Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)

Registration No. 333-113515

Prospectus supplement

(To prospectus dated May 5, 2004)

 

The Procter & Gamble Company

 

$1,400,000,000 5.550% Notes due 2037

 

Issue price: 99.321%

 

Interest payable March 5 and September 5

 

The notes will mature on March 5, 2037. Interest on the notes will accrue from March 5, 2007. The first interest payment date will be September 5, 2007. We may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at the redemption price described in this prospectus supplement.

 

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

 

The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.

 

Investing in the notes involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-3.

 

 

We expect to deliver the notes to investors through the book-entry delivery system of The Depository Trust Company and its participants, including Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear, on or about March 5, 2007.

 

Joint Bookrunners

 

 

Joint Lead Manager

 

Merrill Lynch

 

Senior Co-Managers

 

 

February 28, 2007

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

 

This prospectus supplement contains the terms of this offering of notes. This prospectus supplement, or the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, may add to, update or change the information in the accompanying prospectus. If information in this prospectus supplement, or the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus, this prospectus supplement, or the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, will apply and will supersede that information in the accompanying prospectus.

 

It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents we have referred you to in “Incorporation of Documents By Reference” in this prospectus supplement.

 

No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in this prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. Neither the delivery of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, nor any sale made hereunder or thereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, or that the information contained or incorporated by reference herein or therein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of such information.

 

The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the notes in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer, or an invitation on our behalf or on behalf of the underwriters, to subscribe to or purchase, any of the notes, and may not be used for or in connection with an offer or solicitation by anyone, in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or where further action for that purpose is required or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. See “Underwriting.”

 

Unless otherwise specified, all references in this prospectus supplement to: (a) “Procter & Gamble,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are to The Procter & Gamble Company and its subsidiaries; (b) “fiscal” followed by a specific year are to our fiscal year ended or ending June 30 of that year; (c) “U.S. dollars,” “dollars,” “U.S. $” or “$” are to the currency of the United States of America; and (d) “euros” or “€” are to the single currency introduced in January 1999 pursuant to the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended.

 

The Procter & Gamble Company was incorporated in Ohio in 1905, having been built from a business founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble. Today, we manufacture and market a broad range of consumer products in many countries throughout the world. Our principal executive offices are located at One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, and our telephone number is (513) 983-1100.

 

In the United States, as of June 30, 2006, we owned and operated 39 manufacturing facilities. These facilities were located in 23 different states. In addition, we owned and operated 107 manufacturing facilities in 42 other countries. Many of the domestic and international facilities produced products for multiple business segments.

 

We discuss our expectations regarding future performance, events and outcomes, such as our business outlook and objectives in this document, as well as in our annual report and quarterly reports, press releases and other written and oral communications. All statements, except for historical and present factual information, are “forward-looking statements” and are based on financial data and business plans available only as of the time the statements are made, which may become out of date or incomplete. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or other factors. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that events could significantly differ from our expectations.

 

The following discussion of “risk factors” identifies the most significant factors that may adversely affect our business, operations, financial position or future financial performance. This information should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our annual report and quarterly reports which are incorporated by reference into this document. The following discussion of risks is not all inclusive but is designed to highlight what we believe are important factors to consider when evaluating our expectations. These factors could cause our future results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements and from historical trends.

 

A material change in the demand for our products could have a significant impact on our business.

 

We are a consumer products company and rely on continued global demand for our brands and products. To achieve business goals, we must develop and sell products that appeal to consumers and retail trade customers. This is dependent on a number of factors including our ability to manage and maintain key customer relationships and our ability to develop effective sales, advertising and marketing programs in an increasingly fragmented media environment. In addition, our continued success is dependent on leading-edge innovation, with respect to both products and operations. This means we must be able to obtain patents that lead to the development of products that appeal to our consumers across the world.

 

The ability to achieve our business objectives is dependent on how well we can respond to our local and global competitors.

 

Across all of our categories, we compete against a wide variety of global and local competitors. As a result, there are ongoing competitive product and pricing pressures in the environments in which we operate, as well as challenges in maintaining profit margins. To address these challenges, we must be able to successfully respond to competitive factors, including pricing, promotional incentives and trade terms, as well as technological advances and patents granted to competition.

 

Our ability to successfully integrate key acquisitions, primarily Gillette, could impact our business results.

 

Since our goals include a growth component tied to acquisitions, we must be able to successfully manage and integrate key acquisitions, such as the acquisition of The Gillette Company. Specifically, we must be able to integrate acquisitions without any significant disruption to our ability to manage and execute business plans on our base businesses. In addition, our financial results could be adversely impacted if we are not able to deliver the expected cost and growth synergies associated with our acquisitions.

 

Our businesses face cost pressures which could affect our business results.

 

Our costs are subject to fluctuations, particularly due to changes in commodity prices, raw materials, cost of labor, foreign exchange and interest rates. Our costs in 2006 were impacted by higher

commodity costs and this trend is likely to continue in 2007. Therefore, our success is dependent, in part, on our continued ability to manage these fluctuations through pricing actions, cost savings projects (including outsourcing projects), sourcing decisions and certain hedging transactions. In the manufacturing and general overhead areas, we need to maintain key manufacturing and supply arrangements, including sole supplier and sole manufacturing plant arrangements.

 

We face risks associated with significant international operations.

 

We conduct business across the globe with a significant portion of our sales outside the United States. Economic changes, terrorist activity and political unrest may result in business interruption, inflation, deflation or decreased demand for our products. Our success will depend in part on our ability to manage continued global political and/or economic uncertainty, especially in our significant geographical markets, as well as any political or economic disruption due to terrorist and other hostile activities.

 

Our business is subject to regulation in the U.S. and abroad.

 

Changes in laws, regulations and the related interpretations may alter the environment in which we do business. This includes changes in environmental, competitive and product-related laws, as well as changes in accounting standards and taxation requirements. Accordingly, our ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters (including product liability, patent, and intellectual property matters as well as those related to the integration of Gillette and its subsidiaries) and to resolve pending matters within current estimates may impact our results.

 

The following summary consolidated financial information for the six months ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 has been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in our Quarterly Report to Shareholders on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2006. The summary consolidated financial information for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. The results for the interim period ended December 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full fiscal year.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The following table sets forth our and our subsidiaries’ consolidated capitalization at December 31, 2006.

 

 

 

 

The following description of the particular terms of the notes supplements the more general description of the debt securities contained in the accompanying prospectus. If there are any inconsistencies between the information in this section and the information in the prospectus, the information in this section controls.

 

Investors should read this section together with the section entitled “Description of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus. Any capitalized terms that are defined in the prospectus have the same meanings in this section unless a different definition appears in this section. We qualify the description of the notes by reference to the indenture as described below.

 

General

 

The notes:

 

 

The indenture and the notes do not limit the amount of indebtedness which may be incurred or the amount of securities which may be issued by us or our subsidiaries, and contain no financial or similar restrictions on us or our subsidiaries, except as described in the prospectus under the caption “Description of Debt Securities – Restrictive Covenants.”

 

Interest

 

Interest on the notes will accrue from and include March 5, 2007 or from and include the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for. We will make interest payments semiannually on March 5 and September 5 of each year, with the first interest payment being made on September 5, 2007. We will make interest payments to the person in whose name the notes are registered at the close of business on February 18 or August 21, as applicable, before the next interest payment date.

 

If the interest payment date is not a Business Day at the relevant place of payment, payment of interest will be made on the next day that is a Business Day at such place of payment. “Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday and that is not a day on which banking institutions are

generally authorized or obligated by law to close in The City of New York and, for any place of payment outside of The City of New York, in such place of payment.

 

Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

Optional Redemption

 

We will have the option to redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at our option at any time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued interest on the notes to be redeemed to the date on which the notes are to be redeemed, or (2) as determined by a reference treasury dealer that we select, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed, not including any portion of these payments of interest accrued as of the date of which the notes are to be redeemed, discounted to the date on which the notes are to be redeemed on a semi-annual basis assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, at the adjusted treasury rate plus 15 basis points, plus accrued interest on the notes to be redeemed to the date on which the notes are to be redeemed.

 

We will utilize the following procedures to calculate the adjusted treasury rate described in the previous paragraph. We will appoint Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (and their successors) and other primary U.S. Government securities dealers in New York City as reference dealers, and we will appoint one of the reference dealers to be our quotation agent. If any of reference dealers is no longer a primary U.S. Government securities dealer, we will substitute another primary U.S. Government securities dealer in its place as a reference dealer.

 

The quotation agent will select a United States Treasury security which has a maturity comparable to the remaining maturity of the notes to be redeemed which would be used in accordance with customary financial practice to price new issues of corporate debt securities with a maturity comparable to the remaining maturity of the notes to be redeemed. The reference dealers will provide us and the trustee with the bid and asked prices for that comparable United States Treasury security as of 5:00 p.m. on the third Business Day before the redemption date. We will calculate the average of the bid and asked prices provided by each reference dealer, eliminate the highest and the lowest reference dealer quotations and then calculate the average of the remaining reference dealer quotations. However, if we obtain fewer than three reference dealer quotations, we will calculate the average of all the reference dealer quotations and not eliminate any quotations. We call this average quotation the comparable treasury price. The adjusted treasury rate will be the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of a security whose price, expressed as a percentage of its principal amount, is equal to the comparable treasury price.

 

Further Issues

 

We may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the registered holders of notes, create and issue further notes ranking equally with the notes in all respects (or in all respects other than the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such further notes or except for the first payment of interest following the issue date of such further notes). Such further notes may be consolidated and form a single series with the notes and have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the notes.

 

Book-Entry System

 

We have obtained the information in this section concerning The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, Luxembourg (“Clearstream, Luxembourg”) and Euroclear Bank SA/NV (“Euroclear”) and their book-entry systems and procedures from sources that we believe to be reliable. We take no responsibility for an accurate portrayal of this information. In addition, the description of the clearing systems in this section reflects our understanding of the rules and

procedures of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear as they are currently in effect. Those systems could change their rules and procedures at any time.

 

The notes will initially be represented by one or more fully registered global notes. Each such global note will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC or any successor thereto and registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s nominee). You may hold your interests in the global notes in the United States through DTC, or in Europe through Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear, either as a participant in such systems or indirectly through organizations which are participants in such systems. Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear will hold interests in the global notes on behalf of their respective participating organizations or customers through customers’ securities accounts in Clearstream, Luxembourg’s or Euroclear’s names on the books of their respective depositaries, which in turn will hold those positions in customers’ securities accounts in the depositaries’ names on the books of DTC. Citibank, N.A. will act as depositary for Clearstream, Luxembourg and JPMorgan Chase Bank will act as depositary for Euroclear.

 

So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global securities representing the notes, DTC or such nominee will be considered the sole owner and holder of the notes for all purposes of the notes and the indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in the notes will not be entitled to have the notes registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the notes in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the notes under the indenture, including for purposes of receiving any reports delivered by us or the trustee pursuant to the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a note must rely on the procedures of DTC or its nominee and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, in order to exercise any rights of a holder of notes.

 

Unless and until we issue the notes in fully certificated, registered form under the limited circumstances described below under the heading “– Book-Entry System – Certificated Notes”:

 

 

The Depository Trust Company

 

DTC will act as securities depositary for the notes. The notes will be issued as fully registered notes registered in the name of Cede & Co. DTC has advised us as follows: DTC is

 

 

DTC holds securities that its direct participants deposit with DTC. DTC facilitates the settlement among direct participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited

securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in direct participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates.

 

Direct participants of DTC include securities brokers and dealers (including the underwriters), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants. Indirect participants of DTC, such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies, can also access the DTC system if they maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant.

 

If you are not a direct participant or an indirect participant and you wish to purchase, sell or otherwise transfer ownership of, or other interests in, notes, you must do so through a direct participant or an indirect participant. DTC agrees with and represents to DTC participants that it will administer its book-entry system in accordance with its rules and by-laws and requirements of law. The Securities and Exchange Commission has on file a set of the rules applicable to DTC and its direct participants.

 

Purchases of notes under DTC’s system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the notes on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each beneficial owner is in turn to be recorded on the records of direct participants and indirect participants. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct participants or indirect participants through which such beneficial owners entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in notes, except as provided below in “– Book-Entry System – Certificated Notes.”

 

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all notes deposited with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of notes with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the notes. DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such notes are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

 

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

 

Clearstream, Luxembourg

 

Clearstream, Luxembourg advises that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depository. Clearstream, Luxembourg holds securities for its customers and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between its customers through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its customers, thus eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream, Luxembourg provides to its customers, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream, Luxembourg interfaces with domestic markets in a number of countries. Clearstream, Luxembourg is an indirect participant in DTC.

 

Clearstream, Luxembourg customers are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Indirect access to Clearstream, Luxembourg is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through, or maintain a custodial relationship with, a Clearstream, Luxembourg customer either directly or indirectly.

The Euroclear system

 

Euroclear has advised us that the Euroclear System was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants in the Euroclear System and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thus eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Transactions may now be settled in many currencies, including United States dollars. The Euroclear System provides various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries generally similar to the arrangements for cross-market transfers with DTC described below.

 

The Euroclear System is operated by Euroclear Bank SA/NV, under contract with Euroclear Clearance System, S.C., a Belgian cooperative corporation. The Euroclear Operator conducts all operations, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator, not the cooperative. The cooperative establishes policy for the Euroclear System on behalf of Euroclear participants. Euroclear participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to the Euroclear System is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly. Euroclear is an indirect participant in DTC.

 

The Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System and applicable Belgian law govern securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator. Specifically, these terms and conditions govern:

 

 

All securities in the Euroclear System are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts. The Euroclear Operator acts under the terms and conditions only on behalf of Euroclear participants and has no record of or relationship with persons holding securities through Euroclear participants.

 

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

 

The Euroclear Operator advises that under Belgian law, investors that are credited with securities on the records of the Euroclear Operator have a co-property right in the fungible pool of interests in securities on deposit with the Euroclear Operator in an amount equal to the amount of interests in securities credited to their accounts. In the event of the insolvency of the Euroclear Operator, Euroclear participants would have a right under Belgian law to the return of the amount and type of interests in securities credited to their accounts with the Euroclear Operator. If the Euroclear Operator did not have a sufficient amount of interests in securities on deposit of a particular type to cover the claims of all Euroclear participants credited with such interests in securities on the Euroclear Operator’s records, all Euroclear participants having an amount of interests in securities of such type credited to their accounts with the Euroclear Operator would have the right under Belgian law to the return of their pro rata share of the amount of interest in securities actually on deposit.

 

Under Belgian law, the Euroclear Operator is required to pass on the benefits of ownership in any interests in securities on deposit with it, such as dividends, voting rights and other entitlements, to any person credited with such interests in securities on its records.

Book-Entry Format

 

Under the book-entry format, the trustee will pay interest or principal payments to Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC will forward the payment to the direct participants, who will then forward the payment to the indirect participants (including Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear) or to you as the beneficial owner. You may experience some delay in receiving your payments under this system. Neither we, the trustee under the indenture nor any paying agent has any direct responsibility or liability for the payment of principal or interest on the notes to owners of beneficial interests in the notes.

 

DTC is required to make book-entry transfers on behalf of its direct participants and is required to receive and transmit payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the notes. Any direct participant or indirect participant with which you have an account is similarly required to make book-entry transfers and to receive and transmit payments with respect to the notes on your behalf. We and the trustee under the indenture have no responsibility for any aspect of the actions of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear or any of their direct or indirect participants. In addition, we and the trustee under the indenture have no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records kept by DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg, Euroclear or any of their direct or indirect participants relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. We also do not supervise these systems in any way.

 

The trustee will not recognize you as a holder under the indenture, and you can only exercise the rights of a holder indirectly through DTC and its direct participants. DTC has advised us that it will only take action regarding a note if one or more of the direct participants to whom the note is credited directs DTC to take such action and only in respect of the portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which that participant or participants has or have given that direction. DTC can only act on behalf of its direct participants. Your ability to pledge notes to non-direct participants, and to take other actions, may be limited because you will not possess a physical certificate that represents your notes.

 

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor such other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the notes unless authorized by a direct participant in accordance with DTC’s procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC will mail an omnibus proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts the notes are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy).

 

Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear will credit payments to the cash accounts of Clearstream, Luxembourg customers or Euroclear participants in accordance with the relevant system’s rules and procedures, to the extent received by its depositary. These payments will be subject to tax reporting in accordance with relevant United States tax laws and regulations. Clearstream, Luxembourg or the Euroclear Operator, as the case may be, will take any other action permitted to be taken by a holder under the indenture on behalf of a Clearstream, Luxembourg customer or Euroclear participant only in accordance with its relevant rules and procedures and subject to its depositary’s ability to effect those actions on its behalf through DTC.

 

DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of the notes among participants of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear. However, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform those procedures, and they may discontinue those procedures at any time.

 

Transfers Within and Among Book-Entry Systems

 

Transfers between DTC’s direct participants will occur in accordance with DTC rules. Transfers between Clearstream, Luxembourg customers and Euroclear participants will occur in accordance with its applicable rules and operating procedures.

DTC will effect cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Clearstream, Luxembourg customers or Euroclear participants, on the other hand, in accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by its depositary. However, cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in that system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, instruct its depositary to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Clearstream, Luxembourg customers and Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositaries.

 

Because of time-zone differences, credits of securities received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear resulting from a transaction with a DTC direct participant will be made during the subsequent securities settlement processing, dated the business day following the DTC settlement date. Those credits or any transactions in those securities settled during that processing will be reported to the relevant Clearstream, Luxembourg customer or Euroclear participant on that business day. Cash received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear as a result of sales of securities by or through a Clearstream, Luxembourg customer or a Euroclear participant to a DTC direct participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear cash amount only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

 

Although DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of notes among their respective participants, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures and such procedures may be discontinued at any time.

 

Same-Day Settlement and Payment

 

The underwriters will settle the notes in immediately available funds. We will make principal and interest payments on the notes in immediately available funds or the equivalent. Secondary market trading between DTC direct participants will occur in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in immediately available funds using DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System. Secondary market trading between Clearstream, Luxembourg customers and Euroclear participants will occur in accordance with their respective applicable rules and operating procedures and will be settled using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in immediately available funds. No assurance can be given as to the effect, if any, of settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity (if any) in the notes.

 

Certificated Notes

 

Unless and until they are exchanged, in whole or in part, for notes in definitive form in accordance with the terms of the notes, the notes may not be transferred except (1) as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC or (2) by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or (3) by DTC or any such nominee to a successor of DTC or a nominee of such successor.

 

We will issue notes to you or your nominees, in fully certificated registered form, rather than to DTC or its nominees, only if:

 

 

If any of the three above events occurs, DTC is required to notify all direct participants that notes in fully certificated registered form are available through DTC. DTC will then surrender the global note representing the notes along with instructions for re-registration. The trustee will re-issue the notes in fully certificated registered form and will recognize the registered holders of the certificated notes as holders under the indenture.

 

Unless and until we issue the notes in fully certificated, registered form, (1) you will not be entitled to receive a certificate representing your interest in the notes; (2) all references in this prospectus supplement or in the accompanying prospectus to actions by holders will refer to actions taken by the depositary upon instructions from their direct participants; and (3) all references in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus to payments and notices to holders will refer to payments and notices to the depositary, as the registered holder of the notes, for distribution to you in accordance with its policies and procedures.

 

Notices

 

The trustee will mail notices by first class mail, postage prepaid, to each registered holder’s last known address as it appears in the security register that the trustee maintains. The trustee will only mail these notices to the registered holder of the notes, unless we reissue the notes to you or your nominees in fully certificated form.

 

Governing Law

 

The indenture and the notes for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

The following summary describes the material United States federal income tax consequences and, in the case of a holder that is a non-U.S. holder (as defined below), the United States federal estate tax consequences, of purchasing, owning and disposing of notes. This summary applies to you only if you are a beneficial owner of the notes and you acquire the notes in this offering for a price equal to the issue price of the notes. The issue price of the notes is the first price at which a substantial amount of the notes is sold other than to bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers.

 

This summary deals only with notes held as capital assets (generally, investment property) and does not deal with special tax situations such as:

 

 

If you are a partnership (or an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for United States federal tax purposes) holding notes or a partner in such a partnership, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership, and you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the United States federal income and estate tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the notes.

 

This summary does not discuss all of the aspects of United States federal income and estate taxation which may be relevant to you in light of your particular investment or other circumstances. In addition, this summary does not discuss any United States state or local income or foreign income or other tax consequences. This summary is based on United States federal income and estate tax law, including the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial authority, all as in effect as of the date of this prospectus supplement. Subsequent developments in United States federal income and estate tax law, including changes in law or differing interpretations, which may be applied retroactively, could have a material effect on the United States federal income and estate tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of notes as set forth in this summary. Before you purchase notes, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the particular United States federal, state and local and foreign income and other tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of the notes that may be applicable to you.

United States Holders

 

The following summary applies to you only if you are a United States holder (as defined below).

 

Definition of a United States Holder

 

A “United States holder” is a beneficial owner of notes that for United States federal income tax purposes is:

 

 

Payments of Interest

 

Interest on your notes will be taxed as ordinary interest income. In addition:

 

 

Sale, Redemption or Other Disposition of Notes

 

Your tax basis in your notes generally will be their cost. You generally will recognize taxable gain or loss when you sell or otherwise dispose of your notes equal to the difference, if any, between:

 

 

Your gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the sale or other disposition, you have held the notes for more than one year. If you are a non-corporate United States holder, your long-term capital gain generally will be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, which maximum tax rate is scheduled to increase to 20% for dispositions occurring during taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Subject to limited exceptions, your capital losses cannot be used to offset your ordinary income.

Backup Withholding

 

In general, “backup withholding” at a rate of 28% (which rate is scheduled to increase to 31% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011) may apply:

 

 

if you are a non-corporate United States holder and you fail to provide a correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

 

The backup withholding tax is not an additional tax and may be credited against your United States federal income tax liability, provided that correct information is timely provided to the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

The following summary applies to you if you are a beneficial owner of a note or notes and you are neither a United States holder (as defined above) nor a partnership (or an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes ) (a “non-U.S. holder”). An individual may, subject to exceptions, be deemed to be a resident alien, as opposed to a non-resident alien, by among other ways, being present in the United States:

 

 

Resident aliens are subject to United States federal income tax as if they were United States citizens.

 

United States Federal Withholding Tax

 

Under current United States federal income tax laws, and subject to the discussion below, United States federal withholding tax will not apply to payments by us or any paying agent of ours (in its capacity as such) of principal of and interest on your notes under the “portfolio interest” exception of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that in the case of interest:

 

 

 

 

The applicable Treasury regulations provide alternative methods for satisfying the certification requirement described in this section. In addition, under these regulations, special rules apply to pass-through entities and this certification requirement may also apply to beneficial owners of pass-through entities.

 

If you cannot satisfy the requirements of the “portfolio interest” exception described above, payments of interest made to you will be subject to 30% United States federal withholding tax unless you provide us or any paying agent of ours with a properly executed (1) IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) stating that interest paid on your notes is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States, or (2) IRS Form W-8BEN (or other applicable form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in this withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty.

 

United States Federal Income Tax

 

Except for the possible application of United States federal withholding tax (see “United States Federal Tax Considerations – Non-U.S. Holders – United States Federal Withholding Tax” above) and backup withholding tax (see “United States Federal Tax Considerations – Backup Withholding and Information Reporting” below), you generally will not have to pay United States federal income tax on payments of principal of and interest on your notes, or on any gain realized from (or accrued interest treated as received in connection with) the sale, redemption, retirement at maturity or other disposition of your notes unless:

 

 

If you are engaged in a trade or business in the United States and interest or gain in respect of your notes is effectively connected with the conduct of your trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a United States “permanent establishment” maintained by you), the interest or gain generally will be subject to United States federal income tax on a net basis at the regular graduated rates and in the manner applicable to a United States holder. However, the interest will be exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the preceding paragraphs provided that you provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI on or before any payment date to claim the exemption. In addition, if you are a foreign corporation, you may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of your effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items, unless a lower rate applies to you under an applicable United States income tax treaty with your country of residence. For this purpose, you must include interest or gain on your notes in the earnings and profits

subject to the branch profits tax if these amounts are effectively connected with the conduct of your United States trade or business.

 

United States Federal Estate Tax

 

If you are an individual and are not a United States citizen or a resident of the United States (as specially defined for United States federal estate tax purposes) at the time of your death, your notes will generally not be subject to the United States federal estate tax, unless, at the time of your death:

 

 

Recently enacted legislation reduces the maximum federal estate tax over an 8-year period beginning in 2002 and eliminates the tax for estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2009. In the absence of renewal legislation, these amendments will expire and the federal estate tax provisions in effect immediately prior to 2002 will be restored for estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2010.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

 

Under current Treasury regulations, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to payments made by us or any paying agent of ours (in its capacity as such) to you if you have provided the required certification that you are a non-U.S. holder as described in “United States Federal Tax Considerations – Non-U.S. Holders – United States Federal Withholding Tax” above, and provided that neither we nor any paying agent of ours has actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a United States holder (as described in “United States Federal Tax Considerations – United States Holders” above). However, we or any paying agent of ours may be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service and you payments of interest on the notes and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest payments and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which you reside under the provisions of a treaty or agreement.

 

The gross proceeds from the disposition of your notes may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding at a rate of 28% (which rate is scheduled to increase to 31% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011). If you sell your notes outside the United States through a non-United States office of a non-United States broker and the sales proceeds are paid to you outside the United States, then the United States backup withholding and information reporting requirements generally will not apply to that payment. However, United States information reporting, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made outside the United States, if you sell your notes through a non-United States office of a broker that:

 

 

 

unless the broker has documentary evidence in its files that you are a non-U.S. person and certain other conditions are met or you otherwise establish an exemption. In circumstances where information reporting by a non-United States office of a broker is required, backup withholding will be required only if the broker has actual knowledge that you are a United States person.

 

Payments of the proceeds from your disposition of a note made to or through the United States office of a broker is subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless you provide an IRS Form W-8BEN certifying that you are a non-U.S. person or you otherwise establish an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding, provided that the broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a United States person or the conditions of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied.

 

You should consult your own tax advisor regarding application of backup withholding in your particular circumstances and the availability of and procedure for obtaining an exemption from backup withholding under current Treasury regulations. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to you will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your United States federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

We and the underwriters for the offering named below have entered into an underwriting agreement and pricing agreement with respect to the notes. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the principal amount of notes indicated in the following table.

 

 

The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the notes being offered, if any are taken.

 

Notes sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any notes sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to 0.525% of the principal amount of the notes. Any such securities dealers may resell any notes purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount from the initial public offering price of up to 0.250% of the principal amount of the notes. If all the notes are not sold at the initial offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms of the notes.

 

The notes are new issues of securities with no established trading market. We have been advised by the underwriters that the underwriters intend to make a market in the notes but are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the notes.

 

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell notes in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of notes than they are required to purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes while the offering is in progress.

 

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

These activities by the underwriters in the foregoing three paragraphs may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the notes. As a result, the price of the notes may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be

discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

Each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer, sell or deliver any of the notes in any jurisdiction outside the United States except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable laws thereof. Each underwriter has acknowledged that no action has been taken to permit a public offering in any jurisdiction outside the United States where action would be required for such purpose. Accordingly, the notes may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, and neither this document nor any offering circular, prospectus, form of application, advertisement or other offering material may be distributed or published in any country or jurisdiction except under circumstances that will result in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations and the underwriters have represented that all offers, sales and deliveries by them will be made on these terms.

 

Each underwriter has represented, warranted and agreed that (i) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA”)) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any notes in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the issuer; and (ii) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

 

Each underwriter has agreed that:

 

(a)   it will not underwrite the issue of, or place the notes, otherwise than in conformity than with the provisions of the Irish Investment Intermediaries Act 1995 (as amended), including, without limitation, Sections 9 and 23 thereof and any codes of conduct rules made under Section 37 thereof and the provisions of the Investor Compensation Act 1998;

 

(b)   it will not underwrite the issue of, or place, the notes otherwise than in conformity with the provisions of the Irish Central Bank Acts 1942 to 1999 (as amended) and any codes of conduct rules made under Section 117(1) thereof; and

 

(c)   it will not underwrite the issue of, place or otherwise act in Ireland in respect of the notes, otherwise than in conformity with the provisions of the Irish Market Abuse (Directive 2003/6/EC) Regulations 2005 and any rules issued by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (the “FSRA”) pursuant thereto.

 

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that, in relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each a “Relevant Member State”), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the “Relevant Implementation Date”), it has not made and will not make an offer of notes to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the notes which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of notes to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

 

(i)   to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;

 

(ii)  to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts; or

 

(iii)  in any other circumstances which do not require the publication of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of notes to the public” in relation to any notes in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to buy or subscribe the notes, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive.

 

We estimate that our share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $140,000.

 

To the extent any underwriter that is not a U.S.-registered broker-dealer intends to effect sales of notes in the United States, it will do so through one or more U.S.-registered broker-dealers in accordance with the applicable U.S. securities laws and regulations or foreign non-member broker or dealer which is not eligible for membership in a U.S. registered securities association which has agreed that in making any sales to purchasers within the United States it will conform to the provisions of NASD Conduct Rules 2420(a) and (b), 2730 and 2750 to the same extent as though it were a member of the NASD.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory, commercial banking and investment banking services for us, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

 

The validity of the notes offered hereby is being passed upon for us by R. Adam Newton, Senior Counsel, The Procter & Gamble Company, One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, and for the underwriters by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, New York, New York. Mr. Newton may rely as to matters of New York law upon the opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP may rely as to matters of Ohio law upon the opinion of Mr. Newton. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP from time to time performs legal services for us.

 

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at Station Place, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information relating to the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s Internet site is http://www.sec.gov.

 

In addition, reports, proxy statements and other information concerning us may also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 with respect to the securities that we are offering through this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This registration statement, together with all amendments, exhibits and documents incorporated by reference, is referred to as the “registration statement.” This prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Certain parts of the registration statement are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information, reference is made to the registration statement.

 

The SEC allows us to ”incorporate by reference” the information in documents that we file with them. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and information in documents that we file after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the termination of the offering will automatically update information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

We incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement:

 

PROSPECTUS

The Procter & Gamble Company

By this prospectus, we may offer —

Debt Securities

Warrants

 

 

We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest. We may, from time to time, sell in one or more offerings pursuant to this prospectus up to a total dollar amount of $8,558,000,000 of any combination of our debt securities and warrants.

 

 

This prospectus may not be used to offer and sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 

 

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 dated May 5, 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $8,558,000,000 of any combination of our debt securities and warrants.

 

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.

 

You should carefully read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

In this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, unless we otherwise specify or the context otherwise requires, references to:

 

 

The Procter & Gamble Company was incorporated in Ohio in 1905, having been built from a business founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble. Today, the Company manufactures and markets a broad range of consumer products in many countries throughout the world. Our principal executive offices are located at One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, and our telephone number is (513) 983-1100.

 

Our business is organized into five product-based, reportable segments called Global Business Units (“GBUs”). These units are: Fabric and Home Care; Baby and Family Care; Beauty Care; Health Care; and Snacks and Beverages.

 

 

In the most recent fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, the Fabric and Home Care segment accounted for 29% of total sales and Beauty Care accounted for 28% of total sales. Baby and Family Care accounted for 23%, Health Care accounted for 13% and Snacks and Beverages accounted for 7% of total sales.

 

In the United States, as of June 30, 2003, the Company owned and operated 35 manufacturing facilities and leased and operated 2 manufacturing facilities. These facilities were located in 21 different states. In addition, the Company owned and operated 83 manufacturing facilities in 42 other countries. Many of the domestic and international facilities produced products for multiple business segments. Fabric and Home Care products were produced at 45 of these locations; Baby and Family Care products at 32; Health Care products at 25; Beauty Care products at 39; and Snacks and Beverages products at 11.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, and our telephone number is (513) 983-1100.

 

In March, 2003, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Wella AG from the majority shareholders and, in June, 2003, the Company completed a tender offer for the remaining outstanding voting class shares and preference shares. On September 2, 2003, the Company completed the previously announced purchase of the shares of Wella AG held by the majority shareholders. On September 10, 2003, the Company purchased the shares secured through the tender offer. As a result of these purchases, the Company acquired approximately 81% of the outstanding Wella shares (99% of the voting class shares and 45% of the preference shares) for a total purchase price of 4.67 billion Euros, excluding acquisition costs (approximately $5.1 billion based on actual exchange rates on the date of the transaction. The acquisition was financed by a mixture of available cash balances and debt. Wella AG is a leading beauty care company selling its products in more than 150 countries, focused on professional hair care, retail hair care and cosmetics and fragrances.

 

The summary consolidated financial information for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 has been derived from our consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. The summary consolidated financial information for the years ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 has been derived from our consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001. The summary consolidated financial information for the year ended June 30, 1999 has been derived from our consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999. All information is reported in U.S. dollars.

 

 

 

 

Results of Operations: Year Ended June 30, 2003 Compared to the Year Ended June 30, 2002

 

Financial Review

 

Results of Operations

 

This financial report for the Company’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 has been derived from our Annual Report to shareholders for the Company’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

The Company markets nearly 300 products in more than 160 countries around the world in five distinct business segments: Fabric and Home Care, Beauty Care, Baby and Family Care, Health Care and Snacks and Beverages.

 

The Company’s results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 reflect broad-based business strength, with four of the five segments delivering top-line sales growth and all five business segments delivering profit growth.

 

The Company continues to make clear choices about where to play and how to win. The framework for these decisions is grounded in focus areas that include: building core categories and leading brands, growing with leading customers and in the biggest geographic markets, investing in faster-growing, higher margin businesses and building leadership in fast-growing developing markets.

 

Consistent with this framework, in March 2003 the Company reached an agreement with the controlling shareholders of Wella AG to acquire 77.6% of the voting class shares. In June 2003, the Company completed a tender offer for the remaining outstanding voting class shares and preference shares, securing approximately 81% of the total outstanding Wella AG shares (99% of the voting class shares and 45% of the preference shares). This acquisition closed in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Wella AG is a leading beauty care company selling its products in more than 150 countries, focused on professional hair care, retail hair care and cosmetics and fragrances.

 

This framework also requires some difficult decisions, including the Company’s announcement in July 2003 to seek strategic alternatives for its Sunny Delight and Punica juice drink brands. Another example is the Company’s continuing evaluation of outsourcing arrangements in areas where the Company can leverage industry expertise and scale to obtain high quality services at a lower cost. The Company has announced plans to outsource real estate and facilities management, information technology and certain other administrative and manufacturing processes.

 

Volume and Net Sales

 

The Company achieved record sales of $43.38 billion in 2003, exceeding 2002 sales by $3.14 billion, or 8%. Volume growth of 8% was broad-based, with particular strength in Fabric and Home Care, Beauty Care and Health Care. In fact, 19 of the Company’s top 20 brands increased volume as compared to the prior year. Excluding the impacts of acquisitions and divestitures, volume was also up 8%, as the impact of the Clairol acquisition in November 2001 was offset by the impact of the Jif and Crisco spin-off in May 2002. Net sales included a favorable foreign exchange impact of 2%, as the strength of the Euro was partially offset by weakness in certain Latin American currencies. The foreign exchange impact was offset by pricing of 2% to stimulate growth and remain competitive in key categories, including the diapers, tissue, hair care, feminine care, teeth whitening and coffee. Future pricing activities will be aimed at providing value to both consumers and customers and will be influenced by competitive activity and the Company’s product initiative program.

 

Fiscal year 2002 sales were $40.24 billion, an increase of 3%, compared to $39.24 billion in 2001, on volume growth of 7% driven by Health Care and Beauty Care. Net sales grew less than volume due to a 1% impact for exchange effects, a 1% impact for pricing and a 2% impact for mix.

Net Earnings

 

Net earnings were $5.19 billion in 2003, an increase of 19% compared to $4.35 billion in 2002. Reported results included after-tax restructuring charges of $538 million in 2003 and $706 million in 2002. Increased earnings were driven by volume growth, the shift in mix to higher profit products in the Health Care and Beauty Care segments, lower restructuring costs and lower manufacturing costs as a percentage of net sales. Net earnings in 2001 were $2.92 billion, including after-tax restructuring charges of $1.48 billion. Net earnings in 2002 exceeded 2001 due to volume growth, manufacturing savings and lower restructuring charges. The restructuring program covered enrollment reductions, manufacturing consolidations and portfolio choices to scale back or discontinue under-performing businesses and initiatives and was substantially complete at June 30, 2003. It is discussed in more detail in the Restructuring Program section and Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

Diluted net earnings per share were $3.69 in 2003 compared to $3.09 in 2002 and $2.07 in 2001, including the restructuring charge impact of $0.39, $0.50 and $1.05 per share, respectively.

 

Operating Costs

 

Cost of products sold was $22.14 billion in 2003 compared to $20.99 billion in 2002 and $22.10 billion in 2001. Before-tax restructuring charges included in cost of products sold were $381 million in 2003, $508 million in 2002 and $1.14 billion in 2001. Gross margin in 2003 improved to 49.0%, an increase of 120 basis points versus the previous year. Lower restructuring costs accounted for 40 basis points of the improvement with the remainder achieved behind lower material costs and the benefits of restructuring and base business savings delivered outside the restructuring program. Gross margin of 47.8% in 2002 improved versus 43.7% in 2001, which was more significantly impacted by restructuring charges.

 

Marketing, research, administrative and other expense (MRA&O) was $13.38 billion in 2003 versus $12.57 billion in 2002 and $12.41 billion in 2001. MRA&O included before-tax restructuring charges of $374 million in 2003, $519 million in 2002 and $583 million in 2001. The increase in MRA&O in 2003 versus 2002 was driven by additional marketing investments behind new product launches and expansions of existing brands, including Tide with Bleach, Swiffer Duster, Crest Whitestrips and Olay Regenerist. Marketing investments were partially offset by lower research and administrative costs, reflecting savings from the Company’s restructuring program.

 

As a percent of net sales, MRA&O has improved with 2003 down 30 basis points to 30.9%. Marketing expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 75 basis points due to the marketing investments discussed in the preceding paragraph as well as other product launches and brand equity building activities. This was more than offset by lower research and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales due to scale efficiencies and lower restructuring costs. MRA&O was 31.2% of net sales in 2002 versus 31.6% in 2001, with higher marketing investments more than offset by lower restructuring costs.

 

Non-Operating Items

 

Interest expense was $561 million in 2003, compared to $603 million in 2002 and $794 million in 2001. The decline in interest expense in 2003 was driven by lower interest rates and debt balances. The decline in 2002 versus 2001 was driven by lower interest rates partially offset by an increase in debt to fund the Clairol acquisition in November 2001.

 

Other non-operating income, which consists primarily of interest and investment income and divestitures, contributed $238 million in 2003 compared to $308 million in 2002 and $674 million in

2001. This decline was driven by significantly lower gains from divestitures and asset sales in 2003 and 2002 versus 2001, as the Company’s activity to divest non-strategic brands declined.

 

The Company’s effective tax rate for 2003 was 31.1%, a reduction of 70 basis points compared to the 2002 rate of 31.8%. The effective tax rate for 2001 was 36.7%. The decline in the current year was driven primarily by the country mix impact of foreign operations, as earnings increased in countries with lower overall tax rates. The declining rate since 2001 also reflected the impact of lower restructuring charges and amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles prior to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

 

Net Earnings Margins

 

Net earnings margin was 12.0% in 2003 versus 10.8% in 2002 and 7.4% in 2001. The margin increase in 2003 was primarily driven by higher volume, lower unit cost of products sold due to lower materials costs, the benefits of restructuring, as well as base business savings, and a reduction in restructuring charges. In 2002, the margin increase reflected a reduction in restructuring charges, the benefit of base and restructuring cost savings projects on both manufacturing and overhead costs and the benefits of lower interest expense.

 

Financial Condition

 

The Company’s financial condition remains solid, particularly as demonstrated by cash flow generation. One of the Company’s key focus areas is cash management, including capital spending targets, to achieve superior shareholder return.

 

Cash

 

Operating cash flow provides the primary source of funds to finance operating needs, capital expenditures and shareholder dividends. This is supplemented by additional borrowings to provide funds to finance the share repurchase program and acquisitions. The overall cash position of the Company reflects a global strategy to optimize cash management while considering offshore funding needs, liquidity management objectives and other economic considerations.

 

The Company continues to generate strong operating cash flow. In 2003, operating cash flow was $8.70 billion, up $958 million from $7.74 billion in 2002. The increase in 2003 was primarily driven by higher earnings. Changes in working capital also contributed, primarily behind an increase in current liabilities. Operating cash flow in 2002 was up $1.94 billion from $5.80 billion in 2001, driven by higher earnings and an increase in taxes payable, partially offset by lower depreciation and amortization charges.

 

Operating cash flow less capital spending, or free cash flow, was $7.22 billion for 2003, a 19% increase over the prior year. The majority of the year-over-year improvement was driven by increased earnings with lower capital spending also contributing. Free cash flow was $6.06 billion in 2002 and $3.32 billion in 2001.

 

Net cash used for acquisitions in 2003 was $61 million. This compares to $5.47 billion in cash used in 2002, primarily for the Clairol acquisition, and $138 million in 2001. The acquisition of Wella AG, which occurred subsequent to the 2003 fiscal year, was funded using a combination of debt and available cash balances.

 

Proceeds from the divestiture of certain non-strategic brands and other asset sales generated $143 million in cash flow in the current year, compared to the $227 million generated in 2002.

Divestitures in both years reflect historical levels, but represent a significant decline when compared to the $788 million generated in 2001, during the Company’s program to divest minor brands.

 

The Company maintains a share repurchase program and annually authorizes the purchase of shares of Company stock on the open market. A primary purpose of the program is to mitigate the dilutive impact of stock option grants, effectively prefunding the exercise obligation. Additionally, there is a discretionary component under which the Company may repurchase additional outstanding shares. Current year purchases under the combined programs were $1.24 billion, reflecting a return to historical levels, compared to $568 million in 2002 and $1.25 billion in 2001. The decline in 2002 was primarily due to cash requirements associated with the Clairol acquisition.

 

Common share dividends grew 8% to $1.64 per share in 2003 versus $1.52 in 2002 and $1.40 in 2001. The annual dividend rate will increase 11% to $1.82 per common share in 2004, marking the 48th consecutive fiscal year of increased common share dividend payments. Total dividend payments, to both common and preferred shareholders, were $2.25 billion, $2.10 billion and $1.94 billion in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Total debt decreased from $14.93 billion in 2002 to $13.65 billion in 2003, a reduction of $1.28 billion. Total debt in 2001 was $12.02 billion. The decrease in 2003 was primarily due to the utilization of cash flow from operations to pay down existing balances. The increase in debt in 2002 was primarily driven by the Clairol acquisition.

 

Due to strong credit ratings, the Company is able to issue commercial paper at favorable rates and to readily access general bank financing. The Company’s Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s short-term credit ratings are A-1+ and P-1, respectively.

 

Capital Spending

 

Capital spending efficiency continues to be a focus area for the Company. Total capital spending in 2003 was $1.48 billion, a decrease of $197 million compared to 2002 spending of $1.68 billion. Capital spending in 2001 was $2.49 billion. Capital spending in 2003 as a percentage of net sales was 3.4%, the lowest level in over a decade. Capital spending was 4.2% and 6.3% of net sales in 2002 and 2001, respectively. This is a result of the systemic interventions the Company has made to improve capital spending efficiencies and asset utilization and is primarily the result of lower spending in Baby and Family Care. On an ongoing basis, while there may be exceptional years when specific business circumstances, such as capacity additions, may lead to higher spending, the Company’s goal is to maintain capital spending at about 4% of net sales.

 

Guarantees and Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company does not have guarantees or other off-balance sheet financing arrangements that the Company believes could have a material impact on financial condition or liquidity.

 

Purchase Commitments

 

The Company has purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services and fixed assets as part of the normal course of business. Due to the proprietary nature of many of the Company’s materials and processes, certain supply contracts contain penalty provisions for either early termination or failure to purchase contracted quantities. The Company does not expect potential payments under these provisions to materially affect results of operations or financial condition. This conclusion is made based upon reasonably likely outcomes assumed by reference to historical experience and current business plans.

Liquidity

 

As discussed previously, the Company’s primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operations. Additionally, the Company is able to support its short-term liquidity, if necessary, through agreements with a diverse group of creditworthy financial institutions. The Company has never drawn on these facilities and does not intend to do so in the foreseeable future. However, should the facilities be needed, when combined with cash on hand, the Company believes they would provide sufficient credit funding to meet any short-term financing requirements. The Company does not have other commitments or related party transactions that are considered material to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

 

All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Prospectus, are forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition to the risks and uncertainties noted in this presentation, there are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made. These include: (1) the ability to achieve business plans, including growing existing sales and volume profitably despite high levels of competitive activity, especially with respect to the product categories and geographical markets (including developing markets) in which the Company has chosen to focus; (2) successfully executing, managing and integrating key acquisitions (including Wella) and completing planned divestitures (including the potential divestiture of the company’s juice business), (3) the ability to manage and maintain key customer relationships; (4) the ability to maintain key manufacturing and supply sources (including sole supplier and plant manufacturing sources); (5) the ability to successfully manage regulatory, tax and legal matters (including product liability matters), and to resolve pending matters within current estimates; (6) the ability to successfully implement, achieve and sustain cost improvement plans in manufacturing and overhead areas, including successful completion of the Company’s outsourcing projects; (7) the ability to successfully manage currency (including currency issues in volatile countries), interest rate and certain commodity cost exposures; (8) the ability to manage the continued global political and/or economic uncertainty, especially in the Company’s significant geographical markets, as well as any political and/or economic uncertainty due to terrorist activities; and (9) the ability to successfully manage increases in the prices of raw materials used to make the Company’s products. If the company’s assumptions and estimates are incorrect or do not come to fruition, or if the Company does not achieve all of these key factors, then the company’s actual results might differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein. For additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected herein, please refer to our most recent 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of debt securities and warrants offered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes.

 

This section describes the general terms and provisions of any debt securities that we may offer in the future. A prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities will describe the specific terms of that particular series and the extent to which the general terms and provisions apply to that particular series.

 

General

 

We expect to issue the debt securities under an indenture, dated as of September 28, 1992, between us and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, successor in interest to Bank One Trust Company, National Association, as trustee. We have filed a copy of the indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The following summaries of various provisions of the indenture are not complete. You should read the indenture for a more complete understanding of the provisions described in this section. The indenture itself, not this description or the description in the prospectus supplement, defines your rights as a holder of debt securities. Parenthetical section and article numbers in this description refer to sections and articles in the indenture.

 

The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of Procter & Gamble. The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue under the indenture. The indenture provides that we may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series.

 

Terms of a Particular Series

 

Each prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities will include specific information relating to the offering. This information will include some or all of the following terms of the debt securities of the series:

 

 

 

Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be payable, and the debt securities will be exchangeable and transfers of debt securities will be registrable, at the office of the trustee at 1 Bank One Plaza, Suite IL1-0823 Chicago, Illinois 60670. At our option, however, payment of interest may be made by:

 

 

Any payment of principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, required to be made on a day that is not a business day need not be made on that day, but may be made on the next succeeding business day with the same force and effect as if made on the non-business day. No interest will accrue for the period from and after the non-business day. (Section 113)

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of debt securities, we will issue the debt securities only in fully registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any multiple of $1,000. (Section 302) We will not require a service charge for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with any transfer or exchange. (Section 305)

 

Original Issue Discount Securities

 

Debt securities may be issued under the indenture as original issue discount securities to be offered and sold at a substantial discount from their stated principal amount. An original issue discount security under the indenture includes any security which provides for an amount less than its principal amount to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default. In addition, under regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department it is possible that debt securities which are offered and sold at their stated principal amount would, under certain circumstances, be treated as issued at an original issue discount for federal income tax purposes, and special rules may apply to debt securities and warrants which are considered to be issued as “investment units”. Federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to any such original issue discount securities, or other debt securities treated as issued at an original issue discount, and to “investment units” will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Book-Entry Debt Securities

 

The debt securities of a series may be issued in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with a depository or its nominee identified in the prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities. In this case, one or more global securities will be issued in a denomination or total denominations equal to the portion of the total principal amount of outstanding debt securities to be represented by the global security or securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive registered form, a global security may not be registered for transfer or exchange except as a whole by the depository for the global security to a nominee of the depository and except in the circumstances described in the prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities. We will describe in the prospectus supplement the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global debt security. (Sections 204 and 305)

 

Restrictive Covenants

 

In this section we describe the principal covenants that will apply to the debt securities unless the prospectus supplement for a particular series of debt securities states otherwise. We make use of several defined terms in this section. The definitions for these terms are located at the end of this section under “— Definitions Applicable to Covenants.”

 

Restrictions on Secured Debt

 

If we or any Domestic Subsidiary shall incur, assume or guarantee any Debt secured by a Mortgage on any Principal Domestic Manufacturing Property or on any shares of stock or debt of any Domestic Subsidiary, we will secure, or cause such Domestic Subsidiary to secure, the debt securities then outstanding equally and ratably with (or prior to) such Debt. However, we will not be restricted by this covenant if, after giving effect to the particular Debt so secured the total amount of all Debt so secured, together with all Attributable Debt in respect of sale and leaseback transactions involving Principal Domestic Manufacturing Properties, would not exceed 5% of our and our consolidated subsidiaries’ Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

 

In addition, the restriction will not apply to, and there shall be excluded in computing secured Debt for the purpose of the restriction, Debt secured by

 

 

The indenture does not restrict the incurrence of unsecured debt by us or our subsidiaries.

 

Restrictions on Sales and Leasebacks

 

Neither we nor any Domestic Subsidiary may enter into any sale and leaseback transaction involving any Principal Domestic Manufacturing Property, the completion of construction and

commencement of full operation of which has occurred more than 120 days prior to the transaction, unless

 

 

This restriction will not apply to any sale and leaseback transaction

 

 

Definitions Applicable to Covenants

 

The term “Attributable Debt” means the total net amount of rent, discounted at 10% per annum compounded annually, required to be paid during the remaining term of any lease.

 

The term “Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the total amount of assets, less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items, after deducting (a) all current liabilities and (b) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other like intangibles, all as described on our and our consolidated subsidiaries’ most recent balance sheet and computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The term “Debt” means notes, bonds, debentures or other similar evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed.

 

The term “Domestic Subsidiary” means any of our subsidiaries except a subsidiary which neither transacts any substantial portion of its business nor regularly maintains any substantial portion of its fixed assets within the United States or which is engaged primarily in financing our and our subsidiaries’ operations outside the United States.

 

The term “Funded Debt” means Debt having a maturity of, or by its terms extendible or renewable for, a period of more than 12 months after the date of determination of the amount of Debt.

 

The term “Mortgage” means pledges, mortgages and other liens.

 

The term “Principal Domestic Manufacturing Property” means any facility (together with the land on which it is erected and fixtures comprising a part of the land) used primarily for manufacturing or processing, located in the United States, owned or leased by us or one of our subsidiaries and having a gross book value in excess of 3/4 of 1% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets. However, the term “Principal Domestic Manufacturing Property” does not include any facility or portion of a facility (1) which is a pollution control or other facility financed by obligations issued by a state or local governmental unit pursuant to Section 103(b)(4)(E), 103(b)(4)(F) or 103(b)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or any successor provision thereof, or (2) which, in the opinion of our board of directors, is not of material importance to the total business conducted by us and our subsidiaries as an entirety.

Events of Default

 

Any one of the following are events of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series:

 

 

If an event of default with respect to outstanding debt securities of any series shall occur and be continuing, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities, the portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, under some circumstances, rescind and annul the acceleration. (Section 502) For information as to waiver of defaults, see the section below entitled “Modification and Waiver”.

 

A prospectus supplement relating to each series of debt securities which are original issue discount securities will describe the particular provisions relating to acceleration of the maturity of a portion of the principal amount of such original issue discount securities upon the occurrence of an event of default and its continuation.

 

During default, the trustee has a duty to act with the required standard of care. Otherwise, the indenture provides that the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 603) If the provisions for indemnification of the trustee have been satisfied, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series. (Section 512)

 

We will furnish to the trustee annually a certificate as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants under the indenture. (Section 1007)

 

Defeasance

 

The prospectus supplement will state if any defeasance provision will apply to the debt securities. Defeasance refers to the discharge of some or all of our obligations under the indenture.

Defeasance and Discharge

 

We will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series if we deposit with the trustee, in trust, money and/or U.S. government securities which through the payment of interest and principal will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the debt securities of the series on the dates those payments are due and payable.

 

If we defease a series of debt securities, the holders of the debt securities of the series will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for

 

 

We may defease a series of debt securities only if, among other things:

 

 

Defeasance of Covenants and Events of Default

 

We may omit to comply with the covenants described above under “Restrictions on Secured Debt” (Section 1004) and “Restrictions on Sales and Leasebacks” (Section 1005), and the failure to comply with these covenants will not be deemed an event of default (Section 501(4)), if we deposit with the trustee, in trust, money and/or U.S. government securities which through the payment of interest and principal will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the debt securities of the series on the dates those payments are due and payable. Our obligations under the indenture and the debt securities of the series will remain in full force and effect, other than with respect to the defeased covenants and related events of default.

 

We may defease the covenants and the related events of default described above only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel, who may be our employee or counsel, to the effect that

 

If we choose covenant defeasance with respect to the debt securities of any series as described above and the debt securities of the series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default other than the event of default described in clause (4) under “Events of Default”, the amount of money and U.S. government securities on deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of the series at the time of their stated maturity. The amount on deposit with the trustee may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of the series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default. However, we will remain liable for these payments.

 

Modification and Waiver

 

Procter & Gamble and the trustee may make modifications of and amendments to the indenture if the holders of at least 662/3% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modification or amendment consent to the modification or amendment.

 

However, the consent of the holder of each debt security affected will be required for any modification or amendment that

 

 

Without the consent of any holder of debt securities, we and the trustee may make modifications or amendments to the indenture in order to

 

 

The holders of at least 662/3% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive compliance by us with various restrictive provisions of the indenture. (Section 1008)

 

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive any past default with respect to that series, except

 

 

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

 

If the conditions below are met, we may, without the consent of any holders of outstanding debt securities:

 

 

We have agreed that we will engage in a consolidation, merger or transfer or lease of assets as an entirety only if

 

Regarding the Trustee

 

J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, successor in interest to Bank One Trust Company, National Association, is the trustee under the indenture. J.P. Morgan Trust Company is also a depositary of Procter & Gamble and has performed other services for us and our subsidiaries in the normal course of its business.

 

 

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the warrants to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the warrants offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions may apply to the warrants so offered will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the offered warrants.

 

We may issue the following types of warrants:

 

 

We may issue warrants independently or together with any debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement. Warrants may be attached to or separate from any debt securities. The warrants will be settled either through physical delivery or through payment of a cash settlement value as described below and in any applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Warrants will be issued under a warrant agreement to be entered into between Procter & Gamble and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as described in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrant certificates and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of warrant certificates or beneficial owners of warrants.

 

We have filed a copy of the form of warrant agreement, including the form of warrant certificate, as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The following summaries of various provisions of the form of warrant agreement are not complete. You should read the form of warrant agreement for a more complete understanding of the provisions described in this section. The warrant agreement itself, not this description or the description in the prospectus supplement, defines your rights as a holder of warrants.

 

Terms

 

The prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of the offered warrants:

 

 

commodity indices or another index or reference as described in the prospectus supplement; and

 

 

Warrants to Purchase Debt Securities

 

If the offered warrants are to purchase debt securities, the prospectus supplement will also describe

 

 

Warrants to Buy or Sell Government Debt Securities or Foreign Currencies

 

If the offered warrants are to buy or sell government debt securities or a foreign currency, currency unit, currency index or currency basket, the offered warrants will be listed on a national securities exchange and the prospectus supplement will describe

 

 

Warrants on a Stock Index or a Stock Basket

 

If the offered warrants are warrants on a stock index or a stock basket, the offered warrants will provide for payment of an amount in cash determined by reference to increases or decreases in the stock index or stock basket and will be listed on a national securities exchange, and the prospectus supplement will describe

 

Warrants on a Commodity or Commodity Index

 

If the offered warrants are warrants on a commodity or commodity index, the offered warrants will provide for cash settlement or delivery of the particular commodity or commodities and the offered warrants will be listed on a national securities exchange. The prospectus supplement will describe

 

 

Warrant Certificates

 

Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new warrant certificates of different denominations, may if in registered form be presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement. Warrants to buy or sell government debt securities or a foreign currency, currency unit, currency index or currency basket, and warrants on stock indices or stock baskets or on commodities or commodity indices may be issued in the form of a single global warrant certificate, registered in the name of the nominee of the depository of the warrants, or may initially be issued in the form of definitive certificates that may be exchanged, on a fixed date, or on a date or dates selected by us, for interests in a global warrant certificate, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants to purchase debt securities will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrant, including the right to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the debt securities or to enforce covenants in the indenture.

 

Exercise of Warrants

 

As described in or calculable from the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants, you may exercise your warrant

 

Warrants may be exercised at any time up to 3:00 P.M. New York time on the date described in the prospectus supplement relating to such warrants or as may be otherwise described in the prospectus supplement. After that time on that date, or a later date to which the date may be extended by us, unexercised warrants will become void.

 

If there are no restrictions or additional requirements described in the prospectus supplement, you may exercise warrants by delivering to the warrant agent

 

 

delivery of the government debt securities or currency, currency unit, currency index, currency basket, stock index, stock basket, commodity or commodities index as the case may be, purchased or sold upon the exercise of the warrant.

 

Warrants will be deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of the warrant certificate and any payment, if applicable, at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement. We will, as soon as possible, issue and deliver the debt securities purchasable upon exercise, or buy or sell the government debt securities or currency, currency unit, currency index or currency basket, stock index or stock basket, commodity or commodities or pay the settlement value in respect of the warrants. If you exercise fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate, you will receive a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of the warrants.

 

General

 

We may sell debt securities and/or warrants in one or more transactions from time to time to or through underwriters, who may act as principals or agents, directly to other purchasers or through agents to other purchasers.

 

A prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering of debt securities or warrants may include the following information:

 

 

The distribution of the debt securities and warrants, if any, may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

 

Underwriting Compensation

 

In connection with the sale of debt securities and warrants, if any, underwriters may receive compensation from us or from purchasers for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell debt securities and warrants to or through dealers, and the dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents.

 

Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of debt securities and warrants may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act. Any discounts or commissions that they receive from us and any profit that they receive on the resale of debt securities and warrants may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. If any entity is deemed an underwriter or any amounts deemed underwriting discounts and commissions, the prospectus supplement will identify the underwriter or agent and describe the compensation received from us.

 

Indemnification

 

We may enter agreements under which underwriters and agents who participate in the distribution of debt securities and warrants may be entitled to indemnification by us against various liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribution with respect to payments which the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.

Related Transactions

 

Various of the underwriters who participate in the distribution of debt securities or warrants, and their affiliates, may perform various commercial banking and investment banking services for us from time to time in the ordinary course of business.

 

Delayed Delivery Contracts

 

We may authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by institutions to purchase debt securities and warrants from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. These institutions may include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases we must approve these institutions. The obligations of any purchaser under any of these contracts will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the debt securities and/or warrants shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of these contracts.

 

No Established Trading Market

 

The debt securities and/or warrants, when first issued, will have no established trading market. Any underwriters or agents to or through whom we sell debt securities or warrants for public offering and sale may make a market in the securities but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the debt securities or warrants.

 

Price Stabilization and Short Positions

 

If underwriters or dealers are used in the sale, until the distribution of the securities is completed, rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of any underwriters to bid for and purchase the securities. As an exception to these rules, representatives of any underwriters are permitted to engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the securities. These transactions may consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities. If the underwriters create a short position in the securities in connection with the offering, i.e., if they sell more securities than are set forth on the cover page of the prospectus supplement, the representatives of the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing securities in the open market.

 

We make no representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the securities. In addition, we make no representation that the representatives of any underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

 

 

The validity of the issuance of our securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for The Procter & Gamble Company by Chris B. Walther, Assistant Secretary or any Counsel, Senior Counsel or Associate General Counsel of the Company, and for any underwriters or agents by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP or other counsel for the underwriters. Mr. Walther or other counsel for the Company may rely as to matters of New York law upon the opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP or other counsel for the underwriters. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP or other counsel for the underwriters may rely as to matters of Ohio law upon the opinion of Mr. Walther or other counsel for the Company. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP performs legal services for us from time to time.

 

The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference from The Procter and Gamble Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

 

We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy materials that we have filed with the SEC, including the registration statement, at the following public reference room of the SEC:

 

450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549

 

Please telephone the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. The SEC also maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. You may find our reports, proxy statements and other information at this SEC website.

 

In addition, you can obtain our reports, proxy statements and other information about Procter & Gamble at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, and at the offices of the Cincinnati Stock Exchange, 400 LaSalle Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60605.

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this document the information which we filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below:

 

 

In addition to the documents listed above, we also incorporate by reference any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (other than information filed in response to Items 402(i), (k) and (l) of Regulation S-K) until we have sold all of the offered securities to which this prospectus relates or the offering is otherwise terminated. Furthermore, all documents filed by us pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of the initial registration statement and before the date of effectiveness of the registration statement are deemed to be incorporated by reference into, and to be a part of, this prospectus from the date of filing of those documents.

You may request a copy of these filings (other than exhibits, unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into the filing), at no cost, by writing us at the following address or telephoning us at (513) 983-8697 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time:

 

The Procter & Gamble Company
Attn: Linda D. Rohrer, Assistant Secretary
1 Procter & Gamble Plaza
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-3315

 

You may also get a copy of these reports from our website at http://www.pg.com. Please note, however, that we have not incorporated any other information by reference from our website, other than the documents listed above.

 

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume the information in this prospectus or any supplemental prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.

 

$1,400,000,000

 

The Procter & Gamble Company

 

 

5.550% Notes due 2037

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

Joint Bookrunners

Citigroup
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
JPMorgan
Morgan Stanley

 

Joint Lead Manager
Merrill Lynch

 

Senior Co-Managers
ABN AMRO Incorporated
Deutsche Bank Securities
HSBC

 

Co-Managers
Fifth Third Securities, Inc.
PNC Capital Markets, Inc.
The Williams Capital Group, L.P.

 

February 28, 2007