption of our obligations under the indenture by a successor or transferee upon any merger, consolidation, or asset transfer;
•to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt
securities;
•to provide any security for or guarantees of the debt securities or for the addition of an additional obligor on the debt securities;
•to comply with any requirement to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, if applicable;
•to add covenants that would benefit the holders of any outstanding series of debt securities under the indenture;
•to add additional Events of Default with respect
to any series of debt securities;
•to change or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall not become effective with respect to any outstanding debt security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture which is entitled to the benefit of such provision;
•to provide for the issuance of and establish forms and terms and conditions of a new series of debt securities;
•to facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of debt securities otherwise in accordance with the defeasance provisions of the indenture;
provided that any such action does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of outstanding debt securities of such series in any material respect;
•to issue additional debt securities of any series; provided that such additional debt securities have the same terms as, and be deemed part of the same series as, the applicable series of debt securities to the extent required under the indenture;
•to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of outstanding
debt securities in any material respect; or
•to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or a separate trustee with respect to the debt securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trust by more than one trustee.
The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of each series then outstanding may on behalf of the holders of all of the debt securities of such series waive any past default with respect to those debt securities, except a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any debt security of such series (provided, that
the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of each series then outstanding may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration).
A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant, Event of Default or other provision of the indenture that has been expressly included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of securities, if any, or which modifies the rights of the holders of securities of such series with respect to such covenant, Event of Default or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under the indenture
of the holders of securities of any other series that does not have the benefit of such covenant, Event of Default or other provision. It will not be necessary for the consent of the holders to approve the particular form of any proposed supplement, amendment, or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance of it.
Information Concerning the Trustee
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be required to use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs. The trustee will become obligated to exercise any of its powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of any debt securities issued under the indenture
only after those holders have furnished the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it.
If the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, it will be subject to limitations in the indenture on its rights to obtain payment of claims or to realize on certain property received for any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions with us. If, however, it acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate such conflict, resign, or obtain an order from the SEC permitting it to remain as trustee.
The Trustee or any of its affiliates may be an underwriter of any of the debt securities.
Paying Agent,
Registrar, and Transfer Agent
We will maintain one or more paying agents (each, a “Paying Agent”), for any debt securities we issue. We, upon written notice to the trustee accompanied by an officers’ certificate, may appoint one or more Paying Agents, other than the trustee, for all or any series of such debt securities. If we fail to appoint or maintain another entity as Paying Agent, the trustee shall act as such. We or any of our subsidiaries, upon notice to the trustee, may act as Paying Agent.
We will also maintain one or more registrars (each, a “Registrar”). We, upon written notice to the trustee accompanied by an officers’ certificate, may appoint one or more Registrars, other than the trustee,
for all or any series of debt securities. If we fail to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar, the trustee shall act as such. We or any of our subsidiaries, upon notice to the trustee, may act as Registrar.
We will also maintain one or more transfer agents (each, a “Transfer Agent”). Each Transfer Agent shall perform the functions of a transfer agent. We, upon written notice to the trustee accompanied by an officers’ certificate, may appoint one or more Transfer Agents, other than the trustee, for all or any series of debt securities. If we fail to appoint or maintain another entity as Transfer Agent, the trustee shall act as such. We or any of our subsidiaries, upon notice to the trustee,
may act as Transfer Agent.
The Registrar will maintain a register reflecting ownership of debt securities outstanding from time to time, and the Paying Agents will make payments on and facilitate transfer of debt securities on our behalf. We may change any Paying Agents, Registrars or transfer agents without prior notice to the holders of debt securities.
The indenture
and any debt securities issued thereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made under the internal laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. The indenture is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of the indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
The
indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to a series of debt securities when either:
•we have delivered to the trustee for cancellation all outstanding securities of such series, other than any securities that have been destroyed, lost, or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in the indenture;
•all outstanding securities of such series that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the trustee for
the giving of notice of redemption, and we shall have irrevocably deposited with the trustee as trust funds the entire amount, in cash in U.S. dollars or noncallable U.S. governmental obligations, or a combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay at maturity or upon redemption all securities of such series, including principal of and any premium and interest due or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be; or
•we have properly fulfilled any other means of satisfaction and discharge that may be set forth in the terms of the securities of such series.
In each case, we will also pay all other sums payable by us under the indenture
with respect to the securities of such series and deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel and an officers’ certificate, each stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge with respect to the securities of such series have been complied with.
Defeasance
The term defeasance means the discharge of some or all of our obligations under the indenture. If we deposit with the trustee funds or U.S. government securities, or a combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants, to make payments on any series of debt securities on the dates those payments are due and payable, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:
•we
will be discharged from our obligations with respect to the debt securities of such series (“legal defeasance”); or
•we will no longer have any obligation to comply with the restrictive covenants under the indenture, and the related events of default will no longer apply to us (“covenant defeasance”).
If we defease any series of debt securities, the holders of the defeased debt securities of such series will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture under which such series was issued, except for our obligation to register the transfer or exchange of the debt securities of such series, replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities
or maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust. In the case of covenant defeasance, our obligation to pay principal, premium, and interest on the debt securities of such series will also survive. We will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders and beneficial owners of the debt securities of such series to recognize income, gain, or loss for federal income tax purposes. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect the debt securities will trade in the same-day funds settlement system of
DTC until maturity or until we issue the debt securities in certificated form. DTC will therefore require secondary market trading activity in the debt securities to settle in immediately available funds. We can give no assurance as to the effect, if any, of settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity in the debt securities.
Book-Entry, Delivery, and Form
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of each series will be issued in the form of one or more global debt securities, in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons, each of which we refer to as a “global security.” Each such global security will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for DTC and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC in New York, New York for
the accounts of participants in DTC.
Investors may hold their interests in a global security directly through DTC if they are DTC participants, or indirectly through organizations that are DTC participants. Except in the limited circumstances described below, holders of debt securities represented by interests in a global security will not be entitled to receive their debt securities in fully registered certificated form.
DTC has advised us as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking
organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities of institutions that have accounts with DTC (“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. DTC’s participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC’s book-entry system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and
clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, whether directly or indirectly.
Ownership of Beneficial Interests
Upon the issuance of each global security, DTC will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amount of the individual beneficial interests represented by the global security to the accounts of participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in each global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in each global security will be shown on, and the transfer of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to participants’ interests) and such participants (with respect
to the owners of beneficial interests in the global security other than participants).
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered holder and owner of a global security, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole legal owner of the debt security represented by the global security for all purposes under the indenture, the debt securities and applicable law. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to receive certificated debt securities and will not be considered to be the owners or holders of any debt securities represented by the global security. We understand that under existing industry practice, in the event an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to take any actions that DTC, as the
holder of the global security, is entitled to take, DTC would authorize the participants to take such action, and that 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.
No beneficial owner of an interest in a global security will be able to transfer such interest except in accordance with DTC’s applicable procedures, in addition to those provided for under the indenture. Because DTC can only act on behalf of participants, who in turn act on behalf of others, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in a global security to pledge that interest to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise to take actions in respect of that interest,
may be impaired by the lack of a physical certificate representing that interest.
All payments on the debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of and held by DTC or its nominee will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of the global security.
We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest in respect of a global security, will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through such participants will be governed
by standing instructions and customary practices as is now the case with securities held for accounts for customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. These payments, however, will be the responsibility of such participants and indirect participants, and neither we, the trustee nor any paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in any global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and its participants or the relationship between such participants and the owners of beneficial interests in the global security.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for certificated debt securities, each global security may not
be transferred except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC or by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC. Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in same-day funds.
We expect that DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of debt securities only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account the DTC interests in a global security are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities as to which such participant or participants has or have given
such direction.
Although we expect that DTC will agree to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in each global security among participants of DTC, DTC is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. None of us, the underwriters or the trustee will have any responsibility for the performance or nonperformance by DTC or its participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
The indenture provides that the global securities will be exchanged for debt securities in certificated form of like tenor and of an equal principal amount, in authorized
denominations in the following limited circumstances:
(1) DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository or if DTC ceases to be eligible under the indenture and we do not appoint a successor depository within 90 days; or
(2) we determine that the debt securities will no longer be represented by global securities and execute and deliver to the trustee an order to such effect.
These certificated debt securities will be registered in such name or names as DTC will instruct the trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by DTC from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in global securities.
The
information in this section of this prospectus concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we do not take responsibility for this information.
Euroclear and Clearstream
If the depositary for a global security is DTC, you may hold interests in the global security through Clearstream or Euroclear, in each case, as a participant in DTC. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests, in each case, on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in the names of Euroclear and Clearstream on the books of their respective depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in customers’ securities in the depositaries’ names on DTC’s books.
Payments,
deliveries, transfers, exchanges, notices and other matters relating to the debt securities made through Euroclear or Clearstream must comply with the rules and procedures of those systems. Those systems could change their rules and procedures at any time. We have no control over those systems or their participants, and we take no responsibility for their activities. Transactions between participants in Euroclear or Clearstream, on one hand, and other participants in DTC, on the other hand, would also be subject to DTC’s rules and procedures.
Investors will be able to make and receive through Euroclear and Clearstream payments, deliveries, transfers, exchanges, notices and other transactions involving any securities held through those systems only on days when those systems are open for business. Those systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers and other institutions
are open for business in the United States.
In addition, because of time-zone differences, U.S. investors who hold their interests in the debt securities through these systems and wish on a particular day, to transfer their interests, or to receive or make a payment or delivery or exercise any other right with respect to their interests, may find that the transaction will not be effected until the next business day in Luxembourg or Brussels, as applicable. Thus, investors who wish to exercise rights that expire on a particular day may need to act before the expiration date. In addition, investors who hold their interests through both DTC and Euroclear or Clearstream may need to make special arrangements to finance any purchase or sales of their interests between the U.S. and European clearing systems, and those transactions may settle later than transactions within one clearing system.
DESCRIPTION
OF COMMON STOCK
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “TSCO.” All outstanding shares of common stock are validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable.
laws, both of which are exhibits to this prospectus. We encourage you to read our Certificate of Incorporation, our By-laws and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), for additional information.
Authorized
Capital
As of October 21, 2020, our authorized capital stock consisted of 400,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.008 per share, and 40,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, of which 20,000 shares is designated Series B Preferred Stock.
Voting Rights
Under the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation, each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. Our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights. Because of this, the holders of a majority of the
shares of common stock entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy at any annual meeting of stockholders are able to elect all of the directors standing for election, if they should so choose.
Dividends
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably those dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors out of legally available assets or funds.
Liquidation
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution
to stockholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
Rights and Preferences
Holders of common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The rights, preferences, and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock, which we may designate in the future.
Board of Directors
The By-laws
provide for a Board of Directors of not less than one member, the exact number to be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office. The By-laws provide that directors will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders or until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. In uncontested director elections each director is elected by the vote of the majority of the votes cast; provided, however, that in a contested election, the directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. An incumbent nominee not receiving a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election shall promptly
tender his or her offer of resignation to the Board of Directors for its consideration if such director has not previously submitted a conditional offer of resignation. A recommendation on whether or not to accept such resignation offer shall be made by a committee of independent directors that has been delegated the responsibility of recommending nominees for director for appointment or election to the Board of Directors, or (1) if each member of such committee did not receive the required majority vote or (2) if no such committee has been appointed, a majority of the Board of Directors shall appoint a special committee of independent directors for such purpose of making a recommendation to the Board of Directors. If no independent directors received the required majority vote, the Board of Directors shall act on the resignation offers.
The Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws provide that the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to alter, amend or repeal the By-laws by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office. Any amendment, alteration, change, addition or repeal of the By-laws by our stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of our outstanding shares, voting together as a class, entitled to vote on such amendment, alteration, change, addition or repeal.
The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together in a single class, is required to amend or repeal any provision of, or to adopt a bylaw inconsistent with, the Certificate of Incorporation.
Special Meetings of Stockholders
The
By-laws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or, at the direction of a majority of the Board of Directors, the Secretary. In addition, the By-laws also provide that the Secretary shall call a special meeting of stockholders upon the written request of one or more stockholders who Net Long Beneficially Own (as such term is defined in the By-Laws), in the aggregate, not less than twenty percent (20%) of our outstanding shares of common stock, subject to specified conditions and procedural, notice and information requirements in connection with the advance notice of stockholder business and director
nominations, with which requesting stockholders must comply.
Action on Written Consent
Pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation and the By-laws, any action required by law or the By-laws to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, are signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at
a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and are delivered to us as required by law. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not so consented in writing.
Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations
Our By-laws provide that stockholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual or special meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the Secretary. Generally, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, mailed and received at our principal
executive offices, addressed to the Secretary, and within the following time periods:
•in the case of an annual meeting, no earlier than 120 days and no later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the current year’s annual meeting shall have been changed by more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the previous year’s annual meeting, to be timely notice by the stockholder must be received by us not later than the later of (i) the ninetieth day prior to such current year’s annual meeting or (ii) the tenth day following (1) the day on which the notice containing the date of the current year’s annual meeting is provided by us or (2) public disclosure of the current year’s annual meeting date was made,
whichever first occurs; provided further, however, that any such notice which is received later than the fifth business day prior to the meeting may be disregarded; and
•in the case of a nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting of the stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the later of (i) the ninetieth day prior to such special meeting or (ii) the tenth day following (1) the day on which the notice containing the date of the special meeting is provided by us or (2) public disclosure of the special meeting date was made, whichever first occurs; provided, however, that any such notice which is received later than the fifth business day prior to the meeting may be disregarded.
In
no event shall any adjournment, postponement or deferral, or public disclosure of an adjournment, postponement or deferral, of a meeting of the stockholders commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of the stockholder’s notice.
We have also adopted a proxy access right that permits a stockholder, or a group of up to 20 stockholders, owning continuously for at least three years shares of our stock representing an aggregate of at least three percent (3%) of the outstanding shares of common stock, to nominate and include in our proxy materials a number of director nominees constituting the greater of (i) twenty percent (20%) of the total number of members of the Board of Directors on the last day on which a nomination notice may be submitted pursuant to Section 1.2 of the Certificate
of Incorporation (rounded down to the nearest whole number) and (ii) two nominees, provided that the stockholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the requirements in our By-laws. Under our By-laws, to be considered timely, compliant notice of proxy access director nominations for next year’s proxy statement and form of proxy must be submitted to the Secretary at our principal executive office no earlier than 150 days
and no later than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date
we provided or made available our definitive proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that if the annual meeting is not within 30 days before or after the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, to be timely the stockholder notice must be received no later than 180 days prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day after the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was first publicly announced or disclosed.
Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock
Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors, without further action by the stockholders and subject to any limitations imposed by the listing standards of The Nasdaq Global Select Market, to issue up
to 40,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, in one or more classes or series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such class or series, to fix the rights, powers and preferences of the shares of each such class or series and any qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereon.
Delaware law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions.
One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved common stock or preferred stock may be to enable our Board of Directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render
more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. Such an issuance may protect the continuity of our management and possibly deprive the stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.
Limitation on Directors’ Liability and Indemnification
Section 145(a) of the DGCL grants each corporation organized thereunder the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation)
by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement that were actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good
faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person’s conduct was unlawful.
Section 145(b) of the DGCL grants each corporation organized thereunder the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred
by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made pursuant to Section 145(b) of the DGCL in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
Section 145(c) of the DGCL provides that to the extent that
a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 145(a) and (b) of the DGCL, as described in the preceding paragraphs, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.
Section 145(g) of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against any liability
asserted against the person in any such capacity, or arising out of the person’s status as such, regardless of whether the corporation would have the power to indemnify the person against such liability under the provisions of the DGCL.
Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL enables a corporation in its certificate of incorporation, or an amendment thereto, to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders of monetary damages for violations of the directors’ fiduciary duty of care as a director, except (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation
of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL (providing for director liability in the event of unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions) or (iv) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit. Our Certificate of Incorporation indemnifies the directors and officers to the full extent of the DGCL and also allows the Board of Directors to indemnify all other employees. Such right of indemnification is not exclusive of any right to which such officer or director may be entitled as a matter of law and shall extend and apply to the estates, heirs, executors and administrators of such persons.
We maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy. The policy insures directors and officers against losses arising from certain wrongful acts
in their capacities as directors and officers and reimburses us for those losses for which we have lawfully indemnified the directors and officers. The policy contains various exclusions that are normal and customary for policies of this type.
We believe that our Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws and insurance policies are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons to serve as our directors and officers.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws
may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers as required or allowed by these indemnification provisions.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Delaware
Anti-Takeover Statute
Certain Delaware law provisions may make it more difficult for someone to acquire us through a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise.
Section 203 of the DGCL provides that, subject to certain stated exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is any person (other than the corporation and any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary) who owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date of determination, and the affiliates and associates of such person. A corporation may not engage in a business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of
three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder unless:
•prior to such time the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
•upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding shares owned by (i) persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
•at
or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
The effect of these provisions may make a change in control of our business more difficult by delaying, deferring or preventing a tender offer or other takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best interest. This includes attempts that might result in the payment of a premium to stockholders over the market price for their shares. These provisions also may promote the continuity of our management by making it more difficult for a person to remove or change the incumbent members of the board of directors.
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER SECURITIES
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a description of any preferred stock or warrants that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We
may sell the offered securities through agents, through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, through a combination of any of these methods of sale or through any other methods described in a prospectus supplement. The distribution of securities may be effected, from time to time, in one or more transactions, including block transactions and transactions on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or any other organized market where the securities may be traded. The securities may be sold at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The consideration may be cash or another form negotiated by the parties. Agents, underwriters, or dealers may be paid compensation for offering and selling the securities. That compensation may be in the form of discounts, concessions, or commissions to be received from us or from the purchasers
of the securities. We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents, or direct purchasers and their compensation in a prospectus supplement.
The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth whether or not an underwriter may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions, and penalty bids.
We may enter into agreements to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the aggregate maximum discount, commission,
or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer from any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement will not exceed the limitations imposed by FINRA.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, Nashville, Tennessee. Legal counsel for any underwriters may pass upon legal matters for such underwriters.
EXPERTS
The
consolidated financial statements of Tractor Supply Company appearing in Tractor Supply Company’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, and the effectiveness of Tractor Supply Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2019, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following statement sets forth our expenses in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement (all of which will be borne by us). All amounts shown are estimated.
Amount
to be Paid
SEC Registration Fee
$
—
(1)
Rating Agency Fees
$
—
(2)
Accounting Fees and Expenses
$
—
(2)
Legal Fees and Expenses
$
—
(2)
Printing
Expenses
$
—
(2)
Trustee Issuing & Paying Agent Fees and Expenses
$
—
(2)
Miscellaneous Expenses
$
—
(2)
Blue Sky Fees
$
—
(2)
Total
$
—
(2)
__________
(1)
In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r), we are deferring payment of the registration fee for the securities offered by this prospectus.
(2) Estimated expenses are not presently known and will be reflected in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145(a) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) grants each corporation organized thereunder the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the
right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement that were actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the
person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person’s conduct was unlawful.
Section 145(b) of the DGCL grants each corporation organized thereunder the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made pursuant to Section 145(b) of the DGCL in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
Section 145(c) of the DGCL
provides that to the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation, or any other person who is not a present or former director or officer of the corporation, has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 145(a) and (b) of the DGCL, as described in the preceding
paragraphs, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.
Article VI of
the Fifth Amended and Restated By-Laws, as amended (the “By-Laws”) of Tractor Supply Company (“the Registrant”) provides that the Registrant shall indemnify, in the manner and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any person who was or is a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, any threatened, pending or completed action, whether or not by or in the right of the Registrant, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of the
Registrant, or is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a director, officer, trustee, fiduciary, employee or agent of another entity, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts, actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action.
As permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, the Registrant’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), provides that a director shall not be personally liable to the
Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except that a director may be liable (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
The Registrant maintains directors’ and officers’ liability insurance which insures against certain liabilities that directors and officers of the Registrant may incur in such
capacities.
The foregoing summaries are necessarily subject to the complete text of the statute, the Certificate of Incorporation, and the By-laws, and the arrangements referred to above and are qualified in their entirety by reference thereto.
Item 16. Exhibits.
Set forth below is a list of exhibits included as part of this Registration Statement.
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than twenty percent (20%) change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective
registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii), and (iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of
the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by the
Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B,
for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that
was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned
Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser,
if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or
on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.
(6) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act), that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(7) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Brentwood, state of Tennessee, on October 22, 2020.
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Kurt D. Barton and
Harry A. Lawton III and each of them severally as his or her attorney-in-fact to date and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission this registration statement on Form S-3, and to sign, date, and file any and all post-effective amendments to such registration statement, in each case on his or her behalf, in any and all capacities stated below, as appropriate, in such forms as they or any one of them may approve, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done to the end that such registration statement shall comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the applicable Rules and Regulations adopted or issued pursuant thereto, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, and generally to do all such things
on their behalf in their capacities as officers and directors to enable the Registrant to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated below.
